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WHEN I OFFICIALLY entered my 30s, it was a major bummer on multiple fronts. For one, it occurred in the midst of a global pandemic so I said goodbye to my 20s with more of a masked shrug than a bang. But what was far more upsetting than a forced night in was discovering for the first time early signs of hair thinning. This is, of course, nothing to be ashamed of as two-thirds of men experience significant hair loss by age 35, according to the American Hair Loss Association. However, that doesn’t mean there’s nothing you can do to fight off thinning, and a quality shampoo for thinning hair can go a long way in this battle.
Best Shampoos for Thinning Hair
If you mention experiencing any form of hair thinning, people tend to have a lot of thoughts on the so-called causes, many of which are entirely false (like wearing a hat too often or shaving your head). The truth is, the reasons behind why certain men are predisposed to hair thinning are much simpler—and more holistic.
Dr. Corey L. Hartman, board-certified dermatologist and founder of Skin Wellness Dermatology in Birmingham, Alabama, explains that several underlying factors impact hair thinning in men including genetics, hormones, lifestyle, nutrition and metabolism, all of which can be tempered with a stellar shampoo formulated to help. “When addressing hair thinning, men need to take a whole-body approach to their hair health by targeting the multiple root causes and using products that support a healthy scalp microbiome,” Hartman adds.
According to Dr. Hartman, some of these shampoos coat hair strands with proteins or polymers to increase volume and make hair appear fuller, while others contain ingredients to strengthen and thicken hair by improving scalp health overall. For someone who has already lost a good chunk of their hair and wants to get it back, I'd recommend instead looking for a shampoo aimed at hair growth. Shampoos for thinning hair, like the ones on this list, are primarily focused on preventing future loss and helping hair regain volume and thickness—though there is a good deal of crossover between the two products.
Naturally, Dr. Hartman notes that to get the most out of shampoos designed for either regrowth or thickness, especially in more severe cases, they should be used alongside hair products that address underlying root causes of thinning and balding, like hair growth supplements or serums.
That being said, with so many shampoos aimed at attacking specifically thinning hair on the market right now, choosing one that'll get the job done can feel overwhelming. To make this decision easier, our grooming editors have been testing countless of the best shampoos for thinning hair to find the ones that really work for every hair type. Below are our seven favorites.
What to Consider
Key Ingredients
To strengthen and thicken hair, Dr. Hartman recommends looking for a shampoo containing biotin, a B vitamin that helps the body produce keratin (the protein that makes up hair). You’ll also want to prioritize a shampoo that specifically targets the scalp microbiome to create an environment that supports hair growth with natural enzymes and amino acids to help exfoliate and control oil. Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Heather Woolery-Lloyd recommends shampoos containing minoxidil, as this will prolong the growth cycle of hair, as well as increase its thickness.
She also points to wheat protein as an important resource because, “This protein can help to plump up the hair shaft, making it appear thicker and fuller.” Of course, there are a few ingredients you’ll want to avoid, as well, that can complicate these treatments. Dr. Hartman advises steering clear of shampoos with sulfates or parabens, as they can strip hair of its natural oils and cause dryness. “These ingredients can also weaken the hair shaft, leading to increased breakage and further thinning,” he says. Dr. Woolery-Lloyd adds that it’s a good idea to avoid harsh chemical treatments, bleaching hair, or excessive heat while blow drying to avoid any adverse effects.
Hair Type
Taking your hair type into account is critical when choosing a shampoo for thinning hair. This will ensure that you can find a product that not only tackles the issue of thinning but also promotes the overall health and appearance of your hair. For example, Dr. Woolery-Lloyd explains that people with fine hair often find ultra-texturizing shampoos can weigh their hair down. That’s why Dr. Hartman advises those with finer hair to look for a lightweight, volumizing shampoo.
“Coarse or curly hair, as well as dry or color-treated hair, benefit from moisture-rich, sulfate-free formulas to combat dryness and promote hydration. On the other hand, oily hair requires a clarifying shampoo to manage excess sebum without stripping the scalp,” he adds.
