Reviews Beauty
Written by Lauren Dana Ellman; edited by Maiya Pascouche
Updated
This articlewas medically reviewedbyDebra Jaliman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist with a private practice in New York City.
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- Best overall
- Best budget
- Best for dandruff
- Best for color-treated hair
- Best preventative
- Best conditioning
- Best luxury
- Best strengthening
- Best for volume
- Best for sensitive scalps
- Best for curly hair
- Best for oily hair
- Best for dry hair
- Best for damaged hair
- Best for fine hair
- Best for frizz
- Best for men
- What to look for
- FAQs
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Thinning hair can be detrimental to one's self-esteem. And even though it's a highly common affliction, everyone's experience with hair growth and loss is unique. Thankfully, there is a surprisingly simple and non-invasive method of minimizing hair loss — a hair-thickening shampoo. According to New York City-based board-certified dermatologist Michele Green. M.D., the best shampoos for thinning hair are formulated with beneficial ingredients such as "argan oil, rosemary, and tea tree oil to help maintain hair and scalp health, which can be beneficial in combination with minoxidil and other hair loss treatments." For context, explains Dr. Green, minoxidil, which can be applied top[ically or orally, is instrumental in "increasing hair follicle size and stimulating the growth phase of the hair."
While picking the best shampoos for thinning hair was not easy, we'd have to go with the BIOLAGE Advanced Full Density Thickening Shampoo. Its gentle yet effective formula — which features noteworthy ingredients like nourishing biotin, antimicrobial zinc PCA, and exfoliating salicylic acid — nourishes, strengthens and ultimately thickens strands from root to tip.
Our top 5 picks for the best shampoos for thinning hair
This thickening shampoo gently cleanses the scalp sans stripping it of essential oils.
Enriched with conditioning rosemary, this wallet-friendly pick strengthens — and ultimately thickens — thin strands.
This tea tree oil-infused shampoo gently removes impurities while adding volume.
For smoother, shinier, and thicker hair, consider incorporating the Revitalash Cosmetics Thickening Shampoo into your shower lineup.
Pura D’Or Original Gold Label Anti-Thinning Biotin Shampoo is designed to help give people of all genders thicker, fuller hair using ingredients like aloe vera, tea tree oil, saw palmetto, and more.
Best overall
Staff Pick
This thickening shampoo gently cleanses the scalp sans stripping it of essential oils.
What we like
- Works to cleanse hair
- Fights frizz
- Vegan and cruelty-free
What we don’t like
- Not fragrance-free
- May irritate super-sensitive scalps
Fight frizz — and thinning hair — with the BIOLAGE Advanced Full Density Thickening Shampoo. Its innovative formula features biotin and zinc PCA to help rebalance the scalp and eliminate impurities, all while gently cleansing the hair (without stripping it of essential oils) so that it looks and feels healthier.
Best drugstore
Enriched with conditioning rosemary, this wallet-friendly pick strengthens — and ultimately thickens — thin strands.
What we like
- Unbeatable price
- The hero ingredient, rosemary oil, has been found to protect against hair loss
What we don’t like
- According to some reviewers, may leave hair feeling dry or greasy
L'Oreal Paris' Ever Strong Sulfate-Free Thickening Shampoo clocks in at under $9 per bottle. This drugstore haircare staple features rosemary leaf oil, which is famous for its anti-inflammatory properties. (It's also worth noting that several studies, including this one from 2015, have also found that rosemary oil can help protect against hair loss.)
Best for dandruff
This tea tree oil-infused shampoo gently removes impurities while adding volume.
What we like
- Tea tree oil-infused formula soothes the scalp
- Promotes fuller, stronger strands
What we don’t like
- Scent may irritate some folks
Tea tree oil is the obvious hero ingredient in Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Scalp Care Anti-Thinning Shampoo. According to Dr. Green, tea tree oil is "antimicrobial and antifungal, which allows it to soothe the scalp and address any itchiness, redness, swelling, or pain." The shampoo is also infused with glycerin and ginseng, the latter of which can help with hair growth. Check out our guide for more of the best dandruff shampoos.
Best for color-treated hair
For smoother, shinier, and thicker hair, consider incorporating the Revitalash Cosmetics Thickening Shampoo into your shower lineup.
What we like
- Suitable for color-treated hair
- Smooth, shiny finish
What we don’t like
- At over $30 per bottle, it's not the most budget-friendly pick
Revitalash's Thickening Shampoo is a favorite of stylist, colorist, and salon owner Paul Labrecque of Paul Labrecque Salon and Skincare Spa in New York City. This volumizing, color-safe shampoo is even spiked with panthenol, which can help hair appear smooth and shiny. One study also found that panthenol may help mitigate the effects of thinning hair.
