The 12 Best Shampoos for Thinning Hair of 2023, Tested and Reviewed
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The Briogeo Destined for Density Peptide Shampoo offered some impressive results
People / Jaclyn Mastropasqua
Thinning hair has to be one of the most frustrating haircare woes of all time. From the shedding to the breakage, watching your hair fall can lead you down a rabbit hole of potential hair loss causes. And, while it’s always best to seek advice from a medical professional when finding out the cause of hair loss, adding a nourishing shampoo formula to your haircare routine can support your efforts to healthier strands while also providing a squeaky good cleanse.
“Your hair and scalp care regimen and the products that you use are the foundation of having healthy hair and, even more so, if you are experiencing hair thinning and hair loss,” says Craig Ziering, D.O., F.A.A.D., a board-certified dermatologist, hair transplant surgeon, and owner of Ziering Medical. With this in mind, Ziering says that high-quality shampoo formulas with ingredients that strengthen, moisturize, and balance (such as biotin and caffeine) can help revitalize thinning hair by supporting scalp health. “The scalp is skin and deserves the same attention that your face and body skin needs — that’s why optimal scalp health is always part of the hair growth conversation.”
With this in mind, our PEOPLE Tested team researched 21 popular shampoos for thinning hair and conducted real-world testing over an eight-week period to find out which ones were actually worth the hype. Throughout the testing period, we considered everything from the ingredients and how they support both scalp and hair health, made note of our hair texture, volume, and density, and also considered the overall shampooing experience to find formulas that meet our high-standards. And, as it turns out, some thickening shampoos aren’t at all gimmicky — they really work.
Up ahead, find our top picks for the best shampoos for thinning hair for every hair type and concern.
Best Overall: Briogeo Destined for Density Shampoo
Pros
With regular use, we saw improvement in overall density as well as some regrowth on areas of concern.
It provides hair with a boost of nourishment, which supports shine and texture.
We saw some results almost immediately.
Cons
It’s relatively pricey for 8 oz. of product (but we did find that you don't need to use a lot of product to reap the benefits).
After testing several formulas, none quite compared to the Briogeo Destined for Density Peptide Shampoo. We tested this formula on dry, thinning hair and saw almost immediate results (which only got better with time). Formulated with an energy complex consisting of caffeine, CoQ10, and green coffee oil to invigorate the scalp, zinc for protecting the hair follicles, biotin for hair strengthening, and copper peptides for a healthy hair life cycle, this potent shampoo for thinning hair targets hair loss by boosting nutrients, improving density, and supporting regrowth.
When testing this Briogeo shampoo, we noticed a change in our hair volume almost immediately and, with regular use, our hair looked and felt thicker, too. We also saw regrowth on some of the areas of concern after just a few weeks, and our hair overall looked much healthier thanks to a softer texture and added shine.
While it is a little on the pricey side (especially for only 8 oz. of formula), the results are well worth the investment. Plus, a little bit of formula goes a long way, so you won’t run out of this as fast as you might think.
Price at time of publish: $30.40 (orig. $32)
Size: 8 oz. | Key Ingredients: Energy complex, zinc, copper peptides, biotin | Hair Type: All
People / Jaclyn Mastropasqua
Best Overall, Less Expensive: Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Scalp Care Regeniplex Shampoo
Pros
With regular use, our strands appeared fuller and thicker and we experienced less hair fallout.
We saw less hair fall in the shower in just the first wash.
It has a nice lather that makes application a bit easier.
Cons
Due to the tea tree, it has a slight tingling sensation during application, which may not be ideal for those with more sensitive scalps.
We also loved the Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Scalp Care Anti-Thinning Shampoo for a less expensive option. Formulated with clover flower, Kakadu plum, pea peptides, turmeric, ginseng, and tea tree, this invigorating shampoo provides a refreshing wash to all hair types, especially those with thinning hair.
The shampoo is designed to boost volume and texture while also protecting against further thinning — and we totally reaped its benefits. After just one wash, we saw less hair fall in the shower (and this trend continued with regular use). And, once dried, we experienced less shedding as well as thicker and fuller-looking hair. The shampoo also has a nice lather, which made the application process so much easier and ensured a thorough cleanse every time.
