We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Shopping Beauty Products Hair Products The 12 Best Shampoos for Thinning Hair of 2024, Tested by Real People Our top pick is the Briogeo Destined for Density Peptide Shampoo By Jessie Quinn Jessie Quinn Jessie Quinn is a Los Angeles-based contributing shopping writer at PEOPLE with over 10 years of experience covering all things beauty, fashion, and lifestyle. At PEOPLE, she collaborates with the PEOPLE Tested team to share our top recommendations for everything from the best shapewear to the best dark spot correctors. People Editorial Guidelines and Alyssa Brascia Alyssa Brascia Alyssa Brascia is a staff shopping writer for PEOPLE with two years of experience in the digital media industry. Her expertise lies in the realm of fashion and beauty, where she covers the best products that your wardrobe and makeup vanity need like the best lip oils, boyfriend jeans, workout sets, ballet flats, and more. People Editorial Guidelines Updated on August 30, 2024 08:35PM EDT In This Article View All In This Article Our Top Picks Reviews Others We Tried What to Know Behind The Scenes FAQ Why Trust PEOPLE? What Is PEOPLE Tested? Photo: Bondi Boost ; Briogeo ; Target ; Prose Thinning hair has to be one of the most frustrating haircare woes of all time. From the shedding to the breakage, watching your hair fall can lead you down a rabbit hole of potential hair loss causes. While it’s always best to seek advice from a medical professional, adding a nourishing shampoo formula to your haircare routine can support your efforts to healthier strands while also providing a squeaky good cleanse. “Your hair and scalp care regimen and the products that you use are the foundation of having healthy hair and, even more so, if you are experiencing hair thinning and hair loss,” says Dr. Craig Ziering, board-certified dermatologist and hair transplant surgeon. The More You Know Ziering says that high-quality shampoo formulas with ingredients that strengthen, moisturize, and balance (such as biotin and caffeine) can help revitalize thinning hair by supporting scalp health. “The scalp is skin and deserves the same attention that your face and body skin needs — that’s why optimal scalp health is always part of the hair growth conversation.” With this in mind, our team tested 21 popular shampoos for thinning hair over an eight-week period to find out which ones were actually worth the hype. Then, we did it a second time with four additional shampoos. Throughout this time, we considered everything from the ingredients and how they support both scalp and hair health, made note of our hair texture, volume, and density, and also considered the overall shampooing experience to find formulas that meet our high-standards. As it turns out, some thickening shampoos aren’t at all gimmicky — they really work. Keep reading to discover the best shampoos for thinning hair for every hair type and concern. Our Top Picks Best Overall: SALE Briogeo Destined For Density Peptide Shampoo at Amazon $32 $24 Jump to Review Best Value: Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Scalp Care Shampoo at Amazon $30 Jump to Review Best Drugstore: Monday Haircare Volume Shampoo at Amazon $7 Jump to Review Best for Volume: Nioxin System 1 Shampoo at Amazon $26 Jump to Review Best for Shine: R+Co Dallas Thickening Shampoo at Amazon $38 Jump to Review Best Conditioning: Kérastase Densifique Shampoo at Amazon $42 Jump to Review Best for Oily Hair: BondiBoost HG Shampoo at Amazon $24 Jump to Review Best Strengthening: Shu Uemerua Izumi Tonic Shampoo at Amazon $50 Jump to Review Best for Frizz: Arkive Headcare All Day Everyday Shampoo at Walmart $18 Jump to Review Best for Frizz, Cheaper: Mielle Rosemary Mint Strengthening Shampoo at Amazon $10 Jump to Review Best Overall Briogeo Destined For Density Peptide Shampoo PHOTO: Sephora $24 at Amazon View on Nordstrom $32 at Sephora Our Ratings Ease of Use 4.9/5 Performance/Effectiveness 5/5 Cleansing Ability 5/5 Scent 5/5 Overall Results 5/5 Star Qualities Improved density and some regrowth in areas of concern Provides hair with a boost of nourishment Saw some results almost immediately Red Flags Not much we didn't love about this shampoo! After testing several formulas, none quite compared to the Briogeo shampoo. We tested this formula on dry, thinning hair and saw almost immediate results (which only got better with time). Formulated with an energy complex consisting of caffeine, CoQ10, and green coffee oil to invigorate the scalp, zinc for protecting