Best Shampoos for Thinning Hair
Menopause, stress, poor diet, family history, and thyroid issues can all increase the rate of hair loss for midlife women. In fact, female pattern baldness affects over 40% of women by the age of 50. My own thinning hair is a combination of these, so I’m always on the lookout for products that will make my hair look fuller. I decided to compile a list of the best shampoos for thinning hair, including a list of products I’ve tried myself because I know from first-hand experience that hair loss and thinning hair are brutal on a woman’s self-confidence.
I’ve been documenting my own journey with thinning hair on the blog for several years, so here are some other posts if you want to dive deeper into the topic:
- Causes & Treatment for Thinning Hair in Women Over 50
- Haircare Products I Use For My Over 50 Thinning Hair
- How I Add Volume to My Thinning Hair
- The Zuvi Infrared Hair Dryer I’m Trying For My Thinning Hair
Shampoos for Thinning Hair I Have Used
Nizoral Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
Using a ketoconazole shampoo like Nizoral every few days will help reduce inflammation of the hair follicles. The active ingredient can also reduce the production of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the scalp. DHT is a hormone that can contribute to hair loss in both men and women. By reducing the amount of DHT in the scalp, ketoconazole shampoos like Nizoral can potentially help to slow or even reverse hair loss.
Hair Biology Full & Vibrant Set
I really enjoyed using this shampoo and conditioner from Hair Biology. The shampoo felt very gentle on my hair and didn’t leave it with that “stripped” feeling. It’s also safe for color-treated hair. The Volumizing Conditioner gives hair lightweight nourishment for the body and softness without making my hair limp. My favorite product, however, was their Thickening Treatment, which can be used on wet or dry hair. At one point, Hair Biology was exclusively sold at Target, but now you can find it on Amazon, Walmart, and other retail stores and websites.
Nioxin
Back in 2015, I had a horrific bout of hair shedding and was looking for anything that would help me achieve a fuller, healthier head of hair. I tried this Nioxin shampoo, conditioner, and treatment system for a few months, and I did notice an improvement in the overall health of my hair and scalp. However, I ultimately decided to stick with using Rogaine instead, which has the same active ingredient as the Nioxin treatment system. I found that Rogaine was more effective for me personally, but I know that everyone’s hair is different, and what works for one person may not work for another. If you’re struggling with thinning hair, I would definitely recommend giving Nioxin a try to see if it works for you. When shopping, please note that this product pictured is for natural hair. If you have colored hair, you can find the color-safe version here.
Other Highly Rated Shampoos for Thinning Hair
Vegamour GRO
I just using and am enjoying the Vegamour Gro Hair Serum for Thinning Hair, so I’ve had my eye on their GRO Revitalizing shampoo and conditioner. The brand states that it’s clinically shown to increase the appearance of hair density by up to 52% and promises 76% less shedding in as soon as 90 days. I love that this product uses the power of plant-active ingredients to combat hair thinning and promote growth. I also like that the brand is cruelty-free and vegan.
Kerastase Shampoo and Conditioner
The Kérastase Densifique line includes a shampoo, conditioner, and Densimorphose Hair Mousse that are formulated with a range of active ingredients, including hyaluronic acid and gluco-peptides, that are designed to nourish and strengthen the hair. This line is a popular choice among those who are looking for a solution to thinning hair, as it is formulated to help add volume and thickness to the hair. While I haven’t personally tried the Kérastase Densifique products, I’ve heard and read great things about them.
Pura D’or
This Anti Hair-Thinning Biotin Shampoo and Deep Moisturizing Biotin Conditioner from Pura D’or are another set that I’ve read great things about! Created with a proprietary blend of 17 key active ingredients, organic extracts, and essential nutrients, these products work together to boost hair strength, resist breakage, increase volume, and thicken hair. Additionally, these products are free from harsh chemicals, environmentally responsible, hypo-allergenic, vegan, and cruelty-free, making them a great choice for anyone looking for a more natural and ethical hair care solution.
Vanicream Shampoo and Conditioner
While this isn’t necessarily a product to aid in hair thinning, it is aimed at creating a healthy scalp which is imperative in growing and keeping healthy hair. This Vanicream set is free from harsh chemicals and fragrances, making it a great choice for those with sensitive skin or scalp. The shampoo lathers well and leaves hair feeling clean and refreshed without stripping it of moisture. The conditioner is also gentle and nourishing, making it easy to detangle hair and leaving it feeling soft and silky.
More of the Best Shampoos for Thinning Hair:
Do you struggle with thinning hair? If so, what shampoos have you tried and loved?