Size
While the bottle size shouldn’t be your primary consideration when choosing a shampoo for thinning hair, it’s worth factoring in, especially for the budget-conscious. Some of these shampoos can come with a hefty price tag, and like any other shampoo, you’ll need to buy it regularly. If you're watching your spending, the cost per use could play a significant role in your decision-making process, so look for larger bottles to save some coin over time.
How We Selected
For the past two years, Men's Health's grooming editors have been testing dozens of shampoos and evaluating them not only for their effectiveness against thinning but also for how well they cleaned hair and in what shape they left it. We also consulted hair loss experts like Dr. Hartman and Dr. Woolery-Lloyd to get their assessments on the best shampoos on the markets for every hair type. They also provided us with nuanced specifics of what readers should look for (and what to avoid) in shampoos for thinning hair.
We then conducted further testing based upon their recommendations and whittled our list down to the following seven best shampoos for thinning hair.
Best Overall Shampoo for Thinning Hair
DS Laboratories Revita Shampoo For Thinning Hair
Now 30% Off
Pros
- Contains a series of DHT blockers
- Effective on all hair types, including color-treated
- Developed by dermatologists
- Sulfate-free and paraben-free
Cons
- Some testers found the pump top to be occasionally fickle
As Dr. Woolery-Lloyd explains, the most common cause of hair thinning in men is androgenic alopecia (aka male pattern baldness) and it's typically genetic. However, even if you're genetically predisposed to balding you can still fight this off by blocking a hormone known as dihydrotestosterone, or DHT. "DHT is a byproduct of testosterone and it binds to receptors in the hair follicles causing them to shrink and produce thinner, weaker hair over time," Dr. Woolery-Lloyd says.
DS Labs' Revita Shampoo is formulated with a collection of DHT blockers, including caffeine, biotin, antioxidants, and amino acids to help battle any incoming hair thinness. Of all the shampoos we tested, this is the one we saw the most immediate and significant improvement to our hair thickness and volume. It even made our hair feel soft—although not too squeaky—similar to some of the more high-end daily shampoos we've tested.
Its ingredients also include wheat protein, which Dr. Woolery-Lloyd confirms will help it appear fuller, as well as glycerin, a humectant that attracts moisture to the hair to help it stay hydrated and healthy overall.
Dr. Woolery-Lloyd adds, "DS Labs Revita shampoo is very effective and highly recommended by dermatology leaders in hair research." She also notes that the included ingredient of taurine helps promote keratin production. This is in addition to the formula being 100 percent sulfate-free and paraben-free.
Simply put, there is no better option for thinning hair than the DS Labs Revita Shampoo.
Read More: Best Shampoos for Men
Key Ingredients | Caffeine, biotin, antioxidants, amino acids, wheat protein |
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Hair Type | All |
Size | 7 oz |
Best Combo Shampoo for Thinning Hair
Nutrafol Active Cleanse 2-in-1 Shampoo and Conditioner
Pros
- Sulfate and paraben-free
- A two-in-one shampoo and conditioner that actually works
- Gentle on the scalp
Cons
- Not for those who already have a preferred conditioner
Not unlike the 2007 Patriots, this Nutrafol shampoo is basically as close to the top as you can get without actually being number one. It’s certainly a favorite of Dr. Hartman and one he regularly recommends to those with thinning hair. “Shampoos like Nutrafol’s 2-in-1 Active Cleanse help support thinning hair by specifically targeting the scalp microbiome, creating an environment that supports hair growth,” he says before adding that it also features biosurfactant, which provides a deep cleanse without stripping the scalp, as well as pomegranate enzymes and amino acids to help exfoliate and control oil.
Not to mention, the formula contains konjac root to condition and even detangle longer hair without weighing it down. However, its biggest boon is how it’s designed to be a time saver, as well as a hair strengthener. “If you’re looking for a hassle-free product, the best part about Nutrafol’s new Active Cleanse is that it’s a two-in-one specifically made to optimize and simplify men’s haircare routines while considering our busy schedules,” says Dr. Hartman.