the hair follicles, biotin for hair strengthening, and copper peptides for a healthy hair life cycle, this potent shampoo for thinning hair targets hair loss by boosting nutrients, improving density, and supporting regrowth. When testing this Briogeo shampoo, we noticed a change in our tester's hair volume almost immediately, and with regular use, her looked and felt thicker, too. We also saw regrowth on some of the areas of concern after just a few weeks, and her hair overall looked much healthier thanks to a softer texture and added shine. While it is a little on the pricey side (especially for only 8 oz.), the results are well worth the investment. Plus, a little bit of formula goes a long way, so you may not run out of this as fast as you might think. Size: 8 ounces | Key Ingredients: Energy complex, zinc, copper peptides, biotin | Hair Type: All What We Think Now After testing the Briogeo shampoo for six months, our tester's hair felt shinier, thicker, and healthier than ever before. She even noticed new baby hairs growing in places that previously had none. Although this bottle is slightly smaller and more expensive per ounce than others, she says she'll continue to repurchase this one for its obvious instant and long-term results. That’s how good it is. This Shampoo for Thinning Hair Gave Our Tester Volume, Strong Roots, and a Return to Her 'Bombshell Glory Days' People / Jaclyn Mastropasqua Experts Say According to Ziering, high-quality shampoo formulas with ingredients that strengthen, moisturize, and balance (such as biotin and caffeine) can help revitalize thinning hair by supporting scalp health. “The scalp is skin and deserves the same attention that your face and body skin needs — that’s why optimal scalp health is always part of the hair growth conversation.” Best Value Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Scalp Care Shampoo PHOTO: Paul Mitchell $30 at Amazon $23 at Ulta View on Paulmitchell.com Our Ratings Ease of Use 5/5 Performance/Effectiveness 5/5 Cleansing Ability 5/5 Scent 5/5 Overall Results 5/5 Star Qualities Strands appeared thicker and fuller with regular use Less hair fall in the shower with just one wash Has a nice lather Red Flags Slight tingling sensation when washing (but not super uncomfortable) We also loved the Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Scalp Care Anti-Thinning Shampoo for a less expensive option. Formulated with clover flower, Kakadu plum, pea peptides, turmeric, ginseng, and tea tree, this invigorating shampoo provides a refreshing wash to all hair types, especially those with thinning hair. The shampoo is designed to boost volume and texture while also protecting against further thinning — and we totally reaped its benefits. After just one wash, our tester saw less hair fall in the shower, and this trend continued with regular use. Once dried, she experienced thicker and fuller-looking hair and less shedding. The shampoo also has a nice lather, which made the application process so much easier and ensured a thorough cleanse every time. Since the shampoo features tea tree, it has a little bit of a tingling sensation while washing, so keep that in mind if you have a sensitive scalp. Size: 3.4, 10.14, and 33.8 ounces | Key Ingredients: Clover flower, Kakadu plum, pea peptides, turmeric, ginseng, tea tree | Hair Type: All, especially thinning hair What We Think Now Six months later, we continue to be impressed with the Paul Mitchell Tea Tree shampoo. Our tester began to notice that their hair felt shinier and healthier after only two months of use, and the results stayed consistent over the entire testing period. In fact, our tester liked this shampoo so much that she also purchased the corresponding conditioner. PHOTO: People / Taylor Fox PHOTO: People / Taylor Fox Best Drugstore Monday Haircare Volume Shampoo PHOTO: Target $7 at Amazon $7 at Target $8 at Ulta Star Qualities Noticeable volume and thickness Formula lathered up well Cleansing enough for regular use Red Flags Didn’t clean chlorine out of our hair well If aesthetics are a factor when deciding which products will make it into your shower, then this Monday Haircare Shampoo will be going straight into your cart. And if you want something that’s just as effective as it is cute… surprise, it’s already in your bag. The Monday Volume Shampoo granted our tester with instantly volumized hair after their first use, thanks to ginger extract, vitamin E, and coconut oil ingredients that control and thicken each strand. We noticed that there was a buildup