Best shampoos for hair thinning, according to experts

I’ve put seven of the best shampoos for thinning hair to the testGeorgia Day/The Standard The best shampoos for hair thinning are an essential part of a haircare arsenal for anyone experiencing noticeable changes in their strands. As a woman who has experienced serious hair thinning – and even accelerated hair loss on several occasions – I say this with some authority. Although I can offer reassurance that most non-genetic hair thinning is temporary – and happily, usually fixable – it’s nonetheless disconcerting when it happens to you.Thankfully, my own hair density is firmly back on track; my triggers have varied from postpartum hormonal changes to stress and a severe iron deficiency. “There are lots of different reasons hair thins, and a degree of thinning is a normal, age-related phenomenon that affects most people over time, as the hair follicles gradually shrink and the growing phase of the cycle shortens,” explains Dr Aamna Adel, consultant dermatologist and founder of haircare brand rhute. Best shampoos for hair thinning at a glance Best overall – Philip Kingsley Density Hair Thickening Shampoo: £24, Lookfantastic.comBest budget buy – L’Oreal Paris Elvive Growth Booster Shampoo: £6.50, Boots.comBest for colour treated hair – Virtue Flourish Shampoo for Thinning Hair: £42, Sephora.co.ukBest for clarifying the scalp – Nanogen Thickening Shampoo: £12.95, Amazon.co.ukBest for shine – Clarins Le Bain Expert Fortifying Shampoo: £36, Johnlewis.comAside from genetic factors like androgenetic alopecia, the most common causes include nutritional deficiencies such as low iron (ferritin) or vitamin D, thyroid dysfunction, hormonal shifts like the postpartum period or menopause, physical or emotional stress that pushes follicles into the resting phase, rapid weight loss, and certain medical conditions, says Adel.But if some degree of thinning is normal for all of us, how can you tell if what you’re going through is appropriate, or something to be concerned about? “It can be surprisingly subtle at first,” notes Caroline Hall, trichologist and founder of R&R Aesthetics. “You might notice your ponytail feels smaller, your parting looks wider, or you can see more scalp when your hair is wet or under bright light.” In my case, the first signs of thinning are mostly centred around the front of my head. My hairline suddenly seems to be receding more furiously, with more noticeable thinning around my temples. It’s also been accompanied by shedding, with frankly rather alarming amounts of hair coming out on my brush and in the shower. I’ve discovered that scalp health plays a serious role in shedding Georgia Day/The StandardScalp health, although often overlooked, can play a big role in hair thinning, too. Whether it’s inflammation and irritation caused by excess oil, product build-up, or conditions like dandruff or seborrhoeic dermatitis, redressing any scalp imbalances is essential for healthy hair. When it comes to solutions for hair thinning, the efficacy of topical products varies, but it’s important to have realistic expectations, Hall emphasises. While intensive leave-on treatments containing clinically proven actives like Minoxidil can be effective in prolonging hair's growth phase and stimulating follicles, it’s not suited to a wash-off product like a shampoo, as it simply doesn’t have enough time to be effective. Instead, think of shampoos as a good starting place for improving scalp health, which can ultimately lead to healthier, stronger hair. “A shampoo is primarily there to cleanse the scalp, so I wouldn't rely on one alone to reverse significant hair thinning,” says Hall. “What it can do is remove excess oil and product build-up and help manage conditions, which can leave the scalp inflamed and uncomfortable.” Other options include shampoos that have more of a cosmetic effect, using ingredients like proteins and polymers to coat strands and make them swell. This creates the illusion of thickness and density.How I testedI’ve tested formulas at both ends of the budget Georgia Day/The StandardWhile it takes around three to six months of consistent use of active leave-on treatments to see noticeable changes, the timeline for shampoos for thinning hair varies, with some offering the appearance of thicker hair instantly and some working more steadily to initiate density. All of the shampoos I tested were used consistently for a minimum of three weeks.Philip Kingsley Density Hair Thickening ShampooGeorgia Day/The Standard★★★★★Best: Overall shampoo for thinning hairFirst impressions: Taking a layered approach to restoring fullness, this uses polymers to swell the hair strands and deliver instant volume, while pea peptides help optimise follicular health and performance over