20 Best Shampoos For Thinning Hair And Hair Growth Of 2023

This formula is brimming with hi-tech ingredients for healthy hair growth: There's karmatin, a vegan keratin made from fermented silk protein to create a mirror image of the amino acids that naturally occur in hair; marula, baobab, and ximenia seed oils to provide moisture and nourish the strands; and red clover, mung bean, and curcumin to fortify the hair follicles and protect against inflammation. 

Curly heads should gravitate toward hydrating shampoos and conditioners since the textured strands are more prone to dryness and breakage.

Living Proof's curl range keeps the ringlets extra juicy, with plenty of conditioning agents to help provide slip and softness, as well as peptides to strengthen the strands.

Not to mention, the formula includes rosemary leaf extract—a natural ingredient renowned for its hair growing abilities. 

Silver strands can easily appear dull or brassy thanks to pollution, topicals, heat damage, and other stressors. "Gray hair grabs what's in the atmosphere, so it can turn yellow very quickly," says color and hair expert Christin Brown.

That's why many opt for a purple or blue shampoo to correct these subtle changes. dpHUE's blond- and gray-enhancing shampoo not only contains purple pigments to neutralize brassy tones, but it also comes loaded with vegan silk proteins, amino acids, and hibiscus flower extract to repair and protect strands from environmental aggressors.

Your hair will appear brighter, fuller, and most importantly, feel stronger over time. 

Your hair is made up of protein, but those amino acid chains can weaken over time, which can lead to breakage. That's where bond-building ingredients like biotin come in: "We can't recreate the exact protein that is in our hair [with topicals], but synthetic and naturally sourced proteins can repair and stand in place like a Band-Aid," explains hairstylist Matt Newman about protein treatments for hair.

That's precisely why Briogeo includes biotin in their volumizing shampoo, as well as ginseng root extract to combat free radicals and maltodextrin—a starch-like substance that creates a film-like coating on the hair, which thickens the strands and gives the appearance of a fuller mane.

Finding a wash that provides a deep clean without stripping the pigment off your strands can be difficult if you have color-treated hair.

A color-safe shampoo is key, like this Pureology number: The lightweight jojoba-oil-infused lather won't disrupt your gorgeous color, and it includes antioxidant-rich green tea extract to protect your strands and scalp, as well as sage to stimulate those hair follicles. 

No product can truly "repair" split ends, but JVN's strengthening range comes pretty close: Ceramides mask the appearance of dry, brittle ends; aloe juice drenches the strands in hydration; and jojoba oil simultaneously conditions with every wash.

The formula also swaps squalane and hemi-squalane for silicones—they provide a similar amount of slip and softness to the strands, but unlike silicones (which don't really benefit the hair aside from aesthetics), they simultaneously deliver moisture and improve hair health over time. 

If you’re looking for a shampoo that promotes hair growth yet remains gentle enough for sensitive scalps, well, here she is. Ranavat’s blend contains antioxidant-rich amla and ashwagandha, as well as jasmine oil to stimulate those follicles (plus, it smells heavenly).

The shampoo also features a “champagne lather,” which refers to how it produces delicate bubbles throughout the hair to gently cleanse without stripping the scalp. So you can easily rinse and repeat without stripping the skin up top. 

What our tester says:

Assistant beauty editor Hannah Frye also considers it one of her favorites. “Before using this shampoo, I looked at my scalp in the mirror: I saw flakes, dryness, and a bit of irritation,” she says. “Yet after just one use (I repeat, one single use), my scalp immediately looked and felt better.” And in case you didn’t know: A soothed, hydrated scalp free lays the groundwork for healthy hair growth.

At the end of the day, hair thinning is personal: Shedding can happen for a number of reasons, which is why Prose offers a questionnaire to understand your specific hair type, texture, and length goals. From there, you'll receive a curated selection of high-quality hair care products, including a sulfate-free fortifying shampoo.

While ingredients may vary depending on your results, some common players include biotin to strengthen, silk proteins for repair, apple cider vinegar for shine, green tea water to protect, and peppermint extract to stimulate the scalp. 

What our tester says:

After hearing borderline miraculous accounts from multiple friends (one even swore it stopped her hair loss), I had to give Prose a try. And their shampoo might just be my favorite offering! It’s lightweight yet lathers beautifully. It’s silicone-free and smells oh-so dreamy. And, most importantly, it makes my scalp feel refreshed and supple. 

Frye also recommends taking the questionnaire, especially if you’re tired of testing options. "Trying heaps of shampoo just to hate them sucks, and it's a waste of money! If you can't find your perfect fit, I'd recommend choosing Prose,” she says. “While some folks can buy any shampoo and still have lush locks, those with nuanced situations like hair thinning may prefer the personalization from Prose."

This 93% naturally derived formula is a coconut lover's dream: It uses gentle coconut-based surfactants from coconut to gently lift and dissolve buildup, coconut water to hydrate the strands without weighing them down, and coconut oil to create a glossy sheen.

Plus, mimosa flower provides a light, invigorating scent—this shampoo will elevate your senses and will leave your strands looking bouncy and rejuvenated. 

Flakes and buildup can suffocate the hair follicles and eventually lead to shedding. If you're dealing with dandruff, you might want to opt for a clarifying shampoo with apple cider vinegar.

The antimicrobial, anti-yeast, and antifungal ingredient is a popular addition to many natural dandruff shampoos. When dandruff-causing bacteria don't like the acidic environment, they tend to stop multiplying. "When used for short contact, such as in a shampoo, it is generally safe and well tolerated," board-certified dermatologist Rachel Nazarian, M.D., previously shared with mbg.

To keep it moisturizing, the formula also loops in Jamaican Black castor oil and shea butter, so your scalp won't feel too tight or squeaky.  