of grease that accumulated after washes post-pool day, but this can be remedied by double cleansing — first with a clarifying shampoo, and then with this nourishing formula. But for the price, we’re not thinking twice about this easy-to-grab shampoo that you can pick up at Target, Amazon, or practically any large retailer. Size: 12 oz. | Key Ingredients: Coconut oil, ginger extract, vitamin E | Hair Type: Thin, fine, oily hair PHOTO: People PHOTO: People PHOTO: People PHOTO: People PHOTO: People Best for Volume Nioxin System 1 Shampoo PHOTO: Amazon $26 at Amazon View on Ulta View on Planetbeauty.com Our Ratings Ease of Use 5/5 Performance/Effectiveness 5/5 Cleansing Ability 5/5 Scent 4.5/5 Overall Results 5/5 Star Qualities Much fuller hair after using this shampoo Hair stayed cleaner for longer Much less breakage noticed by the end of the testing period Red Flags Some may not prefer the minty scent The Nioxin Cleanser Shampoo is one of the best shampoos for thinning hair because it actually creates a ton of volume and helps create the illusion of thicker, fuller hair. While testing this shampoo formula, we were immediately impressed by the results, and after just a few weeks saw even more improvement. Our tester's hair looked fuller after washing and styling and that volume even lasted until the next day. After eight weeks, there was much less breakage and it would stay cleaner for longer, too. Size: 10.14 ounces | Key Ingredients: Caffeine, peppermint oil, mentha arvensis leaf oil, niacinamide | Hair Type: Fine What We Think Now After using the Nioxin shampoo for six months, our tester found that she can get away with washing her hair less often and maintaining her hair styles longer than before. This shampoo made her hair feel healthier and look thicker than before. She used this shampoo on hair that had been previously damaged by lightener, and found that it revived her strands to feel stronger and look less flat in between washes. People / Amanda Klein Best for Shine R+Co Dallas Thickening Shampoo PHOTO: Amazon $38 at Amazon $38 at Nordstrom $38 at Dermstore Our Ratings Ease of Use 4.8/5 Performance/Effectiveness 4.2/5 Cleansing Ability 5/5 Scent 5/5 Overall Results 4.4/5 Star Qualities Texture improved and strands appeared much shinier Improvement in thickness A little goes a long way Red Flags A bit expensive for a smaller amount of product When testing out the R+Co Dallas Biotin Thickening Shampoo, we were impressed by how much shinier our tester's hair looked after washing and styling. The R+Co shampoo is formulated with a blend of hair ingredients that support healthy strands and promote growth, including biotin, pro-vitamin B5, saw palmetto berry extract, coconut oil, and loquat fruit, which nourish and moisturize strands while actively getting rid of dirt and debris. Throughout the testing period, our tester also noticed how much fuller her hair looked and that her style would hold for longer, which we believe was likely due to all of the hydrating and health-enhancing ingredients — our tester's hair seemed overall much happier and had some nice bounce to it. While it is a little on the expensive side (especially for 8.5 oz. of product), it lathers nicely, and you only need to use about a quarter-sized amount, so a little goes a long way. Size: 8.5 ounces | Key Ingredients: Biotin, pro-vitamin B5, saw palmetto berry extract, coconut oil, loquat fruit extract | Hair Type: Thin, fine hair What We Think Now We continued to be impressed by how soft, shiny, and healthy the R+Co shampoo made our hair feel. After two months of use, our tester noticed that she could go longer between washes, and her hairstyles lasted longer than usual. Her hair felt clean but not stripped after washing, and she continued to reach for this shampoo and its matching conditioner six months later. However, the bottle is pretty small so she had to restock after about two months. People / Ciara O Grady Best Conditioning Kérastase Densifique Shampoo PHOTO: Sephora $42 at Amazon $42 at Sephora View on Kerastase-usa.com Our Ratings Ease of Use 5/5 Performance/Effectiveness 5/5 Cleansing Ability 5/5 Scent 4.5/5 Overall Results 5/5 Star Qualities Hyaluronic acid, gluco peptide, and ceramides supports hydration Thicker hair with regular use Easy to lather Red Flags A little pricey for how much formula you get If you're looking for a hydrating hair shampoo because your ultra-dry strands need some extra love, we recommend the Kerastase Densifique Thickening Shampoo, which is formulated with a blend of hyaluronic