We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Beauty Hair Haircare The 13 Best Shampoos for Thinning Hair, Tested & Reviewed Getting thicker, stronger hair is as simple as sudsing up with a supercharged shampoo — who knew? By Meg Storm Meg Storm Meg Storm is a writer and editor with over a decade of experience covering beauty, health, wellness, and aesthetics. She has tried more than her fair share of makeup, hair care, and skincare products over the years and has submitted to an aesthetic procedure (or two) for the sake of a good story. InStyle's editorial guidelines Published on January 22, 2024 @ 04:51PM In This Article Expand Jump to a Section Our top picks Reviews Our Testing Process What to Keep in Mind Your Questions, Answered Why Shop With Us InStyle/Sophia Devito It's totally normal to experience some hair fallout each day. Generally speaking, we shed about 100 strands daily. "We are all pre-programed to lose hair," says Dr. Dhaval Bhanusali, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Hudson Dermatology & Laser Surgery. "How quickly or how much depends on genetics and environmental factors." It can be easy to hit the panic button if you start experiencing more hair loss or thinning than usual, but it’s important to remember that it’s very common — and natural! — to find that you’re shedding more than usual during a stressful period. Plus, as we age, our strands naturally lose density, causing our formerly thick, lush-looking hair to become wispy. To separate the snake oil empty promises from the real hair growth heroes, we tested 21 popular shampoos for thinning hair on our own strands for eight weeks. As we suds up, we evaluated each shampoo based on a set of criteria, from the formula’s ingredients to support a healthy scalp, to the way the cleanser impacted our hair volume, density, and texture. Plus, we considered how enjoyable it was to lather up with each one. After collecting each editor’s feedback on the shampoo they used for eight weeks, we scored and ranked each one, and this list features the shampoos that met — and exceeded — our high standards. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Briogeo Destined For Density Shampoo at Nordstrom ($32) Jump to Review Best Budget: Mielle Rosemary Mint Strengthening Shampoo at Amazon ($10) Jump to Review Best Drugstore: Paul Mitchell Scalp Care Regeniplex Shampoo at Amazon ($25) Jump to Review Best for Growth and Thickness: Kérastase Densifique Shampoo at Amazon ($42) Jump to Review Best for Over 60: BondiBoost HG Shampoo at Sephora ($24) Jump to Review Best for Thinning Hair and Dandruff: Vegamour GRO Revitalizing Shampoo at Amazon ($48) Jump to Review Best Strengthening : Shu Uemerua Izumi Tonic Shampoo at Sephora ($55) Jump to Review Best Shampoo for Thinning Hair and Itchy Scalp: Nutrafol Root Purifier Scalp Shampoo for Thinning Hair at Amazon ($44) Jump to Review Best Shampoo for Fine, Thinning Hair: Fable & Mane HoliRoots Shampoo at Sephora ($30) Jump to Review Best Dermatologist-Recommended Shampoo for Thinning Hair: Nioxin System 1 Shampoo at Amazon ($26) Jump to Review Best Overall Briogeo Destined For Density Shampoo Sephora View On Nordstrom $32 View On Sephora $32 View On Ulta $32 What We Love: This density-boosting shampoo is safe for virtually all hair types and delivers results both immediately and over time.What We Don’t Love: The price per ounce is a little steep, but a little goes a long way. This lightweight peptide-infused Briogeo shampoo earned our Best Overall honors because it managed to address our concerns about our hair density and fullness both immediately and over time. We were amazed at how quickly it started to visibly revive our dry, thinning hair. We lathered up with this shampoo three times a week for eight weeks, and almost immediately, we noticed our hair boasted improved volume, smoothness, and shine. Although we were nervous about the way a strong formula could potentially impact our dry, sensitive scalp, it was gentle enough to cleanse away dry flakes without triggering even a hint of irritation. Plus, our usually greasy hair started to look less slick over time, allowing us to go longer between washes if we wanted — a true first (although we rarely wanted to because of the formula’s deliciously sweet scent). Towards the end of the testing period, we also noticed that some of our patchy problem