Our top picks for hair loss include Olaplex, Ouai, and Briogeo.

Published Jun 23, 2025 10:55 AM 

Tired of Losing Hair? Here’s What You Can Do

It can be really disheartening to notice your hair thinning or watch unanticipated hair loss occur—but you’re far from alone. According to the Cleveland Clinic, more than half of all women will experience some hair loss in their lifetime. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to manage hair loss.

There are many reasons for hair shedding, from hormonal fluctuations, high levels of stress, scalp issues like dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis, or even genetic factors. Since the underlying cause will be different for each person, the first and most important step is making an appointment with a dermatologist. A dermatologist will be able to identify the specific issue and help steer you in the right direction for treatment.

If you’re looking to accompany your prescribed treatment, there are some complementary products you may want to give a try. There are several products, like red light therapy devices, hair-strengthening supplements, or scalp shampoos designed for thinning hair, that can help you get back to thicker healthier strands.

Perhaps you’re dubious—can a shampoo really help? According to Dr. James Kilgour, MD, dermatologist, yes! “There are some very specific core properties included in some shampoos that can drastically improve” hair health.

Do Hair Loss Shampoos Really Work? Here’s What You Need to Know

Hair loss shampoos don’t perform miracles, but most shampoos will help in on way or another. These shampoos are not intended to make you grow hair, but they can help you keep hair, increase hair volume (if looking for a thicker feel), or facilitate a healthy scalp environment.

An effective anti-hair loss shampoo can facilitate some level of cleansing effect on the scalp by eliminating any excessive oil, dirt, buildup, or dandruff – all of which can congest the follicle encouraging hair shedding. Clean and balanced scalp help maintain healthy hair over time.

It is important to set our expectations correctly on what it can do. “Shampoos are rinse off products. There are limits to how they can make new hair grow,” says Dr. Kilgour. But since shampoo is a product we use every day or every other day, if you have noticed a reduction in hair density it may make sense to swap in a shampoo specifically targeted for thinning or aging hair.

To sum up, shampoo alone will not fix all your hair loss problems, but they can potentially help you maintain some scalp health and give your hair a healthier fuller appearance.

Ingredients

The Best Ingredients to Seek Out in Thinning Hair Shampoos, as Recommended by Dermatologists

Everybody wants healthy hair and keeping the scalp hydrated is one of the best ways to ensure healthy hair. Look for ingredients that hydrate, such as hyaluronic acid which seals moisture, and glycerin which attracts moisture from the environment and deeper layers of skin to help keep the scalp moisturized. If your strands are fragile or brittle, consider looking for a peptide because they help with structure, and keratin can help strengthen the hair shaft while reducing breakage. As a result, both will help your hair gradually look fuller and healthier.

If you’re experiencing hair loss related to hormones, look for shampoos with ketoconazole. Dr. Marisa Garshick, a board-certified dermatologist, noted that ketoconazole shampoos appear to be beneficial in patients with androgenic hair loss since ketoconazole is an antifungal that treats dandruff caused by malassezia. Dr. Kilgour recommends ketoconazole and recognizes that it treats and targets the same yeast.

Essential oils can also be good partners to help you thicken hair. The best shampoos will have anti-inflammatory oils like rosemary oil, coconut oil, macadamia nut oil, and tea tree oil. These are useful for alleviating any irritation, nourishing the scalp, and working towards healthier hair follicles, says dermatologist, Dr. Jennifer Baron.

More than likely these shampoos will be included in a thicker hair plan, think about supplements that include biotin, niacin (Vitamin B3), vitamin E, and saw palmetto. These types of ingredients help with shine, increasing moisture in the scalp as well as the strands, and overall hair vitality, Dr. Michelle Green recommends.

It’s equally important to eliminate ingredients that could cause negative effects. No matter your skin’s sensitivities, you should be aware of ingredients that can be problematic, such as sulfates, phthalates, synthetic fragrances, parabens, and silicones, some preservatives. Dermatologist Dr. Jeanette Graff adds that these types of ingredients can create inflammation on the scalp and can create a barrier to beneficial ingredients entering the hair shaft. Another ingredient to keep an eye out for is DMDM hydantoin, which is a preservative that releases formaldehyde and can create sensitivity, reports Dr. Bobby Buka.

Finding a good shampoo that meets your hair and scalp needs can be impactful when it comes to thinning hair and will help you on the road to long-term scalp health.

Hair Type

Choosing the Right Shampoo for Your Hair Type: A Personalized Hair Care Guide

Not all hair is the same, and your shampoo should address your unique needs. Dr. Kilgour says that people with curly hair or frizzy hair should avoid the harshness of a clarifying shampoo. If you have finer hair or weak ends, sulfate-free products with silicones to reduce breakage are the best choices because curly hair needs moisture – and a sulfate-free shampoo with silicones will provide that moisture and still reduce breakage!

If you have oily or heavy hair, a clarifying shampoo can be used to remove build-up and excess oil, as this can make hair follicles appear fuller and help hair feel voluminous.