acid, gluco peptide, and ceramides to support hair nourishment and leave strands feelings silkier, softer, and shinier. While testing this formula for a few weeks, we saw significant improvement in the overall thickness of hair — our tester's hairstylist even commented on the texture! — and her hair looked and felt a lot healthier thanks to the added nutrients. Since the thick and creamy shampoo formula spreads so easily, you only need a little bit of product, which may make the higher price worth the investment for some. Size: 8.4, 16.9 ounces | Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, gluco peptide, ceramides | Hair Type: Thinning hair What We Think Now Our tester loved this shampoo so much that over the next six months, she recommended it to multiple friends. It instantly volumized her hair without drying it out and continued to work just as well from the first use to the last. It didn't strip the hair like some other thickening shampoos and left her strands feeling soft and silky. Although this is more expensive than some other shampoos on our list, we also noticed that it lasted a little longer than others we’ve tried. People / Paden Reich Do hair-thinning shampoos really work? “The right hair-thinning shampoo can support hair health, thickness, luster, and shine,” says Ziering. Although hair-thinning shampoos might not target the cause of hair loss altogether, Ziering notes that they are an importing starting point for addressing hair loss and can even maximize the appearance of your hair:“Depending on the ingredients, they play a key role in cleansing your scalp, removing built-up sebum, excessive oil, and dirt, and some might stimulate hair growth." We Tested Jennifer Aniston’s LolaVie Shampoo and Conditioner, and They Gave Us the Silkiest Results Best for Oily Hair BondiBoost HG Shampoo PHOTO: Sephora $24 at Amazon $24 at Target $24 at Sephora Our Ratings Ease of Use 4.6/5 Performance/Effectiveness 4.2/5 Cleansing Ability 4/5 Scent 5/5 Overall Results 5/5 Star Qualities Hydrates hair without weighing it down Has a light rosemary scent Much less hair fell after regular use of this shampoo Red Flags Doesn’t lather as well as other shampoos For oily hair types, reach for the BondiBoost HG Shampoo for Thinning Hair. Formulated with lightweight yet hydrating ingredients such as aloe vera, peppermint, saw palmetto, and rosemary, the formula is designed to support hair hydration without promoting excess sebum production or weighing down strands. These ingredients are also known for improving hair growth over time, making them a powerhouse blend for thinning hair. After a few weeks of testing this formula out, our tester experienced much less hair fall than usual and her hair looked a lot shinier (but not in a greasy way) with less frizz. Our only complaint is it doesn't lather as well as some other shampoos we tested, which can make application a bit more cumbersome. Size: 10.14, 16.9 ounces | Key Ingredients: Aloe vera, peppermint, saw palmetto, rosemary | Hair Type: Normal to oily What We Think Now Six months after we began testing this shampoo, our tester's hair looked fuller and she experienced less hair loss than ever before. She also noticed much less thinning in her hair and lost fewer strands when brushing than before using the shampoo. One bottle lasted around three months when using the shampoo two to three times a week. People / Erin Johnson Best Strengthening Shu Uemerua Izumi Tonic Shampoo PHOTO: Sephora $50 at Amazon $55 at Sephora View on Shuuemuraartofhair-usa.com Our Ratings Ease of Use 5/5 Performance/Effectiveness 4.5/5 Cleansing Ability 5/5 Scent 4.5/5 Overall Results 4/5 Star Qualities Helped strengthen our strands after postpartum hair loss Formulated with rice water Lathers well Red Flags Could target frizz better Our top pick for the best strengthening shampoo for thinning hair is the Shu Uemerua rice water shampoo. As its name suggests, this shampoo is enhanced with rice water, which is known for its ability to revive hair cuticles after damage and improve hair volume over time. We tested this shampoo formula against postpartum hair loss and found it did an excellent job of strengthening strands for less breakage (though we wish it helped with frizz control a bit more). In addition to its strengthening formula, the shampoo has a nice lather so you can easily spread it across your strands. It also rinses out very easily, leaving hair feeling ultra-soft and deeply cleansed. Size: 2.5, 10.14 ounces | Key Ingredients: Rice water | Hair Type: All, especially thinning What We Think Now The quality of this shampoo did not wane over the six months of testing and made our tester's hair look full, thick, and healthy. The shampoo noticeably reduced hair breakage and helped hair grow faster than before. While it didn’t do much to extend the style between washes (that’s where the R+Co shampoo really shined), we’d still recommend this shampoo to anyone who wants a strengthening shampoo that smells great and delivers on its promises. People / Ciara O Grady Best for Frizz Arkive Headcare All Day Everyday Shampoo PHOTO: Bloomingdale's $18 at Walmart View on Arkiveheadcare.com $18 at Bloomingdales Our Ratings Ease of Use 4.7/5 Performance/Effectiveness 4/5 Cleansing Ability 5/5 Scent 5/5 Overall Results 5/5 Star Qualities We experienced less breakage and shedding after the testing period Left our hair with a silky, shiny finish Its light scent isn’t too overpowering Red Flags Doesn’t lather as well as others on our list If you want to tackle frizz while also targeting thinning hair, consider the Arkive Headcare All Day Everyday Shampoo. After eight weeks, our tester experienced less breakage and shedding, which helped decrease the frizz she experienced when styling. Additionally, the shampoo leaves hair with a silky, shiny finish that looks like you used a frizz control without actually using one. While it wasn’t a deal-breaker for us, we wish the formula lathered a little more. Our tester who tried this shampoo has longer hair and noted that because it doesn’t have a great lather, it takes a little extra product to spread on the hair and get full coverage while cleansing. Size: 8.5 ounces | Key Ingredients: Baobab protein | Hair Type: All People / Kennedy Vogel The 8 Best Products for Frizzy Hair That We Tested, Including Shampoos, Oils, and Hot Tools Best for Frizz, Cheaper Mielle Rosemary Mint Strengthening Shampoo PHOTO: Amazon $10 at Amazon $10 at Target $10 at Walmart Our Ratings Ease of Use 5/5 Performance/Effectiveness 4.5/5 Cleansing Ability 5/5 Scent 5/5 Overall Results 5/5 Star Qualities Doubles as a de-frizzing formula and left our hair looking smooth Regrowth on thinning areas with consistent use Made with biotin, which supports stronger, healthier strands Red Flags Has a strong minty scent This reasonably-priced shampoo has a lot of shiny qualities that extend past its pretty price — including the fuller and longer hair growth that we noticed, glossy finish that it gave our strands, and frizz-controlling properties that kept our hair looking sleek after every use. Formulated with biotin, the shampoo formula supports thinning hair by promoting stronger and healthier strands all around. With regular use, we saw some regrowth on some of the thinning areas, especially around our part and hairline which had some patchiness, and we experienced much less hair fall, too. However, the formula’s impressive de-frizzing properties are what made us fall for this product, leaving our hair looking and feeling silkier, smoother, and shinier than before. Size: 12 oz. | Key Ingredients: Biotin, rosemary leaf oil, peppermint oil | Hair Type: All What We Think Now Our tester noticed pretty dramatic results after continuing to use the Mielle Rosemary shampoo for six months. After two months, her hair felt healthier and looked fuller, and four months after that, her hair was shedding less during wash days and felt clean and hydrated. The shampoo lasted three months when using twice a week, and for just under $11 a bottle, that makes it an incredible value for the quality. People / Masego Manamela Best for Damaged Hair Superzero Strengthening & Scalp Stimulating Shampoo PHOTO: Amazon $28 at Amazon $28 at Sephora $28 at Superzero.com Our Ratings Ease of Use 5/5 Performance/Effectiveness 5/5 Cleansing Ability 4.8/5 Scent 5/5 Overall Results 5/5 Star Qualities Rejuvenates and restores density of heat-damaged hair Very gentle on the scalp, yet still deep-cleans Lathers and spreads very easily Red Flags Shampoo bar may have a learning curve The Superzero Strengthening & Scalp Stimulated Shampoo for Thinning Hair is a shampoo bar designed to minimize waste while also targeting thinning hair. After eight weeks, one of our testers — who experienced damage from heat styling and bleach — noticed a significant improvement in their overall hair health, noting that their strands looked much fuller and healthier compared to the beginning of the testing period. This is likely due to the ingredient lineup, which includes a bond builder, triolein, vegan keratin, caffeine, rosemary