areas were starting to fill in. We should note that it’s a sulfate-free shampoo, so it won’t lather as much as an ordinary shampoo, but it’s still very much getting the job done. Hair Type: Suitable for all hair types, including color and chemically treated | Key Ingredients: Copper peptides, biotin | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Fragrance: Yes | Size: 8 oz InStyle / Jaclyn Mastropasqua Best Budget Mielle Rosemary Mint Strengthening Shampoo Amazon View On Amazon $10 View On Ulta $8 View On Mielleorganics.com What We Love: This budget-friendly strengthening shampoo is ideal for curly and coily hair types.What We Don’t Love: It’s best for natural (i.e. not color- or chemically treated) hair. We just as easily could have called this best budget shampoo from Mielle the best option for thinning curly and/or coily hair. Formulated with types 3A to 4C natural hair in mind, the strengthening shampoo fortifies fragile and damaged strands while stimulating the scalp to encourage healthy growth. We found that a little goes a long way with this gentle cleanser that cleans the scalp and strands without stripping them of vital natural oils. In fact, coconut and babassu seed oils condition the hair, while biotin and horsetail extract help to prevent shedding and promote growth. Rosemary and peppermint add a refreshing scent and clarify the scalp. We shampooed our tightly coiled type 4B/4C hair two to three times a week and immediately noticed how refreshing it was for the scalp and how well it removed product residue. Each week, we experienced less and less shedding in the shower. And over the course of about a month, we noticed new growth along our middle part, where we had started losing some hair, and on the bald patches along our edges. Hair Type: Types 3A to 4C | Key Ingredients: Rosemary leaf oil, biotin, horsetail extract | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Fragrance: Yes | Size: 12 oz InStyle / Masego Manamela Best Drugstore Paul Mitchell Scalp Care Regeniplex Shampoo Ulta View On Amazon $25 View On Ulta $23 View On Paulmitchell.com What We Love: Our hair detangled so much more easily in the shower after using this shampoo, which led to less shedding.What We Don’t Love: The tea tree gives the formula a tingly quality that may be too much for sensitive scalps. When it comes to the best drugstore shampoos, this tea tree oil-infused Paul Mitchell option stands out for its healthy hair and scalp benefits. Tea tree oil is touted in skincare and hair care for its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial benefits. When used on the scalp, it can help dandruff and other inflammatory conditions that may play a role in hair thinning or loss. This formula pairs those cleansing and clarifying benefits with a botanical blend of Kakadu plum, pea peptides, clover flower, turmeric, and ginseng to revitalize the hair follicle and scalp. The result? Fuller, thicker-looking hair. We used this shampoo two to three times a week on our long curly hair and immediately noticed a difference. Within the first couple of washes, our mane looked and felt healthier and more voluminous. We noticed it was easier to detangle our hair in the shower, which meant less strands falling out. This was confirmed by the fact that we had much smaller hairballs in the drain after washing. The tea tree oil, turmeric, and ginseng give this formula a zesty scent and a tingly quality that never irritated our scalp, but it could be a bit sensitizing for some. Hair Type: Suitable for all hair types, including color-treated hair | Key Ingredients: Tea tree oil, kakadu plum, pea peptides | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Fragrance: Yes | Size: 10.14 oz InStyle / Taylor Fox InStyle / Taylor Fox Best for Growth and Thickness Kérastase Densifique Shampoo Sephora View On Amazon $42 View On Sephora $42 View On Kerastase-usa.com What We Love: We were able to try out a layered hairstyle for the first time ever after regularly using this shampoo thanks to the thickening benefits.What We Don’t Love: The floral fragrance may be a bit overpowering for some. You know you're onto something when your hairdresser tells you that your normally ultra-fine, thin hair feels fuller, which is why this Kérastase shampoo is our pick if you are looking to address hair growth as well as thickness. Starting as a rich and creamy