Best preventative
Pura D’Or Original Gold Label Anti-Thinning Biotin Shampoo is designed to help give people of all genders thicker, fuller hair using ingredients like aloe vera, tea tree oil, saw palmetto, and more.
What we like
- Made with biotin and argan oil to promote hair growth and thickness
- Lots of reviewers love the pleasant smell
What we don’t like
- Some reviewers reported that their hair felt greasy
The PURA D'OR Original Gold Label Anti-Thinning Biotin Shampoo comes highly recommended by Shelly Aguirre, a stylist at Maxine Salon in Chicago. Per the stylist, the shampoo — which she says is "great for thinning hair" — helps promote thickness and combat breakage with its impressive formula, which is enriched with ingredients (including rosemary oil, argan oil, and tea tree oil) "that assist with promoting hair growth."
Best conditioning
This exfoliating shampoo packs plenty of nourishment with a 94 percent naturally derived formula.
What we like
- Exfoliating ingredients to support a healthy and clean scalp
- 94 percent naturally derived formula
What we don’t like
- High price point (over $30 per 6.7 ounce bottle)
Aveda Invati Advanced Exfoliating Shampoo Rich features a 94 percent naturally derived formula to nourish thinning hair. It's also chock-full of exfoliating ingredients like lactic and salicylic acids to keep your scalp looking (and feeling!) healthy and clean. Other staples include ginseng root extract (which has been shown to promote hair growth) and antioxidant-laden caffeine.
Best luxury
This shampoo is specially formulated to treat chemical, thermal, and environmental damage — all while strengthening and thickening strands.
What we like
- Promotes thicker, stronger hair, as well as a healthier scalp
- Its noteworthy formula features a handful of renowned ingredients
What we don’t like
- One of the most expensive options on this list
Per its product description, Miriam Quevedo's Black Baccara Hair Multiplying Shampoo helps reverse damage caused by chemical, thermal, and environmental damage. Not only will the shampoo make your hair look stronger and thicker, but it'll also improve scalp help. We especially love its versatile formula, which features a slew of beneficial ingredients like glycerin, panthenol, and niacinamide (known for its anti-inflammatory properties).
Best strengthening
R+CO’s Dallas Thickening Shampoo helps breathe new life — and volume — into dull, thin strands by providing nourishment from root to tip.
What we like
- Thickens hair
- Intensely hydrates
What we don’t like
- Might be too heavy for very fine hair
- Some reviewers find scent overpowering
Devin Toth, a hairstylist at Salon SCK in New York City, tells Business Insider that the R+CO Dallas Biotin Thickening Shampoo is "packed with incredible ingredients," including hydrating glycerin, moisturizing coconut oil, panthenol, and saw palmetto berry extract (which may prevent hair loss). All in all, Toth deems the shampoo "amazing for anyone with fine hair looking for thickening benefits from roots to tips."
Best for volume
Despite its lightweight formula, this volumizing shampoo packs a powerful punch thanks to its moisturizing formula.
What we like
- Simultaneously cleanses and boosts volume
- Nice scent
What we don’t like
- Not the most affordable pick
Pump up the volume with Bumble and Bumble's Thickening Volume Shampoo, which helps lift even the limpest, thinnest, and most delicate strands. It's also spiked with panthenol and vitamin- and fatty acid-rich aloe, which is known for its cleansing and anti-inflammatory properties.
Best for sensitive scalps
Staff Pick
As its name so aptly suggests, the Dr. Barbara Sturm Anti-Hair Fall Shampoo helps promote hair growth.
What we like
- Gentle hypoallergenic formula
- A mix of fatty acids, vitamins, and antioxidants to strengthen and repair hair
What we don’t like
- At $60, it's the most expensive option on this list
For stronger, healthier hair, look no further than the Dr. Barbara Sturm Anti-Hair Fall Shampoo. Its uber-gentle formula (which is fragrance-, phthalate-, paraben-, and sulfate-free!) helps strengthen and nourish strands while also preventing shedding and breakage. Ingredient highlights include moisture-boosting hyaluronic acid, camellia extract (which is spiked with fatty acids and antioxidants), and panthenol.
Best for curly hair
Great Price
This strengthening shampoo from Mielle provides intense moisture, a must for curly and coarse hair types.