oil, menthol, and alma extract to provide deep, healing nourishment to damaged hair while also creating a cleaner and healthier scalp environment to promote hair growth. Speaking of the scalp, this shampoo is also a fantastic alternative for those looking for a deep yet gentle cleanse, as it’s one step down from a deeply clarifying shampoo formula, providing that same debris lift without the potential stripping of natural oils. Size: 2.15 ounces | Key Ingredients: Bond builder, triolein, vegan keratin, caffeine, rosemary oil, menthol, alma extract | Hair Type: All What We Think Now After using this strengthening shampoo for six months, our tester's hair looked and felt so much better — so much so that her hairdresser even commented on how healthy it seemed. It does a great job of cleaning thick hair, regardless of the type or texture. Even after six months of consistent use every other week, our tester still hasn’t run out of product, making this the longest-lasting shampoo we’ve tested. People / Chantia Murphy Best Custom Prose Custom Shampoo PHOTO: Prose View on Prose.com Star Qualities Bespoke formula caters to your specific needs Doesn’t strip our hair Prevented hair fallout and breakage Red Flags Can’t go to the store to restock — you have to buy in advance If you’re looking for a combination of the benefits above (hydration, strength, frizz-reduction, etc.), then you might as well make your own — and luckily with Prose’s Custom Shampoo, you can. This shampoo starts out with a clarifying base that can be customized by taking an online quiz to suit your hair needs. The evaluation takes into consideration your hair and scalp health, treatments and hair history (dyeing, Keratin, perms, etc.), lifestyle, geographical location, and your hair goals. After the test is complete, you’ll end up with a slew of products and suggested supplementsin order to achieve the hair of your dreams. We noticed a significant change in the strength and overall health of our hair within the first two weeks of testing our personalized shampoo and conditioner.. Since you can’t just walk into the store and buy this customized shampoo on the dime, you’ll need to be proactive about ordering a new shampoo when the time for a restock is coming close (or you can subscribe and save for 15 percent off for routine deliveries). However, we think the personalized formula is worth the extra work. Editors Say “I had a theory that finding the ‘right shampoo for you’ might reduce hair loss more than a general shampoo specifically targeting hair loss, so I called in a sample of Prose custom haircare after Instagram bombarded me with it. I think my theory is correct, because my hair is healthier and more hydrated than it’s been in years, and, as a result, I’ve noticed less hair going down the drain at the end of my showers.” —Erin Johnson, associate editorial director Size: 8.5 oz. | Key Ingredients: Depends on your test results | Hair Type: All PHOTO: People / Erin Johnson PHOTO: People / Erin Johnson PHOTO: People / Erin Johnson Can hair grow back after thinning? Depending on the cause of hair thinning, strands can definitely grow back after thinning. “With proper care, a healthy routine, and professional treatments, thinning hair can improve in density and volume,” says Dr. Howard Sobel, a clinical dermatologic surgeon at Lenox Hill Hospital. However, in order for hair to grow back, Sobel says identifying the cause is most important as this can inform the best treatment. And, while shampoos for thinning hair can certainly support healthier hair, they might not target thinning hair on their own as some causes of thinning hair require medical attention in order to truly reverse. Other Shampoos for Thinning Hair We Tried OGX Thick and Full Volumizing Shampoo for Thin Hair: We loved how fresh and clean this under-$10 shampoo left our hair feeling after each wash. Our hair felt inordinately clean, and we were enamored with the floral-vanilla fragrance that lingered after each wash. However, we think we need a bit more time testing this product to see a real difference in the thickness and volume of our hair. Maple Holistics Shampoo for Thinning Hair: One thing we loved about this biotin-enhanced shampoo was its ability to revive our hair — making our strands appear healthier, thicker, and even enhancing our natural curls after a wash or two. We did notice that this formula struggled to lather, which made us use a lot of shampoo in order to feel like we were getting an effective clean. It didn’t dramatically change