13 Best Shampoos for Thinning Hair, According to Hair and Skin Experts (2025)

When it comes to a high-quality product that can help pump up the volume of thinning strands while moisturizing, protecting, and strengthening hair, this thickening shampoo from Kérastase is our top choice. Not only is it filled with hydrating hyaluronic acid that works for all hair types, but it came out the winner in the Good Housekeeping Institute’s test for thickening and volumizing shampoos—meaning that testers gave it the highest points for making strands feel and appear instantly thicker. Additionally, they felt it left hair clean and shiny, with zero residue.

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 hair fall/breakage. It also provides visible volume while keeping my hair soft. I love this shampoo so much that I refuse to travel without it.”

If you think that all dermatologist-recommended products are pricey, you are wrong. This drugstore and Amazon-available shampoo 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 and lathers well for an effective clean.

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.”

We recently became a big fan of caffeine shampoos after learning about their potential hair growth abilities. “Improved circulation can aid in the delivery of oxygen, vitamins, and nutrients that contribute to hair growth,” Dr. Brendan Camp previously told Prevention. In addition to scalp-stimulating caffeine, this formula from Briogeo also contains biotin, which helps produce keratin to promote hair growth.

What a reviewer says: “I've been using the Briogeo Destined for Density Peptide Shampoo for a few weeks now, and I’ve definitely noticed a difference in how full and healthy my hair feels. It has a lightweight formula that lathers nicely and doesn’t leave any residue. My scalp feels refreshed after each wash, and I love that it contains ingredients like biotin and caffeine to support hair growth. So far, shedding seems to have reduced a bit, and I’m excited to keep using it to see longer-term results.”

As someone who has been bleaching their hair for the better part of the last two decades, the main culprit of my thinning hair is split ends and hair breakage.

The only thing that has managed to counter that thinning and help my hair stay strong and keep its length? This Peptide Prep Detox Shampoo from K18. Utilizing a patented K18 hair peptide, it is able to cleanse the hair and prep it for the brand’s award-winning hair repair mask.

They have to be used together in order to see the best results, but the formula is super concentrated and only needs to be used once a week, which means you get a lot of bang for your buck. Plus, my hair has never been longer, thicker, or stronger—and I refuse to gatekeep that information, no matter the price.

What a reviewer says: “Great product. I was hesitant about this set of products due to the price. But I was pleasantly surprised by the instant results. If your hair is chemically damaged, I would advise you to try this product. It brought my curls back to life. I am a believer.”

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 works due to its scalp-healthy formula, which thoroughly 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 color-safe and paraben-free.

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

Scalp care is essential in preventing thinning hair, our pros tell us. Excess sebum, product residue, and build up can lead to excess shedding that can make your tresses appear thinner and flatter. This shampoo from Joico is a particularly good option for those with oily scalps. Using a combination of scalp-stimulating stinging nettle and soothing rosehip oil, it gently cleanses and leaves hair feeling thick and full. It also has pea protein to help build strength in damaged or dry strands.

What a reviewer says: “My scalp has always given me the most trouble with having very dry skin but yet my hair is so oily after just a few hours of washing. This shampoo felt amazing on my scalp. It had a bit of a burn but that’s because I just got done itching my roots extremely but afterwards it made my hair feel and look amazing! It felt so fresh and good I decided to do my entire hair routine with it! After another use it still calms my scalp down, helps with the dryness and helps with the oiliness as well.”

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 colored. It’s a gentle shampoo that uses peppermint oil, green tea extract, and copper ferment to gently cleanse and prevent sebum buildup to create the healthiest scalp possible. It even uses UV-protecting ingredients like antioxidants to purportedly keep your hair growth safe from harmful rays that can cause further damage.

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.”

Rosemary is having a moment in haircare, and it’s about time. “It has been clinically shown to increase hair growth similar to minoxidil, the main active ingredient in Rogaine,” says Ramya Garlapati, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist based in LA. This shampoo from skincare brand Nécessaire utilizes not just growth-inspiring rosemary but also a blend of plant proteins and ceramides to keep strands strong and healthy. Due to its moisturizing and scalp-healthy ingredients, it is a great fit for those who need assistance with strengthening their curl pattern as well as thinning.

What a reviewer says: “Overall, I love this shampoo. It answers every need I have: It cleans really, really well, and removes all product building, but does not strip hair, or color or leave a residue; it does not irritate my sensitive scalp, and it addresses shedding. My only wish is that it came in larger sizes, or had a refill option. This is going to be my permanent shampoo for sure. It's that amazing!”

Hair loss and thinning can be caused by 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. A favorite of Senior Commerce Editor, Charlotte Lewis Finigan, who credits the formula with saving her itching, scabbing scalp, this is the shampoo to eliminate flakes and keep them eliminated.

“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.”

This Kenra shampoo received high scores for leaving hair feeling clean and washing out easily, according to Good Housekeeping testing. 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.”

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. Word of caution: this means it won’t help reduce hair loss and shedding, but the protein-rich formula will plump up strands to make them appear instantly thicker after one wash.

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.”

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.”

“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!”

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:

✔️ 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, less breakage, and more growth.”

Preservatives 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 shampoos for thinning hair and included the Kérastase Densifique Densité Shampoo from their list. We also conducted our own research and utilized our own testing and experiences to choose our recommendations.