Our best overall pick is Biolage Advanced Full Density Thickening Shampoo, which contains biotin, zinc, and a gluco-omega blend to strengthen hair while removing follicle-clogging impurities that can prevent new hair growth.
Ahead, discover the best shampoos for thinning hair.
We conducted hours of research to determine the best shampoos for thinning hair. Our testers even put a few top-rated products to the test at home for several weeks, noting how well each formula addressed fallout and overall hair thickness, fullness, and strength. We combined these results with expert recommendations to compile our list.
" The right growth shampoo can promote a healthier scalp to keep the hair in the anagen (growing) phase longer, which results in less hair fall," says Chilukuri. While there's no need to stress if you only see minor shedding in your hairbrush or shower drain, the best shampoo for thinning hair can help boost volume and thickness in most hair types.
Our best overall pick is the Biolage Advanced Full Density Thickening Shampoo , a reparative formula that works to strengthen thinning strands while removing the follicle-clogging impurities that can prevent new growth. For a more affordable pick, consider the Viviscal Gorgeous Growth Densifying Shampoo , which our tester says left their hair looking and feeling thicker.
Everyone experiences hair fallout (it's normal to shed anywhere from 50 to 100 strands per day), but if you regularly lose clumps of hair or notice patchiness on your scalp, it could be hair loss or thinning. "These signs may indicate miniaturization of the hair follicle, leading to permanent hair loss," explains board-certified dermatologist Suneel Chilukuri, MD . Though the underlying causes of hair loss include hormonal changes, genetics, and even traumatic events, healthy hair usually begins with a healthy scalp, so using a specially-formulatedshampoo for thinning hair can help improve scalp conditions that contribute to hair loss.
What to Look For
Strengthens with biotin, zinc, and a gluco-omega blend
Fights frizz What We Don't Like Strong scent This pick gets top honors for taking a two-pronged approach to thinning hair. First, it goes to town by gently removing follicle-clogging impurities that can impede new hair growth. Then it delivers a host of important nutrients—think biotin, zinc, and a gluco-omega blend—to strengthen the hair you have. So much so that, when used with the accompanying conditioner, it can reduce breakage by up to 95 percent. And when you’re already dealing with thinning, the less breakage, the better. Byrdie contributor Leigh Weingus took this shampoo for a spin after experiencing postpartum hair loss, thinning, and general dullness. After using it, she notes that it not only left her hair shinier, fuller, and less frizzy, but it also noticeably reduced the amount of shedding she had been experiencing. “I really, really loved this shampoo and can’t think of one bad thing to say about it,” she says. Sulfate-Free: No | Size: 13.5 oz. | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: No | Hair Type: Curly, thin, straight | Scent: Mint and clove Price at time of publish: $23 Byrdie / Leigh Weingus What Our Testers Say “After losing a lot of hair postpartum, the Biolage Advanced Full Density Thickening Shampoo gave me a fuller-looking head of hair with plenty of shine.” —Leigh Weingus, Product Tester
Strengthens with keratin, biotin, and zinc
Works for all hair types and textures What We Don't Like May strip color-treated hair The oral hair supplement this brand makes is a cult favorite, but its topical products are just as good. Take this sudser. It works well on all hair types and textures, can be used daily, and, along with strengthening ingredients like keratin, biotin, and zinc, it also contains the brand's proprietary Ana:Tel complex to promote thicker strands. Bonus points for the fresh, botanical scent and affordable price tag. Sulfate-Free: No | Size: 8.45 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes | Hair Type: Frizzy, dry | Scent: Botanical Price at time of publish: $9 What Our Testers Say “With ingredients like biotin, panthenol, and keratin that help hair to feel and look thicker, I consider this shampoo all in all to be a total steal.” —Ashley Rebecca, Product Tester
Gives body to fine, limp hair
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Keeps hair cleaner, longer What We Don't Like Pricey Whether your hair is naturally fine, you’re experiencing more shedding, or that dreaded combination of both, reach for this guy. The star of the show is a patented healthy hair molecule, which efficiently and effectively removes residue and build-up. Less gunk and grime equals thicker, fuller hair. Plus, this molecule also repels dirt and oil, so hair stays cleaner, longer. We’re not mad about that. Sulfate-Free: Yes | Size: 8 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No | Hair Type: Fine, color-treated, chemically-treated | Scent: Light and refreshing Price at time of publish: $30
Exfoliates scalp and hair
Light rose scent What We Don’t Like Pricey It admittedly takes a little bit of time to get used to this shampoo, given that it’s unlike any traditional liquid formula; you mix the paste with water, and it transforms into foam. But the volume-boosting results are well worth it. Rassoul clay and sugar crystals deep-clean both the scalp and strands, removing any trace of residue or oil that can weigh your hair down and leave it looking flat. Hot tip: It can sometimes make the lengths of your hair feel a bit dryer, so be sure to follow with a moisturizing conditioner. Sulfate-Free: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Size: 2.5 fl oz or 8.4 fl oz | Byrdie Clean: No | Hair Type: Fine | Scent: Rose Price at time of publish: $23