texture, the shampoo developed into a luscious lather that felt amazing on our scalp and washed out easily, leaving our hair soft, shiny, and supple — sans conditioner. Our hair looked healthier and bouncier after the first wash, but the real thickening results kicked in after a couple of weeks. Safe for all hair types — including color-treated — this hydrating and conditioning formula deeply cleansed our strands and scalp without causing any dryness or irritation. Hydrating hyaluronic acid immediately plumped each hair follicle, giving us an instantly thick, lush appearance overall, while also working long-term to strengthen strands and stave off breakage down the line. Hair Type: Suitable for all hair types, including color-treated | Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, gluco peptide, ceramides | Sulfate-Free: No | Fragrance: Yes | Size: 8.5 oz InStyle / Paden Reich Best for Over 60 BondiBoost HG Shampoo Sephora View On Sephora $24 View On Bondiboost.com View On Target $24 What We Love: We’re noticing less hair fallout in the shower and while we brush our hair. What We Don’t Love: We were bummed by the lack of lather from this sulfate-free formula. Hair thins and weakens as we age, which means a thickening and densifying shampoo can go a long way towards revitalizing locks — and that's exactly what this BondiBoost formula does. Because the formula has a lengthy ‘free of’ list (including parabens, sulfates, silicone, mineral oils, DEA, MEA, and TEA to name a few), it took us a little while to get used to the gentle, non-sudsing shampoo. We double cleansed some days to get the 'clean' feeling we're used to, but the results from this shampoo were visible from the very first wash. Our fine, curly hair had more bounce and shine and less frizz, and we noticed less oiliness in between. We were delighted to see our hair look more voluminous, feel softer, and topped with a glossy finish, but the best part is that we noticed that the amount of hair we were shedding slowed way down. Hair Type: Normal to oily, including color and chemically treated | Key Ingredients: Saw palmetto, horsetail extract | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Fragrance: None added | Size: 10.14 oz InStyle / Nellah Mcgough Best for Thinning Hair and Dandruff Vegamour GRO Revitalizing Shampoo Sephora View On Amazon $48 View On Vegamour.com $14 What We Love: Flakes disappeared from our perpetually dry scalp and our ponytail was bouncier than ever. What We Don’t Love: Using a conditioner after this shampoo isn’t optional. You can't talk about hair health without talking about scalp health, and this Vegamour shampoo worked wonders on our thinning hair and dandruff. Rather than tapping super strong ingredients that can trigger harsh reactions on both the hair follicle and scalp, Vegamour filled this formula with nourishing plant-based ingredients, like the hydrating baobao, and fatty acid-rich marula oil to soothe angry scalps, while the keratin-like protein bonds smooth and strengthen vulnerable hair strands. This botanical shampoo didn’t cause our dry, sensitive scalp to flare up. Instead, we noticed far less flaking after just two weeks of regular use. Overall, we found that our hair looked healthier and stronger, and the buildup on our scalp was a thing of the past. While we felt like we needed a complementary conditioner to fully hydrate our dry, thin hair, we stopped finding thousands of little fallen hair strands in our shower drain. But the best part? Our ponytail looks thicker and fuller. Hair Type: Suitable for all hair types, including color-treated hair | Key Ingredients: Red clover, mung bean | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Fragrance: Yes | Size: 8 oz InStyle / Sophia Devito InStyle / Sophia Devito Best Strengthening Shu Uemerua Izumi Tonic Shampoo Sephora View On Sephora $55 View On Shuuemuraartofhair-usa.com View On Walmart $34 What We Love: This shampoo noticeably strengthened our fragile postpartum hair.What We Don’t Love: You won’t get as much in the way of volume or thickening from this shampoo. If you are dealing with any kind of hair damage or fragility, we haven’t found a strengthening shampoo better than this one from Shu Uemura. One of our postpartum woes has been our quick-to-break hair strands, and despite our best efforts and a bathroom vanity filled with hair growth products, nothing