18 Shampoos for Thin Hair That’ll Give You Gorgeous, Thick Locks
Thinning hair and hair loss are things we’ll all face at one point or another, whether due to stress, hormonal changes, or simply aging. While it’s nothing to be ashamed of, it’s perfectly natural to want to add a little oomph to your locks. The easiest way to do add some body is by incorporating the best shampoo for thinning hair into your beauty routine. Before we talk about a treatment, though, let’s break down some of the possible reasons for your thinning hair.
What causes thinning hair in women?
Wearing certain hairstyles, excessive chemical processes, hereditary factors, and nutritional deficiencies can all contribute to thinning hair. The most common cause, though, is hereditary female pattern baldness that tends to occur gradually over time. As we get older, so do our hair follicles, which shrink with age. This causes our rate of hair growth to slow down, and, in some cases, cease completely.
Also factoring into our thinning hair is a lowered production rate of estrogen — aka the female sex hormone — that occurs with age. In addition to regulating our reproductive systems, estrogen plays a big role in hair loss, as it encourages speedy growth and keeps strands on our heads for longer. When we’re producing less estrogen, there’s less new hair available to replace the strands that shed naturally, ultimately resulting in thinning.
What is the best shampoo for thinning hair?
The best shampoos for thinning hair are ones that address hair loss on multiple levels. Look for a formula that’s lightweight and rich in nutrients to aid in proper hair production and health, while also providing a volumizing effect.
You’ll also want to take your individual hair type into account. Hair that’s chemically damaged, for instance, may require a different formula than hair that’s sparse due to natural causes. Luckily for you, we’ve done the hard part of scouring beauty shelves across the interwebs for the best pick for every hair type. Keep scrolling to shop FIRST for Women’s recommendations for the 19 best shampoos for thinning hair.
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The Best Shampoos For Thinning Hair
- Alterna Haircare CAVIAR Anti-Aging Clinical Densifying Shampoo
- Living Proof Full Shampoo
- Briogeo’s Blossom & Bloom Ginseng + Biotin Volumizing Shampoo
- Keranique Scalp-Stimulating Shampoo
- L’ANZA Healing Volume
- Kenra Platinum Thickening Shampoo
- Sachajuan Thickening Shampoo
- Zenagen Revolve
- Bumble & bumble Thickening Volume Shampoo
- Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Lemon Sage Shampoo
- Maple Holistics Amaze
- OGX Thick & Full + Biotin & Collagen Shampoo
- Good Lab Blooming & Thickening Shampoo
- Paisle Re-Line Biotin Thickening Shampoo
- Maple Holistics Cedarwood Dandruff Shampoo
- Raxogen Caffeine Hair Loss Shampoo
- Amplixin Stimulating Shampoo
- Hairgenics Pronexa
Alterna Haircare CAVIAR Anti-Aging Clinical Densifying Shampoo
Best Thickening Shampoo for Buildup
Why we like it:
- Supports reduction of DHT
- Strengthens strands
- Moisturizes scalp
One of the most popular shampoos for female hair loss and thinning hair is Alterna Haircare’s CAVIAR anti-aging clinical densifying shampoo. Made to support the reduction of Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) —a derivative of testosterone known as the hair loss hormone — this shampoo begins to work its magic at the scalp, eliminating traces of surface DHT plus follicle-clogging buildup and debris. Its red clover formula also works to penetrate your strands, thickening and nourishing your hair in the process to achieve the mane of your dreams.
“I always have a ton of hair fall out in the shower. Clumps are left in my drain catcher. After using this shampoo and the styling foam four to five times in a row, I now see significantly less hair in my drain catcher, almost none. There’s also less hair in my brush. It has caused such an obvious change that I’m going to buy the root treatment ASAP.”
Living Proof Full Shampoo
Best Thickening Shampoo for Fine Hair
Why we like it:
- Uses a gentle formula
- Created with a patented “healthy hair molecule”
- Removes scalp buildup
For women with naturally fine, flat hair, a thickening shampoo is a must. You can’t go wrong with Living Proof’s Full shampoo. Gentle, yet extremely thorough, this hair cleanser uses the brand’s own patented “healthy hair molecule” of OFPMA to remove scalp buildup and create a barrier that will repel against future dirt and debris.