Best Strengthening Mielle Rosemary Mint Strengthening Shampoo Mielle View On Amazon View On Mielleorganics.com View On Riteaid.com What We Like Improves scalp health with blend of botanicals
Biotin strengthens and thickens
A little goes a long way What We Don't Like May be slightly drying When it comes to thinning hair, you want to go for a product that targets the scalp first, and this rosemary mint shampoo does just that. The formula is infused with nutrient-rich ingredients like biotin to fortify the hair and help it grow thicker and stronger. You'll also love that a little goes a long way, so you're getting your money's worth. Sulfate-Free: Yes | Size: 12 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes | Hair Type: Curly | Scent: Rosemary mint Price at time of publish: $10 The 20 Best Hair Growth Shampoos of 2022 That Actually Work
Fights chronic dandruff that causes shedding
Rich, thick lather What We Don't Like Bottle is small It may not seem like the most obvious connection, but untreated, chronic dandruff may be linked to unwanted shedding. The active ingredient in this pick, ketoconazole, is an “anti-fungal and anti-yeast medication that has been shown, when taken systemically, to disrupt the action of DHT,” says board-certified dermatologist, Jeremy Fenton, MD, of Schweiger Dermatology Group in New York City. (DHT is a hormone that affects the hair follicle and can lead to thinning hair.) “When using this shampoo, let it sit for two to three minutes on the scalp before rinsing to get the most benefit,” he suggests. Fewer flakes and thicker hair? Yes, please. Sulfate-Free: No | Size: 4 oz. | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: No | Hair Type: All | Scent: Fresh Price at time of publish: $15 The 17 Best Shampoos for Dandruff of 2022 to Keep Flakes Away
Best for Scalp Nioxin Scalp Optimizing Cleanser for Thinning Hair Ulta View On Walmart View On Beautyplussalon.com View On Bonanza.com What We Like Tea tree oil targets scalp inflammation and irritation
Fights dandruff and flakes
Amino acid complex strengthens the hair to prevent breakage What We Don't Like Strong scent This shampoo gets right to the root of the issue. “Nioxin formulates their shampoos with antioxidants, peppermint oil, tea tree oil, and amino acids that are designed to strengthen the hair and prevent damage. It may not prevent hair loss, but it may help strengthen and improve the hair that you have,” says Fenton. Reach for this two to three times a week, more often if you have a particularly stressed-out scalp. Sulfate-Free: No | Size: 6.8 oz. | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: No | Hair Type: Fine, Dry | Scent: Peppermint Price at time of publish: $15
Keratin complex improves strength
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Gentle enough to use daily What We Don’t Like Doesn’t lather very well This is a true multitasking sudser that not only gently cleanses but also boosts thickness, strengthens hair, and helps to keep your scalp healthy. Keratin and wheat protein improve hair elasticity and strength, while salicylic acid helps balance any excess oil on the scalp and prevents the build-up of dead skin cells. FYI, it’s sulfate-free, so it may not lather as much as you’re used to. Sulfate-Free: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Size: 8.5 fl oz | Byrdie Clean: No | Hair Type: All | Scent: Subtle Price at time of publish: $28
Anti-fungal formula deters yeast growth What We Don’t Like Requires diligent use and time to see results A multi-pronged, multistep approach is the most effective way to target hair loss, and this three-part system makes it easy to do just that. Start with the detoxifying shampoo, which boasts ingredients like saw palmetto, a natural DHT blocker. Follow it with the fortifying conditioner that hydrates and strengthens, and finish with the brand’s hero product, a leave-on activating serum that stimulates microcirculation, strengthens hair, balances oil production, and deters yeast growth.
Sulfate-Free: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes | Hair Type: All | Scent: Varies Price at time of publish: $132
Strong scent True to its name, this formula helps to reduce breakage, so you can preserve more of the hair you do have. We also appreciate that it’s an exfoliating formula to help cleanse follicle-clogging residue and touts caffeine to help boost microcirculation on the scalp. Sulfate-Free: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Size: 8.5 fl oz | Byrdie Clean: No | Hair Type: All | Scent: Herbal Price at time of publish: $34
Naturally derived bergamot scent What We Don’t Like Requires months of regular use for best results The star of the show here is a vegan silk protein that bonds instantly to hair—and stays put even post-rinsing, making strands look and feel noticeably thicker. And while it gives your hair that instant boost and lift, it also works over time to help make hair look fuller within three to four months. Plus, it contains a trio of wild-harvested, plant-based oils to help impart plenty of softness and smoothness. Those who color their hair will also appreciate that it’s free of sulfates and super gentle. Sulfate-Free: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Size: 8 fl oz | Byrdie Clean: Yes | Hair Type: All | Scent: Bergamot Price at time of publish: $48
Smoothy Slim
Photo: Laker
