Our world is totally obsessed with hair. I mean, think about it—when you want to up your mood, there's something about getting a blowout that can be a real boost. On the other hand, hair thinning also has the ability to do some damage to your self esteem—especially when you don't know where it comes from or how to control it.
No matter your hair type or the products you choose to use on your hair, shampoo is the one product pretty much everyone uses, so it's important to get a really good one if hair loss is a concern of yours. It's always wise to consult a dermatologist if you're really worried about hair loss, but there are some tricks that can prevent hair thinning and loss while helping grow thickness and volume.
Peep a few of the best dermatologist and stylist-recommended shampoos for hair loss, below:
What causes hair loss?
Hair thinning can be caused by a number of factors according to dermatologist Marie Jhin, MD, including (but not limited to):
- aging
- genetics
- diet
- hormones
- trauma and stress
Stress-caused hair loss can even take place up to six months following a stressful event, due to the hair cycle, dermatologist Michelle Green, MD, says.
That said, all the dermatologists and stylists our team spoke to noted that the most common type of hair loss is pattern hair loss—and it's totally natural. Dr. Jhin says that this type of hair thinning affects more than 80 percent of males and 50 percent of females in their lifetime. "Your hair follicles begin to shrink with every growth cycle, causing hair strands to become thinner and more fragile over time," she says. "The truth is, change is an inevitable part of aging and your hair is no different."
Can hair grow back after thinning?
Yes, you can grow thicker hair after it things through your shampoo choice. Some ingredients to avoid (because they can cause scalp irritation or allergic reactions) include sulfates and DMDM Hydantoin, according to Dr. Green and dermatologist Bobby Buka, MD.
As for what shampoos to look for, it's really relative to your hair. Dr. Green recommends a hydrating shampoo with lightweight oils like jojoba, avocado, Argan and coconut oils. "These ingredients help restore shine to the hair and provide hydration for both the hair shafts and scalp," she says.
If that feels like a lot to digest, don't worry. All of the shampoos below come recommended by hairstylists, salon owners, dermatologists, and more. All of them are expert-tested to improve volume, growth, and circulation of the follicles, creating an environment for your hair growth journey to *thrive*.
1.Best For Curly Hair: Not Your Mother’s Curl Talk Shampoo
Not Your Mother's Curl Talk Shampoo and Conditioner
Not Your Mother's Curl Talk Shampoo and Conditioner
Founder of CurlPlanet, a platform that provides advice to those with curly hair, Gaby Longsworth recommends this shampoo for curly hair because it's gentle and clarifying. She loves that it contains growth-enhancing ingredients like rice, keratin, and amino acids, and the price tag of $14 is just the cherry on top.
Rave Review: "It's great for my dry, fine, blonde curls. It's moisturizing but not too heavy and doesn't weigh my hair down."
2. Best For Coils: Shea Moisure’s Coconut Oil Shampoo
Several experts kept bringing up how great coconut oil can be for hair growth, and this shampoo puts the ingredient at the forefront. Longsworth notes that coils need something that's gentle and clarifying, and Shea Moisture's shea butter and aloe-infused shampoo does just that.
Rave Review: "I’ve always had thin hair with a lot of shedding. I switched to this after getting a free sample at Sam’s Club and my hair has never been so healthy! I went from washing every day to once a week and my hair is thicker and way more easy to brush then ever before!"
3. Best For Color-Treated Hair: JVN Embody Shampoo
"Most shampoos can't get you both volume and shiny-looking hair," says hairstylist Roxanne Beltran. "Some usually make hair look dull, but JVN's sulfate-free formula is great for volume while still giving you all the nutrients your hair needs." And, FYI, JVN stands for Jonathan Van Ness—yup, this is his namesake brand. If you can't trust him with your hair, who can you?
Rave Review: "This voluminous shampoo smells great, lathers well, rinses clean, and makes my hair look shiny and full. I’ll definitely re-order!"
4. Best For Dry Hair: Pureology’s Hydrate Sheer Nourishing Shampoo
Pureology Hydrate Sheer Nourishing Shampoo
Pureology Hydrate Sheer Nourishing Shampoo
It's easy to oversaturate dry, thinning hair, and that's why hairstylist Justin Toves-Vincilione recommends Pureology's lightweight, silicone, and sulfate-free shampoo. Bonus: It has thousands of five-star reviews from happy customers.
Rave Review: "This is by far the best shampoo I've ever used! I also use the conditioner which, again, is the best conditioner I've ever used!"
5. Best For A Sensitive Scalp: Briogeo’s Scalp Revival Shampoo
Briogeo Scalp Revival Shampoo
Briogeo Scalp Revival Shampoo
"Naturally derived ingredients help to maintain a healthy scalp environment," says Toves-Vincilione about Briogeo's Scalp Revival Shampoo that's made with 95 percent natural ingredients. "Usually, a healthy scalp environment is the first step to prevent thinning."