was working. We lathered up with this shampoo four times a week, and by the end of week three, our fine, brittle hair was noticeably stronger and less prone to breakage — split ends don’t lie. Not only that, but we started to sprout new hair growth, and the new strands felt thicker straight out of the follicle. Unlike many other options on this list, we found this shampoo to be satisfyingly sudsy, yet not overly stripping of our natural oils, and we couldn’t get enough of the sensual woody citrus scent. Our hair overall looked healthier than it had in years, with megawatt shine to boot. Hair Type: Best fine to medium fragile, damaged hair | Key Ingredients: Rice water | Sulfate-Free: No | Fragrance: Yes | Size: 10 oz InStyle / Ciara O Grady The 14 Best Bath Products of 2024 for the Most Relaxing, Rejuvenating Soak Best Shampoo for Thinning Hair and Itchy Scalp Nutrafol Root Purifier Scalp Shampoo for Thinning Hair Sephora View On Amazon $44 View On Sephora $44 View On Nutrafol.com What We Love: This gentle shampoo calmed our angry, itchy scalp, even with daily washes.What We Don’t Love: The hair thickening effects are not necessarily as noticeable as the scalp soothing benefits of this shampoo. Figuring out the right frequency to wash your hair can be like Goldilocks, especially when it’s as reactive and itchy as ours, but this Nutrafol shampoo removed the guesswork. We know that over-washing with harsh ingredients can strip the hair scalp, while under-washing can lead to product buildup that clogs hair follicles and causes inflammation. Featuring a gentle biosurfactant, the shampoo cleansed our hair and scalp without disrupting our natural pH balance, even when we washed our hair daily, and it even helped regulate our out of control sebum production, helping our hair to stay grease-free for longer. Our fine hair needs to be washed regularly to not look greasy, but our scalp is prone to dryness and itching. We usually deal with the itchy scalp for the sake of a good hair day, but we quickly realized we didn’t need to sacrifice one for the other with this shampoo. We washed our hair five to seven times a week during the testing period and our scalp never felt dry or irritated. In fact, by week five, all the itchiness was gone. Hair Type: Suitable for all hair types, including color-treated hair | Key Ingredients: Vegan protein, prebiotics | Sulfate-Free: No | Fragrance: Yes | Size: 8.1 oz InStyle / Sandra Johnson InStyle / Sandra Johnson InStyle / Sandra Johnson Best Shampoo for Fine, Thinning Hair Fable & Mane HoliRoots Shampoo Sephora View On Sephora $30 View On Fableandmane.com What We Love: This shampoo pulls off the impressive feat of hydrating and repairing fine, damaged hair without weighing it down.What We Don’t Love: This coconut oil-infused formula may not be the most compatible for very oily hair types. It may be counterintuitive, but the best shampoos for fine thinning hair are hydrating and strengthening ones. Because fine hair can be brittle, it can be more susceptible to breakage and other damage that can make it appear thinner. Keeping it nourished without weighing it down is a must, and this Fable & Mane formula does just that. Centella asiatica (a.k.a. tiger herb) is an Ayurvedic herb known for its natural purifying and healing properties. It joins forces with aloe to gently cleanse and soothe the scalp. Coconut oil deeply hydrates the hair and scalp to promote healthy growth. We weren’t sure what to expect when using this ultra-creamy formula in our ultra-thin, dry, and color-damaged hair, but using it three to four times a week revitalized our tired tresses. The shampoo lathers well despite its creaminess. The directions say to take a deep breath as you massage the product from root to tip, and we found the tropical scent to be deeply relaxing. While the formula doesn’t weigh strands down, it does feel like it leaves a bit of a nourishing barrier behind after rinsing. The hydration benefits were instant, and our hair started feeling thicker (though it doesn’t necessarily look it) about a month into testing. Our sensitive scalp was soothed by the gentle formula, our nourished locks had more body and shine, and it felt like our hair stayed cleaner longer (i.e. three days between washes instead of two). Hair Type: Suitable for all hair types, including color-treated hair | Key Ingredients: Tiger