While shedding is totally normal ( the average person loses 50-150 hairs per day ), excessive hair loss could be caused by a variety of factors, including age and diet. For most women, thinning hair is triggered by hormonal changes or acute events, says Rhonda Klein, MD, partner at Modern Dermatology . A variety of conditions or hormonal changes, like pregnancy, menopause, hypothyroidism, or iron deficiency, can be responsible for thinning hair.
If you think youre losing more hair than usual the first thing you should do is make an appointment with your dermatologist who can help you determine whats really going on up there. Your doctor will order lab work to screen for anemia or thyroid-related conditions, which might be the reason youve been noticing more hair in your shower drain or seeing bald spots. Dr. Klein says if youre taking Biotin or other nutritional supplements, its imperative to let your doctor know ahead of time, as it can skew thyroid results.
Whether youre hoping to stop hair-thinning or take preventive measures, read on for 14 of the best shampoos for thinning hair:
1. Best For Strengthening: Krastase Densifique Bain Densit Shampoo
Improve your hair with this gentle but thorough cleanser thatll restore resilience and strength. Ceramides protect against further stress while hyaluronic acid adds hydration and resilience.
2. Best For Age-Related Thinning: Andalou Naturals Argan Stem Cell Age Defying Shampoo
Combat breakage and age-related thinning while also maintaining your color with this sulfate-free formula. Enriched with Argan stem cells, this formula offers up a much-needed dose of nourishment, smoothness, and shine.
3. Best For Thinning Caused By Dandruff: Dove Dermacare Scalp Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
Looking to banish dandruff once and for all? Look no further than this affordable shampoo thatll ensure your days of having a flaky, itchy scalp are finally behind you. The formula employs zinc pyrithione, which helps remove the build-up of skin cells around the scalp that hinder growth.
4. Best For Color-Treated Hair: Nioxin System 4
If you color your hair youll want to reach for this formula, which employs nettle root extract, niacin, biotin, B vitamins, and saw palmetto to remove dirt, debris, and oil that can clog the hair follicle. Excess oil is an indicator of dihydroxy testosterone, (or DHT), which is one of the main culprits for hair loss, especially in women with hormonal imbalances.
5. Best Volumizing: Alterna Haircare Caviar Anti-Aging Clinical Densifying Shampoo
This formula supports the reduction of DHT and eliminates residue that leads to thinning. The result? Healthy hair thats noticeably thicker, fuller, and stronger.
6. Best For Limp Hair: ISDIN Lambdapil Anti Hair Loss Shampoo
Dr. Robinson recommends this formula for anyone hoping to reverse the signs of thinning hair. Formulated with active plant-based ingredients, this shampoo will stimulate new hair growth, all while reducing excessive hair loss and improving volume.
7. Best Budget Buy: OGX Thick & Full Biotin & Collagen Shampoo
Improve your hairs texture for under $10, with this affordable formula thatll thicken strands thanks to a blend of vitamin B7, biotin, collage, and hydrolyzed wheat protein.
8. Best Natural Option: Kiehls Magic Elixir
Although technically its a pre-shampoo conditioning treatment, users rave over the way this hydrating product has improved their hairline, and its all thanks to rosemary oil. In fact, recent studies have found that its just as effective as the drug minoxidil when it comes to circulation of the scalp. Bonus: it also smells amazing.
9. Best For Post-Pregnancy Thinning: Bumble and Bumble Thickening Shampoo
If youre missing the thick, luscious locks you had while you were pregnant, opt for this nourishing shampoo that will help you transition back to better hair days, thanks to its ability to offer a deep-clean to hair and scalp skin.
10. Best For Prevention: Keranique Scalp Stimulating Shampoo
This nutrient-rich cleansing treatment is the perfect preventative shampoo. The unique blend of ingredients includes a DHT-inhibitor that penetrates the scalp and follicles to deliver a keratin amino complex that protects the hair from further breakage.The result? Improved texture and new growth.
11. Best For Restoring Shine: Oribe Gold Lust Repair & Restore Shampoo
Longing for glossy, healthy hair? Look no further than this strengthening formula thatll revitalize your hair, thanks to healing extracts and oils, including cypress, organ, and maracuja. The brands bio-restorative complex works to balance the scalp while reinforcing the inner strength of each strand.
12. Best For Density: Viviscal Gorgeous Growth Densifying Shampoo
Suitable for everyday use on all hair types, this formula promotes thicker-looking hair thanks to Antrel, a proprietary complex that contains clinically-tested ingredients derived from natural sources. Biotin, Keratin, and Zinc nourish and strengthen your tresses.
13. Best For Scalp Health: Bosley BosRenew Scalp Scrub
Healthy hair starts at the scalp, which is why its imperative to ensure youre getting a deep clean right at the root, where products, cells, and sebum can build-up and block new growth. Bamboo charcoal helps remove debris and purify the scalp while rosemary leaf extract provides much-needed anti-oxidant protection.
14. Best For Breakage: PURA DOR Anti-Hair Loss Gold Label Shampoo
Dry, brittle strands-whether from heat damage or age-can definitely cause your hair to thin out. With more than 5,000 verified customer reviews, the Pura Dor Gold Label Shampoo gets top marks for its restorative, regenerative, and strand-strengthening properties. Among the shampoos 17 active ingredients are red Korean seaweed, which is proven to treat alopecia , and scalp-stimulating black cumin seed oil.