The Best Shampoos To Use If You're Concerned About Hair Loss, According To Derms
If you're dealing with hair loss or thinning hair, you may have come across all manner of over-the-counter products that claim to be a solution. If you don't want to add another step to your hair care routine, there are even shampoos that can address thinning or fine hair . But before you reach for any one product, you should hear what the experts have to say on this subject.
Dermatologists want you to set your expectations before thinking of shampoo as a fix-it for hair loss.
"Shampoo ALONE is not a cure for hair loss," board-certified dermatologist Dr. Joyce Park told HuffPost. "I explain to my patients that it's important to view it as one part of a broader, comprehensive routine designed to address thinning at its source."
This is because of how shampoo works: "Shampoo works primarily on the scalp's surface and the hair shaft," Park explained. "It's also a wash off agent, so it sits on your scalp for a few seconds to minutes and then is washed off. Unless otherwise stated on the packaging, shampoo ingredients don't typically penetrate deeply enough to slow or stop hair loss or shedding."
Still, using the right shampoo can play an important role in your hair loss routine, and it shouldn't be overlooked.
Dr. Dendy Engelman , a board-certified dermatologist at Shafer Clinic Fifth Avenue in New York City, said shampoo "can play an important role in supporting scalp health and protecting the structural integrity of the hair fiber.
"I often explain to patients that hair thinning is not only about hair growth, it's also about hair retention and resilience," she added. "Supporting proteins like elastin, which help anchor and support the hair at the follicle, can help improve the appearances of fullness by reducing breakage and helping hair remain stronger over time."
Dr. Ariel Ostad , a board-certified dermatologist and facial plastic surgeon, also noted the potential benefits of shampoo for thinning hair. "Shampoos can improve scalp health, reduce inflammation, strengthen existing hair shafts, and create a better environment for growth, which may slow shedding or make hair appear thicker," he said. "Some shampoos with ketoconazole have evidence showing they may reduce inflammation and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) buildup at the scalp which can support other hair regrowth efforts."
It's also important to know what to avoid when you're shopping for shampoo, not just what to look for.
Both Engelman and Ostad advised against using shampoos with harsh formulas that strip the hair. Ostad mentioned three ingredients to be mindful of, in particular: heavy parabens and silicones, which he said "can build up on the scalp and weigh hair down without long-term benefit," and sulfates like sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), which "can strip natural oils and weaken hair fibers."
So what ingredients should you seek out? Glad you asked. Below, you'll find these derms getting down to the nitty-gritty of science-backed ingredients that can help with hair loss, as well as some of their recommendations for specific shampoos.
The experts consulted for this story do not necessarily endorse the products ahead unless otherwise noted.
Amazon
This award-winning shampoo with 1% ketoconazole
"Your shampoo should do more than just cleanse, so I recommend using shampoos that help with rebalancing the scalp, such as the Nizoral Anti-Dandruff Shampoo or Head & Shoulders Clinical Dandruff Defense ," said board-certified dermatologist Dr. Joyce Park .
Nizoral's main active is a 1% concentration of the antifungal ketoconazole, an ingredient suggested by both Park and Dr. Ariel Ostad , a board-certified dermatologist and facial plastic surgeon. Park elaborated, "It is one of the better-studied shampoo ingredients for thinning hair and it has become more popular over the last few years for its use in hair loss. It reduces scalp inflammation and treats dandruff, which I often see contributing to increased shedding."
Reviewers say the shampoo's scent is "light and fresh" without being "harsh" or "medicinal." The formula is also notably gentle, and can be used on gray or chemically processed hair. In a previous story, another dermatologist told HuffPost Nizoral is the "industry gold standard" for its anti-dandruff and other benefits, leading us to give it a HuffPost Shopping Award in 2025.
Walmart
Plus this affordable option to address inflammation
As Park mentioned earlier, she also recommends this Head & Shoulders anti-dandruff shampoo , which contains 1% selenium sulfide, another ingredient she said can "help when there is inflammation or yeast overgrowth," thereby reducing shedding.
"I like telling patients to alternate shampoos to hit the problem with different ingredients; use one for one wash and then use one the next wash," Park said. "As I mentioned before, I would suggest pairing it with other hair loss treatments for maximum efficacy!"
This shampoo also has the benefit of being the least expensive one on this list at its current price of $13.
Amazon
These botanical Danish shampoos aimed at balancing the scalp
Ostad suggested shampoos by Harklinikken, which he said "is a Danish scalp-focused brand that's been around since the early 1990s and centers its philosophy on personalized hair-health regimens designed to improve scalp balance and strengthen existing hair."
In particular, he recommended their Balancing Shampoo and Stabilizing Scalp Shampoo , which he explained are "formulated with botanicals aimed at nourishing the scalp — which can reduce irritation and support healthier hair growth cycles."
