If you’re looking for a solution to thinning hair, the first step to take is consulting a board-certified dermatologist—it certainly beats the expensive and time-consuming burden of figuring it out yourself. The dermatologist will be able to determine the cause of your hair loss woes and recommend the appropriate treatment. “The sooner you begin treatment, the greater the chance to restore your hair,” says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Zenovia Gabriel of Newport Beach, California.
Depending on the severity of your situation, certain shampoos can help. “An anti-thinning shampoo may help moderate hair thinning, whereas a prescription medication may be needed to treat hair thinning that is more severe,” says Gabriel, who suggests shampoos with niacin or vitamin B3 for her patients. “They help increase blood circulation to the scalp and the flow of nutrients to the hair follicles.” Biotin and vitamin H, which promote growth, body and volume are also among her list of healthy hair ingredients. For those who also struggle with hydration, she recommends formulas with keratin and collagen.
There’s also a list of ingredients to avoid, like sodium laurel sulfate (SLS), sodium chloride and polyethylene glycol (PEG), which can strip the hair of moisture and encourage hair loss. According to Gabriel, preservatives like formaldehyde and parabens such as methylparaben and propylparaben may not only encourage hair loss but also affect hormonal balance.
To help you find the best shampoo, we asked the dermatologist for recommendations—all of which pass her tough filters on ingredients and efficacy. Below, we’ve rounded up the best shampoos for thinning hair that encourage growth and fortify follicles and the scalp.
A Strengthening Shampoo That Fortifies Follicles
“Alterna Haircare’s Caviar Anti-Aging Clinical Densifying Shampoo promotes scalp health, thickness and fullness,” says Gabriel. “Its formulation is free of DEA/TEA, synthetic color and dyes.” This cleanser is also formulated with red clover densifying complex, which is clinically proven to boost thickness with regular use.
A Plant-Based Option For Revitalizing Tresses
When it comes to the best shampoos that help with thickening hair, this plant-based cleanser is at the top of our editors’ list. It features clean ingredients that nourish and moisturize hair (we’re eyeing you marula, baobab and ximenia oil) and vegan b-SILK™ protein that bonds to hair even after shampooing to keep it protected. For thick long hair, retention is key.
Soften Dry Strands With This Moisturizing Gem
“Bumble & Bumble’s Thickening Volume Shampoo with panthenol (vitamin B5) is a great option for fine hair that brings fullness and adds moisture to the scalp,” says Gabriel. Free of sulfates, parabens and mineral oil, this cleanser not only volumizes hair but also leaves it feeling incredibly soft.
A Nourishing, Keratin-Infused Cleanser
“Ouai’s Fine Hair Shampoo hydrates and thickens hair and nourishes the scalp,” says Gabriel. It’s free of sulfates, parabens and formaldehyde, and formulated with biotin and hydrolyzed keratin to add strength and shine.
An Anti-Fungal Treatment That Targets Buildup
From Paul Mitchell’s Tea Tree collection, this shampoo prevents bacterial or fungal buildup on the scalp, so that hairs can grow uninhibited. “It’s a great color-safe option that gently cleanses without over-stripping and adds volume to each strand,” says Gabriel.
A Lightweight Shampoo For Root-To-Tip Volume
This lightweight cleanser is color-safe and won’t weigh fine hair down. Instead, it gives hair a volumizing boost thanks to polymers that plump the hair from root to tip. This formula is also enriched with hydrolyzed rice protein, which helps to improve manageability.
An Exfoliating Wash For Scalp Debris
This exfoliating shampoo is spiked with salicylic acid to help remove scalp debris, creating the optimal environment for hair growth. When used with the rest of the brand’s Invati Advanced™ 3-Step System, four out of five users reported reduced hair loss by 50%. The key ingredients? A blend of certified organic Ayurvedic herbs that invigorate and renew the scalp.