“As I get older my hair gets thinner. This product was recommended to me by a friend so I decided to try it. I am so glad I did. I absolutely love it. It makes my hair seem so much thicker and fuller than it actually is. I won’t use anything else now!“
Briogeo’s Blossom & Bloom Ginseng + Biotin Volumizing Shampoo
Best Natural Thickening Shampoo
Why we like it:
- Uses a natural formula
- Provides body without stripping hair of natural oils
- Formulated with ginger, ginseng, and vitamin B5
We all know that in order for hair to be healthy, regular washing is a must, but there comes a point when it can get too clean. When shampoos strip the hair of essential nutrients, it’s no good for your locks, especially in the case of thinning hair. Briogeo’s Blossom & Bloom Ginseng + Biotin Volumizing shampoo has a 98 percent naturally-derived formula of follicle-stimulating ginger, ginseng, vitamin B5, and biotin, giving your strands body without ridding your mane of those vital natural oils and nutrients.
“I love the way this shampoo makes my hair feel! It’s thicker, but still soft and doesn’t feel heavy at all. The shampoo is pretty watery (thin), but after I got used to that, I didn’t feel like I was pouring too much. Love it!”
Keranique Scalp-Stimulating Shampoo
Best Thickening Shampoo for Hair Loss
Why we like it:
- Uses a keratin-amino complex
- Clears scalp of buildup and debris
- Penetrates deep into the roots
For men, there’s Rogaine, and for women, there’s Keranique. The iconic hair-care brand is well known for its female hair loss products, and none is more famous than its scalp-stimulating shampoo — the base of its legendary hair-care system. This cleanser gets to the root of the problem — literally. It uses a keratin-amino complex that penetrates hair down to its base to reinforce it while also clearing the scalp of any buildup or debris, creating the best possible environment for proper, voluminous hair growth.
“I like that it doesn’t leave a shampoo residue and it’s not a heavy shampoo,” praised a reviewer. “When I dry my hair it looks thicker.”
L’ANZA Healing Volume
Best Thickening Shampoo for Color Treated Hair
Why we like it:
- Keeps color intact
- Strengthens damaged hair
- Adds weight and thickness
When it comes to color-treated hair, the proper shampoo and color-depositing conditioner is vital for maintaining your dye job. A product like L’ANZA’s Healing Volume will do the trick, keeping your color intact as it strengthens damaged hair and adds weight and thickness with its bamboo-bodifying complex and keratin healing system. This color-safe pick adds an incredible amount of volume to even the finest heads of hair.
One reviewer loves how it, “Leaves my hair healthy looking and adds volume without drying my hair like other volume thickening shampoos.”
Kenra Platinum Thickening Shampoo
Best Thickening Shampoo for All Hair Types
Why we like it:
- Works for a variety of hair types
- Uses a gentle formula
- Reduces scalp buildups
Looking for an all-around great shampoo that works on all hair types? Whether you’ve got curly or straight, thick or fine tresses, Kenra’s Platinum thickening shampoo is here to help. Its gentle formula fully cleans your head, reducing scalp buildup and excess oils that can weigh down thinning hair and making for the perfect all-around thickening choice.
“This shampoo is amazing! It really helped my hair to have lots of body. It even made a difference after I went swimming. My hair was the best I had ever seen after my swim too. Awesome stuff!“
Sachajuan Thickening Shampoo
Best Lightweight Thickening Shampoo
Why we like it:
- Helps hair remain smooth and shiny
- Uses a lightweight formula
- Formulated with heat and UV protectants
When it comes to washing thinning hair, the last thing you want to do is slather on a thick goop that will weigh down your locks and make them look flat. You need a shampoo that’s powerful, but also lightweight, like this thickening shampoo from Sachajuan. Feather-light and moisturizing, this formula uses “ocean silk” thickening technology to ensure hair stays smooth, shiny, and voluminous. Rounded out with heat and UV protectants, this bottle will help you say goodbye to bad hair days forever.
“After a month of regular use my aging, fine, and thinning hair looks plumper and thicker. I also can say that it must clean my scalp better. I can wait 4 days between shampoos. The price is a huge bargain. I love the scent. I couldn’t be more pleased with this thickening shampoo.“
Zenagen Revolve
Best Hair Thickening Treatment
Why we like it:
- Acts as a shampoo and hair mask
- Works as soon as five minutes
- Blended with green tea
A favorite among professionals, Zenagen’s Revolve is a game changer for stringy strands. Part shampoo, part hair mask, this treatment begins to work its hair magic in just five minutes. Green tea mixed with a blend of nutraceutical ingredients target the dreaded hair-loss hormone DHT to cleanse away existing traces and protect against future production.