Since the shampoo features tea tree, it has a little bit of a tingling sensation while washing, so keep that in mind if you have a sensitive scalp.
Price at time of publish: $25
Size: 10.14 oz. | Key Ingredients: Clover flower, Kakadu plum, pea peptides, turmeric, ginseng, tea tree | Hair Type: All, especially thinning hair
People / Taylor Fox
Best Budget: Mielle Rosemary Mint Strengthening Shampoo
Pros
With consistent use, we saw regrow on thinning areas.
The shampoo is formulated with biotin, which supports stronger, healthier strands.
It doubles as a de-frizzing formula and leaves our hair looking much smoother after testing.
Cons
It has a minty scent that some might not prefer.
You don’t need to spend a lot of money on shampoo formulas to get impressive results—and this couldn’t be more true for the Mielle Rosemary Mint Strengthening Shampoo, which only costs around $10 for a 12-oz. bottle. Price aside, this formula actually comes with some impressive results.
Formulated with biotin, the shampoo formula supports thinning strands by promoting stronger and healthier hair all around. With regular use, we saw some regrowth on some of the thinning areas, especially around our part and hairline which had some patchiness, and we experienced much less hair fall, too. The formula also has impressive de-frizzing properties that left our hair looking and feeling silkier, smoother, and shinier.
Price at time of publish: $9.49 (orig. $9.99)
Size: 12 oz. | Key Ingredients: Biotin | Hair Type: All
People / Masego Manamela
Best Conditioning: Kérastase Densifique Bain Densité Shampoo
Pros
It’s enriched with hyaluronic acid, gluco peptide, and ceramides to support hydration and overall hair health.
With regular use, our hair felt thicker (even our hairstylist noticed!).
Since the formula is thick and creamy, it’s easy to spread all over strands for full coverage.
Cons
Other than the relatively high price, we didn't have any complaints or concerns about this shampoo!
For ultra-dry strands that need some extra love, we recommend the Kerastase Densifique Thickening Shampoo, which is formulated with a blend of hyaluronic acid, gluco peptide, and ceramides to support hair nourishment and leave strands feelings silkier, softer, and shinier.
While testing this formula for a few weeks, we saw significant improvement in the overall thickness of hair — our hairstylist even commented on the texture! — and our hair looked and felt a lot healthier thanks to the added nutrients.
Since the thick and creamy shampoo formula spreads so easily, you only need a little bit of product, which may make the higher price worth the investment for some.
Price at time of publish: $40
Size: 8.4 oz. | Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, gluco peptide, ceramides | Hair Type: Thinning hair
Best for Oily Hair: BondiBoost HG Shampoo for Thinning Hair
Pros
It’s formulated with hydrating ingredients that support healthy hair without weighing it down with excess oil.
It has a light yet invigorating rosemary scent.
We experienced much less hair fall after regular use of this formula.
Cons
We found that it doesn’t lather as well as other shampoos we tested.
For oily hair types, reach for the BondiBoost HG Shampoo for Thinning Hair. Formulated with lightweight yet hydrating ingredients such as aloe vera, peppermint, saw palmetto, and rosemary, the formula is designed to support hair hydration without promoting excess sebum production or weighing down strands.
These ingredients are also known for improving hair growth over time, making them a powerhouse blend for thinning hair. After a few weeks of testing this formula out, we experienced much less hair fall than usual and our hair looked a lot shinier (but not in a greasy way) with a little less frizz, too. Our only complaint is it doesn't lather as well as some other shampoos we tested, which can make application a bit harder.
Price at time of publish: $23.99
Size: 10.14 oz. | Key Ingredients: Aloe vera, peppermint, saw palmetto, rosemary | Hair Type: Normal to oily
People / Nellah Mcgough
Best for Shine: R+Co Dallas Biotin Thickening Shampoo
Pros
With regular use, our hair texture improved, and our strands appeared much shinier.
Our hair looked fuller, and the style held for longer when using this shampoo.
It has a nice lather, and you only need a quarter-size amount, so a little goes a long way.
Cons
It’s a little expensive for 8.5 oz. of product compared to other options we tested.