grass, coconut oil, aloe | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Fragrance: Yes | Size: 8.5 oz Best Dermatologist-Recommended Shampoo for Thinning Hair Nioxin System 1 Shampoo Amazon View On Amazon $26 View On Ulta View On Nioxin.com What We Love: Our hair was visibly thicker, fuller, and longer after just a month of regular use.What We Don’t Love: The peppermint oil may be irritating for more sensitive scalps. There is a reason dermatologists recommend this strengthening shampoo from Nioxin. For starters, it comes in six different ‘systems’ that are formulated for specific hair types (natural, color-treated, chemically treated) and degree of thinning (“light” to “progressed”). We used System 1, which is for fine, natural (read: not color- or chemically treated) hair experiencing mild thinning. The peppermint oil-infused detoxifying formula gently cleanses and refreshes the scalp to remove product buildup and other pollutants from the very first use while also fortifying the hair follicle to build strength and prevent breakage. Using it four to six times a week (it’s safe for daily use), we noticed our dry, thin locks were noticeably fuller and healthier looking in less than a month. The areas where we were experiencing sparse patches and stringy, broken strands appear more filled in, and we have noticed some additional length thanks to less breakage. The gel-like formula has a peppermint scent from the oil that is subtle enough to be tolerated even by those who don’t usually like minty shampoos (ourselves included). It lathers well, rinses clean, and instantly makes the hair feel softer and thicker. Hair Type: Nioxin has a set for all hair types | Key Ingredients: Peppermint oil, green tea extract, copper ferment | Sulfate-Free: No | Fragrance: None added | Size: 10.1 oz InStyle / Amanda Klein Best Shampoo for Thinning Hair and Hair Loss Arkive Headcare All Day Everyday Shampoo Bloomingdale's View On Arkiveheadcare.com View On Bloomingdales $18 View On Walmart $19 What We Love: Compliments started rolling in from friends, family, and even our hairstylist almost immediately after we started using this gentle shampoo.What We Don’t Love: It takes a bit more than the recommended grape-sized dose to get a good lather on thicker hair. All hair types – including color- and chemically treated – can benefit from this ultra-gentle Arkive shampoo for thinning hair and hair loss. Rich in nourishing omega-3 fatty acids, baobab oil and baobab protein join forces to improve the resilience, strength, and elasticity of strands and scalp. Betaine acts as a natural humectant that locks in moisture and improves shine. Summer is usually a rough time for wavy color-treated hair that frizzes up in humidity, but the tropical climate was nothing this lightweight shampoo couldn’t counter. We immediately noticed an improved body, more shine, and less frizz (a true rarity in warm-weather months). Our hair stylist commented – unsolicitedly – about how much better our color stayed in between appointments. We really enjoyed the light floral scent that the brand says is meant to involve a sun-soaked summer walk. Using the formula three times a week, our manes felt healthy, hydrated, and naturally volumized. Our styling lasted longer in between washes, and, after about six weeks we noticed some baby hairs coming in around our hairline. Hair Type: Suitable for all hair types, including color-treated hair | Key Ingredients: Baobab oil, baobab protein, betaine | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Fragrance: Yes | Size: 8.5 oz Best Shampoo for Thinning, Color-Treated Hair Superzero Strengthening & Scalp Stimulating Shampoo Amazon View On Amazon $28 View On Sephora $28 View On Superzero.com $28 What We Love: The multitasking bar is ideal for cleansing, repairing, and strengthening damaged, color-treated hair.What We Don’t Love: The bar format of this shampoo can take some getting used to. This strengthening and stimulating shampoo bar from superzero is best for revitalizing color-treated hair. The multitasking vegan bar is the equivalent of about 16 fl oz of liquid shampoo and serves three distinct purposes – cleansing, repairing, and smoothing. Triolein, menthol, and caffeine gently cleanse the hair and stimulate the scalp to promote healthy blood flow and circulation; the brand's bond builder and vegan keratin repair and