Struggling with hair loss? You’re not alone. It’s a common concern that can significantly impact confidence and self-esteem. While genetics and hormones play a role, the right hair care can make a noticeable difference. But with countless shampoos promising “thicker, fuller hair,” choosing the best one can feel overwhelming. Fear not, fellow mane tamers! This guide cuts through the confusion, separating hype from reality to reveal the best effective shampoos for hair loss. We’ve evaluated ingredients, consulted experts, and scoured user reviews to bring you a curated selection that addresses various causes of hair loss, promotes healthy scalp conditions, and nourishes strands for stronger, fuller hair. So, put down the mystery concoctions and get ready to unlock the secrets to a healthier, more confident you, starting with the perfect shampoo for your unique needs. Let’s embark on this journey together and discover the products that will help you reclaim your crowning glory!
Going bald is often an inevitable part of aging, but that doesn’t mean it is welcomed with open arms. A new study shows that men who experience balding tend to avoid socializing because of it. This could be because almost 90 percent of the men surveyed consider their hair to be part of their identity. And when you can’t be confident about something that important, it’s no wonder it stunts your self-esteem.
As frustrating as hair loss can be, there may be some potential cures on the horizon after scientists recently generated hair follicles in a lab. They used a technique involving skin organoids — tiny, simple versions of an organ in a Petri dish. With almost 100 percent success at regeneration, this model could prove valuable in getting closer to a solution for baldness.
Sometimes hair loss is normal, like after pregnancy or with age. But if you have what you’d consider an excessive amount of lost strands, consult with a medical professional to diagnose the root of the problem. Below are the top seven expert-recommended products for the best shampoo for hair loss based on the consensus across 12 expert opinions. Let us know in the comments if we missed your tried-and-true favorite!
➡️ How Our “Best Of The Best” Lists Are Created
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The List: Best Shampoo for Hair Loss, According to Experts
1. Shea Moisture’s Jamaican Black Castor Oil Shampoo
An expert from Daily Mail says this product is formulated with peppermint oil which is “fantastic for the scalp as it drives blood to the surface nourishing the scalp and soothing it, promoting healthy hair growth.”
Shea Moisture is ideal for people with curly or kinky hair who want to grow their strands thicker and stronger. “Shea Moisture is a great pick if you have hair that’s been damaged from heat or protective styling. It includes apple cider vinegar, black castor oil, and peppermint in the formula to deeply cleanse the hair and remove built-up products, while the shea butter adds back in hydration—which is especially needed for drier hair types,” states Byrdie.
This hair-growth shampoo packs beneficial ingredients like Jamaican black castor oil which is loaded with vitamin E, fatty acids, and minerals. “Shea’s holds moisturizing shea butter and clarifying peppermint. Not only is it great for heat-damaged hair, but it’s also a godsend for textures that require extra moisture,” states Cosmopolitan.
2. Biolage Advanced Full Density Thickening Shampoo
Biolage gets is on our list for taking a two-pronged approach to thinning hair. “It gently removes follicle-clogging impurities that can impede new hair growth. Then, it delivers a host of important nutrients—think biotin, zinc, and omegas—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,” explains Byrdie.
Some Amazon reviewers have found a magic potion in this shampoo that boasts biotin and zinc to help strengthen hair. Elle shares an Amazon review, “I tried this shampoo and the conditioner gel, and voila, it was evident the follicles were thickened and my hair felt cleaner,” says
This gentle shampoo is a favorite product for some who have experienced post-Covid-19 related hair loss. “It contains sulfates, so it can fully remove stubborn buildup that tends to clog hair follicles and create a less-than-ideal environment for your hair to grow. ‘After using this shampoo, my hair felt thicker, but it also looked healthy and shiny,’ says Siena. Not to mention, it’s safe for color-treated hair, so rest assured, your $$$ dye job won’t fade in the process,” offers Cosmopolitan.
3. Briogeo Blossom and Bloom Ginseng Shampoo
According to Vogue, “Briogeo’s volumizing shampoo seeks to promote long-term fullness by not only coating the hair shaft with a natural starch but boosting blood flow and the vitamins that spur hair growth.”
“The Briogeo Blossom & Bloom Ginseng + Biotin Volumizing Shampoo includes the key ingredient, Maltodextrin, a naturally occurring sugar component that thickens your hair, separating the strand to give a fuller, more bodied appearance to your hair. It also includes ginger and ginseng, which promote long-lasting healthy hair,” says Sports Illustrated.
That’s not all! “You’ll also find biotin, aloe vera (which has natural exfoliating, cell-turnover-inducing properties), and ginseng, which all help strengthen hair follicles and create the ideal condition for hair growth. If that wasn’t enough, argan oil and coconut oil shield the hair against external damage, like heat and the sun, making it a great pick for color-treated hair,” writes Allure.
