The 11 Best Hair-Thickening Shampoos for Men

ProsSulfate-freeFresh scentConsMay dry out textured hairMany hair-thickening shampoos provide great results right away, but the volume you get doesn’t last forever. This shampoo contains saw palmetto, and that means not only does this offer immediate thickening effects, it means it can also help curb further hair loss for better long-term results. To see serious results from a product like this, you may need to let it sit on your scalp for a few minutes before rinsing to allow the ingredients to fully penetrate.ProsCan help address scalp issuesSulfate-freeHypoallergenicThis thickening shampoo works in two ways to add volume to fine and thinning hair. First, it cleanses and balances the scalp, which helps to remove buildup and prime the way for optimal hair growth. Second, it contains phyto-extracts, as well as other hair-healthy ingredients like biotin, which help to plump and hydrate hair strands to create an immediate (but superficial) thickening effect.Advertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsIncreases shineGentle enough for fine hairLarge bottleA dermatologist and cofounder of Root Hair Institute, Natalie Kash, M.D., recommends this shampoo to her patients because it contains ingredients like hyaluronic acid, peptides, and ceramides that can “create a thickening effect,” while also cleansing the hair effectively yet gently. Plus, it gives hair a shiny, healthy appearance.ProsDelivers immediate and long-term resultsSulfate-freeElevated scentLuxury shampoos hit different, and this is one that truly elevates the shower experience. The fragrance is strong but clean, like a high-end spa or even a really good cologne, and the lather is rich. And it’s not just surface-level hocus-pocus to get you to feel like you’re getting the spa treatment. In the formula, you’ll find ingredients that help combat the first signs of hair loss as well as plump up hair to make it appear thicker and fuller.Advertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsSulfate-freeLarge size, low priceCan help strengthen hairHardik Doshi, M.D., lead surgeon at Ample Hair Restoration Clinic in New York City, loves this inexpensive option for hair thickening because it has biotin and collagen in the formula, two ingredients that are “well-known for promoting hair volume and overall health.” There’s also wheat protein, which he says can help strengthen strands and reduce breakage, making thinner hair more resilient. At less than $10 per bottle, it’s worth giving a shot.Credit: Advanced TrichologyProsNourishes the scalpHelps block DHTSulfate-freeConsNeeds to be used for at least three months for hair-growth effectsThis multifunctional shampoo can not only help make hair look thicker and fuller but actually help curb hair loss as well. It does this through several different pathways. First, it contains a mix of botanical ingredients and vitamins that help to add volume to hair and nourish the scalp, promoting an overall healthier environment for hair to flourish. It also helps to block DHT and can help curb shedding and thinning for fuller locks in the long run.Advertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsSpecifically designed for fine and thin hairDoesn't weigh down hairSilicone-freeThis salon-favorite shampoo is a hit with Dr. Doshi because the protein-packed formula “strengthens and adds fullness” to your hair. It also uses gentle cleansing agents that won’t dry out your hair or scalp and vitamin B5 to nourish strands. The overall effect is more voluminous hair that’s lifted from the roots and looks clean and healthy, not weighed down by residue.ProsMade from natural ingredientsContains botanicals that can help block DHTCan also help strengthen hairConsNeeds to be left on for two minutes for full effectThis shampoo is packed with a ton of natural ingredients, all of which work together to give your hair and scalp what they need to prosper. There are DHT blockers like nettle extracts and saw palmetto, which work to potentially curb hair loss and shedding, as well as damage-reversing argan oil and tea tree oil, black cumin seed oil, and clary sage, which help to strengthen hair.Advertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsCustomizable formula based on your personal needsSubscription program availableSulfate-freeDealing with thinning hair can be tricky because everyone has a unique scalp and hair, so finding a product that works may take some (frustrating) trial and error. That’s where a custom product like this comes in. A quick survey takes into account things like your hair characteristics, your lifestyle, and environmental factors like water and air quality to develop a formula customized just for you. You can even give the company feedback once you try it so the formula can be tweaked until it’s absolutely perfect.ProsStrengthens hairNourishes and balances the scalpSulfate-freeKeratin is an essential protein for hair production, and this shampoo has loads of it. It helps repair damage and nourish both your scalp and your hair, and it can strengthen hair and make it more resilient against future damage. That would make this shampoo great on its own, but it also contains peptides, hyaluronic acid, red algae extract, and more, all of which help to create the appearance of thicker hair.Advertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsSupports scalp healthSafe for chemically treated hairLightweight finishYes, this lightweight shampoo deep-cleanses your scalp and hair without leaving it high and dry. Beyond basic hydration, what’s especially cool about this shampoo is that it contains prebiotics that help balance your scalp’s microbiome, promoting a better environment for your hair to grow. This means healthier, fuller hair in the long run.How Do Hair-Thickening Shampoos Work?Generally, thickening shampoos work in two different ways. Often there is a thickening agent like protein or something else that sticks to the hair and superficially makes it look thicker after you wash with the shampoo. Some will also (or instead) contain ingredients like vitamins or plant extracts that can nourish and balance the scalp and hair to improve their health and sometimes remove excess oil that can weigh down hair. (Astringent ingredients like tea tree oil are good for this.)Others can contain ingredients that block DHT and stimulate hair growth. Keep in mind that any hair-growth claims made on shampoo bottles are tricky because, while it’s a topical product, people tend to wash it off quickly. In order to achieve any hair growth or hair-loss prevention, you generally need to let it sit on your scalp for a few minutes before washing it off.Advertisement - Continue Reading BelowWhat Ingredients to Look For in a Hair-Thickening ShampooNot all ingredients will work for everyone, and how well something works for you depends on your scalp, hair type, and other factors, warns Dr. Kash. But there are plenty of ingredients out there that have been shown in studies to improve the quality of hair and make it appear thicker and fuller. Look for biotin, which can strengthen hair; caffeine, which can stimulate hair follicles and increase blood flow to the scalp; keratin, a protein essential to hair production; niacin, which can improve blood flow to the scalp; and saw palmetto, which can help block DHT production, which contributes to hair loss.What Ingredients to Avoid in a Hair-Thickening ShampooGenerally, ingredients like sulfates (surfactants that can strip the hair of natural oils), silicones (which can build up on hair and weigh it down), and artificial fragrances (which can cause scalp irritation) should be avoided, not just in thickening shampoos but in all shampoos.Advertisement - Continue Reading BelowHow to Pick a Hair-Thickening ShampooThe first thing you should consider is your scalp and hair type, recommends Dr. Kash. Harsh ingredients like alcohols and sulfates can dry out your hair and scalp, so if you already struggle with dryness, you should avoid them. Oily scalps, on the other hand, can tolerate deeper cleansing, and you should use them to help reduce oil that can weigh down hair and make it look thinner. The best thing to do is to choose a shampoo that’s been formulated for your hair type to take out some of the guesswork. Also consider how frequently you wash your hair. (If you wash often, choose a gentler shampoo that won’t strip your hair of its natural oils, for instance.) Finally, hair texture should be taken into account. Curly and textured hair requires more moisturizing than fine or thin hair, so pick a richer, more hydrating shampoo.