The 7 Best Shampoos for Thinning Hair, According to Dermatologists
Best Overall Shampoo for Thinning Hair DS Laboratories Revita Shampoo For Thinning Hair 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
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 |
|---|---|
| Hair Type | All |
| Size | 7 oz |
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 |
|---|---|
| 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, |
|---|---|
| Hair Type | All, color-treated |
| Size | 6.4 oz |
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 |
|---|---|
| Hair Type | All |
| Size | 11.7 oz |
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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 |
|---|---|
| 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, |
|---|---|
| Hair Type | Coarse, curly |
| Size | 4 oz |
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Pros
- Largest bottle on this list
- Great peppermint scent
- Contains biotin and vitamin B3
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 |
|---|---|
| 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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