Do hair thinning shampoos really work? While thinning hair can be caused by a combination of factors, like your health, habits, or genetics, some shampoo ingredients can help strengthen your hair.
Thinning hair and hair loss can occur for a variety of reasons. Determining the underlying cause, as well as having a trial-and-error approach to the types of shampoos and products you use, can make a difference.
Some shampoos on this list contain ingredients shown to be beneficial for reducing hair loss. Others provide a cosmetic fix by thickening or adding volume to existing hair.
We looked at scientific data and studies to determine which shampoo ingredients are the most effective. We also looked at factors like customer reviews to produce this list.
Best overall
Keeps Thickening Shampoo
- Type: shampoo
- Quantity: 8 oz
- Prescription needed: no
- Key ingredients: biotin and saw palmetto
Keeps uses scientifically sound ingredients — like biotin, caffeine, green tea, and saw palmetto — in its Thickening Shampoo to help reduce thinning hair and hair loss.
A 2017 review of case studies and trials shows that biotin is beneficial for those who have underlying hair conditions. But it’s unclear if biotin is useful for those without these conditions.
Caffeine is said to be a stimulant for hair growth, according to a 2007 study in vitro study. Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), a catechin found in green tea, is also shown to slow hair loss according to one study that tested green tea with a combination of other herbs. According to another 2007 study, it may also increase hair growth.
While the Keeps website doesn’t post user reviews, the Amazon listing for its Thickening Shampoo has a 4 out of 5-star rating. Many reviewers note renewed hair thickness after using the product and praise its refreshing scent. But some people didn’t see a difference in their hair after use.
Best scalp cleanser
Nutrafol Root Purifier Shampoo
- Type: shampoo
- Quantity: 8.1 fl oz (240 mL) bottle
- Key ingredients: vegan protein; prebiotics; biosurfactant
Designed and formulated by a physician, this scalp microbiome shampoo promotes a healthy scalp for improved hair quality.
According to the company, participants in a clinical study showed an immediate improvement in scalp dryness and flakiness, plus an immediate reduction in sebum (a naturally occurring oily substance).
With ingredients like Australian wild berries and vegan proteins, the shampoo is also said to optimize your scalp microbiome pH levels for improved hair health.
Best shampoo for men
Hims Thickening Shampoo
- Type: shampoo
- Quantity: 6.4 fl oz (190 mL)
- Prescription needed: no
- Key ingredient: saw palmetto
The main ingredient in this shampoo is saw palmetto, a palm native to the United States.
A 2020 review of older studies and clinical trials shows that saw palmetto may provide an improvement of 60% in hair quality overall in patients with alopecia.
Saw palmetto also blocks dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which is a hormone linked to hair loss.
But according to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, there’s not enough research on the effects of saw palmetto to say if it definitely works for hair loss or thinning hair.
Some users like that this product is free of sulfates and parabens. It’s also cruelty-free and vegan.
Other users complain that this shampoo can be drying on the scalp.
Best shampoo for women
Hers Triple Threat Shampoo
- Type: shampoo
- Prescription needed: no
- Key ingredient: palmetto
Hers Shampoo is also formulated with saw palmetto as the main ingredient. It also contains pumpkin seed oil, which can be beneficial for hair loss, according to a 2014 study.
Although the study showed positive results, it’s important to note that it was only done on a group of fewer than 100 men with pattern baldness. Along with the study being small, keep in mind that the pumpkin seed oil was not used alone in the trials. It was one ingredient in a supplement.
Some users like the smell of this shampoo and say that they saw results when pairing the product with the matching conditioner from the brand.
Others say that the product left a greasy feeling in their hair.
Best subscription service
Happy Head Thickening Shampoo
- Type: shampoo
- Prescription needed: no
- Quantity: 8 fl oz
- Key ingredients: argan oil, biotin, collagen, and saw palmetto
Designed by a team of dermatologists and hair loss experts, Happy Head’s Thickening Shampoo combines some of the most popular ingredients found in hair thinning shampoos to help give hair an overall fuller look and help minimize some of the effects of hair thinning and loss.
Similar to other shampoos that target DHT, this shampoo also contains saw palmetto alongside argan oil to help moisturize the scalp. This formulated shampoo also utilizes biotin and collagen that can help strengthen hair follicles.
Each bottle is intended to last about a month and is priced at $36 each. But monthly subscribers can receive their shampoo for $30 — with free shipping, of course — that ships out on a regular schedule, so users never find themselves with empty bottles at showertime.
First-time subscribers can also receive an additional discount on their first bottle for only $21.
Best for hair loss caused by UV rays
Herbal Essences BioRenew Argan Oil Shampoo and Conditioner
- Type: shampoo and conditioner
- Quantity: 13.5 fl oz (400 mL) each
- Key ingredient: argan oil
Copper is found throughout the body and in hair. It’s necessary for brain and body function. But copper may also accelerate hair damage caused by UVA and UVB rays.