One Amazon buyer was more than ecstatic with her results, writing, “I love this so much! It’s literally changing my hair and making it grow so fast!”
Bumble & bumble Thickening Volume Shampoo
Best Thickening Shampoo for Volume
Why we like it:
- Helps build body
- Moisturizes hair from the root
- Seals split ends
If voluminous hair is what you’re after, put away the teasing comb and pick up a bottle of Bumble & bumble’s Thickening Volume shampoo. Beloved by many in the beauty community, this shampoo is famous for its incredible ability to build body. And that’s not all! On top of giving your tresses the added lift you crave, this formula will deeply moisturize your strands from root to tip, sealing split ends for a healthier appearance.
“The best shampoo I have ever had. I have tried so many and none are even close to the volume I get with this one. I have very fine hair and with this shampoo I am getting a lot of compliments on my hair. It is bouncy and looks twice a thick.”
Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Lemon Sage Shampoo
Best Thickening Shampoo for Damaged Hair
Why we like it:
- Helps add body to hair
- Color-safe
- Paraben-free
If you have damaged hair from excessive heat damage or a dye job gone awry, you’re probably very careful about the products you put into it. Ease your mind of worry with Paul Mitchell’s Lemon Sage thickening shampoo. This zesty formula is infused with thickening agents to bring body back to your beat-up strands while panthenol (aka vitamin B-5) works to strengthen each one. Color-safe and paraben-free, this shampoo comes complete with UV protection, making it one of the best selections for summer, to boot.
One review commented, “ I wouldn’t leave home without using Paul Mitchell Lemon Sage Thickening shampoo. This shampoo is amazing. I have my hair colored every five weeks and add highlights every other visit. I’m in my late 50s and am experiencing the hair changes that many woman do at this age. This shampoo along with Paul Mitchell Lemon Sage Thickening conditioner and Lemon Sage Thickening spray has given me back my shiny, thick, healthy hair. I really don’t know what I’d do without this trio.“
Maple Holistics Amaze
Best Thickening Shampoo for Curly Hair
Why we like it:
- Sulfate-free
- Fortifies curls
- Stimulates hair growth naturally
Anyone with curly hair knows that finding a good shampoo to properly nourish your ringlets is hard enough. Throw necessary thickening properties into the mix, and the search can begin to feel nearly impossible. Luckily, Maple Holistics’ Amaze shampoo is here to help. Sulfate-free and formulated with a blend of natural botanicals, including rosemary oil, which is known to stimulate hair growth, this shampoo fortifies less-than-lush curls. It also contains DHT blockers for your scalp, making it one powerhouse thickening shampoo.
One reviewer has noticed signs of hair improvement saying, “I have been using Amaze Biotin shampoo for about 6 months and it really has worked for me! I am a 60-year-old woman and the front of my hairline on both sides of my widow’s peak had receded some. My hair has also gotten thinner than it used to be, which is probably not unusual for a woman my age. After I had used the shampoo for a couple of months, I noticed some new hair growth at the front of my hairline and this hair continues to grow. I don’t expect for my hair to be a thick as it was when I was young, but I am happy with the improvement I am seeing.”
OGX Thick & Full + Biotin & Collagen Shampoo
Best Cheap Thickening Shampoo
Why we like it:
- Under $10
- Formulated with vitamin B7 and collagen
- Strengthens and thickens hair
While many thickening shampoos are higher in price than your normal suds would be, there are some more affordable options available, such as OGX’s Thick & Full + Biotin & Collagen shampoo. Made with a blend of vitamin B7, biotin, collagen, and hydrolyzed wheat protein, this cleanser, along with its matching conditioner nourishes hair, adding volume while simultaneously strengthening and thickening locks, one wash at a time.
“This shampoo gives my hair so much volume and shine. Literally leaves my hair feeling so soft and luxurious and smelling great. Definitely a must-have for me and will continue using. Highly recommend to anyone looking to try a new shampoo.“
Good Lab Blooming & Thickening Shampoo
Best Sulfate Free Thickening Shampoo
Why we like it:
- Sulfate-free formula
- Over 10 DHT blockers
- Uses natural ingredients including argan oil and vitamin E
For those in search of a good sulfate-free option, Good Lab has you covered. Made with all-natural ingredients, its Blooming & Thickening shampoo has more than 10 DHT blockers, including saw palmetto berry, nettle leaf, pumpkin seed oil, ginseng, and biotin, alongside a proprietary blend of peptides, all of which have been been shown to improve scalp circulation and stimulate hair growth. Featuring an added boost of naturally-derived caffeine and hydrating ingredients, such as argan oil, vitamin E, and fatty acids, this bottle will ensure thicker, more lustrous hair.