strengthen fragile hair fibers (yes, this bar is great for damaged hair of any kind); all the while, amala extract and rosemary oil boost shine and smoothness. Our type 4C hair has tight coils and a kinky, curly texture and has experienced some damage and hair loss as a result of hot tools, dying it blonde, and tension-causing styling. We used the shampoo bar once a week and were amazed at how well it transformed into a milky lather after just a bit of rubbing. After the first wash, our hair looked fuller and had less frizz. Over the course of the first month, our hair was noticeably stronger, our thinning edges had fresh growth, and our curls had more definition and bounce. As a surprise bonus, our fresh honey blonde dye job looked just as vibrant as it did the day we walked out of the salon. Instead, our hair looked thicker and felt healthier from root to tip. Hair Type: Suitable for all hair types, including color-treated hair | Key Ingredients: Vegan keratin, caffeine, amla extract | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Fragrance: None added | Size: 2.15 oz InStyle / Chantia Murphy Best Shampoo and Conditioner for Thinning Hair Set R+Co Dallas Thickening Shampoo Amazon View On Amazon $38 View On Nordstrom $38 View On Dermstore $34 What We Love: Our hair styling lasted longer than ever while using this shampoo and conditioning combo.What We Don’t Love: Our hair felt a little dry after using just the shampoo, but applying the conditioner remedied that. If you have fine, thin hair that is in need of a thickening boost, look no further than this R+Co shampoo and conditioner set that is inspired by the bigger-is-better moto of the Texas metropolis. Biotin and saw palmetto berry extract target the hair shaft to improve strength, vitality, and body, while pro vitamin B5 and coconut oil nourish and moisturize for softer, shiner, and smoother strands. When used together, the complementary shampoo and conditioner set make the hair look and feel fuller and thicker. We used it on fine, limp locks two to three times a week and saw results from the first wash. We immediately noticed more volume, increased shine, and silky smooth softness that held a style longer than we’ve ever experienced before. Over time, we didn’t notice much of a change in our natural thickness, but our hair looked and felt healthier. Creating and sustaining volume through styling is our number one priority, and this cleansing and conditioning combo allowed us to do just that. Hair Type: Best for fine, thin hair | Key Ingredients: Biotin, vitamin B5, saw palmetto berry extract | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Fragrance: Yes | Size: 8.5 oz Our Testing Process To start, we carefully selected 21 of the most popular shampoos for thinning hair and determined which editors in the InStyle office would be best to test them based on hair type, texture, and degree of thinning, shedding, and damage. Over an eight-week test period, each editor used their assigned shampoo three times a week. We considered how well each shampoo lathered and easily it rinsed out, along with the way it made our scalp feel during and after. We also judged our hair’s improvement over eight weeks, especially an increase in density and less hair fall. What to Keep in Mind How Much Hair You're Losing When you feel like you are losing hair at an increased rate than usual, it can be hard to remember what ‘normal’ is. In reality, ‘normal’ actually changes over time. “The average head of hair has 90,000 to 150,000 hairs, and we lose an average of 100 to 150 a day,” says David Adams, a trichologist and founder of Fourteenjay salon in New York City. While there are certain times when you will naturally lose more, like postpartum or during a high stress period, more often than not, it’s hereditary. “Genetic predisposition is the main cause of hair thinning and loss, but it can also be the result of hormonal changes, illness, iron deficiency, thyroid problems, certain medications, stress, and certain scalp rashes," says Dr. Amy Wechsler, a board-certified dermatologist and psychiatrist in NYC, who adds that a scalp assessment and blood tests can help rule out certain causes and determine the best course of treatment. Your Lifestyle The main characteristics of our hair (think: thickness, texture, and growth cycle, etc.) are genetic and inherited, but lifestyle plays a