Hair thinning can be stressful and frustrating for both genders as they age. There are numerous reasons why hair thins as you get older, ranging from the chemicals found in supermarket brands (a quick look at the ongoing class actions will confirm that) to environmental damage, a lack of essential nutrients, stress, and hormonal imbalances.
That’s where hair-thinning shampoos come into play. These shampoos are designed to help prevent hair loss by avoiding the harsh chemicals, parabens, and sulfates that exacerbate the problem. They stimulate blood flow to the scalp, help your scalp health with the essential nutrients it needs, and, in some cases, block DHT buildup at the follicle’s root, the hormone that can cause hair loss.
Now, that sounds like an awful lot for a hair growth shampoo to do, and fortunately, there is evidence that a lot of this can be done topically; the catch is, of course, that a lot of shampoo that claims to help hair growth doesn’t do very much, and a lot of them even contain the nasty chemicals that you’ll want to avoid. That’s where we come in. We partnered up with a team of dermatologists and chemists to break down which shampoos are worth your time, and after reviewing no less than 50 of the supposed best shampoos for thinning hair, we found an awful lot to be lacking. And many of the biggest brands didn’t make it to our list.
Common Ingredients to Look for in Shampoos for Thinning Hair
When selecting a shampoo to combat thinning hair, paying attention to the ingredient list is crucial. Specific key components are particularly effective in supporting hair growth and density. Look for shampoos that contain:
- Biotin: Also known as vitamin B7, biotin is a crucial nutrient for healthy hair growth. It helps strengthen the hair follicles and promotes thicker, stronger strands.
- Caffeine: Caffeine is a stimulant that can help increase blood circulation to the scalp, potentially encouraging hair growth and reducing shedding.
- Zinc: This mineral is vital in maintaining a healthy scalp and supporting the hair growth cycle. It also doesn’t hurt to ensure you’re getting enough in your diet, as it’s essential for hormone balance.
- Copper Peptides: Copper peptides nourish the scalp and support the hair follicles, improving hair density and thickness.
- Rosemary: This botanical ingredient has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can help soothe the scalp and promote healthier hair growth. It’s also been shown to reduce DHT, which leads to hair loss.
- Hops: Hops is a well-studied DHT blocker, making it a good inclusion for anyone struggling with hormonal hair loss, particularly men. However, the scent can be masculine, so it doesn’t make it into many women’s hair loss products.
- Peppermint: We’re looking at the menthol content regarding peppermint. It stimulates blood flow and works topically, the same way it helps clear a blocked nose. Most studies show it is more effective than caffeine, although they can work together for optimal scalp and hair health.
- Tea Tree Oil: Tea tree oil is a natural antimicrobial that can help combat scalp issues, such as excess oil or dandruff, which can contribute to thinning hair.
- Lemon Balm: This works similarly to tea tree oil in that it can help clean up your hair and scalp naturally. It’s also pretty good for preventing an itchy scalp.
- Saw Palmetto: This herb is believed to inhibit the production of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone that can contribute to hair loss in both men and women.
By looking for shampoos that contain these key ingredients, you can target the root causes of thinning hair and support your scalp and strands for a healthier, more voluminous head of hair.
Our Top Picks for Hair Growth Shampoos
- Best Shampoo for Men With Thinning Hair – Mengine
- Best Women’s Shampoo For Thinning Hair – Toxique
- Best Shampoo for Thinning Hair on A Budget – Ina Essentials
Best Shampoo for Men With Thinning Hair – Mengine
Mengine Shampoo is our top pick for men. It uses cleansers commonly found in baby shampoos and is free from harmful chemicals like formaldehyde, commonly found in commercial shampoos and can contribute to hair degradation and loss.
Instead, Mengine incorporates natural ingredients that promote scalp health and hair retention. As expected, a hair volume shampoo designed for men heavily uses DHT blockers such as hops and green tea extract.
These ingredients are critical as they inhibit the activity of 5-alpha-reductase, effectively reducing the conversion of testosterone to DHT, a hormone implicated in male pattern baldness. This action helps slow the progression of hair loss, offering a significant benefit to those experiencing thinning hair.
On top of that, mengine is one of the best shampoos for thickening up your current hair, even if it’s ‘fine,’ with nutritional support from ingredients like wheat proteins, Polygonum extracts, fennel, and biotin.
This nourishes the hair roots with essential vitamins, minerals, and proteins to strengthen the strands and improve overall scalp health. This nutritional boost is vital in combating hair loss and supporting hair regrowth.
Of course, all good shampoos for thicker hair contain peppermint extracts and copper peptides, which promote scalp blood flow. Enhanced circulation delivers more nutrients and oxygen to hair follicles, which is crucial for healthy hair growth and strength. Menthol is one of the best natural stimulants for blood flow.
