Suds Up to Boost Volume, Thickness, and Strength (We Tested Shampoos for Thinning Hair) (2024)

It’s normal to shed anywhere from 50 to 100 strands per day (yes, really!). Still, if you start to notice that you’re regularly losing clumps of hair or find patchiness on your scalp, it could be hair loss or thinning, explains board-certified dermatologist Dr. Suneel Chilukuri, M.D. While the underlying causes of hair loss vary across hormonal changes, genetics, and even traumatic events, there are a few products that can mitigate this type of damage. One of the easiest ways to support your hair health is with a shampoo specifically for thinning hair.

Why a shampoo? According to hairstylist Adam Federico, hair thinning should be addressed at the scalp. “First and foremost, I recommend doing everything you can to ensure that your scalp is in its best condition,” he explains. “Hair grows through follicles on your scalp, and if those follicles are blocked or obstructed by dead skin cells, growth can slow or stop completely.”

Shampoos for thinning hair boost volume and thickness while promoting an ideal environment on the scalp where hair growth can thrive. We tested top-rated shampoos on our hair for several weeks and evaluated them based on how well each formula addressed fallout and whether or not we saw an improvement in hair thickness, fullness, and strength. After consulting dermatologists and haircare experts, we landed on these top picks.

Key Ingredients: Glycerin, biotin, caffeine, ginseng root, aloe vera | Size: 8 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Hair Type: All hair types

We tried a lot of different formulas during this test, but this shampoo from Briogeo gets our top marks. It boasts a lightweight texture that foams up when it comes into contact with water and an ingredient list that rivals that of a health food store haul: caffeine, ginseng root, aloe vera leaf juice, zinc, and biotin. The formula combines these scientifically-proven ingredients to encourage scalp circulation (which creates the ideal environment for hair regrowth) and provide copious amounts of hydration.

Our tester, Jaclyn, was experiencing excessive dryness and thinning hair. When she incorporated this shampoo into her haircare routine, she found that it gave her hair the body it had been missing. And how do we know for sure that it was the shampoo? Jaclyn admitted that when she went on vacation and switched to a cheaper travel-size shampoo, her hair looked worse instantly after one wash. When she got back home and used this shampoo again, her hair bounced back to life.

Jaclyn, tester: “The few spots I was worried about have filled in, and my hair looks smoother and shinier than ever. It gave me my confidence back.”

Key Ingredients: Citric acid, salicylic acid, biotin | Size: 13.5 oz | Cruelty-Free: No | Sulfate-Free: No | Hair Type: Curly, thin, straight

Taking a two-pronged approach to thinning hair, this shampoo gently removes the follicle-clogging impurities that can impede new hair growth. Then, it delivers a host of important nutrients (think biotin, zinc, and omegas) to strengthen the hair you have. So much so that when used with the accompanying conditioner, the brand says it can reduce breakage by up to 95%. And when you’re already dealing with thinning, the less breakage, the better.

Our tester, Leigh, took this shampoo for a spin after experiencing postpartum hair loss, thinning, and general dullness. After using it, she noted that it not only left her hair shinier, fuller, and less staticky, but it also noticeably reduced the amount of hair shedding. The only con we could come up with is the fact that the mint and clove scent comes on a bit strong, so if you’re sensitive to strong earthy fragrances you may consider skipping this one.

Leigh, tester: “I really loved this shampoo and can’t think of one bad thing to say about it.”

Key Ingredients: Peppermint oil, rosemary oil, babassu oil, coconut oil, castor oil | Size: 12 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Hair Type: All hair types

This shampoo had transformative effects on our tester, Masego’s, 4B/C coils, thanks to ingredients like rosemary oil, peppermint oil, and biotin. These ingredients feel refreshing and have been proven to nourish, clean, and strengthen weak and brittle hair. Masego noted that she was surprised at how well it cleansed her hair in one wash (normally she has to double cleanse when washing her hair). After extended use, she discovered that it helped promote regrowth in the bald patches along her edges.