“This stuff is amazing!” praised on reviewer. “It’s already surpassed my expectations — it leaves my hair feeling nourished, soft, and luxurious. It’s full of DHT blockers, it smells great, and it’s super concentrated. A little goes a long way and definitely worth the price. It’s a gem!!!“
Paisle Re-Line Biotin Thickening Shampoo
Best Biotin Thickening Shampoo
Buy on Amazon ($19.97, originally $25)
Why we like it:
- Hypoallergenic formula
- Free of sulfates
- Uses the power of biotin to thicken hair
When you think of thickening shampoo, there’s probably one ingredient that immediately comes to mind: biotin. Naturally found in much of the food we eat, this B complex vitamin is well known for its ability to boost the health of hair, skin, and nails. Re-Line’s Biotin Thickening shampoo is formulated with much more than just a B blend, however. With added rosemary, aloe vera, saw palmetto, and coconut, this DHT-blocking find will leave hair super shiny and thick. It’s also hypoallergenic and sulfate-free.
“OMG! I have long hair down to my waist so over the years needless to say I have been losing my hair and the thickness!! This shampoo brought back the thickness immediately! I am not kidding!!! I am so amazed with this product and will definitely continue to purchase from this seller! My hair actually has body and not limp and thin like before!! Amazing!!! Thank you whoever created this product!!!“
Maple Holistics Cedarwood Dandruff Shampoo
Best Shampoo for Psoriasis
Why we like it:
- Treats thinning and psoriasis
- Uses essential oils to soothe irritated scalps
- Provides hair with vitamins
Finding a shampoo that can both treat thinning hair and psoriasis may sound like a fantasy, but thanks to Maple Holistics Cedarwood Dandruff shampoo, the dream is realized. Made specifically with psoriasis sufferers in mind, this bottle uses a carefully-crafted calming blend of essential oils to rid the scalp of flakes and irritation. Rich and creamy, it’s great for anyone looking to soothe their scalp while giving hair the vitamin-rich boost it needs to regenerate with ease.
One Amazon buyer wrote, “It [got] rid of my flaky scalp and my hair is super thick! And it doesn’t seem to release the hair color I put in my hair! Will purchase again!“
Raxogen Caffeine Hair Loss Shampoo
Best Thickening Shampoo With Caffeine
Why we like it:
- Uses caffeine to target DHT
- Formulated with natural plant extracts
- Improves follicle strength
You may have heard about the benefits of caffeine for skin, but are you aware of the power it has on hair? Much like biotin, caffeine targets DHT to stop hair loss and improve hair growth. Raxogen’s Caffeine Hair Loss shampoo is formulated with caffeine and other natural plant extracts to promote healthy hair growth and improve follicle strength, leaving thicker hair in its wake — all with a delectable coffee aroma.
Amplixin Stimulating Shampoo
Best Shampoo for Hair Growth and Thickening
Why we like it:
- Designed with a mixture of red clover and caffeine
- Stimulates the scalp
- Made in the US
When it’s new hair growth you’re after, look no further than clinical brand Amplixin. Created from a mixture of red clover, bio-mimetic peptides, and caffeine, this shampoo stimulates the scalp, which in turn increases hair production and blocks the negative effects of DHT. Plus, it’s sulfate-free, made in the US, and good for all hair types.
“My hair is pretty thin and dull and this shampoo really brought it to life! The scent is so nice and clean and I love how easy it is to work it into your hair. I also have mild dandruff and ever since I’ve started using this shampoo I’ve noticed that there’s been a significant decrease of dandruff. I love this stuff!! Will definitely be ordering another bottle.“
Hairgenics Pronexa
Best Thickening Shampoo for Men and Women
Why we like it:
- Uses aloe vera to soothe the scalp
- Infused with seaweed extract to heal and nourish hair
- Works for men and women
On the hunt for a shampoo you can share with your partner? Pick up Hairgenics Pronexa. This clinical-strength hair-growth shampoo works for both men and women, nourishing with its aloe vera and seaweed extract and stimulating growth with biotin and DHT-blocking palmetto to effectively heal the scalp.
” I purchased Pronexa and have found that with regular use there is significantly less hair in my shower drain than before, and I’m even seeing some new growth in areas that were previously balding! I plan to buy this product again as other brands just don’t seem to actually deliver the same results. Thanks for a quality product.”