Chamomile and lemon balm are integrated into the formula for scalp comfort and optimal hygiene. These ingredients help soothe the scalp, balance pH levels, and reduce inflammation, maintaining a clean and healthy environment that minimizes hair loss and fosters new hair growth. Mengine also has a range of other anti-hair loss products, with their supplement being one of the better options currently on the market if you’re looking for a bit extra to bolster your hair health.
Best Women’s Shampoo For Thinning Hair – Toxique
Toxique is our best pick for women experiencing hair thinning. It’s got a solid list of carefully selected ingredients, and it’s cruelty-free, paraben-free, sulfate-free, and so on, as all of the shampoos at the top of this list do.
The formula incorporates potent natural DHT blockers: Rosemary Oil and Tea Tree Oil. These oils have all been studied for their effectiveness in inhibiting the activity of dihydrotestosterone, a hormone often associated with hair thinning and loss in both men and women. By targeting DHT, Toxique Shampoo addresses one of the fundamental causes of hair thinning, providing a crucial intervention for those looking to maintain and enhance their hair density.
Toxique includes Peppermint Oil, which is abundant in menthol. Of course, this is the best natural option for stimulating blood circulation on the scalp. Increased blood flow helps efficiently deliver nutrients to the hair follicles, essential for promoting healthy hair growth and revitalizing weakened follicles.
One of the things that gives it an extra boost for women is that it has many extra nourishing oils that are important for longer hair. Toxique shampoo includes Argan Oil and Castor Oil, which are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin E, and ricinoleic acid. This combination delivers deep nourishment, fortifying the hair from the roots and ensuring the strands are robust and less prone to breakage, which is suitable for thickening fine hair.
Regarding scalp health, Toxique is infused with Ginger, known for its gingerols, which have potent anti-inflammatory properties. This helps soothe the scalp, reducing irritation and creating an optimal environment for healthy hair growth.
So, if you’re looking for a shampoo that reduces hair loss, thickens thin hair, and reduces hair breakage, Toxique is probably the best option.
Best Shampoo for Thinning Hair on A Budget – Ina Essentials
Ina Essentials is an excellent option if you’re looking at something under $30; the brand has an outstanding reputation and is all free you’d expect: Cruelty-free, paraben, sulfate, and so on. It covers off all of the bases for hair growth shampoo by using gentle cleansers like Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate and Cocamidopropyl Betaine, which you’d often see in baby shampoos as they’re suitable for preserving the natural oils essential for healthy hair growth.
Regarding the botanical extracts, Nettle is the primary DHT blocker, and it is better for a sensitive scalp than rosemary oil.
It also includes Licorice and Oak as anti-inflammatory agents, which are more gentle than other alternatives.
Additionally, the formula is enriched with vital vitamins and minerals. Ingredients like Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E) and Retinyl Palmitate (Vitamin A) serve as antioxidants, protecting the scalp and hair from environmental stressors and aiding in maintaining healthy hair follicles.
Then we’ve got the peppermint extracts (menthol), the gold standard for stimulating blood flow and essential for any good hair growth shampoo.
This is an excellent option for people on a budget or with more sensitive scalps.
Superzero Strengthening and Scalp Stimulating Shampoo Bar
Shampoo bars are currently popular, and this one from Superzero stands out for addressing thinning hair. This sulfate-free bar is formulated with a potent blend of scalp-stimulating ingredients, including caffeine and rosemary oil, to boost volume, reduce shedding, and promote new growth.
Now, shampoo bars are great for travel, but they won’t be as good for nourishment for thin hair. However, it’s one to consider keeping in your bag. It’s not going to be one of the best when it comes to making hair feel softer, and the shampoo lathers a bit less than the products above it in the list, but it is a gentle shampoo that’s good for pretty much any hair type aside from perhaps dry or color-treated hair.
Kérastase Densifique Shampoo
For those with damaged hair and concerns about thinning, the Kérastase Densifique Shampoo is an excellent choice. This formula is enriched with hyaluronic acid, glucose peptides, and ceramides to provide deep nourishment and hydration, reviving parched strands while targeting hair density and volume.
Our testers were impressed by the noticeable improvement in their hair’s thickness and overall health after using this shampoo. The creamy, luxurious formula spreads quickly, leaving hair feeling silky, soft, and significantly more voluminous.
While the price tag may deter some, the Kérastase Densifique Shampoo delivers salon-quality results. This deep conditioning solution is a valuable investment for those looking to address thinning hair.
BondiBoost HG Shampoo
For those concerned about oily hair and scalp, the BondiBoost HG Shampoo is an excellent choice. Formulated with lightweight yet hydrating ingredients like aloe vera, peppermint, saw palmetto, and rosemary, this shampoo effectively cleanses the scalp without stripping the hair of its natural oils.
Our testers with oily hair types experienced much less shedding and a noticeable improvement in the shine and overall health of their locks after using this shampoo. The formula also boasts hair growth-promoting properties, making it an excellent choice for those looking to address thinning while maintaining a balanced, non-greasy scalp.