When testing out the R+Co Dallas Biotin Thickening Shampoo, we were impressed by how much shinier our hair looked after washing and styling. The R+Co shampoo is formulated with a blend of hair ingredients that support healthy strands and promote growth, including biotin, pro-vitamin B5, saw palmetto berry extract, coconut oil, and loquat fruit, which nourish and moisturize strands while actively getting rid of dirt and debris.
Throughout the testing period, we also noticed how much fuller our hair looked and that our style would hold for longer, which we believe was likely due to all of the hydrating and health-enhancing ingredients — our hair overall seemed much happier and had some nice bounce to it. While it is a little on the expensive side (especially for 8.5 oz. of product), it lathers nicely, and you only need to use about a quarter-sized amount, so a little goes a long way.
Price at time of publish: $34
Size: 8.5 oz. | Key Ingredients: Biotin, pro-vitamin B5, saw palmetto berry extract, coconut oil, loquat fruit extract | Hair Type: Thin, fine hair
People / Ciara O Grady
Best Strengthening: shu uemerua Izumi Tonic Strenghtening & Thickening Rice Water Shampoo
Buy at Shuuemuraartofhair-usa.com
Pros
This formula helped strengthen our strands after postpartum hair loss.
Formulated with rice water, it can help with cuticle damage and improve hair volume over time.
The shampoo lathers well, so you don’t have to scrub too much to get good coverage.
Cons
It didn't target frizz as much as we would have liked.
At $52, it's one of the more expensive shampoos we tested.
Our top pick for the best-strengthening shampoo for thinning hair is the shu uemerua Izumi Tonic Strenghtening and Thickening Rice Water Shampoo. As its name suggests, this shampoo is enhanced with rice water, which is known for its ability to revive hair cuticles after damage and improve hair volume over time.
We tested this shampoo formula against postpartum hair loss and found it did an excellent job of strengthening strands for less breakage (though we wish it helped with frizz control a bit more). In addition to its strengthening formula, the shampoo has a nice lather so you can easily spread it across your strands. It also rinses out very easily, leaving hair feeling ultra-soft and deeply cleansed.
Price at time of publish: $52
Size: 10 oz. | Key Ingredients: Rice water | Hair Type: All, especially thinning
People / Ciara O Grady
Best for Color-Treated Hair: Fable & Mane HoliRoots Hydrating Shampoo
Pros
We noticed our hair color lasted longer while using this shampoo.
After washing and styling, our hair looked fuller and more voluminous.
It lathers well, making it easy to apply all over without using too much product.
We found that the formula is also gentle enough to use on sensitive scalps.
Cons
We felt that it took a little longer to rinse out compared to some other shampoos we tested.
If you have light color-treated hair and are looking for a formula that can keep hair brighter and more healthy-looking for longer, consider the Fable & Mane HoliRoots Hydrating Shampoo.
While testing this formula, our hair color appeared to last longer, and our strands looked and felt much more hydrated and healthier. The shampoo features lots of nourishing ingredients, including aloe and coconut oil for moisture and tiger herb to support keratin and we saw their effects shine through (literally) when styling our hair, as we were able to achieve a fuller and more voluminous style after every wash.
While it takes a little bit of time to rinse the formula out, the shampoo has a really nice lather that makes it easier to spread evenly throughout strands for full coverage. Additionally, its formula doesn’t irritate sensitive scalps, making it a good alternative for gentle shampoo formulas.
Price at time of publish: $30
Size: 8.5 oz. | Key Ingredients: Tiger herb, coconut, aloe | Hair Type: Dry, thinning
People / Meehan Brown
Best for Frizz: Arkive Headcare All Day Everyday Shampoo
Pros
After the eight-week testing period, we experienced less breakage and shedding, which helped keep frizz at bay.
The shampoo leaves hair with a silky, shiny finish.
It has a light scent that is pleasant butnot too overpowering.
Cons
Because it doesn't lather as well as others we tested, you might need to use more formula to get it to spread evenly (especially if you have long hair).
If you want to tackle frizz while also targeting thinning hair, consider the Arkive Headcare All Day Everyday Shampoo. While testing this formula for eight weeks, we experienced less breakage and shedding, which helped decrease the frizz we experienced when styling.
