The 8 best shampoos for thinning hair in 2025, according to dermatologists and trichologists
If you’re struggling with hair thinning or hair loss, know that you’re not alone. According to the American Hair Loss Association, two thirds of American men will experience hair thinning by the time they’re just 35. By age 50, that number rises to 85%. Women, particularly post-menopausal women, shed strands as well: 40% of all Americans with hair loss are female. Fortunately, there are plenty of effective hair growth products available — both over the counter and by prescription — to help stop the thinning, reverse the shedding and even promote new hair growth.
Some of the best hair growth products come in various forms, such as shampoos, serums and topical solutions, laser caps and supplements. There are also gender-specific formulations due to differing genetic skin sensitivity between men and women, so the best hair growth product for men is not always going to be the best hair growth product for women. In this article, we explore the best shampoos for thinning hair with the help of our expert panel of dermatologists, trichologists and plastic surgeons.
Dr. Glenn Vallecillos, a board-certified plastic surgeon, tells Yahoo Life that “depending on the reason for hair loss, there are shampoos that do show promise, with the focus of these products centered around maintaining healthy hair follicles by preventing damage and promoting growth.”
Since products for hair growth and thinning hair vary wildly in efficacy, we researched and tested over 40 shampoos for thinning hair to find the best for various needs and conditions. We started our research by speaking with board-certified dermatologists, trichologists and plastic surgeons to learn what key ingredients to look for — and what to avoid — and if they recommended any specific products or brands that were leading the regrowth charge. Using experts’ input and in-house tester feedback, we rated each hair growth shampoo based on key ingredients, brand reputation, quality, efficacy, cost and tester feedback.
A few general notes:
Table of contents
Update, Jan. 23, 2025: We checked all product prices and availability. Our number one pick for the best shampoo for thinning hair remains unchanged.
The best shampoo for thinning hair overall
Other top shampoos for thinning hair we recommend for 2025
Factors to consider when choosing a shampoo for thinning and hair growth
Type of hair loss: Before deciding on a hair-loss treatment, it’s absolutely essential to determine the origin. Thinning and shedding can have a wide range of causes, including genetics, illness, hormonal imbalance, stress, pregnancy, diet, alopecia areata and lifestyle. Zeroing in on what caused the thinning will help you better figure out if this is a temporary issue, something that can be resolved with a lifestyle change (eat better, stress less) or a medical condition requiring a visit to the doc.
Budget: Given that stress can cause thinning, make sure you can comfortably afford the product you choose. The last thing you want is for the price of your hair-thinning shampoo to stress you out and cause your hair to thin more!
Genetic/gender formulations: Hair loss formulas geared towards men and women may differ due to the different hormonal causes of hair loss. “Men’s formulas often contain DHT blockers (dihydrotestosterone) like saw palmetto, since male pattern baldness is largely caused by DHT, a derivative of testosterone,” says hair transplant surgeon Dr. Alan Bauman. “Women’s formulas, on the other hand, may contain more nourishing and hydrating ingredients to address the overall hair thinning often seen in female pattern hair loss.” With that said, Bauman adds that many active ingredients found in the best hair growth products like Minoxidil and Finasteride are generally effective for both men and women with dosage adjustments made based on gender. In addition to topical products, there are also clinically proven and FDA-approved oral vitamins and supplements for hair growth, also formulated according to genetics.
Ingredients: There are a few key ingredients you’ll want to look for: Rosemary oil, mint, turmeric, salicylic acid, pumpkin seed oil, saw palmetto, minoxidil, finasteride, biotin and hydrolyzed pea peptides.
How we chose
To find the best hair growth products, we browsed over 40 different shampoos for thinning hair that clean strands as well as stimulate growth and enhance volume. We consulted dermatologists and trichologists about hair loss, hair growth, which ingredients are important and which ones to avoid. Plus, we kept in mind factors like price, accessibility and brand reputation when creating our list.
FAQsWhat causes thinning hair?
A variety of factors affect your hair health and whether or not you experience thinning hair and hair loss. Some of these factors are within your control and others aren’t. Getting down to the root — pun intended — is key to solving your woes.
Genetics: Hair loss caused by genetics is known as androgenetic alopecia, a hereditary condition that can affect both men (male pattern baldness) and women (female pattern hair loss) if they’re genetically predisposed. “Androgenetic alopecia usually results in a receding hairline and thinning on top of the scalp for men, and overall thinning of hair for women,” explains Bauman.
Hormonal changes: Pregnancy, perimenopause and menopause are among the top causes for women’s hair thinning.
COVID: Have you suffered from a moderate to severe case of COVID-19 in the past few months? If so, that could be the cause of your thinning and shedding. But don’t fret, as Bauman tells us COVID hair loss is typically a temporary condition known as telogen effluvium, often triggered by severe illnesses.
Stress: You might notice that your hair may fall out or look thinner when you’re more frazzled than usual. No mystery there: Stress-related hair loss is fairly common, whether owing to a high-pressure daily routine or the fallout (as it were) from a particularly nerve-wracking or traumatic event.
Lifestyle: Lifestyle choices can play a big role in hair health. Things like using chemical hair treatments, frequently blow-drying or styling with hot tools can stress your scalp and hair follicles, potentially leading to thinning or hair loss. Even a poor diet or significant weight loss can have an impact on your hair.
Do shampoos for thinning hair really work?
Yes, shampoo for thinning hair really works. “There are hair regrowth shampoos that do show promise, with the focus of these products centering around maintaining healthy hair follicles by preventing damage and promoting growth,” says Vallecillos. “These products tend to be void of harsh chemicals and dyes normally seen in mainstream haircare products, and rather, contain things such as peptides, vitamins, and natural extracts, which act to strengthen the hair, help reduce inflammation and hair loss, and promote thicker and fuller hair.”
Which hair growth products are FDA-approved?
Topical minoxidil, oral finasteride, baricitinib and low-level light therapy are the only FDA-approved therapies to treat androgenic alopecia (male pattern/female pattern baldness). That said, you can find minoxidil in all types of great hair loss products, including those that also help with nourishing the scalp and hair shaft, such as oils and serums for hair loss. Some are only available with a doctor’s prescription, like the supplements baricitinib and oral finasteride.
How long does it take to see results from shampoos for thinning hair?
Short answer? It depends. “Typically, consistent use for at least three to six months is often necessary before noticeable results can be seen,” says Bauman. “Hair grows slowly, about half an inch per month, so changes can take time. They are generally most effective when used as part of a comprehensive hair care and treatment plan, possibly including medications, topical treatments and a balanced diet.”
Is shampoo for thinning hair safe for everyone to use?
Yes, shampoo for thinning hair is safe for everyone to use. These products tend to be void of harsh chemicals and dyes normally seen in mainstream hair care products, with most containing ingredients such as peptides, vitamins, and natural extracts.
Meet our experts
Our health content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional on questions about your health.
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