What we like
- Encourages hair growth
- Nourishes and strengthens curly, coarse, and weak hair
- Wallet-friendly price point
What we don’t like
- Can feel tingly on the scalp (especially if you have any flakiness)
- Some reviewers reported greasy residue
According to Kenji Ishimoto, a stylist at Salon YOSHIKO at Bergdorf Goodman in New York City, Mielle Organics' Rosemary Mint Strengthening Shampoo is especially ideal for curly and coarse trends. Per the pro, the shampoo — which contains biotin "to provide intense moisture" — is formulated to nourish, cleanse, and strengthen weak and brittle hair. Check out our guide to the best shampoos for curly hair for more top-notch recommendations.
Best for oily hair
This formula targets dryness, and breakage, and boosts volume without weighing down fine hair.
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What we like
- Color- and keratin-safe
- Targets dryness and dullness
- Volumizing and nourishing
What we don’t like
- Pricey
- The scent can be overpowering
OUAI's Fine Hair Shampoo revitalizes thin, flat, and dull hair. Its lightweight gel formula, enriched with a slew of nourishing staples like biotin, glycerin, and panthenol, won't weigh down your hair or scalp. Bonus: Not only is this volumizing shampoo suitable for color-treated hair, but it also has hydrating properties to heal dry strands, damage, split ends, and breakage. This is also one of the best sulfate-free shampoos out there.
Best for dry hair
This Moroccan oil-infused shampoo is ideal for dry, damaged, and brittle stands. The result? Thicker, healthier hair!
What we like
- Under-$15 price tag
- Fatty acid-rich formula moisturizes and repairs hair
What we don’t like
- Thin formula
- Need to use a lot of it to form a lather, per some reviewers
Aartnaturals' Moroccan Argan Oil Shampoo is formulated with — you guessed it — argan oil, which, per Dr. Green, helps condition and protect hair thanks to an abundance of fatty acids. The dermatologist also credits the shampoo with "help[ing] repair any damage while protecting against additional damage that can [result from] free radicals, heating tools, and/or harsh chemicals."
Best for damaged hair
The Kerastase Resistance Bain Force Architecte strengthens and hydrates even the thinnest, most damaged hair.
What we like
- Works well on all hair types
- Fresh scent
What we don’t like
- High price tag
"For damaged finer hair, I recommend the Kerastase Bain Force Architecte Shampoo," explains Aguirre. She continues, telling Insider: "This protein-balanced shampoo will give finer hair the strength it needs to go on and grow." Plus, this uber-hydrating shampoo is even enriched with conditioning ceramides.
Best for fine hair
Thanks to its innovative formulation made with 2% apple stem cells, the Act + Acre Stem Cell Shampoo promotes thicker, fuller-looking hair and minimizes shedding.
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What we like
- Gently cleanses, nourishes, and revitalizes fine hair for a fuller look and feel
What we don’t like
- Thin, watery formula
- Per some reviewers, it requires at least a few pumps to form a rich lather
Even the finest hair is no match for the Act + Acre Stem Cell Shampoo, which works to combat thin, dull, and dry strands. With ingredients like its signature H-2 Grow Complex (featuring apple stem cells to protect from damage), hydrating hyaluronic acid, antioxidant-packed caffeine, nourishing niacinamide, and moisturizing glycerin, this shampoo is truly the jack of all trades. Gently remove buildup and excess oil, increasing the look and feel of hair density and boosting hydration.
Best for frizz
Staff Pick
This fan-favorite shampoo helps smooth and thicken hair.
What we like
- Leaves hair soft, smooth, and shiny
What we don’t like
- According to some reviewers, it can leave a bit of residue
What is the best weapon for fighting frizz and flyaways? The Vegamour GRO Revitalizing Shampoo for Thinning Hair, of course. This color-safe shampoo is infused with vegan keratin to protect, smooth, and add shine. Other highlights include soothing aloe, biotin, panthenol, ceramides, glycerin, and caffeine.
Best for men
Boost moisture and volume with this wallet-friendly thickening shampoo for men.
What we like
- Specifically formulated for men’s hair loss concerns in mind
- Vegan, cruelty-free, and sulfate-free
What we don’t like
- Fragrance may irritate those with allergies or sensitive scalps
The Hims Thick Fix Hair Shampoo — which just so happens to be vegan, cruelty-free, and sulfate-free — was specially formulated for men with thinning hair. The budget-friendly shampoo is also loaded with glycerin and saw palmetto to help boost moisture and volume. Meanwhile, the refreshing eucalyptus scent adds a nice touch.