Masego, tester: “My hair feels a lot stronger now compared to when I started using it. I’ve seen less shedding, and the product delivered on the regrowth.”

Key Ingredients: Aloe vera, peppermint oil, rosemary oil, macadamia nut extract | Size: 10, 16 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Hair Type: All hair types

If you need a little help in the hair growth department, this shampoo from BondiBoost has got you covered. The formula contains a strengthening blend of rosemary oil, peppermint oil, macadamia nut extract, and aloe vera to nourish the hair you have and banish any buildup that may be blocking the hair follicles. Plus, thanks to the addition of topical hair therapy treatments redensyl and procapil, baby hairs spring up faster and fewer hairs shed over time.

Our tester, Nellah, found that although it doesn’t lather well (the only gripe we have with this formula), it washes out easily and leaves the hair feeling soft and manageable. Before she started using the shampoo, she was experiencing fallout, but after using it for several months, she’s seen regrowth in some areas and her hair looks fuller overall.

Nellah, tester: “My hair appears shinier and less frizzy. I loved the rosemary and peppermint scent of the shampoo. My hair feels softer, looks fuller and I’m not having as much fallout.”

Key Ingredients: Peptides, caffeine, Karmatin, biotin | Size: 8 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Hair Type: All hair types

This popular hair growth shampoo is a favorite among testers and editors alike. The star of the show here is the brand’s proprietary vegan silk protein called Karmatin that instantly bonds to the hair—and even stays put post-rinsing—making strands look and feel noticeably thicker. And while it gives hair an instant boost and lift, it also works overtime to help make hair look fuller within three to four months. Plus, it contains a trio of plant-based oils to impart plenty of softness and smoothness.

Our tester, Sophia, was looking to address breakage and fallout, and this formula certainly fit the bill. While it wasn’t a miracle worker in terms of density (though her ponytail did appear a bit thicker and voluminous after the testing period), it worked wonderfully to mitigate fallout in the shower.

Sophia, tester: “I experienced no irritation at all, which I was worried about because my scalp is sensitive and my hair never felt weighted down or greasy from using the shampoo.”

Key Ingredients: Japanese rice water, salicylic acid | Size: 2.5, 10 oz | Cruelty-Free: No | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Hair Type: All hair types

Some shampoos boost hair growth by strengthening the hair shaft, reducing breakage, and cleaning the scalp (allowing newer hairs to sprout up). This formula from Shu Uemura does exactly that. Infused with a blend of Japanese rice water—a known hair-strengthening agent rich in amino acids, vitamins, and antioxidants—the shampoo restores damaged hair and prevents future hair loss from taking place. Plus, it strengthens the hair bonds, thickening the overall look of your hair in the process.

Our tester, Ciara, found that it strengthened her hair beautifully after experiencing postpartum hair loss. She also shared that she loved the musky, manly scent of the shampoo.

Ciara, tester: “It helped strengthen the hair I have and has encouraged new growth. Plus, my hair looks shinier, too.”

Key Ingredients: Wild mint oil, peppermint oil, salicylic acid | Size: 10.1, 16.9, 33.8 oz | Cruelty-Free: No | Sulfate-Free: No | Hair Type: All hair types, except for color- or chemically-treated hair

Designed for natural, untreated hair with light thinning, Nioxin’s System 1 Shampoo works to nourish and cleanse follicle-clogging sebum and debris to promote thicker, fuller hair. Ingredients such as wild mint oil, peppermint oil, and salicylic acid work together to slough away dead skin cells and calm the scalp to create an environment in which hair will thrive.

It may be a bit tingly at first (which our tester, Amanda, loved), but at least you know it's getting to work quickly. Results are speedy, too; Amanda explained that she saw results in about three weeks.

Amanda, tester: “My hair looks so much fuller. I seem to have more hair, and it got so long because it’s not breaking as much.”