UV damage can make hair brittle and fine, causing it to break and thin.
A 2015 study, funded by the makers of hair care products, found that histidine, the active ingredient in this shampoo and conditioner, acts as a chelant. This means that it can absorb excess copper from hair, diminishing damage and restoring hair to fullness and health.
This shampoo and conditioner set are paraben-free and colorant-free. They also contain argan oil and aloe vera.
Users say they love the scent of these products. Many users also say they noticed their hair became thicker, fuller, and softer after repeated use.
Some people find that the shampoo leaves their hair feeling a little greasy.
Best shampoo bar
The Yellow Bird Peppermint Shampoo Bar
- Type: shampoo bar
- Quantity: 4.5-oz bar
- Key ingredients: kaolin clay, argan oil, jojoba oil, peppermint oil
In addition to having a scent that some people love, peppermint may be effective for promoting hair growth.
Peppermint was shown in a 2014 animal study to be more effective than minoxidil, the active ingredient in Rogaine.
In addition to peppermint oil, this shampoo bar contains extra menthol crystals. Menthol is a beneficial compound found in peppermint oil. Other ingredients include coconut and argan oil.
In addition to bolstering thin hair, this shampoo bar may help an itchy scalp and scalp psoriasis.
Some reviewers with thick hair report that it doesn’t produce enough suds to adequately wash their hair.
Best drugstore shampoo
Biolage Full Density Shampoo
- Type: shampoo
- Quantity: 13.5 fl oz (400 mL)
- Key ingredients: biotin, zinc, gluco-omega
The BIOLAGE Thickening Shampoo, which works for all hair types, aims to remove impurities from your hair to make it more lightweight. The formula is infused with biotin to provide additional nourishment. It’s also vegan, cruelty-free, and comes in a bottle made from recycled materials.
For best results, BIOLAGE recommends pairing this shampoo with its full density conditioner.
How we chose the best shampoos for thinning hair
If you’re experiencing hair thinning, you’ll want to choose a shampoo that has active ingredients to help the problem at hand.
To select the best shampoos for thinning hair, we considered many factors, including:
- Brand reputation: We chose brands you can trust and vetted each product via our brand and content integrity standards. Read more about our product selection process here.
- User reviews: We looked for products that earned good reports from buyers.
- Formulation and active ingredients: Wherever possible, we chose shampoos with natural ingredients that are proven to help thicken and strengthen hair.
- Price: Finally, we did our best to include options for every budget.
What is hair thinning?
Hair thinning refers to a gradual process where hair gets sparse in certain areas. It’s different from hair loss, which is defined by hair breakage from the scalp or when hair falls out from the root.
Hair loss can lead to baldness, whereas hair thinning doesn’t necessarily do so.
What causes hair thinning?
Genetics, medical conditions, and life circumstances (or a combination of all three) can cause hair thinning. Some of these include:
- vitamin deficiency, particularly vitamin D, iron, B12, and folic acid
- skin disorder or infection
- treatment for autoimmune disease or immune system deficiencies
- hormonal changes (including stopping birth control pills or having a baby)
- sudden, significant weight loss
- chronic stress
There are also lifestyle habits that can cause hair thinning. These include:
- using harsh products on your hair, like gel and hair spray
- overtreating your hair with relaxers and perms, chemical hair color, or heat styling tools
- wearing tight hairstyles, like ponytails and up-dos
What ingredients should I look for in a hair thinning shampoo?
Beneficial shampoo ingredients for thinning hair include:
- Histidine: This amino acid absorbs excess copper from hair, shielding it from UVA and UVB damage.
- Phyto-caffeine: Caffeine has been found to suppress excess testosterone in the hair root. Testosterone can suppress hair growth on the head in men and women.
- Niacin (vitamin B3): This vitamin promotes hair fullness. It also stimulates circulation and blood flow in the scalp.
- Biotin (vitamin H): Biotin is a water-soluble vitamin that’s part of the B vitamin family. It’s important to have biotin in your diet for hair growth. Some shampoos also contain this ingredient, which may promote hair fullness and reduce breakage.
- Essential oils: A number of essential oils have been shown to thicken hair or make it healthier and less prone to breakage. They include peppermint, lavender, lemongrass, rosemary, and thyme.
- Minoxidil: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved this ingredient for the treatment of hair loss when used as a 2% topical solution for women and 5% for men. Some shampoos also contain minoxidil as an active ingredient.
Takeaway
Thinning hair and hair loss can be caused by a wide range of conditions, including stress, aging, genetics, and illness. Styling habits can also cause hair to become thin and breakable.
There are a number of active ingredients that can help reduce hair thinning and also promote the look of fullness.
It’s important to understand and address the underlying cause of your thinning hair.