Rave Review: "I am actually teary writing this review. I very rarely review item unless they are very good. I only just got these products and have used it for 2 hair wash days! The amount of hair fall has already dropped by 1/4!!! I cried in the shower when I noticed the amount I was so happy! I hope it continues to help and brings my hair slowly back to its normal state!"
6. Best For Oily Hair: Authentic Beauty Concept’s Deep Cleansing Shampoo
Authentic Beauty Concept Deep Cleansing Shampoo
Authentic Beauty Concept Deep Cleansing Shampoo
Toves-Vincilione recommends Authentic Beauty Concept's shampoo to his clients with oily hair because it's the most gently clarifying shampoo he's found. He loves that the formula is vegan, cruelty-free, and packed with tons of natural ingredients like spirulina extract and amino acids.
Rave Review: "It lathers crazy well and you only need a very small amount. Plus, it cleans your hair really well and doesn’t leave it stripped at all. The scent isn’t overbearing and is light and mild. It is a really really good shampoo. This is definitely one I’m going to be repurchasing over and over again."
7. Best For Instant Volume: Living Proof’s Full Shampoo
A Women's Health editor-loved brand, Dr. Kirsch recommends Living Proof's Full Shampoo to any of his clients who have thinning hair and want the instant gratification of some volume. The lightweight formula is safe to be used on color-treated hair, too.
Rave Review: "This shampoo is the first that I have tried that actually works on my fine limp hair, and gives it some volume. It's not a miracle worker, but I definitely notice a difference. It's expensive but it works."
8. Best For A Sensitive Scalp: Seen’s Shampoo
Seen's shampoo is fragrance-free, but Dr. Kirsch especially loves that it also doesn't contain many common irritants and allergens, making it a great pick for his clients who have a sensitive scalp.
Rave Review: "I've never used a product that’s that good and does what it says it does! My hair looks and feels so silky and no more itchy scalp!"
9. Best For Grey Hair: Pantene’s Silver Expressions Purple Shampoo
Dr. Jihn's a fan of Pantene's purple shampoo for grey hair. It's paraben and silicone-free, and is totally affordable at under $20. You'll love that it's infused with lotus flowers that'll make your hair smell divine.
Rave Review: "I've been getting tons of compliments about my hair [since using this shampoo]. It's no longer dingy grey, but bright and shiny."
10. Best Shampoo For Shine: Kristin Ess’ Daily Cleansing Shampoo
Kristin Ess Daily Cleansing Shampoo
Kristin Ess Daily Cleansing Shampoo
Brown's a fan of Kristin Ess' daily cleansing shampoo because it cleanses the hair without stripping it, all while restoring shine and adding volume. It's also fragrance-free, making it a good choice for those with a sensitive scalp.
Rave Review: "I’ve been using the Kristin Ess fragrance free shampoo for about 3 weeks now. With a mix of eczema prone skin, hair loss and protein sensitivity, this shampoo exceeded my expectations. I have fine, wavy hair so the more the slip the better."
11. Most Splurge-Worthy Shampoo: Oribe’s Shampoo For Magnificent Volume
Longing for glossy, healthy hair? Look no further than this strengthening, splurge-worthy formula that Women’s Health editors love, and Brown says will revitalize thinning hair thanks to the formula's healing extracts and oils that include cypress, argan, and maracuja. "It visibly plumps strands and builds body for a fuller look right away," she says.
Rave Review: "The ‘magnificent volume’ on the label does not lie. My hair felt way thicker immediately upon using this shampoo. It stays feeling thicker until the next wash —7-10 days later."
12. Most Lightweight Shampoo: Amika’s 3D Volume Thickening Shampoo
Suitable for everyday use on all hair types, this Brown-approved formula cleanses the hair well without weighing it down, so this is what you'll want to choose if you like to wash your hair frequently. "It leaves each strand feeling more dense right away," says Brown.
Rave Review: "My hair looks so much nicer today [after using the shampoo]. Definitely looks fuller and fluffier. It also seems more manageable like it's not getting messed up as easily."
13. Most Strengthening Shampoo: Ouai Fine Shampoo
"This shampoo is super cleansing and leaves the hair feeling stronger and full of life," says Brown. The formula's infused with all sorts of strengthening ingredients like biotin, keratin, and chia seed oil to name a few.
Rave Review: "A little pricey but well worth it. I’ve tried so many different types of shampoo for fine oily hair and nothing has worked for me until now. Absolutely love this shampoo! My hair looks and feels clean and smells great!"
14. Best For All Hair Types: Davines’ Energizing Shampoo
Hairstylist and salon owner Sal Misseri says that no matter what hair type they're working with, they love using Davines' Energizing Shampoo. The paraben-free formula has hundreds of five-star reviews by people who swear by it for treating hair loss.
Rave Review: "I’ve only used this about five times and I already feel my [is] hair less dry and [has] a smoother finish, plus my scalp [has] less buildup."