The balancing shampoo is suitable for all hair types and is designed to remove excess oils and buildup for those who use a lot of product in their hair. The stabilizing scalp shampoo is similar, but more suited for oily scalps, dull and dry hair or color-treated hair. Just a note: These shampoos include MIPA-laureth sulfate , which is a milder sulfate that's generally considered gentle enough for daily use on sensitive skin, unlike harsher sulfates such as SLS .
Balancing shampoo: $50 at Amazon
Balancing shampoo: $50 at Harklinikken
Scalp stabilizing shampoo: $50 at Amazon
Amazon
A Nulastin shampoo with "a dream formula" for replenishing elastin
Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Dendy Engelman told HuffPost, "When selecting a shampoo for thinning hair, I recommend formulas that help support the scalp environment while strengthening the hair fiber." One of her picks was the Nulastin Vibrant Scalp Shampoo , a volumizing option that aims to smooth and strengthen fine hair to reduce frizz and breakage.
"This formula focuses on supporting elastin, a structural protein that helps anchor the hair at the follicle," Engelman said. "It uses peptide and elastin-support technology to stimulate the scalp and reinforce the follicle environment, which can help reduce visible shedding and improve hair resilience over time." She also explained that elastin can "maintain flexibility and resilience in hair fibers and the surrounding follicle environment."
Reviewers claim that a little of this shampoo goes a long way, which can potentially make the price a bit easier to bear. And, given that one reviewer called it "a DREAM formula" and said, "I'm not losing nearly as much hair, which is thrilling," this seems to be worth every penny.
Amazon
A gentle moisturizing shampoo made with rainforest botanicals
Engelman also suggested the Rahua Classic Shampoo , which she described as "a gentle, plant-based formula that cleanses without stripping the scalp. It contains omega-rich rahua oil, which helps [strengthen] strands, along with quinoa and coconut-derived cleansers that help maintain moisture and support overall scalp balance."
This shampoo also contains panthenol, an ingredient recommended by both Engelman and Park for helping with scalp health, and therefore the strength of hair fibers, by retaining moisture. The formula has a light Palo Santo scent, is made with rainforest botanicals and is safe on color-treated hair.
Amazon
Virtue's splurgeworthy shampoo with a key patented ingredient
Engelman also recommended Virtue's Flourish Shampoo for Thinning Hair , explaining, "This shampoo helps remove buildup and debris around the follicle while strengthening strands with Alpha Keratin 60ku, a protein designed to bind to damaged areas of the hair shaft and help improve strength, shine and overall hair health."
Alpha Keratin 60ku is patented by Virtue Labs and is bio-identical to keratin but derived from human hair rather than animal byproduct. Engelman suggested keratin in general as a good ingredient to look for, as it helps to "support the structural proteins of the hair and scalp" — as do peptides, another ingredient in the Virtue shampoo.
This one is definitely a splurge, but with reviewers saying they "immediately noticed a difference" in their shedding and that you don't need to use much — one claimed a single bottle lasted them six months — it could be a game-changer. If you choose to buy it directly from Virtue's website , be sure to use the code BDAY9for a 25% off discount while you still can.
Flamingo Estate
A nourishing, indulgent Flamingo Estate shampoo
This Flamingo Estate rosemary clary sage shampoo is an editors' pick that contains essential oils like pracaxi seed and jojoba to gently cleanse the hair and nourish the scalp.
It contains two ingredients suggested by the experts we spoke to: biotin, which Ostad says "strengthens hair and can add volume," and vitamin B5, mentioned by Engelman for supporting scalp health.
Many reviewers mention the moisturizing and lightweight feeling of the shampoo, as well as the fresh scent. It's also completely plant-based and comes in a recyclable aluminum bottle.
Amazon
A biotin-infused shampoo with rosemary oil
Speaking of biotin, we've previously covered this Maple Holistics biotin shampoo that also contains rosemary oil. In another previous story, Dr. Marisa Garshick, a board-certified dermatologist with MDCS Dermatology in New York City, said that rosemary oil can help with strengthening hair and reducing breakage for a fuller appearance. This shampoo continues to be a HuffPost reader favorite as well as a highly-rated option among reviewers, with more than 37,000 5-star ratings.
Amazon
A DHT-blocking shampoo
In previous reporting, Dr. Brendan Camp told HuffPost, "Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is a hormone thought to be responsible for hair shrinkage and loss. This shampoo is formulated with saw palmetto, a botanical ingredient that is thought to inhibit the activity of DHT and promote hair growth."
Our Pick: This HairStem shampoo
has earned an endorsement by the American Hair Loss Association. It contains biotin, is sulfate-free and is designed to block DHT as well as the stress response on hair follicles for fuller-looking hair. One reviewer
who's been using it for years said it "makes a significant difference in the thickness and texture of my hair."
The original version of this story was published on HuffPost at an earlier date.
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