If you have a sensitive scalp and skin, you should opt for the gentlest, fragrance-free forms of shampoo to limit irritation. If you have flaking, you would use an anti-dandruff shampoo. If you experience dryness or itchiness from a dry scalp, Dr. Kilgour recommends moisturizing agents like hyaluronic acid and glycerin while avoiding sulphates which may further aggravate any dryness.

Ultimately, addressing the type of your scalp and hair with your shampoo can make a huge difference in health and appearance.

Our Selection Process

Choosing the Right Shampoo for Your Hair Type: A Personalized Hair Care Guide

Not all hair is the same, and your shampoo should address your unique needs. Dr. Kilgour says that people with curly hair or frizzy hair should avoid the harshness of a clarifying shampoo. If you have finer hair or weak ends, sulfate-free products with silicones to reduce breakage are the best choices because curly hair needs moisture – and a sulfate-free shampoo with silicones will provide that moisture and still reduce breakage!

If you have oily or heavy hair, a clarifying shampoo can be used to remove build-up and excess oil, as this can make hair follicles appear fuller and help hair feel voluminous.

If you have a sensitive scalp and skin, you should opt for the gentlest, fragrance-free forms of shampoo to limit irritation. If you have flaking, you would use an anti-dandruff shampoo. If you experience dryness or itchiness from a dry scalp, Dr. Kilgour recommends moisturizing agents like hyaluronic acid and glycerin while avoiding sulphates which may further aggravate any dryness.

Ultimately, addressing the type of your scalp and hair with your shampoo can make a huge difference in health and appearance.

Editors and Doctors Put It to the Test—Across All Hair Types, for 12 Months

As a beauty editor, part of my job has a lot to do with helping to get rid of misleading ideas about beauty from communicating with dermatologists, as well as providing our readers with good, usable information on product recommendations. While I have not personally had to deal with thinning hair, I wanted to curate an extensive resource for all of those who do – which is why I consulted dermatologists who have experience with hair thinning and restoration. The dermatologists gave me their tried-and-true shampoo recommendations, some they use personally, other products, they said many of their patients have loved.

In order to create a diverse list of options, I researched tons of highly rated shampoos on Amazon, went through our beauty team’s products, and I spoke to the experts about ingredients to look for in a thinning-hair formula. I also made it a priority to test any new product launches as they were released into the market to see if the different companies may deliver on their promises.

For optimal and fair testing, our beauty team, which comprised beauty director Brian Underwood, associate style commerce editor Lily Wohlner, and beauty contributor Sabrina Talbert, all tested multiple shampoos for their hair types. Underwood tested his knowledge of straight hair, Wohlner had experience with wavy hair, and Talbert

Top-Rated Shampoos Backed by Noticeable Results

In our decision to consult dermatologists, we focused on identifying ingredients that satisfy a broad range of hair types, and understood though manufacturers may make recommendations, dermatologists often have a higher level of expertise in products that work for specific hair types. Additionally, we took into consideration whether or not shampoos were good at removing product build-up and protecting the hair after being subjected to different types of water such as fresh, salty and chlorinated. We noted how our hair was feeling post workout— particularly following intensive HIIT workouts and long-distance runs, and how often we needed to wash it. Finally, clean hair scalp and volume were measures that we focused on over the year-long trial period as we monitored progress. Thinning hair was a further big concern amongst our team, so we honed in on products that offered protection to lessen loss both post wash in shower, and through styles with brushes and heated tools throughout the day.

Our Top Pick: Olaplex No.4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo for Strengthening Thinning, Brittle Hair

Olaplex No.4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo is our top recommendation for a multitude of reasons. To begin with, it has outstanding ingredients—including glycerin and coconut-derived surfactants—ingredients that hair care therapists often say are “kinder” to the hair, and therefore are more effective than some traditional cleansers. The formula is pH balanced and free of sulfates, phthalates, silicones, or/or parabens, and it is safe for color-treated hair.

For persons with both thinning hair and weak/thin hair, you can find some bond-repair shampoo, including products like the Olaplex’s bond-maintenance shampoo product, expansive options to help strengthen the hair that already exists. This formula is effective for cleansing both the scalp and hair. In addition to cleansing, it contains elements that help fortify weak strands and provide the hair with hydration, plus other nutrients. Dr. Kilgour is a regular user and strong supporter of the product, saying it works as intended. He especially loves that it contains amodimethicone, which is a lightweight conditioning agent that increases hair comb ability vs greasiness. “This shampoo helps to preserve the integrity and fullness of your existing hair, instead of growing new hair,” he says. His other noteworthy point: “It helps keep hair strong and structured.”

Another loyal user, Underwood, is just as complimentary. “My hair is pretty thick overall but I’ve noticed my hair thinning around the crown,” he says. “I like the shampoo because it feels thick and creamy. It cleans my hair without leaving it stripped or dry. I blow dry my hair regularly, and I have noticed this shampoo leaves my hair feeling less dry and brittle after styling than my previous go-to brand. I can tell my hair has more strength.”

If you are looking for a shampoo that combats thinning and fragility without harsh ingredients that you can use regularly, this one is worth a place in your hair care routine.