As I’ve aged, definitely the volume and condition of my hair isn’t what is was when younger (even ten years ago) and after going through a phrase of breakage, I have become more selective in the tools that I use. For example; the type of brushes or comb, always use a silk pillowcase (even away from home), etc. Also as appreciate how informative this post is re prodcuts; for future reference did ‘pinterest’ one of the recommendations to use as a quick link. -Brenda-
I haven’t thought to bring my silk pillow case when I travel but that’s a brilliant idea, Brenda.
I use a lightweight Turkish towel, not a thicker towel for my hair after washing. I think I thicker towel might be heavy and pull on the roots more. I baby whatever I hair I’ve held on to.
This post was very helpful, Thank You ! I have baby fine, thinning hair which also has curl to it. I live in Florida, so the humidity is also a problem. You might just say my hair is a stylist’s nightmare. I have been using Biolage Full Density shampoo and conditioner for about 8 months. My thinning bangs have grown in much thicker and the entire crown is filling in. These two products have changed my hair. A leave in spray that works good is Miracle 10 Light. My doctor also suggested collagen supplements.
Thank you for sharing this Karen. I take collagen everyday too.
Thank you for all the great info!! I’ve been using Nioxin for years and have noticed a difference except they say you can’t ever get off it. I’m not sure about that.
Thank you Jennifer for reminding me of Nizoral dandruff shampoo. I think that an old chronic yeast infection on my scalp has come back. Nizoral is the only thing OTC that treats this condition. I put the original product in my Amazon basket. I plan to use it at least once a week and see how I do. My hair is mostly very fine low density, white with silver streaks. Only a little blonde left around the back of my head. My hair has thinned a little especially at my crown. But that is where the oily and itchy plak seems to be. Hopefully, the Nizoral will treat this. Stress seems to make it worse and illness with fever. All of which I have experienced this past few months. My current shampoo & conditioner is Giovanni Tea Tree.
Tea tree oil is a great antiseptic too.
Although right now I’m not dealing with this issue I have in the past. I was shedding huge amounts of hair after a two month hospital stay fighting kidney stone/sepsis. I was intubated and on a ventilator for awhile at the beginning. What helped me was good nutrition and a three month program through Isdin, a pharmaceutical company headquartered in Spain. I took capsules in the morning every day for three months and eventually my hair stopped shedding! My dermatologist got them for me!
I’m so sorry to hear about your sepsis! That’s frightening.
Thanks for doing such great research for us, Jennifer. Aveda Pure Abundance works for me in making my hair look thicker. I sometimes wonder if my products really make much difference, and try a different shampoo/conditioner and get an instant reminder what a difference Pure Abundance makes.
I love Aveda products. Thanks for the recommendation.
I use Pureology Pure Volume shampoo and then spray Pureology Color Fanatic leave in spray. I still have highlights and this makes my hair look full and healthy. A micro fiber towel stops the breakage. I’m sure the collagen I take everyday helps too! Hope you’re enjoying your time in Mexico.
That towel sounds like a great idea!
I love and use the Hair Biology line. That said, however, I think all it really does is detangle and coat hair strands so that post shampoo combing doesn’t pull out as much hair. I don’t think it does much at the root level. Only my opinion though. I still feel I’m fighting a losing battle with bald patches. The good news is that I’m investing in a few good wigs. Thanks, Jennifer. I always enjoy your posts!
That sounds like a smart investment.
I have used the Nioxin shampoo, conditioner, mousse and hairspray for about eight years. My hair fell out in front when I had excema on my scalp, and I used a shampoo prescribed by my dermatologist. My hairdresser told me what was causing the hair loss as she had four other clients to whom this happened. I started using Nioxin and haven’t looked back. The excema is long gone, too.
Thanks for letting me know. I may experiment with it again. I’m glad your hair is back!
Hi Jennifer, I can vouch for Kerastase products. I love the mousse. The downside is the price, but worth every penny.
I agree, if it helps your hair, it’s worth it.
I’ve been using Nioxin for a couple of years now. Can’t remember all the different ones I tried before but I feel Nioxin doesn’t weigh my hair down and cleanses my scalp the best. I think it’s helped with additional thinning but it’s hard to tell if it helped with any regrowth. The Vegamour product looks interesting and I might try that one for a change! Truly appreciate all the info you give on thinning hair.
It’s a very popular line for hair loss.
Hi Jennifer,
My salon recommend Eufora Thickening Serum. I believe it has Tapioca in it. When I use this and blowdry my hair, it looks and feels double the thickness!!!
They have a full line of products. I use pur a dor and Just Nutritive. I love their line of products!
Happy Styling!
Heidi
Thanks Heidi
Thank You super helpful post. I have lost about 80% of my hair on top and on the sides. I have been using rogain which helps a little. I will try some of these. Ive been thinking about getting a laser light comb. Have you had any experience with these and has it helped?
I think the combs look like a great idea but as with everything, you’d need to be very consistent.