the thickness of our hair overall, but it provided a quick fix. Virtue Flourish Shampoo for Thinning Hair: By the end of the testing period, we noticed a decrease in the amount of hair fallout in our showers and our hair brushes, meaning that our hair had strengthened over time. This shampoo gave us all of the suds and bubbles that we craved from several of the others we tested, leaving our hair feeling clean and residue-free — however, it did seem to overstrip our hair and have us reaching for heavier conditioners. Our Verdict We originally recommended Fable and Mane HoliRoots Hydrating Shampoo in this list, but after six months of testing, we didn't see a noticeable difference in the growth or thickness of our hair compared to others we tested (to be fair, it's not branded as a hair growth shampoo). That said, our tester still loved this option for its hydrating and cleansing abilities and was impressed that her light hair color treatment seemingly lasted longer than usual. We now recommend Briogeo Destined for Density as our top pick. What to Know About Shampoos for Thinning Hair Formula Ingredients Just like with hair loss treatments, the ingredients in a shampoo formula matter and this couldn’t be more true for those designed specifically with thinning hair in mind. “Disinfectant molecules such as carnosic acid from rosemary or terpinene-4-ol from tea tree oil help to control microbial overgrowth and promote good bacteria so that the balding scalp is free from issues of bad microbes,” says Dr. Sanjay Batra, a PRP, exosomes, hair loss, and regenerative expert and co-founder of WeThrivv. “If your shampoo contains these disinfectant ingredients, it will become a medicine for your scalp.” In addition to these ingredients, Ziering says to also look for biotin and caffeine in your shampoo formula as these can support scalp health while also strengthening and revitalizing the strands. If you want to try a formula with rosemary, consider our top pick for the best budget-friendly shampoo, the Mielle Rosemary Mint Strengthening Shampoo. For tea tree oil, we were also impressed by the Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Scalp Care Anti-Thinning Shampoo, which also has a refreshing and tingling sensation thanks to the added ingredient. Our top pick for the best shampoo for thinning hair, the Briogeo Destined for Density Peptide Shampoo, features caffeine in its ingredient lineup, as does the superzero Strengthening & Scalp Stimulated Shampoo for Thinning Hair. Consider Your Hair Type While many hair-thinning shampoos are formulated for those with thin or fine hair, it’s worth considering additional hair type factors and looking for formulas designed for normal, dry, or oily scalps. This can ensure that your scalp and strands receive the nutrients they need, whether it be an added boost of moisture or some lightweight hydration that won’t weigh strands down. People / Meehan Brown Behind The Scenes To find the best shampoos for thinning hair, we researched dozens of formulas before selecting 21 products for real-world testing. From there, our PEOPLE Tested team conducted at-home testing over the course of six months, carefully documenting their experiences with every wash. We looked at the following qualities: Lather and feel: We evaluated how well each formula lathered and how much product was required for even coverage, what the shampoo felt like on the scalp while washing, and how easily they rinsed out.Growth: As the weeks progressed, we began to take note of the effects of the shampoos, considering any improvements, such as increased density or less hair fall, to get an idea of their progress. We took note of any new growth we experienced and whether our hair appeared to be thicker than before we began testing. Effectiveness: We also assessed how it made our hair look and feel both immediately after use and over time. We thought about whether the shampoos made our hair feel softer, look shinier, or hold styles for longer than usual. Also of note was how often we needed to use the shampoos to keep our hair feeling clean and whether we were able to go longer in between washes before our hair felt oily. We also considered how voluminous our hair looked while styling, if the shampoo formulas helped with frizz control, and how shiny it appeared after each wash. After several weeks, we compared each formula and evaluated its efficacy, narrowing down the list to 12 formulas. At the end of the six-month period, we revisited the list and updated accordingly based on long-term