15. Best Ayurvedic Shampoo: Ranavat’s Regenerative Shampoo
Misseri touts ashwagandha as an ingredient that's great at supporting hair growth. Ranavat's ayurvedic shampoo contains just that along with tons more ayurvedic ingredients like lotus flower, amla, neem, and jasmine. And yes, all those ingredients will absolutely make your hair smell like a garden.
Rave Review: "This shampoo is such a beautiful addition to my haircare routine! I loved that in spite of being super gentle, it helps remove the oil from my strands and leaves them feeling so soft."
16. Most Popular Shampoo: Olaplex’s No.4 Bond Maintenance
Olaplex No.4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo
Olaplex No.4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo
Salon owner Rachel Shtifter is a big fan of Olaplex's No.4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo, and she's definitely not the only one. She's joined by 52,000 five-star reviewers, many of whom say this product made their hair grow both thicker and longer.
Rave Review: "I have very fine thin dry hair and this works great. My hair feels so soft and smells good after using it. I’m very impressed with this product and highly recommended it!"
17. Best-Smelling Shampoo: Oribe Signature Shampoo
"Oribe's shampoo smells so good that we at the salon even wear their perfume," says Shtifter. But, it's so much more than just a sweet-smelling hair product—she also recommends it to her clients who have sensitive scalps and are experiencing hair loss, saying the brand has the highest quality formulas and ingredients.
Rave Review: "This shampoo is wonderful . You only need a little bit to indulge your senses. My husband keeps telling me how great my hair smells."
18. Most Affordable Shampoo: Shea Moisture’s Intensive Hydration Shampoo
Shea Moisture Intensive Hydration Shampoo
Shea Moisture Intensive Hydration Shampoo
Many volumizing shampoos can strip hair of everything—including moisture—so your hair may feel fuller, but it's also left to be super dry and brittle. This affordable pick by Shea Moisture comes recommended by Shtifter and it uses honey to keep strands silky smooth without the weight so you can have your volume and healthy hair, too.
Rave Review: "Best shampoo ever, leaves my hair soft and hydrated. I will continue to buy this product."
19. Best Hair Scrub: Ameliorate Clarifying Scalp Exfoliant
Ameliorate Clarifying Scalp Exfoliant
Ameliorate Clarifying Scalp Exfoliant
If you sweat often or like to use a lot of hair product, a scrub is a great way to properly cleanse your scalp. But, you'll want to make sure you're getting a good quality one that won't strip your scalp of its good, natural oils. That's where dermatologist Audrey Kunin, MD, recommends Ameliorate's scalp exfoliant. It's great for anyone who suffers from itch, too.
Rave Review: "So far have been impressed. I did have a dry and itchy scalp with excess hair fall and poor hair growth. My scalp feels more comfortable and the itching has reduced tremendously."
20. Best For Dandruff-Prone Hair: DHS Zinc Shampoo
Dr. Kunin recommends DHS' shampoo to her clients with dandruff because it has antifungal zinc in the formula. But, it's also infused with strand-strengthening panthenol.
Rave Review: "I’ve been using exclusively for years. Great lather. A little goes a long way. Very pleased. Highly recommend. Excellent shampoo even if you don’t have a condition."
What can you do to prevent hair thinning?
Truthfully, Dr. Jhin actually says there's technically no medical cure for patterned hair loss, but the good news is that you can definitely take preventative measures that'll help keep thinning to a minimum. Firstly, she says to avoid certain hairstyles like tight braids and ponytails, but it's also super important that you monitor your overall scalp health. "Dandruff or residue build-up can cause inflammation and increase the likelihood of hair loss," she says. "It’s extremely important to start considering your scalp as part of your anti-aging routine. Consistent, ongoing treatment is essential."
And, of course, that's why it's necessary to use a good shampoo. Because you likely use one at least twice a week, prioritize using a shampoo that really takes care of your scalp.
How can you treat thinning hair?
Well, it's likely that because you're here, you're past the preventative stage and are looking to treat hair loss. In addition to a good quality shampoo, celebrity hairstylist and salon owner Alex Brown says it's important to also use hair growth serums, take hair growth vitamins, and incorporate masks and oils in your routine. But, if you're more of a minimalist, she says you'll just want to be sure that your shampoo contains nourishing ingredients like vitamins B5, C, E, and sunflower, almond, soybean, and coconut oils. Musely dermatologist Dr. Brandon Kirsch, MD, seconds that statement, agreeing with Brown.
Neha Tandon is the senior commerce editor of Women's Health—she's an expert in discovering the best products and services you can buy and giving recommendations. She discovered her love for magazines when as a teen, she started stealing her mother's magazines. Determined to see more women who look like her and her family members on the glossy covers of magazines, she was guided by seasoned editors and mentors to write for brands including New York Magazine, Cosmopolitan, BRIDES, Harper's Bazaar, Business Insider, Byrdie, and Well+Good. When she’s not grilling dermatologists about the latest skincare trends, she’s doing candlelit yoga or watching Humphrey Bogart movies over vegan pizza. Follow her on Instagram.
