13 Best Shampoos for Thinning Hair, According to Hair and Skin Experts (2024)

This hair thickening shampoo from Kérastase is a top choice for thinning hair overall. It was even the winner in the Good Housekeeping Institute’s test for thickening and volumizing shampoos.

Testers gave this shampoo the highest points for leaving their hair feeling clean and being lightweight. More importantly, it also received the highest marks for making hair strands feel thicker.

We like that the shampoo has hydrating hyaluronic acid and that it works for all hair types.

What a reviewer says: “I have been using it since it was released a few years ago and am very happy with it. My hair looks healthier and feels stronger, and I have noticeably less hairfall/breakage. It also provides visible volume while keeping my hair soft. I love this shampoo so much that I refuse to travel without it.”

• Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, ceramides, gluco peptide
• Size: 8.5 oz
• Color safe: Yes

Not only is this shampoo an Amazon best-seller with rave reviews, it also comes highly recommended by Dr. Doshi. He likes that it’s packed with biotin and collagen, which he says are well known for promoting hair volume and overall health.

“It has wheat protein to strengthen your hair and reduce breakage,” Dr. Doshi says. “The best part is that it’s free of sulfates and parabens, so it’s gentle on your hair, and it has a pleasant, slightly sweet fragrance.” He adds that while the shampoo is thick, it spreads through your hair smoothly.

What a reviewer says: “My hair has come back to life thanks to this shampoo. I love the smell and also how the shampoo lathers nicely and rinses out so easily. My hair now has a beautiful thickness that it has not had in so long. Easy to use and adds a bit more moisture.”

• Key ingredients: Biotin, collagen
• Size: 13 oz
• Color safe: Yes

This shampoo was praised by two doctors for its impressive ingredients. “This shampoo contains Virtue’s signature Alpha Keratin 60ku protein which has demonstrated an ability to increase the thickness of individual hair fibers and fortify hairs as they exit the scalp,” says Sam Ellis M.D., a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist. “It cleanses the hair shaft and clears debris from follicle openings, creating an environment for healthy growth.”

Marisa Garshick, M.D., F.A.A.D., a board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology, recommends this product because the alpha and gamma keratin proteins and additional ingredients help hydrate hair without weighing it down. “It works to thicken the hair while helping to repair and volumize,” Dr. Garshick says. And if you dye your hair, this pick is perfect for you as it’s color-safe and paraben-free.

What a reviewer says: “I have been using continuously for 1 year and can def say I have had less shedding and more growth. I like the smell and it leaves my hair shinning.”

• Key ingredients: Keratin, peptides
• Size: 8 oz
• Color safe: Yes

In Good Housekeeping Institute’s thickening shampoo test, this shampoo received the best ratings for not weighing hair down. Several testers found that the shampoo added a good amount of volume, with one noting that the volume lasted the whole day.

The shampoo is paraben-free and contains panthenol, which helps boost volume and help repair damage. It’s a gentle shampoo that can be used everyday, if desired. Just note that testers and several reviewers noticed it doesn’t lather well.

What a reviewer says: “This was my first time using this product and what a difference it has made in my hair. It’s a gentle shampoo and could easily be used daily. It doesn’t wear my hair down and the smell is great.”

• Key ingredients: Panthenol, wheat-derived ingredients
• Size: 16.9 oz
• Color safe: Yes

Nioxin is a haircare brand known for making formulas specifically for fine and thin hair. All of their shampoos are well loved for promoting hair health and making hair appear thicker.

The System 4 shampoo is formulated for thin hair that’s dry, damaged, and even colored. It’s a gentle shampoo that uses peppermint oil, green tea extract, and copper ferment to gently cleanse and prevent sebum buildup.

What a reviewer says: “I loved the feel of the peppermint oil on my scalp. My hair feels clean longer and I have noticed that it is softer, shinier, and even seems to have more bounce.”

• Key ingredients: Peppermint oil, green tea extract, copper ferment
• Size: 33.8 oz
• Color safe: Yes

Hair loss and thinning can be caused by unhealthy scalp conditions, such as dandruff, psoriasis, and fungal infections. Scratching a dry, itchy scalp can damage hair follicles, so it’s best to keep your scalp hydrated and healthy with dandruff-fighting products.

“This anti-fungal shampoo that contains ketoconazole, while typically used for dandruff treatment, may also help to promote hair growth and reduce hair loss,” Dr. Garshick says. “For best results, it should be used at least two-to-three times per week.”

What a reviewer says: “I use this shampoo three to four times a week as recommended, with a great conditioner. Then I apply a leave-in hair/scalp moisturizer right after when my hair is still moist. When it dries off, I feel my hair thicker and stronger than ever.”