What to look for
Ingredients:
When shopping for the best shampoos for thinning hair, Dr. Green recommends picks formulated with ingredients like "minoxidil, biotin, niacin, argan oil, and coconut oil." Per the pro, the former is "an FDA-approved topical medication" that promotes "thicker and stronger hair growth. However, please note that minoxidil is toxic to animals and can lead to death, so only use it with the utmost precaution.
Toth, meanwhile, recommends looking for shampoos formulated with "ceramides, peptides, hyaluronic acid, and protein [to] help fortify and strengthen your hair." He continues, telling INSIDER, "Natural plant extracts and oils can decrease scalp inflammation and increase scalp circulation, which will stimulate hair growth."
Finally, regarding which ingredients to avoid, Dr. Green advises steering clear of ingredients like parabens, sodium lauryl sulfate, and diethanolamine "since they can damage hair follicles and irritate your scalp."
Hair type:
Your specific hair type can dictate what kind of shampoo you should use. For example, explains Dr Green, "Individuals with oily hair may want to look for thinning hair shampoos with clarifying ingredients, such as salicylic acid, to clear the scalp and hair strands of residue." Similarly, those with dry hair "will benefit from a thinning hair shampoo that is packed with moisturizing and hydrating ingredients such as coconut oil or shea butter."
FAQs
What causes thinning hair?
"The most prevalent cause of hair loss is androgenetic alopecia, also known as male- and/or female-pattern baldness," says Dr. Greene. Androgenetic alopecia, as its name suggests, derives from your genetic makeup. Then there's alopecia areata, a similar autoimmune response that can be related to genes or stress. Other variables that affect hair loss include: "hormones, nutrient deficiencies, and medical conditions [like menopause, hypothyroidism, and PCOS, to name a few]," says Dr. Greene.
Can hair grow back from thinning?
"If the hair loss or thinning is from a cause other than genetics, such as stress, illness, pregnancy, and nutrient deficiencies, the likelihood of regrowth is high," says Dr. Green. However, if you have always had thin hair, "you can't grow thicker hair because the size of the hair follicle cannot be changed."
How often should you shampoo your hair if it's thinning?
Dr. Green advises on wash routines, stating, "the frequency of shampooing does not affect how much hair is shed because the amount of hair shedding for each day is already determined by the body." However, she does note how important it is to "keep the hair and scalp clean," as "shampooing too infrequently can lead to irritation, redness, inflammation, scaling, and flaking." She tells Business Insider that her rule of thumb is to limit yourself to about 3 washes per week.
When should I see a doctor for thinning hair?
"Some initial signs of thinning hair include excessive shedding after brushing the hair or taking a shower, the appearance of bald patches, or a noticeable change in hair density in the hairline," explains Dr. Green. With that in mind, "It is best to consult with a board-certified dermatologist as soon as you notice any of these changes to identify any underlying causes and determine a treatment plan to correct the thinning."
Do shampoos for hair thinning really work?
In short, says Dr. Green, yes — so as long as you select shampoos with the right ingredients such as "minoxidil and argan oil." The dermatologist says these staples "can be very effective for maintaining hair and scalp health."
How do thinning hair shampoos work?
Dr. Green explains: "Thinning hair shampoos with the right ingredients, such as argan oil, rosemary, and tea tree oil, can help maintain hair and scalp health, which can be beneficial in combination with minoxidil and other hair loss treatments." Dr. Green reports that minoxidil is instrumental in "increasing hair follicle size and stimulating the growth phase of the hair."
We consulted experts on their suggestions for the best shampoos for thinning according to a wide range of needs (including stylist recommendations and best-selling hair-care brands) and compiled them here, so you can find the best one to suit your treatment plan.
Freelance writer
Lauren Dana Ellman is a New York City-based freelance writer, editor, and social strategist specializing in all things travel, beauty, wellness, and food. Her work has appeared in Bustle, Allure, POPSUGAR, ShermansTravel, Elite Daily, Hotels Above Par, and Mental Floss, among other lifestyle-oriented publications. She holds a degree in Magazine Journalism from Syracuse University's SI Newhouse School of Communication. Follow her on Instagram at @laurenvellman.
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Disclosure: Written and researched by the Insider Reviews team. We highlight products and services you might find interesting. If you buy them, we may get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our partners. We may receive products free of charge from manufacturers to test. This does not drive our decision as to whether or not a product is featured or recommended. We operate independently from our advertising team. We welcome your feedback. Email us at reviews@businessinsider.com.
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