The 8 Best Shampoos for Thinning Hair, According to Dermatologists

ProsContains a series of DHT blockers Effective on all hair types, including color-treatedDeveloped by dermatologists Sulfate-free and paraben-freeConsSome testers found the pump top to be occasionally fickleAs Dr. Woolery-Lloyd explains, the most common cause of hair thinning in men is androgenic alopecia (aka male pattern baldness), and it's typically genetic. However, even if you're genetically predisposed to balding, you can still fight this off by blocking a hormone known as dihydrotestosterone, or DHT. "DHT is a byproduct of testosterone and it binds to receptors in the hair follicles, causing them to shrink and produce thinner, weaker hair over time," Dr. Woolery-Lloyd says.DS Labs' Revita Shampoo is formulated with a collection of DHT blockers, including caffeine, biotin, antioxidants, and amino acids, to help battle any incoming hair thinning. Of all the shampoos we tested, this is the one we saw the most immediate and significant improvement in our hair thickness and volume. It even made our hair feel soft—although not too squeaky—similar to some of the more high-end daily shampoos we've tested.Its ingredients also include wheat protein, which Dr. Woolery-Lloyd confirms will help it appear fuller, as well as glycerin, a humectant that attracts moisture to the hair to help it stay hydrated and healthy overall.Dr. Woolery-Lloyd adds, "DS Labs Revita shampoo is very effective and highly recommended by dermatology leaders in hair research." She also notes that the included ingredient of taurine helps promote keratin production. This is in addition to the formula being 100 percent sulfate-free and paraben-free.Simply put, there is no better option for thinning hair than the DS Labs Revita Shampoo.Read More: Best Shampoos for MenKey IngredientsCaffeine, biotin, antioxidants, amino acids, wheat proteinHair TypeAllSize7 ozProsSulfate and paraben-freeA two-in-one shampoo and conditioner that actually worksGentle on the scalpConsNot for those who already have a preferred conditioner Not unlike the 2007 Patriots, this Nutrafol shampoo is basically as close to the top as you can get without actually being number one. It’s certainly a favorite of Dr. Hartman and one he regularly recommends to those with thinning hair. “Shampoos like Nutrafol’s 2-in-1 Active Cleanse help support thinning hair by specifically targeting the scalp microbiome, creating an environment that supports hair growth,” he says before adding that it also features biosurfactant, which provides a deep cleanse without stripping the scalp, as well as pomegranate enzymes and amino acids to help exfoliate and control oil.Not to mention, the formula contains konjac root to condition and even detangle longer hair without weighing it down. However, its biggest boon is how it’s designed to be a time saver, as well as a hair strengthener. “If you’re looking for a hassle-free product, the best part about Nutrafol’s new Active Cleanse is that it’s a two-in-one specifically made to optimize and simplify men’s haircare routines while considering our busy schedules,” says Dr. Hartman.Key IngredientsBiosurfactant, konjac root, pomegranate enzymes, amino acidsHair TypeAllSize8.1 ozAdvertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsLess than $15 per bottleFormulated for color-treated hairNo parabens or sulfatesConsOne tester found it left hair slightly oilyHair often begins to thin around the same time that the grey starts peaking through. If you regularly attack the latter with color treatments, this is one of the few thickening shampoos specifically formulated with that in mind and won't aggravate or alter any coloring. Dr. Woolery-Lloyd notes that this shampoo has become a popular product for men, thanks in part to its use of saw palmetto, which acts as a DHT blocker. It's also sulfate-free and paraben-free.After using this shampoo for a week, my hair was not only noticeably thicker, but it was left feeling softer than some high-end conditioners I've tried. When I paired it with the Hims Thick Fix conditioner, the volume and softness were taken to another level entirely.Key IngredientsEucalyptus, saw palmetto,Hair TypeAll, color-treatedSize6.4 ozProsContains vitamins E and B12Menthol leaves cooling effect on scalp Fresh scentConsMay be drying for those sensitiveI found this shampoo from Huron to be the best option for adding extra volume on a daily