large role in hair health. “Inadequate nutrition, stress, lack of sleep, certain medical conditions, excessive use of heat styling tools, chemical treatments, tight hairstyles, and harsh hair care routines can weaken and thin your hair,” says Sofia Baig, lead trichologist at Monpure London. “To promote healthy hair growth, focus on a balanced diet rich in proteins, vitamins (especially biotin, vitamin D, and vitamin E), and minerals like iron and zinc.” And then there is the age factor. “With age, the natural process of hair growth tends to slow down, and the individual strands of hair may become finer and more delicate,” Baig explains. “Furthermore, the hair growth cycle may shorten, causing a larger number of hair follicles to enter the resting (telogen) phase and subsequently shed.” This combination can lead to an overall thinning of the hair. Your Scalp Health A healthy scalp is the basis of healthy hair growth. “The scalp provides a nourished environment for hair follicles, promoting strong and vibrant hair,” Baig says. “The scalp maintains oil balance through sebum production, which moisturizes and protects the hair.” That means an imbalanced scalp can lead to dry and brittle hair or greasy and limp hair. “A clean and well-nourished scalp supports strong hair follicles, reducing breakage and minimizing the risk of hair loss,” she notes. As such, scalp care should be treated like skincare. “Scalp is skin and we should look after our scalp as well as we look after our face,” Adams explains. “The hair grows through the hair follicle from the scalp. If the scalp is dirty, oily, flaky, or has a build of hairdressing product, it will gather around the base of the follicle and can cause follicle miniaturization.” This weakening of the hair follicle can lead to hair loss, as well as other inflammatory conditions that may cause thinning. “Maintaining a healthy scalp helps prevent hair loss caused by conditions like dandruff, scalp infections, or dermatitis,” says Baig. If you are experiencing scalp sensitivity, itching, or flaking, consulting with a trichologist or dermatologist can help determine why. In some cases, a prescription shampoo with an FDA-approved ingredient like ketoconazole may be needed to clear up the flare up. For others, better washing habits may be all you need. “When shampooing, you should be doing 3 things: cleansing the scalp, cleansing the hair, and conditioning the ends,” Adams says. “Do not massage the conditioner into the scalp as it may make the hair oily, it is meant for the mid lengths and ends only. Ingredients Shampoos for thinning hair need to accomplish a few things. First and foremost, they need to gently cleanse the scalp and hair without causing irritation or dryness. Next up, they should strengthen strands and improve scalp circulation to encourage healthy growth over time. Last but not least, many provide a temporary volumizing boost to make hair look fuller in the short term. That means you’ll be seeing a cocktail of active ingredients in formulas designed for thinning hair. “Most shampoos for thinning hair will contain ingredients such as essential oils, jojoba oil, peppermint, seaweed collagen, aloe vera, honey, shea butter, biotin, turmeric, hydrolysed proteins (soy, wheat), panthenol (a byproduct of vitamin B), and coconut oil,” Adams says. Additionally, Baig recommends looking for fortifying and nourishing ingredients, like vegan keratin and biotin, to minimize breakage and anchor the hair strands at the root, or a pH balanced-formula to support a healthy scalp. Equally important are the ingredients that are left out of formulas, including the usual harsh suspects — parabens, sulfates, silicones, and synthetic fragrances. “These ingredients can irritate the scalp and strip the hair of its natural oils, which may worsen hair thinning,” says Baig. Additionally, Adams says to steer clear of mineral oil, benzene (and other petrochemical derivatives), dimethicone, parabens, formaldehyde, artificial dyes, and artificial perfumes. This is especially important for color- and chemically treated hair, as well as anyone with scalp sensitivities. Your Questions, Answered What causes hair loss? “Genetic factors play a crucial role in the onset of conditions such as pattern baldness (androgenetic alopecia), which leads to a gradual reduction in hair volume and thinning,” says Baig. But that’s