Additionally, the shampoo leaves hair with a silky, shiny finish that looks like you used a frizz control without actually using one. While it wasn’t a deal-breaker for us, we wish the formula lathered a little more. Our tester who tried this shampoo out has longer hair and noted that because it doesn’t have a great lather, it takes a little extra product to spread on the hair and get full coverage while cleansing.
Price at time of publish: $16
Size: 8.5 oz. | Key Ingredients: Baobab protein | Hair Type: All
People / Kennedy Vogel
Best for Heat-Damaged Hair: superzero Strengthening & Scalp Stimulating Shampoo for Thinning Hair
Pros
After eight weeks of testing, our heat-damaged hair looked a lot healthier and fuller.
The shampoo is very gentle on the scalp, yet still gives a good deep cleanse.
Despite being a soap bar, it lathers and spreads very easily.
Cons
Since it’s a shampoo bar, there may be a bit of a learning curve when trying it out for the first time.
The superzero Strengthening & Scalp Stimulated Shampoo for Thinning Hair is a shampoo bar designed to minimize waste while also targeting thinning hair.
Throughout the eight-week testing period, one of our testers — who experienced damage from both heat styling and bleach — noticed a significant improvement in their overall hair health, noting that their strands looked much fuller and healthier compared to the beginning of the testing period. This is likely due to the ingredient lineup, which includes a bond builder, triolein, vegan keratin, caffeine, rosemary oil, menthol, and alma extract to provide deep, healing nourishment to damaged hair while also creating a cleaner and healthier scalp environment to promote hair growth.
Speaking of the scalp, this shampoo is also a fantastic alternative for those looking for a deep yet gentle cleanse, as it’s one step down from a deeply clarifying shampoo formula, providing that same debris lift without the potential stripping of natural oils.
Price at time of publish: $28
Size: 2.15 oz. | Key Ingredients: Bond builder, triolein, vegan keratin, caffeine, rosemary oil, menthol, alma extract | Hair Type: All
People / Chantia Murphy
Best for Volume: Nioxin Cleanser Shampoo System 1
Pros
Our hair looked so much fuller after using this shampoo formula — and the volume lasts for multiple days.
We noticed our hair stayed cleaner for longer.
After the testing period, we noticed much less breakage, as well.
Cons
It has a minty scent that some might not prefer.
The Nioxin Cleanser Shampoo is one of the best shampoos for thinning hair because it actually creates a ton of volume and helps create the illusion of thicker, fuller hair.
While testing this shampoo formula out, we were immediately impressed by the results and, after just a few weeks, saw even more improvement. We noticed that our hair looked fuller after washing and styling, and that volume even lasted until the next day. After the eight-week testing period, we also noticed that there was much less breakage and that our hair would stay cleaner for longer, too.
Price at time of publish: $23
Size: 10.14 oz. | Key Ingredients: Peppermint oil | Hair Type: Fine
People / Amanda Klein
What to Look for in Shampoos for Thinning Hair
Ingredients
The ingredients in a shampoo formula matter and this couldn’t be more true for those designed specifically with thinning hair in mind. “Disinfectant molecules such as carnosic acid from rosemary or terpinene-4-ol from tea tree oil help to control microbial overgrowth and promote good bacteria so that the balding scalp is free from issues of bad microbes,” says Dr. Sanjay Batra, a PRP, exosomes, hair loss, and regenerative expert and co-founder of WeThrivv. “If your shampoo contains these disinfectant ingredients, it will become a medicine for your scalp.” In addition to these ingredients, Ziering says to also look for biotin and caffeine in your shampoo formula as these can support scalp health while also strengthening and revitalizing the strands.
If you want to try a formula with rosemary, consider our top pick for the best budget-friendly shampoo, the Mielle Rosemary Mint Strengthening Shampoo. For tea tree oil, we were also impressed by the Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Scalp Care Anti-Thinning Shampoo, which also has a refreshing and tingling sensation, thanks to the added ingredient. Our top pick for the best shampoo for thinning hair, the Briogeo Destined for Density Peptide Shampoo, features caffeine in its ingredient lineup, as does the superzero Strengthening & Scalp Stimulated Shampoo for Thinning Hair.
Hair Type
While many hair-thinning shampoos are formulated for those with thin or fine hair, it’s worth considering additional hair type factors and looking for formulas designed for normal, dry, or oily scalps. This can ensure that your scalp and strands receive the nutrients they need, whether it be an added boost of moisture or some lightweight hydration that won’t weigh strands down.