Key Ingredients: Keratin, caffeine, rosemary oil, menthol, amla extract | Size: 2.15 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Hair Type: All

Shampoo bars often don’t get enough recognition, and we believe it's high time these formulas get the respect they deserve. Superzero’s Strengthening & Scalp Stimulating Shampoo is a great option to reach for when you want to add strength to your strands. A blend of keratin, caffeine, rosemary oil, menthol, and amla extract works together to stimulate the scalp (which promotes growth) and reduce hair loss and breakage. The result: Hair that’s thicker and fuller.

Our tester, Chantia, said that after heat damage, hair dye, and protective styles that caused tension, her hair was starting to thin in the front. To use it, all you have to do is wet the bar and work it between your palms to form a lather. Once you see bubbles, start massaging it into the crown of your head and rinse out like you would a normal shampoo.

Chantia, tester: “After using the shampoo twice a week for eight weeks, my hair looks fuller in the areas where it was thinning, and the rest of my hair looks healthier. My hair feels stronger, and my edges are filled back in.”

Key Ingredients: Keratin, biotin | Size: 8.45 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Sulfate-Free: No | Hair Type: All

Viviscal's oral hair supplement is a fan favorite, but we believe its topical products are just as deserving of a devoted following. Take this pick, for instance: It works well on all hair types and textures, can be used daily, and, along with strengthening ingredients such as keratin and biotin, it also contains the brand's proprietary complex that's formulated to promote thicker strands. It gets bonus points for the fresh, botanical scent and reasonable price tag.

Our tester and longtime contributing writer, Ashley Rebecca, added the Viviscal shampoo to her daily wash routine, and she loved that it added volume to her hair without leaving it greasy. She said that with continued use, it left her hair looking thicker and shinier. She also added that it didn't matter whether she heat-styled or just applied product after washing, her hair had the same gorgeous sheen.

What to Look for in a Shampoo for Thinning Hair

• Type of Hair Thinning: Thinning hair can look like excess breakage, but it can also look like fallout or patchiness. First, identify the type of thinning you’re experiencing. This can help dictate the type of approach you’ll want to take. For example, if you lack growth in a certain area, you might want to stimulate the scalp and get it in tip-top shape to encourage regrowth. If you see mid-length hair breakage, consider something that will strengthen your hair bonds.
• Type of Formula: To that point, different formulas do different things. For example, a shampoo designed to clarify will do a wonderful job of ridding the gunk clogging your hair follicles, but it probably won’t strengthen the hair as well as something that’s intended to fortify the hair bonds. Look for a shampoo that gets to the root of your particular issue.
• Ingredients: Ingredients dictate what the formula will do for your hair. If your hair has dried out, nourishing plant oils can help replenish moisture loss and prevent breakage. If you need to remove product buildup or oil on your scalp, a clarifying shampoo with tea tree oil or mint can help. To strengthen your existing hair, use hair-thickening products containing biotin, keratin, and zinc. “Biotin improves the internal structure of the hair, which can help to prevent snapping and breaking,” says Federico.

How We Tested Shampoos for Thinning Hair

Meet Our Experts

To narrow down the best shampoos for thinning hair, as well as considerations to keep in mind before buying one, we talked to three hair experts:

• Dr. Suneel Chilukuri, M.D., is a board-certified and internationally recognized expert on cosmetic and reconstructive surgery practicing out of Houston.
• Adam Federico is a hairstylist and the vice president of creative development for R + Co.
• Dr. Neil Sadick, M.D., is a board-certified dermatologist at Sadick Dermatology in New York City.

Why Trust Byrdie

Caitlyn Martyn is an associate commerce editor at Byrdie. She has several years of experience writing about haircare concerns. She has fine hair that has improved in density over the last few years, and she owes that to her deep understanding of hair and scalp health. For this story, she relied on her knowledge of the shampoo market, insights from experts, and the firsthand experience of testers she trusts.

Austen Tosone is a beauty writer and content creator based in NYC. As a girl with thin, straight hair, she can relate to the struggles of fallout and lack of volume. She updated this article in 2024.