If Your Curls Are Feeling Lifeless, This Shower-Friendly Shampoo Can Help

If your curls have been dry or unexciting, we found a great shampoo that is packed with ingredients that are known to aid hair health and growth, including rice protein, keratin, and amino acids, all for $11. “This shampoo works great on all curl patterns. It is gentle and cleanses your curls while preserving moisture,” says Dr. Brendan Camp, MD, a board-certified dermatologist.

With continued use, it can help minimize frizz, improve curl definition, and boost volume without flattening your hair. Because it’s lightweight, your curls will feel bouncy rather than heavy or droopy. The consistency is very thin, which is a downside for people with tight curls who with require something richer and more hydrating for their hair.

Color-Treated? This Lightweight Shampoo Revives Without Flattening

When you dye your hair, the hair often feels dry and is often responsible for the way your color looks. A color-treated fine hair that’s also dry means you might need a lightweight shampoo. Pureology’s lightweight shampoo is an option that is formulated to nourish dry hair without taking volume from your style with powerful ingredients like moisturizing jojoba oil, and calming botanical extracts of sage and green tea.

The pleasant smell of lavender, eucalyptus, and bergamot creates a pleasant, almost spa-like experience in your hair wash routine. Wohlner, a wellness guru whose super fine, thirsty hair can often come off limp, says she loves this shampoo. It helped her hair appear shinier and fuller, lasted three months, and helped to keep oil tangles at bay without making her roots greasy. In the summer months, she uses it twice per day to maintain a fresh, clean, and full-feeling head of hair.

Dr. Camp says this shampoo contains hair-strengthening ingredients like biotin, keratin, and chia seed oil. For those who may not know, biotin is an important nutrient for facilitating keratin production, which is necessary for hair strength and flexibility. Chia seed oil is high in protein which helps promote body and fullness.

If you have fine or limp hair, you’ll love this formula’s ability to clean excess oil. Oil on the roots can weigh hair down and make limp strands appear even flatter! With this shampoo, you will be able to clean off all residue buildup and maintain a cleaner, uplifted style, which ultimately allows you to stretch out the days between washes. After using this shampoo, hair feels clean, soft, and has a noticeable (lightweight) body!). It is worth the big splurge if you’re looking for body without the heavy weight!

One not so great feature: its fragrance. It is a strong floral fragrance and very heavy with rose oil. If you love a strong rose scent (and you are a fan of Ouai’s rose perfume), you might like this scent. But if you are like me and would prefer less floral fragrance options, I would definitely check out something more subtle instead.

Although it may seem contradictory, the fact that your scalp potentially produces oil, also known as sebum, is a positive aspect of its health. Sebum nourishes your hair, giving a shiny, moisturized, healthy appearance. But when sebum production is heightened, it can leave your hair heavy, greasy, and flat. Dr. Garshick explains that “excess oil on the scalp can cause buildup and worsen scalp conditions that contribute to hair thinning or hair shedding.” This buildup can also cause common problems like dandruff, which cause the itch that can contribute to shedding. A scalp that is too oily can clog pores, which could lead to scalp acne, which in more severe or inflamed conditions of scalp acne, could cause scarring and hair loss.

If you’re interested in removing oil buildup and putting your scalp back in balance, or if you want to start a hair restoration or growth journey, something to try is Briogeo’s Scalp Revival Micro-Exfoliating Shampoo. This product contains charcoal, along with gentle exfoliating micro-particles to cleanse your scalp while dissolving during the washing process. Scalp Revival will help dislodge build-up and unclog your follicles. It contains a fusion of cooling coconut, tea tree, and peppermint oils, for an extra-deep cool cleansing and nourishment for an even healthier scalp and hair.

However, just keep in mind that this clarifying shampoo isn’t meant for every hair type/situation. For anyone with fragile hair, especially thin hair .

If your hair is desperate for moisture, this budget-friendly shampoo is a game changer. It features Manuka honey—a natural humectant that pulls moisture into the hair—which makes hair soft, manageable, and smooth to the touch. The sulfate-free shampoo is not only gentle (it is sulfate-free), but incredibly effective as well, and it is formulated with nourishing shea butter and soothing aloe vera leaf juice to restore life to your dry and damaged hair. Dr. Camp explains that the formulation was designed to work together in unison to help soften and revitalize hair.

The main difference in this formulation is the addition of mafura oil, a nutrient-dense emollient that reduces breakage—especially important for anyone trying to grow their hair out. Shoppers on Amazon are especially thrilled as they talk about how much better their hair feels in terms of texture and density—and they got it for a great value. As of right now, there are more than 9,530 reviews and it ha a solid 4.5-star average, so you know it is a popular product.

Of course, it will not be for everyone. If you have an oily scalp, or are looking for a deep cleansing volumizing wash, this may be too moisturizing for you, so be cautious! While it produces a nice lather, you will not have the same “squeaky clean” feel that some of the clarifying products might give you.

Related storieshttps://monikaonlinee.com/best-supplements-for-hair-growth/

BEST SUPPLEMENTS FOR HAIR GROWTH