• Key ingredients: 1% ketoconazole, nizoral
• Size: 7 oz
• Color safe: Yes

This Kenra Volumizing Shampoo performed well in Good Housekeeping Institute tests. It received high scores for leaving hair feeling clean and washing out easily.

One tester found that the shampoo made their hair look thicker and stayed looking voluminous for a full day. Another tester shared that they liked the scent and how easy it was to use the shampoo.

A couple of online reviewers said that they noticed their fine hair could hold a curl much better when using the shampoo.

What a reviewer says: “The shampoo really helps add volume to thin hair. It lasts a good while and is easy to rinse out. Helps my fine hair hold a curl much better than others I’ve tried.”

• Key ingredients: Panthenol, sodium carbonate
• Size: 33.8 oz
• Color safe: Yes

Dr. Doshi says that the Nexxus Diametress Shampoo is his preferred choice for achieving voluminous hair. “Its protein-rich formula strengthens and adds fullness, effectively reduces static, and maintains a fresh scent with ginseng and flaxseed,” he says.

Dr. Doshi also share that the shampoo contains gentle cleansing agents and hydrating vitamin B5, which help lift hair from the roots, delivering volume without weighing it down. “This efficient shampoo requires only a small amount for fantastic results, making it a reliable choice for those seeking a fuller, fresher, and more vibrant appearance,” Dr. Doshi adds.

What a reviewer says: “I have very fine hair, and this shampoo helps add volume. I have used it for a long time and will continue to use it. You don’t need to use a lot and the scent is nice.”

• Key ingredients: Green tea extract, vitamin B5, concentrated elastin protein
• Size: 13.5 oz
• Color safe: Yes

A popular pick for thinning hair, the Kevin Murphy Plumping Wash and Rinse line is packed with plant extracts that naturally help nourish and clean your hair.

Note that you can buy the shampoo and conditioner either together or separately. Reviewers like the slight smell of the shampoo, plus the fact that it makes their hair feel extra soft. They also rave about the hydrating formula and like that they don’t have to use too much product.

What a reviewer says: “After having my son, my hair fell out in chunks and felt like dry straw. This shampoo and conditioner is a game changer. My hair feels so much better and looks healthier. I bought the anti-frizz leave-in treatment too, and pairing all three make my hair look like I just went to the salon.”

• Key ingredients: Ginger root extract, nettle extract, aloe vera leaf extract, rice bran, rice amino acids
• Size: 8.4 oz
• Color safe: Yes

“This shampoo can help to strengthen and support hair growth, especially good for those who regularly color, straighten, perm, or heat-style their hair,” Dr. Garshick says. “It is formulated with Jamaican Black castor oil and shea butter to help strengthen damaged hair, and reduce breakage and the resultant shedding [to help] promote natural growth.”

The paraben-free and sulfate-free formula was specially designed for damaged and textured hair, and it gently cleanses while replenishing moisture back into your hair.

What a reviewer says: “This shampoo is affordable, deliciously vanilla-smelling and moisturizes magnificently. Even though I have thin, frizzy hair, this product volumizes and hydrates without weighing my hair down and making it greasy. I love it!”

• Key ingredients: Shea butter, peppermint, apple cider vinegar
• Size: 13 oz
• Color safe: Yes

Reviewers like this shampoo from Biolage, saying that it helps their hair look shiny and fuller. The formula contains biotin, zinc PCA, and a gluco-omega blend that helps remove pore-clogging impurities to help the hair look healthier.

It’s an anti-frizz formula aimed to cleanse thin hair while helping to strengthen strands from root to tip.

What a reviewer says: “This has completely changed my hair. My hair was feeling thin and brittle, thanks menopause! But this helped so much, it’s soft and doesn’t feel thin. Smells great too.”

• Key ingredients: Biotin, zinc PCA, gluco-omega blend
• Size: 33.8 oz
• Color safe: Yes

Targeted for fine and medium, straight to wavy hair, this shampoo from Living Proof is lightweight and cleans well without weighing your hair down.

“This uses Living Proof’s proprietary molecule, octafluoropentyl methacrylate, to repel excess oil and dirt from the hair which helps maintain volume by preventing the hair from getting weighed down between washes,” says Dr. Ellis.

What a reviewer says: “I’ve been using this shampoo for over five years. It is my go-to shampoo. I have very fine, thin hair (I have my whole life) and this is the one shampoo that works every time. I've found other brands their shampoo will work really well for a few uses, then after a few months, it’s not as effective.”