time. BHAs sort out any scalp issues like inflammation and irritation, providing the ideal environment for hair to flourish.How it performed: As someone who has suffered with thinning and shedding on and off for a few years, this is one shampoo I will always keep in my haircare kit. In the short term, it helped give my hair more fullness and bounce (not to mention a lovely shine and better manageability), but after using it solely for a few months, I noticed the areas of thinning around my hairline were less visible, and my ponytail felt more generous. A product I will happily return to when my hair is going through a vulnerable patch.Take note: The website suggests using it as part of a routine and has conducted independent trials that say hair volume increases by 25 per cent after one use when using Thickening Shampoo, Conditioner and Protein Spray together. Key ingredients: Hyper-branched polymers, hydrolyzed pea peptides, BHAL’Oreal Paris Elvive Growth Booster ShampooGeorgia Day/The Standard ★★★★★Best: Budget shampoo for thinning hairFirst impressions: Suitable for treating early signs of hair thinning and loss, this formula is loaded with a Growth & Strength Complex and aims to rebuild hair’s resilience and prolong the life cycle of your strands.How it performed: I was really impressed with this shampoo, even more so when I checked the price tag (it’s almost always on offer too). Even after two weeks, I noticed less fallout in my shower and on my hairbrush, and it felt like my hair had a new lease of life with more shine and better bounce. It also left my hair feeling incredibly soft, even without using conditioner.Take note: If I were nitpicking, I would say the scent lets it down a little. It smells a little cheap compared to others in the Elvive line-up.Key ingredients: Aminexil, nianimacide, ginger extractNanogen Thickening Shampoo Georgia Day/The Standard★★★★☆Best: Shampoo for clarifying the scalpFirst impressions: Poor scalp health can exacerbate hair thinning, but this shampoo does a good job of helping to improve it. A bit like a deep-cleaning exfoliator for the hair and scalp, it uses salicylic acid to remove buildup and get scalp health back on an even keel, as well as a host of hydrating ingredients to condition.How it performed: Despite being free from SLS and SLES, this shampoo works up into a good lather and is pleasant to use. After just one wash, my hair felt healthy and nicely clean, no mean feat considering it was laden with styling products and SPF all summer. After a few washes, I noticed a subtle but definite difference in the texture of my hair, which felt smoother and bulkier from root to tip. It’s hard to tell whether that was as a result of a happier scalp or the cumulative effect of the keratin, though.Take note: The berry scent is quite strong and might leave people divided; I didn’t love it. If you’re someone who doesn’t like sulphates in their shampoo, it’s worth noting that this formula contains them, but the men’s version of the same shampoo curiously doesn’t.Key ingredients: Salicylic acid, chamomile, aloe vera, hydrolysed keratinAveda Invati Ultra Advances Exfoliating Shampoo for Thinning HairGeorgia Day/The Standard ★★★★☆Best: Everyday shampoo for thinning hairFirst impressions: As well as salicylic acid to rid the scalp of product build-up, excess oil and other impurities which can contribute to thinning, this formula contains ginseng extract and caffeine in decent concentrations. Both ingredients help improve blood flow, which boosts oxygen flow to the roots, and help block DHT, a hormone linked to hair follicle shrinkage.How it performed: I loved the smell (lavender, clary sage and sandalwood) and overall user experience of this shampoo, and while I found it hard to tell whether it had actively improved my thinning, it left my hair looking and feeling so shiny and healthy after the first use that I would happily use it as my regular shampoo. After using it continuously, I did notice that my scalp wasn’t as itchy as normal, which was a bonus.Take note: Although I only tested the shampoo, the website suggests using it as part of a four-step routine that includes a scalp serum and thickening foam, which would undoubtedly yield even better results.Key ingredients: Salicylic acid, ginseng, caffeine extractVirtue Flourish Shampoo for Thinning HairGeorgia Day/The Standard ★★★★☆Best: Shampoo for colour treated hairFirst impressions: This formula contains the brand’s signature 100 per cent bio-identical human keratin protein, which binds directly to damaged areas of the hair to repair it and improve elasticity and resilience. It also promises to rid the scalp of potential irritants so that the follicles are in prime health.How it performed: While the immediate difference in how my scalp felt