Key Ingredients | Pomegranate enzyme, amino acids, konjac root |
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Hair Type | All |
Size | 8.1 oz |
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Pros
- Less than $15 per bottle
- Formulated for color-treated hair
- No parabens or sulfates
Cons
- One tester found it left hair slightly oily
Hair often begins to thin around the same time that the grey starts peaking through. If you regularly attack the latter with color treatments, this is one of the few thickening shampoos specifically formulated with that in mind and won't aggravate or alter any coloring. Dr. Woolery-Lloyd notes that this shampoo has become a popular product for men thanks in part to its use of saw palmetto, which acts as a DHT blocker. It's also sulfate-free and paraben-free.
After using this shampoo for a week, my hair was not only noticeably thicker but it was left feeling softer than some high-end conditioners I've tried. When I paired it with the Hims Thick Fix conditioner, that volume and softness was taken to another level entirely.
Key Ingredients | Eucalyptus, saw palmetto, |
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Hair Type | All, color-treated |
Size | 6.4 oz |
Best Everyday Shampoo for Thinning Hair
Huron Wash and Strengthen Shampoo
Now 27% Off
Pros
- Contains vitamins E and B12
- Menthol leaves cooling effect on scalp
Cons
- May be drying for those sensitive
We found this shampoo from Huron to be the best option for adding extra volume on a daily basis. It's larger and less expensive than other options on this list, and helped give our hair a fuller appearance when used regularly. Not to mention, Dr. Hartman rides for it as well: "I like Huron Shampoo because it is invigorating with cooling menthol, hydrating with argan oil, and also helps to strengthen hair with Vitamin E and Vitamin B5. It’s packed with good ingredients for a healthy scalp and hair."
Key Ingredients | Argan oil, panthenol, vitamin E, glycerin, menthol |
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Hair Type | All |
Size | 11.7 oz |
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Best Shampoo for Fine Thinning Hair
R+Co Dallas Biotin Thickening Shampoo
Now 30% Off
Pros
- Contains biotin
- Great lather from small amount
Cons
- The fragrance may be too strong for some
While fine hair is not necessarily more susceptible to thinning—again, it mostly comes down to genetics—it may suffer visual drawbacks sooner than other hair types. This makes finding a shampoo that helps it appear fuller with more volume especially important. When I used this option from R+Co, my hair looked stronger with more bounce after just one wash. This is largely due to the shampoo's biotin which stimulates hair follicles, increases keratin production, and strengthens hair strands overall. Not to mention, it comes with a wonderfully floral scent.
Key Ingredients | Biotin |
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Hair Type | Fine to normal |
Size | 8.5 oz |
Pros
- No sulfates or parabens
- A little goes a long way
Cons
- Small bottle, only 4 oz
Finding the right product for curly or coarse hair can occasionally prove challenging, as it requires specific formulations that cater to unique needs that not every shampoo takes into account. For the Rootist Densify Shampoo, this couldn't be further from the truth.
The formula includes The Rootist's patent-pending Rootbiomic Ferment, which features a slew of nutrients designed to anchor roots and balance the scalp. This includes red ginseng root to strengthen and protect roots, and reishi mushroom to strengthen the scalp barrier and support its overall balance.
Key Ingredients | Rootbiomic ferment, amaranth peptides, |
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Hair Type | Coarse, curly |
Size | 4 oz |
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Best Luxury Shampoo for Thinning Hair
Nioxin System 2 Cleanser Shampoo
Now 28% Off
Pros
- Largest bottle on this list
- Great peppermint scent
- Contains biotin and vitamin B3
Cons
- Over $50
Spending over 50 bucks on shampoo can seem somewhere between daunting and unnecessary, but I promise if you're willing to dish it out for this one, it'll be well worth it. It's by far the largest bottle on this list at nearly 34 ounces, which helps offset the cost quite a bit. But its true selling point is how effective it is at thickening hair. With our dermatologist-favorite biotin, along with niacinamide (a vitamin B3 that helps enhance blood circulation and improve scalp health), this shampoo left our hair looking noticeably thicker and feeling substantially stronger.
Key Ingredients | Biotin, niacinamide |
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Hair Type | All |
Size | 33.8 oz |
Meet The Experts
- Corey L. Hartman, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and the founder and medical director of Skin Wellness Dermatology in Birmingham, Alabama.
- Heather Woolery-Lloyd, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist based out of Miami, Florida.
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