How We Tested
To find the best shampoos for thinning hair, we researched dozens of formulas before selecting 21 products to test. From there, our PEOPLE Tested team conducted at-home testing over the course of eight weeks, carefully documenting their experiences with every wash.
Throughout this period, we looked at how well each formula lathered and how much product was required for even coverage, what the shampoo felt like on the scalp while washing, and how easily the formulas rinsed out. We also considered how voluminous hair looked while styling, if the shampoo formulas helped with frizz control, and how smooth and shiny hair appeared after each wash.
As the weeks progressed, we began to take note of the effects of the shampoos, considering any improvements such as increased density or less hair fall, to get an idea of their progress. From there, they continued to note their experiences through the end of the eight-week period before compiling all of our notes together to compare each formula.
When the testing period concluded, we rated each formula against the following testing attributes: ease of use, performance/effectiveness, cleansing ability, scent, and overall results. The products with the highest average scores earned a spot on this PEOPLE Tested list of the best shampoos for thinning hair.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do hair thinning shampoos really work?
“The right hair thinning shampoo can support hair health, thickness, luster, and shine,” says Ziering. Although shampoos for thinning hair might not target the cause of hair loss altogether, Ziering notes that they are an importing starting point for addressing hair loss and can even maximize the appearance of your hair. “Depending on the ingredients, they play a key role in cleansing your scalp, removing built-up sebum, excessive oil, and dirt, and some might stimulate hair growth,” Ziering adds.
Can hair grow back after thinning?
Depending on the cause, strands can definitely grow back after thinning. “With proper care, a heathy routine, and professional treatments, thinning hair can improve in density and volume,” says Dr. Howard Sobel, a clinical dermatologic surgeon at Lenox Hill Hospital.
However, in order for hair to grow back, Sobel says identifying the cause is most important as this can inform the best treatment. And, while shampoos for thinning hair can certainly support healthier hair, they might not target thinning hair on their own as some causes of thinning hair require medical attention in order to truly reverse.
What shampoo do dermatologists recommend for thinning hair?
When shopping for the best shampoos for thinning hair, Sobel says to “look for shampoos that contain naturally active and antioxidant-rich ingredients like caffeine, green tea, saw palmetto, peptides, and amino acids.”
The Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Scalp Care Anti-Thinning Shampoo, which features nourishing ingredients (including tea tree for invigorating the scalp), is one of his personal favorites. Our top pick for the best shampoo for oily hair, the BondiBoost HG Shampoo for Thinning Hair, also includes some of these hair health-supporting ingredients including saw palmetto and rosemary. Our top pick for the best overall shampoo for thinning hair, the Briogeo Destined for Density Peptide Shampoo, features caffeine in its ingredient list.
Take Our Word For It
Jessie Quinn is a contributing commerce writer for PEOPLE and has written for publications such as Byrdie, InStyle, The Spruce, NYLON, and more. When covering the best shampoos for thinning hair, Jessie researched each formula on the PEOPLE Tested team’s list and carefully reviewed their notes to learn more about each product experience. She looked for formulas that not only gave impressive results for hair density and volume but also looked at additional perks like shine and improved texture, too. Additionally, Jessie reached out to top haircare experts Dr. Craig Ziering, Dr. Sanjay Batra, and Dr. Howard Sobel to learn more about shampoos for thinning hair, including what to look for and what to know about the potential benefits.
Our Experts
Dr. Craig Ziering, D.O., F.A.A.D., is a board-certified dermatologist, hair transplant surgeon, and owner of Ziering Medical.
Dr. Sanjay Batra is a PRP, exosomes, hair loss, and regenerative expert and co-founder of WeThrivv.
Dr. Howard Sobel is a clinical dermatologic surgeon at Lenox Hill Hospital.
What Is PEOPLE Tested?
We created the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval to help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs.
But we don’t stop there: We also regularly re-review the categories in which we’ve awarded the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval — because the best product of today might not be the best of tomorrow. And by the way, companies can never buy our recommendation: Their products must earn it, fair and square.
In short, PEOPLE Tested provides recommendations you can trust — every day, every purchase.
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