testing insights. We stand by these 10 shampoos that promote thicker, more voluminous, and healthier-looking hair. Frequently Asked Questions Do hair thinning shampoos really work? “The right hair-thinning shampoo can support hair health, thickness, luster, and shine,” says Ziering. Although hair-thinning shampoos might not target the cause of hair loss altogether, Ziering notes that they are an importing starting point for addressing hair loss and can even maximize the appearance of your hair. “Depending on the ingredients, they play a key role in cleansing your scalp, removing built-up sebum, excessive oil, and dirt, and some might stimulate hair growth,” Ziering adds. Can hair grow back after thinning? Depending on the cause of hair thinning, strands can definitely grow back after thinning. “With proper care, a healthy routine, and professional treatments, thinning hair can improve in density and volume,” says Dr Howard Sobel, a clinical dermatologic surgeon at Lenox Hill Hospital. However, in order for hair to grow back, Sobel says identifying the cause is most important as this can inform the best treatment. And, while shampoos for thinning hair can certainly support healthier hair, they might not target thinning hair on their own as some causes of thinning hair require medical attention in order to truly reverse. What shampoos do dermatologists recommend for thinning hair? When shopping for the best shampoos for thinning hair, Sobel says to “look for shampoos that contain naturally active and antioxidant-rich ingredients like caffeine, green tea, saw palmetto, peptides, and amino acids.” The Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Scalp Care Anti-Thinning Shampoo, which features nourishing ingredients (including tea tree for invigorating the scalp), is one of his personal favorites.Our top pick for the best shampoo for oily hair, the BondiBoost HG Shampoo for Thinning Hair, also includes some of these hair health-supporting ingredients including saw palmetto and rosemary. And, our top pick for the best overall shampoo for thinning hair, the Briogeo Destined for Density Peptide Shampoo, features caffeine in its ingredient lineup. Why Trust PEOPLE? Jessie Quinn is a contributing commerce writer for PEOPLE and has written for publications such as Byrdie, InStyle, The Spruce, NYLON, and more. When covering the best shampoos for thinning hair, Jessie researched each formula on the PEOPLE Tested team’s list and carefully reviewed their notes to learn more about their experiences. She looked for formulas that not only gave impressive results for hair density and volume but also looked at additional perks like shine and improved texture, too. Additionally, Jessie reached out to top haircare experts Dr. Craig Ziering, Dr. Sanjay Batra, and Dr. Howard Sobel to learn more about shampoos for thinning hair, including what to look for and what to know about the potential benefits. Staff writer Alyssa Brascia later updated this story with PEOPLE’s latest findings after our testers and editors tried a handful of new products. As the years and months pass on, formulas continue to evolve — and it’s our job to stay on top of the latest and greatest shampoos for thinning hair to give you the best and most recent recommendations possible. Brascia, having cut her hair into a bob in the spring and is now actively working on regrowth, understands the many factors that a shampoo for thinning hair must have in order to effectively strengthen and lengthen ones’ strands, making her a well-versed expert on the topic. Our Expert Panel Dr. Craig Ziering is an expert hair transplant specialist at his private practice, Ziering Medical, which specializes in hair transplants. Dr. Sanjay Batra is the co-founder of Wethrivv, a company that creates beauty products, including the Revivv Topical Hair Serum. Dr. Howard Sobel is a board-certified dermatologic at Sobel Skin, a private practice for dermatology and cosmetic surgery in New York City. What Is PEOPLE Tested? We created the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval to help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs. But we don’t stop there: We also regularly re-review the categories in which we’ve awarded the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval — because the best product of today might not be the best of tomorrow. And by the way, companies can never buy our recommendation: Their products must earn it, fair and square. In short, PEOPLE Tested provides recommendations you can trust — every day, every purchase.