If you're in need of a deep clean, you can't go wrong with this Olaplex number. The clarifying formula removes product buildup, excess oil, and even hard water minerals (mineral buildup can lead to duller hair color).

It also includes the Olaplex signature bond-building technology to repair broken hair bonds for stronger, healthier hair. Translation? This clarifying shampoo simultaneously cleans and strengthens the strands.

What our tester says:

I love the natural volume I notice after using a clarifying shampoo. What I don’t love? My scalp feeling too tight and my strands dried out. However, I’m happy to report that this Olaplex number does not give me that same squeaky-clean feeling. A feat that doesn’t go unnoticed! 

Thinning hair often appears flat at the root, so opt for a volumizing shampoo to lift your strands and create the illusion of fullness.

Not only does this stylist-approved formula instantly give your mane more body (thanks to creatine), but it also includes ginseng root extract for antioxidants, avocado and macadamia oils for moisture, and hydrolyzed sweet almond protein to help repair broken hair bonds. Your hair will look and feel thicker, for sure. 

As we mentioned up top, rosemary oil has impressive hair growth abilities. In fact, a 2015 randomized comparative trial found that rosemary essential oil was just as effective as minoxidil (the active ingredient in many commercial hair-growth products) for reversing hair loss caused by androgens—also known as male- or female-pattern baldness—after six months.

To further stimulate the follicles, you’ll also find peppermint oil, as well as biotin to strengthen strands; finally, coconut and babassu seed oil provide some glorious slip. 

Reviewers are also quick to sing praises: “​​Before I started using this shampoo, my hair was thinning and I couldn’t do anything with my hair,” one shopper writes. “Ever since I started using this shampoo my hair is thicker, longer and manageable and soft.”

With hydrolyzed rice protein, hydrolyzed quinoa, aloe, amaranth oil, and glycerin, this shampoo is equally strengthening and moisturizing—with a $12 price tag, to boot.

Plus, the scent is simply divine (luxurious, even!): Odele combines cucumber, oakmoss, ylang-ylang, and other florals for a 100% natural fragrance blend that smells nothing short of spa-grade. 

What our tester says:

This shampoo is so moisturizing and gentle, I could literally use it every day (I don’t wash my hair that often, but if I did, I would totally use Odele’s nourishing set.) That said, if you’re looking for a lather, I suggest searching elsewhere. There is little to no foam with this formula—but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t work! You’ll just want to really work it in with your fingertips to make sure you lift up all the gunk. 

We don’t believe in gendered hair care around here (gents, feel free to use any shampoo on this list!), but we can’t ignore how many men flock to Hims for a thicker and fuller mane.

With saw palmetto to encourage hair growth and eucalyptus for scalp stimulation (and a rejuvenating scent), this bottle belongs in your bathroom, no matter your gender.

Just take it from this rave review: "After a few days my hair looked noticeably thicker. It even worked on my beard, which is nice because my beard does not grow in as thick and full as I'd want it to."

Board-certified dermatologist Hadley King, M.D., was quick to praise this almond oil-infused option, especially if you have brittle hair prone to breakage. “For thinning hair, it's important to help support the integrity of the hair shaft to help prevent breakage,” she says. “Look for shampoo formulations that contain emollients and occlusives and are free of harsh detergents.”

That’s precisely why she prefers Dove’s smoothing formula: “The almond oil and other emollients help to support and protect the hair shaft,” she adds. 

Those with curls may have a less frequent wash schedule since curly hair textures are more prone to dryness.

That said, many curly-haired folks love to co-wash—aka, a “conditioner wash” that gently cleanses the hair with mild surfactants.

This Bread Beauty Supply formula is actually a hybrid between a shampoo and a co-wash, but it will leave your curls looking soft and juicy. A bonus? It smells like yummy cereal milk. 

Oh, the nostalgia that bubbles up from Biolage. Every time I smell that classic fragrance, I’m instantly transported to my mom’s bathroom in my childhood home.

Though this strengthening shampoo has the same beloved scent, it also has some impressive updates: It’s formulated with vegan squalane, which acts as an alternative to silicone; it gives the hair that quintessential slip and shine without causing buildup (or accumulating in waterways). 

What our tester says:

This is the shampoo I’ll use (along with the Biolage Strength Recovery Deep Treatment Mask) on days I decide to blow-dry. I find it fends off frizz quite nicely and it provides a thick lather to lift any trace of buildup—a fluffy, bouncy blowout, after all, requires a scalp that feels light as air. 

Silk protein and Japanese-sourced senburi extract help strengthen brittle strands, but this shampoo also includes flexible polymers to actually create bond structures between your strands; this noticeably thickens hair with every wash. And for a sulfate-free formula, it generates a pretty good lather. 

According to reviews, it offers instant volume: “I have very thin hair [and] as I get older it’s getting worse, and this shampoo [has] made my hair very full,” one shopper writes. “I didn’t have to use as many other products in my hair because it gives such nice volume.” 

Not only is this creamy lather sulfate-free, but it’s also 100% detergent-free, meaning it cleanses your scalp with all-natural astringents like peppermint oil and evening primrose oil.

Plus, you’ll find hydrolyzed keratin, panthenol, and a host of botanical extracts to strengthen strands and protect them from environmental aggressors.

Your scalp and hair will feel refreshed and conditioned (in fact, this wash doubles as a conditioner, so you can streamline both steps!). 

What our tester says:

“As someone who limits their full shampoo routine to once weekly, I opt for a co-wash on the days I want to refresh my hair, but I don't need the full routine. If you're not prone to greasiness, then you may even be able to use a co-wash every time. The fact of the matter is over-shampooing your hair can disrupt your scalp health and lead to hair thinning, so having a co-wash like this on hand is important.” —Frye