4. Nioxin Cleanser Shampoo
You may have heard of Nioxin, the company is known for its quality hair loss products, so we aren’t surprised to see it on our list of best shampoos for hair loss. “Nioxin is a formula that’s safe for color-treated hair and works to strengthen and fortify your strands. According to Corey L. Hartman, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Skin Wellness Dermatology in Birmingham, AL, it is essential to keep the hair that you currently have healthy to avoid additional hair loss, especially if you are working with a physician to assist in hair regrowth,” offers Shape.
For your hair to grow, it is important to cleanse the scalp of sebum, fatty acids, and environmental residue. This allows nutrients to reach your scalp and hair follicles. “Nioxin’s cleansing shampoo lathers well in the shower and leaves the scalp feeling fresh and clean. The conditioner and scalp treatment in the same range make a great combo for fine or thinning hair,” says Expert Reviews.
This system focuses specifically on the key to healthy hair: a healthy scalp. “The set includes a shampoo that works to remove any follicle-clogging gunk or sebum, a conditioner that locks in moisture for healthy hair, and a treatment that’ll amp up the volume,” says Cosmopolitan.
5. Olaplex No. 4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo
Many hairdressers swear by Olaplex to strengthen damaged, weak, or colored hair. “Unlike regular shampoos, this treatment uses a patented formula to directly target and repair damaged or broken hair bonds. If your hair is prone to split ends or breakages due to frequent coloring, bleaching, or excessive heat, this shampoo will help make your hair a lot easier to manage,” explains Daily Mail.
Olaplex has long been a favorite of hair-strengthening products, but the brand’s No. 4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo in particular has earned high praise. “Whether your hair is ultra-damaged or not, No. 4 is a great product for maintaining the look and health of your hair daily,” states Allure.
Olaplex No. 4 is perfect for thinning hair because it isn’t heavy and doesn’t weigh it down. “The buzzy shampoo is known for its bond repair technology that seeks to repair broken bonds to reverse the damage, split ends, and breakage. Not to mention, it’s vegan, cruelty-, sulfate-, and paraben-free,” explains Vogue.
6. Pura D’OR Original Gold Label Shampoo
Shape loves this product and shares a doctor’s opinion: “‘The Pura D’OR Original Gold Label Shampoo is a great option for strengthening the hair and promoting scalp health as it does not contain ingredients like sulfates, parabens, or silicones,’ explains Dr. Graf. ‘It contains ingredients like argan oil, biotin, nettle extract, and other seed oils which will reduce hair thinning.’”
Many love that Pura D’OR contains DHT blockers to help your hair grow naturally. “Of the 24 nourishing ingredients, some of the standouts include aloe vera and vitamin E for hydration, DHT-blocking saw palmetto and nettle extract, tea tree oil for scalp irritation, and circulation-promoting niacin,” says Very Well Health.
Pura D’OR doesn’t have harsh chemicals, such as sulfates, parabens, and synthetic fragrances, which can strip the hair of its natural oils and cause further damage. “This shampoo contains a blend of natural and organic ingredients, including biotin, pumpkin seed oil, and black cumin seed oil, which are believed to support hair growth and reduce hair thinning. Biotin is a B vitamin that is essential for healthy hair growth, while pumpkin seed oil and meadowfoam oil, are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that nourish and strengthen the hair. Other ingredients including argan oil, apple stem cells, and catalase also help with hair growth. Cayenne, in particular, stimulates the scalp to promote healthy, thicker hair,” shares Sports Illustrated.
7. Philip Kingsley Density Thickening Shampoo
Philip Kingsley uses hyper-branched polymers and hydrolyzed pea peptides that give your hair volume to fine hair without causing dryness. “Using hair growth products is a waiting game—most take about three to six months to even begin seeing any sort of results. So what do you do in the meantime? Use a shampoo like this that instantly plumps hair to make it look fuller and thicker immediately. We were blown away by how much thicker our hair looked after just one use,” says Men’s Health.
Philip Kingsley Density Thickening Shampoo is on the list not only for its gentle exfoliating properties and key ingredients, but it also has rave reviews. “This shampooing powerhouse creates the ideal scalp environment to promote hair growth by combining hyperbranched polymers, salicylic acid and hydrolyzed pea peptides to strengthen hair from root to tip while beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) work to gently exfoliate the scalp,” states Yahoo.
Pea peptides are another great ingredient to have a thickening effect. “The goal of this Philip Kingsley shampoo is thicker, stronger strands for those with fragile hair. Expect reduced breakage, improved hair health, and hydrated strands after working this into a luxurious lather,” shares Vogue.
Sources:
- Men’s Health
- Shape
- Daily Mail
- Very Well Health
- Expert Reviews
- Allure
- Women’s Health
- Sports Illustrated
- Vogue
- Byrdie
- Elle
- Cosmopolitan
Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. StudyFinds is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations. This article may contain affiliate links in which we receive a commission if you make a purchase.