not all. “Consider what is going on with your body right now,” Adams notes. “Have you had COVID-19? Do you have a compromised immune system? Are you feeling tired or weak? This could be iron deficiency in women.” Medications for cancer, thyroid conditions, diabetes, antidepressants, and anti-anxiety can all have side effects that include hair loss. Hormonal changes during pregnancy, menopause, or irregular menstrual cycles can also impact hair growth, as can stress-related hormone fluctuations. And as they say — you are what you eat. “Hair is made up of protein, and we need to make sure we are eating enough protein to support future hair growth,” Adams says. “Vegetarians and vegans may suffer with hair, scalp, and nail issues due to not eating enough protein.” Finally, consider how you are caring for and styling your hair. Your hair may be thinning or breaking due to your hair color, chemical treatments, hot tools, and even the quality of your shampoo and conditioner. Ultimately, you need to understand why your hair is thinning to know how to treat it. “A clinical exam is very important and can unlock clues on why patients are losing more hair than they should,” says Dr. Bhanusali. Do hair thinning shampoos really work? The short answer is it depends on the formula. “There are a lot of bold claims by brands, but they don’t have the science to back it up,” says Dr. Bhanusali, adding that paying close attention to the ingredients list on each bottle is a non-negotiable. “The effectiveness of shampoos advertised as solutions for hair thinning can vary depending on their ingredients,” Baig explains. “While they may claim to improve the appearance of thinning hair, it is important to understand that they cannot effectively tackle the underlying causes of hair loss or stimulate significant hair regrowth on their own.” Getting the most out of these products requires consistent use. “To maximize the effectiveness of a hair loss shampoo, it is crucial to follow the manufacturer's instructions,” says Baig. “This usually involves using the shampoo regularly, often on a daily or every other day basis.” Meanwhile, Adams cautions against temporary solutions that can make hair feel and appear thicker and fuller due to ingredients that ‘plump’ the follicle and give body to the roots. “If you feel it works, it will probably be your ‘go-to’ shampoo that you will use all the time.” Can hair grow back thicker after thinning? In many cases, yes! “Thinning hair has the potential to regrow depending on the underlying cause of the thinning,” says Baig. “There are various factors that can contribute to hair thinning, including temporary elements like stress, nutritional deficiencies, hormonal imbalances, or specific medications.” However, male or female pattern baldness is usually hereditary and non-reversible, and getting it to grow back may be a fruitless mission. The net-net, according to Baig: “It is essential to understand that treating the underlying issue is crucial for promoting hair regrowth and restoring a healthy head of hair.” How can I treat thinning hair or hair loss? Once you’ve ruled out any underlying medical conditions causing your hair thinning and hair loss, there are over-the-counter treatments, in-office procedures, and lifestyle modifications that can help support regrowth. "In-office treatments like PRP and hair transplants can be effective," says Dr. Wechsler. "Topical and oral minoxidil, oral spironolactone, and oral propecia are options too." And don’t underestimate lifestyle changes. "I always recommend engaging in stress-reducing activities like exercise, meditation, yoga, or hobbies to promote overall well being," says Baig. “And ensure you’re eating a balanced diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and proteins from foods like fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and healthy fats.” Why Shop With Us Meg Storm is a freelance writer and editor with nearly a decade of experience covering the beauty industry. As someone with fine, limp hair that is prone to periods of excess shedding, she is always on the lookout for hair care that thickens, volumizes, and strengthens strands. For this piece, she interviewed trichologists David Adams and Sofia Baig, as well as board-certified dermatologists Dr. Dhaval Bhanusali and Dr. Amy Wechsler. The 8 Best Clip-In Hair Extensions, Tested & Reviewed