Best Shampoos For Thinning Hair 2024

Table Of Content

• Frequently asked questions about shampoos for thinning hair
• Treatments for hair loss
• What Is the Difference Between Regular Shampoo and Hair Growth Shampoo?
• Retinol Alternatives: Worth The Hype Or Just Fancy Marketing?
• Best Shampoos for Thinning Hair
• Other Hair Growth Shampoos That Didn’t Make Our List
• Best Wash-Out Treatment: The Nue Co. Supa_Thick Treatment

Simply leave your hair oil on for at least 30 minutes, up to an hour, before shampooing and conditioning your hair as usual. There are no specific number of days you should be oiling your hair, says Dr. Spann, but for most people, once a week is sufficient. “For individuals with severely dry or brittle hair, it may be beneficial to oil two to three times per week,” adds Dr. Spann. It's "a process of infusing your hair with natural oils to restore luster and hydrate hair," says dermatologist Candace Spann, MD.

Frequently asked questions about shampoos for thinning hair

I started incorporating it into my routine once a week for the last six months, and I’ve experienced the fastest hair growth of my entire life. What was once a chin-length bob in July is now a grown-out lob—and while I’m annoyed about needing to make another haircut appointment, I’m thrilled with how healthy my hair feels. Just note that if you’re prone to dryness, you’ll want to follow with a deep conditioner to keep your ends soft and moisturized. "Shampoo works to clean the scalp and hair, which in turn can promote hair growth," says Boakye. "However, results will vary depending on individual hair type and based on consistent use."

Treatments for hair loss

"Circulation to the scalp is important to help promote hair growth as the hair follicles depend on nutrients from the blood, so this helps to keep the hair follicles in their growing phase," Dr. Garshick adds. I’ve used this salicylic acid-based shampoo for years to help treat my hairline and scalp acne, but it also has the added bonus of keeping my follicles exfoliated and happy. As a reminder, “congested hair follicles will struggle to produce more hair growth,” says Dr.. So to give my hair the best chance at growing longer, I use this shampoo once a week on my very-oily roots to break down the product buildup, grease, and oils that can lead to an angry scalp. I don’t need much moisture in my hair, but I always tell my friends to pair this with an ultra-hydrating conditioner to avoid dryness. This option from beloved brand Nécessaire has been tested by dermatologists to ensure optimal scalp and hair health.

What Is the Difference Between Regular Shampoo and Hair Growth Shampoo?

I'm not sure exactly what happened between my 20s and 30s, but my previously thick tresses have been getting gradually thinner. It's a bummer because even though I have a lot of hair, it doesn't look like much — leaving me with pretty sad-looking ponytails and buns. That's why I've prioritized thickening shampoos like this derm-approved one, which has a pretty impressive ingredient list. More specifically, the formula features Virtue's proprietary Alpha Keratin 60ku® protein, which your scalp might be able to more easily use and recognize for damage repair since it's identical to the human keratin in your own hair. Han says this shampoo is a great pick for anyone with fine to medium hair since the formula is super lightweight, so it won't weigh your strands down.

That being said, the “right” shampoo isn’t universal and varies based on hair and skin type. For example, people with thin, fine hair may want to use a lightweight shampoo that doesn’t weigh down their strands. In contrast, those who are prone to dandruff can benefit from a medicated formula to avoid inflammation and prevent shedding. “There are many types and causes of hair loss,” says Dr. Kash, however the most common is androgenic alopecia, often referred to as Male Pattern Hair Loss (MPHL) or Male Pattern Baldness (MPB). It’s a naturally occurring sex hormone, but when levels get too high, can shrink hair follicles and shorten the life cycle of hair (a process called miniaturization), leading to hair thinning and loss. While DHT’s connection to MPHL is clear, “other factors such as low levels of inflammation and oxidative stress have also been shown to be at play,” says Dr. Kash.