basis. It's larger and less expensive than other options on this list, and it helps give my hair a fuller appearance when used regularly. Not to mention, Dr. Hartman rides for it as well: "I like Huron Shampoo because it is invigorating with cooling menthol, hydrating with argan oil, and also helps to strengthen hair with Vitamin E and Vitamin B5. It’s packed with good ingredients for a healthy scalp and hair."Key IngredientsArgan oil, panthenol, vitamin E, glycerin, mentholHair TypeAllSize11.7 ozAdvertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsContains biotin Great lather from small amountNice floral scent that's not overpoweringConsThe fragrance may be too strong for someWhile fine hair is not necessarily more susceptible to thinning—again, it mostly comes down to genetics—it may suffer visual drawbacks sooner than other hair types. This makes finding a shampoo that helps it appear fuller with more volume especially important. When I used this option from R+Co, my hair looked stronger with more bounce after just one wash. This is largely due to the shampoo's biotin, which stimulates hair follicles, increases keratin production, and strengthens hair strands overall. Not to mention, it comes with a wonderfully floral scent.Key IngredientsBiotinHair TypeFine to normalSize8.5 ozProsNo sulfates or parabens A little goes a long wayGreat for curly hairConsSmall bottle, only 4 ozFinding the right product for curly or coarse hair can occasionally prove challenging, as it requires specific formulations that cater to unique needs that not every shampoo takes into account. For the Rootist Densify Shampoo, this couldn't be further from the truth.The formula includes The Rootist's patent-pending Rootbiomic Ferment, which features a slew of nutrients designed to anchor roots and balance the scalp. This includes red ginseng root to strengthen and protect roots, and reishi mushroom to strengthen the scalp barrier and support its overall balance.Key IngredientsRootbiomic Ferment, reishi mushroomHair TypeCurlySize4 ozAdvertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsLargest bottle on this listGreat peppermint scentContains biotin and vitamin B3Spending over 50 bucks on shampoo can seem somewhere between daunting and unnecessary, but I promise if you're willing to dish it out for this one, it'll be well worth it. It's by far the largest bottle on this list at nearly 34 ounces, which helps offset the cost quite a bit. But its true selling point is how effective it is at thickening hair. With our dermatologist-favorite biotin, along with niacinamide (a vitamin B3 that helps enhance blood circulation and improve scalp health), this shampoo left our hair looking noticeably thicker and feeling substantially stronger.Key IngredientsBiotin, niacinamideHair TypeAllSize33.8 ozProsCheapest option on this listA two-in-one shampoo and conditioner that actually worksSupports scalp health, as well as hair ConsFormula does not include minoxidilIt’s no surprise that the biggest name in hair growth offers one of the best thickening shampoos out there, but what is eye-raising is the price. At under $10, you’re getting a powerhouse of thickening ingredients in a rare two-in-one formula that actually delivers on both fronts. There is rosemary oil to stimulate the scalp, while keratin strengthens hair strands to reduce breakage and add density.Citric acid then smooths the hair cuticle and boosts shine, all of which make hair appear fuller and healthier. It works fast, too—our testers noticed fuller-looking locks after just a couple of washes with this formula. That being said, this shampoo does not feature minoxidil, the hero ingredient of Rogaine foam. It’s best used in combination with those treatments.Key IngredientsRosemary oil, keratin, citric acicHair TypeAllSize8.4 ozSean Zucker is the Grooming and Reviews Editor at Men's Health. He brings over half a decade of experience covering health, wellness, and lifestyle. When Sean's not writing about hair products, you can find him running for exercise, or toward the nearest food truck. Christian is the Style and Reviews Director at Men's Health and Women’s Health, where he oversees shopping and style content for both brands. He started his magazine career as an accessories assistant at Vogue, and has since held editorial roles at Tatler Asia and The Manual. When he’s not online shopping, you can find him on long walks with his two corgis.