wasn’t as noticeable as with other shampoos, I noticed an improvement in the tensile strength of my strands after just one week of using this. As well as feeling more flexible, the texture felt smoother and more refined, and I was also impressed by how vibrant it kept my colour looking.Take note: It is expensive, so you may not want to use it as an everyday shampoo.Key ingredients: Alpha and gamma keratin proteins, rice-based humectants, clover leaf extract, camelia leaf extractClarins Le Bain Expert Fortifying ShampooGeorgia Day/The Standard ★★★★☆Best: Shampoo for shineFirst impressions: Taking a similar approach to haircare as it does with its skincare, Clarins’ first foray into follicular health is centred around restoring the natural strength and shine of hair.How it performed: This left my hair feeling scrupulously clean and fresh, and my scalp invigorated, while also imparting impressive salon-worthy shine. While I didn’t notice much difference in the density or resilience of my hair strands, I did feel as though it improved the natural overall volume of my hair. One to try if your hair is naturally fine and limp.Take note: The texture looks and smells like a high-end skincare cream, which makes for quite a luxe shower experience.Key ingredients: Organic white iris extract, panthenol, organic soapwortMedicube Rosemary PDRN Thickening ShampooGeorgia Day/The Standard ★★★☆☆Best: Shampoo for scalp healthFirst impressions: This viral shampoo has been all over TikTok, likely because its two key ingredients (rosemary and salmon PDRN) are real beauty buzzwords. The idea is that while the rosemary unclogs and freshens a congested scalp, the reparative PDRN helps strengthen the hair bonds for thicker strands over time. There’s also a complex of 19 amino acids which helps to nourish and condition.How it performed: To help rid the scalp of any build-up or irritants and get your hair health back on track, this formula promises a scrupulous cleanse, which it absolutely delivers. The lather is generous and thick, meaning you can work it in well, and it left my scalp feeling energised and my hair almost squeaky clean. While I didn’t personally notice much in the way of thickening, my hair did feel soft and as though it had a little more give in it.Take note: Despite rosemary being in the name of this shampoo, I found its menthol scent overpowered everything. While it definitely made for a refreshing washing experience, the sensation is incredibly tingly, so be careful near your eyes.Key ingredients: Rosemary PDRN complex, panthenol, niacinamide, allantoinKevin Murphy Plumping Wash Densifying ShampooGeorgia Day/The Standard ★★★★☆Best: Shampoo for volumeFirst impressions: This claims to take a skincare approach to getting your hair health back on track, and the exhaustive ingredients list of antioxidants and amino acids attests to that. Every ingredient is chosen for a specific job, including the aloe vera to add shine and the rice protein and rice amino acids to expand the diameter of the hair shaft to give the appearance of density.How it performed: My hair did feel more voluminous after using this, but it did also leave it feeling a little dry. If I were to use it again for any length of time, I would alternate with a more hydrating thickening formula. And while it didn’t induce any new growth in the time I used it, I do think it left my hair less fragile overall, which meant I saw less breakage.Take note: The snap closure on the bottle is unusually stiff, which meant, with wet hands, it was virtually impossible to open! To avoid frustration, take a tip from me and unscrew the lid altogether before you get in the shower.Key ingredients: Ginger root, nettle, aloe vera leaf, rice protein, rice amino acids, bamboo extract, silk amino acidsWhat are the best shampoos for thinning hair?I think it’s important to note that shampoo alone can only do so much for thinning or shedding hair, but it’s undoubtedly a good place to start – especially when it comes to proper cleansing of the scalp. Every shampoo I tried in pursuit of thicker hair had benefits, whether it was a scrupulously clean and energised scalp (boosting blood flow to the follicles), added volume and fullness or less fallout. The main advice I can offer is to be consistent and have patience, while experts agree that it’s crucial to resolve potential triggers. “Thinning driven by a reversible trigger, like an iron deficiency, a thyroid issue, stress, or a period of poor nutrition, can often improve significantly or fully once that underlying factor is addressed,” says Adel. “The key thing is that a lot of hair loss is very manageable, especially when it's caught early, so it's rarely a case of nothing being possible, but the realistic goal varies depending on what's driving it.”