16 Best Hair Growth Shampoos, Tested & Reviewed by Experts 2024 - ELLE

16 Best Hair Growth Shampoos, Tested & Reviewed by Experts 2024.

Posted: Fri, 19 Apr 2024 07:00:00 GMT [source]

MONPURE London Strengthening Silk Protein Shampoo

Additionally, our editor who is prone to dandruff, especially when using medicated or clarifying shampoos, did not experience build-up after using this natural, professional-grade formula for six weeks. We also appreciated the scent, which is pleasant and clean without being overwhelming. Developed by two dermatologists, and recommended by Dr, Kash, this shampoo contains saw palmetto, green tea and caffeine, all ingredients that have been shown to possibly help hair growth by reducing DHT and stimulating hair follicles.

Best Shampoos for Thinning Hair

Additionally, Dr. Sadick notes that antioxidants, such as vitamin E and ginseng, are beneficial for promoting hair growth "because they reduce free radicals from sun, stress, or overprocessing and have anti-inflammatory properties." Another favorite of Dr. Garshick, this pick contains a few key ingredients to help strengthen hair. If you’re dealing with hair loss or hair thinning, the best thing you can do is take super good care of your hair and scalp, and that includes washing with a hair growth shampoo. All the hair-growth vitamins and scalp treatments in the world won’t suddenly make your hair grow if it’s not healthy. “Hair growth requires a comprehensive approach,” trichologist Bridgette Hill previously told Cosmo, meaning you’ll benefit most from committing to a consistent routine to help boost your hair and scalp’s health. It's worth noting that if you're struggling with sudden hair loss, you might want to consider consulting with a doctor, dermatologist or trichologist (hair and scalp specialist).

Other Hair Growth Shampoos That Didn’t Make Our List

And if you notice your scalp starts to feel irritated, flaky, or itchy—aka the opposite of how you want your scalp to feel after oiling—stop oiling ASAP and make an appointment with your dermatologist. There’s a lot of misinformation on the internet, hair oiling can help "protect your hair from damage, improve the look of split ends, and prevent breakage," she says. "It’s especially useful if your hair has been stripped by washing and styling products."

Best Wash-Out Treatment: The Nue Co. Supa_Thick Treatment

It uses a mix of salicylic acid and charcoal powder to chemically and physically exfoliate dead skin and oils that are prone to clogging the scalp. Meerika Khanna, a certified trichologist and founder of Rthvi, says this shampoo is not only great for curly hair but also features ingredients to support hair growth — like rosemary leaf extract. As far as we know, dandruff doesn't necessarily directly cause hair loss. However, it can increase sebum production, and research has shown that the inflammation, irritation, and itchiness this causes may lead to hair follicle damage that promotes hair loss. So, if you have dandruff, the first step to supporting hair growth is seeking out shampoos that are specifically formulated to treat this condition.

Blood abnormalities (low thyroid, b12/folate, vitamin d, iron, higher levels of autoimmune marker) as well as some medications, and hormonal changes could also be the culprit behind your hair loss, adds Dr. Gohara. The company recommends using this shampoo every other day during the first month, then twice a week for 2 months. Nioxin states this shampoo is suitable for all hair, especially lightly thinning. The authors reviewed seven studies and found that topical and oral saw palmetto supplements improved overall hair quality by 60% and increased hair density in 82% of study participants. The highly nourishing and reparative No. 4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo restores hair from everyday stresses, including split ends and seemingly uncontrollable frizz.

Minoxidil is not suitable for anyone under the age of 18 or anyone who has experienced scalp infections or inflammation, hair loss after childbirth, or sudden/patchy hair loss. For example, shea butter, coconut oil, and sunflower oil are all super hydrating and perfectly suited to medium to thick dry hair but will probably weigh down fine hair. "I like this one because it comes in two formulations — one for dry hair and one for more normal-to-oily hair — allowing for a more customizable treatment shampoo," she explains. Celebrity stylist Takisha Sturdivant-Drew swears by this inexpensive option, which results in hair that looks thick and full.