• Key ingredients: Proprietary amino cleansing complex, peptides, phytantriol
• Size: 8 oz
• Color safe: Yes

I’ve only had positive experiences with OUAI products. They’re effective at cleaning, smell nice, and don’t weigh my hair down.

The cult-favorite brand created a shampoo that brings volume and thickness to those with fine and thin hair. The ingredients include keratin to build strength, biotin to provide nutrients, and chia seed to thicken and moisturize the hair.

What a reviewer says: “Beautiful shampoo. It smells like roses and helps with thickening your hair.”

• Key ingredients: Keratin, biotin, chia seed
• Size: 10 oz
• Color safe: Yes

According to Dr. Doshi, you should try to find shampoos that are made for thinning hair, with cleansing ingredients and beneficial components such as biotin, saw palmetto, and amino acids. In addition, Hazan says you’ll want to look for these ingredients when considering different formulas:

✔️ Biotin: “Biotin helps scalp health, which is crucial for those with thinning hair,” Hazan says.

✔️ Rosemary oil: This is a botanical compound made from organic pea sprouts and stimulates hair growth, reducing hair shedding.

✔️ Anagain: Hazan says that anagain stimulates hair growth and has no added side effects, which is common for other hair growth products.

✔️ Aloe vera extract: “Aloe vera extract includes Vitamin A, C, and E, which help reduce damage and create healthy cells,” Hazan says.

“It is important to note that hair thickening shampoos do not treat hair loss, but they can make your hair look fuller and healthier over time,” Hazan says. For hair thinning shampoos to work, Hazan says it is important to wash your hair with the formula regularly.

Dr. Doshi agrees. “Some shampoos contain ingredients such as minoxidil, ketoconazole, biotin, and saw palmetto that may help with hair growth and thickness when used consistently over time. However, the results tend to be moderate,” he says.

Dr. Doshi explains that in cases of prolonged hair loss especially if it’s caused by underlying issues—like hormonal imbalances or nutrient deficiencies—using shampoos alone may not be enough.

The effectiveness of hair products can be influenced by factors such as the quality of ingredients, personal characteristics like age and genetics, and overall health, Dr. Doshi explains. “However, many people have seen changes in their hair’s appearance with thickening shampoos, like reduced shedding.”

Preservatives such as formaldehyde can cause a hormone imbalance, triggering hair loss, says Hazan. She adds that shampoos designed for dry and coarse hair are often heavier, so you’ll want to avoid them (unless you have dry and coarse thin hair).

Here are shampoo ingredients to avoid:

• Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS): According to Hazan, SLS can worsen hair loss. “SLS is what gives shampoo its rich lather, but it is known for stripping oils out of the hair. Stripping your hair of these oils breaks down proteins in the hair shaft that are necessary for hair health.”
• Parabens: “Certain additives, like methylparaben and propylparaben have been associated with imbalances and could play a role in causing hair thinning for certain people. It’s typically advised to steer clear of them,” Dr. Doshi says.
• Silicones: Silicone-based products, such as dimethicone, can offer short-term smoothing and shine benefits, Dr. Doshi explains. “However, they have the potential to accumulate on both the hair and scalp leading to heaviness, in the strands and potentially blocking follicles. Individuals experiencing thinning hair may consider limiting or avoiding ingredients that are silicone-based," he adds.
• Sodium chloride: Hazan says that this is an ingredient used to thicken the hair products, irritating the scalp and causing itching, which promotes hair loss.
• Alcohol: Dr. Doshi warns that you avoid using drying alcohols such as denat, propanol, and isopropyl alcohol as they can dry out your hair and scalp, causing them to become brittle and prone to breakage. “It’s best to steer clear of these ingredients especially when they’re present, in amounts,” he says.
• Synthetic fragrances: “Fake fragrances may lead to scalp irritation and sensitivity, in people which could worsen hair thinning or loss,” Dr. Doshi says. He adds that it’s advisable to choose products that are either fragrance-free or naturally scented.

For expert intel on thinning hair and the best shampoos to address it, we interviewed Hardik Doshi, M.D., lead surgeon of hair restoration at Ample, Rita Hazan, celebrity colorist and founder of Rita Hazan Salon, Marisa Garshick, M.D., F.A.A.D., board-certified dermatologist at Medical Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery, and Sam Ellis M.D., board-certified cosmetic dermatologist and clinical instructor of dermatology at the University of California. We included their personal recommendations for shampoos for thinning hair.

Additionally, we referenced the Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab’s recommendations for thickening shampoos and included the Kérastase Densifique Densité Shampoo, Paul Mitchell Extra-Body Shampoo, and Kenra Volumizing Shampoo from their list. We also conducted our own research to choose our recommendations.