While lather may not be as robust as some other shampoos, the BondiBoost HG Shampoo’s ability to cleanse thoroughly without over-drying makes it a fantastic option for those with oily hair and thinning concerns.
Nutrafol Root Purifier Scalp Shampoo for Thinning Hair
For those experiencing an itchy, irritated scalp and thinning hair, the Nutrafol Root Purifier Scalp Shampoo is a must-try. This shampoo is expertly formulated with gentle, scalp-soothing ingredients like vegan protein and prebiotics to effectively calm inflammation and regulate sebum production, ensuring a healthier, more balanced scalp environment.
Users report that this shampoo has helped alleviate their scalp discomfort, even with daily use, and many have noticed an improvement in their hair’s overall health and appearance.
Nioxin System 1 Shampoo
For those seeking an immediate boost in volume and the illusion of thicker, fuller hair, the Nioxin System 1 Shampoo is a game-changer. This powerful shampoo infuses caffeine, peppermint oil, and niacinamide to effectively cleanse the scalp, stimulate hair follicles, and visibly create denser, more voluminous locks.
Our testers were consistently impressed by this shampoo’s immediate and long-lasting volumizing effects. Not only did their hair look fuller after each wash, but the results also held up well between shampooing, allowing them to maintain their style for longer.
While the minty scent may not be for everyone, the Nioxin System 1 Shampoo’s ability to provide an instant boost in volume and density makes it a standout choice for those seeking a quick fix to the appearance of thinning hair.
Arkive Headcare All Day Everyday Shampoo
The Arkive Headcare All Day Everyday Shampoo is a fantastic solution for those battling thinning hair and stubborn frizz. This shampoo is formulated with baobab protein to reduce breakage and shedding, minimizing frizz and flyaways.
This shampoo significantly decreased frizz and improved our testers’ hair’s smoothness and shine. The formula also left strands feeling soft, silky, and more manageable, making it easier to style and maintain a polished look.
While lather may not be as robust as other options, the Arkive Headcare All Day Everyday Shampoo’s ability to tackle thinning and frizz concerns makes it a versatile and practical choice for those seeking a multifaceted solution.
FAQs: Shampoos for Thinning Hair
Q: What Causes Hair Thinning, and How Can Shampoo Help?
A: Hair thinning can be caused by various factors, including genetics, hormonal changes, poor nutrition, stress, and harsh hair care products. Shampoos designed for thinning and fine hair often contain ingredients that stimulate the scalp, block DHT (a hormone associated with hair loss), nourish hair roots, and strengthen hair strands. These actions may help reduce hair loss and encourage hair growth.
Q: What are DHT Blockers, and Why Are They Essential in Shampoos for Thinning Hair?
A: DHT, or dihydrotestosterone, is a hormone that contributes to hair loss, particularly in male and female pattern baldness cases. DHT blockers, such as rosemary, tea tree, and saw palmetto, are hair regrowth shampoos that help inhibit the enzyme responsible for converting testosterone into DHT, potentially slowing hair loss.
Q: How Often Should I Use Shampoo for Thinning Hair to See Results?
A: It’s typically recommended to use shampoo for thinning hair 2-3 times a week, but this can vary based on individual needs and the specific product instructions. Consistent use over several months is usually necessary to observe noticeable results.
Q: Are There Any Side Effects Associated With Shampoos for Thinning Hair?
A: Most shampoos for thinning hair are safe when used as directed, but some individuals may experience scalp irritation, especially if they are sensitive to specific ingredients. It’s essential to read the list of ingredients and conduct a patch test before regular use. Many supermarket brands are currently scrutinized for containing ingredients that can make you lose hair faster. So, it’s essential to check what’s in the bottle.
Q: Can Shampoos for Thin Hair Be Used With Other Products?
A: Shampoos for thinning hair can be used alongside other hair care products. However, for best results, it’s recommended to use complementary products formulated for thinning hair, such as conditioners, serums, and hair masks that promote scalp health and hair growth.
Q: How Can I Maximize the Effectiveness of Shampoos for Thinning Hair?
A: For maximum effectiveness, massage the shampoo gently into the scalp and leave it on for a few minutes to allow the active ingredients to penetrate. Combining these shampoos with a healthy diet, adequate hydration, and a proper hair care routine can enhance hair health.
Q: Are Natural or Organic Shampoos for Thinning Hair More Effective?
A: Natural or organic shampoos can be effective, especially for individuals looking to avoid harsh chemicals. These shampoos often contain botanical extracts and oils, providing essential nutrients to the scalp and hair. However, the effectiveness can vary depending on the formulation and active ingredients used.
Q: Can Men and Women Use the Same Shampoo for Thinning Hair?
A: Many shampoos for thinning hair are suitable for men and women, but some are specifically formulated to address unique hormonal differences or concerns. Always check the product label for any gender-specific recommendations or formulations.
