We earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article.
Best shampoos for thinning hair 2026: 14 formulas to boost volume and density, according to experts
This way to healthy hair and a healthy scalp!
Hair thinning is extremely common. In fact, over 15 million UK adults (40 per cent of women and 85 per cent of m) will experience some sort of hair thinning before the age of 50.
But what exactly is hair thinning and how do you know you have it? Well, it refers to a gradual reduction in overall hair density. This will make your hair appear flatter, finer or less full, rather than causing sudden or noticeable gaps in the scalp (which refers to hair loss).
That said, if you’ve noticed your hair thinning, there are ways to help encourage thicker, fuller hair and create an optimal environment for hair growth. One of the best ways? By incorporating a shampoo that’s specifically formulated for thinning hair into your routine.
Best shampoos for thinning hair, at a glance
Now, here's the thing: a shampoo that only sits on your scalp for a minute at most can’t magically lead to hair growth overnight. If it says it will give you Rapunzel-like lengths, sorry, it's lying. But (!) a good shampoo can help "mask" thinning by volumising and smoothing your hair, as well as contribute to better scalp health – which is ultimately the real answer to encouraging hair growth.
That being said, frequent shampooing is important to encourage growth as it keeps the scalp in good nick (read: free from dandruff and product buildup). It's worth looking for a shampoo that's geared towards the scalp, as this will help the overall condition of your hair.
Keep reading for the full list of the 14 best shampoos for hair thinning, as well as expert advice on the FAQ’s around hair thinning.
How we test shampoos for thinning hair:
Finding the best shampoos for thinning hair isn’t like finding one for hydration or volume. This category takes a lot of testing to find the ones that really make a difference. To do this, we spoke to industry experts on the best formulas and recruited beauty editor testers (each with different hair types) to test the shampoos.
Clare Stephenson, Senior Beauty Ecommerce Writer, has also tested these formulas after four years of back-to-back extensions, which caused substantial hair thinning. Then, ofc, we took into consideration cleansing ability, ingredients and, importantly, the effect each had on fallout, volume and density.
L’Oreal Paris Elvive Growth Booster Shampoo
Remember, you don't have to spend a lot of money to find a good shampoo for hair thinning – as L'Oréal's Growth Booster shampoo proves just that.
It focuses on the ingredient aminexil, a well-used molecule found in many products for stimulating growth and to prevent hair loss. Sitting alongside this is niacinamide and ginger extract, which provide anti-inflammatory benefits to prevent stress on the roots and scalp. As happy scalp = happy hair.
Key Specifications:
| Key ingredients: | Aminexil, niacinamide, ginger extract. |
|---|---|
| Sulphate free? | Yes. |
| Hair type: | All, but specifically hair that's prone to breakage. |
If you're familiar with UKLash, you can probably imagine how good this stuff is at encouraging growth and preventing hair loss.
The shampoo really focuses on the scalp, with ingredients like amino acids and pineapple extract, to create the perfect condition for hair to grow. There's also vitamin B5 which is an excellent ingredient to nourish and protect brittle strands.
And, as all great shampoos should do, it leaves hair feeling soft with a tropical aroma to it.
Key Ingredients:
| Key ingredients: | Vitamin B5 (repairs and nourishes the hair follicle), Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein (strengthens the hair follicle to reduce thinning), Pineapple Extract (cleanses the scalp). |
|---|---|
| Sulphate free: | No |
| Hair type: | All hair types |
If you have damaged, thinning hair, chances are you've heard of the Olaplex No. 4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo. This cult-favourite shampoo is a staple in the beauty world for healing damaged and over-processed hair by actually rebuilding the broken bonds in your hair strands.
It also helps moisturise and smooth your tresses, which can make fine, thin hair look a bit plumped up and thicker. The best part is that literally anyone – with any hair type – can use this product.
Key Specifications:
| Key ingredients: | Grapeseed oil, glycerin, panthenol |
|---|---|
| Sulphate free? | Yes |
| Hair type: | All |
No, this shampoo won’t magically reverse hair thinning. What it will do is create the illusion of thicker, fuller-looking strands.
Powered by the brand’s Sili-CLONE HairTech, this volumising formula removes build-up, excess oil and dead skin from the scalp — all of which can contribute to further thinning — while delivering serious lift at the roots. This makes the hair fall with noticeable movement and bounce.
I’ve been reaching for it weekly since having my hair extensions removed, and it’s become my go-to. It gives my natural hair enough volume and body that I don’t miss the extra density nearly as much.
Key Specifications:
| Key Ingredients: | Sili-CLONE HairTech: adds smoothness, softness and shine |
|---|---|
| Sulphate free? | Yes |
| Hair type: | Fine, thin and flat |
If you’re dealing with dryness and damage, the Indē Wild Champi Bond Repair Shampoo is worth a spot in your shower cubby – pronto! Independent studies found that just after one use of this shampoo, hair was left 13x stronger and 15x less frizzy. That’s right, it’s not just a pretty face.
Powered by the brand’s signature Champi Oil Concentrate, it works to create a healthy scalp barrier while reducing irritation and flaking. Then, there’s a blend of 17 amino acids, biotin, pea protein, and pro-vitamin B5 (impressive, Ik Ik), to help repair broken bonds caused by heat styling or colour treatments.
And ofc, after each use my strands feel freshly washed but also much stronger and shinier.
Key Specifications:
| Key Ingredients: | Amino acids, biotin, pea protein, and pro-vitamin B5, Champi Oil Concentrate |
|---|---|
| Sulphate free? | Yes |
| Hair type: | All hair types – specifically dry and damaged |
Briogeo Destined For Density Caffeine + Biotin Peptide Density Conditioner
I've been lathering up my fine, thin hair with this shampoo and dare I say, I've had just about the best hair year of my life. I constantly get compliments on how thick and full my hair looks, which is pretty much the opposite of how I perceived it a year ago.
The reason? The combo of caffeine-rich coffee seed oil in this formula, which is filled with antioxidants that help stimulate blood flow to the scalp to help optimise scalp health and hair growth, says dermatologist Ife Rodney.
Key Specifications:
| Key Ingredients: | Caffeine, green coffee oil and CoQ10 (helps support healthy hair follicles) |
|---|---|
| Sulphate free? | Yes* (*but still contains some strong surfactants) |
| Hair type: | Dry, normal |
Hello Klean Full Cover Hair 01 Anti-Thinning Hard Water Shampoo
How often do you think about the water you use in the shower? Probably not enough. Especially if you live in London, water is laced with heavy metals and minerals that can have a negative effect on both your skin and hair (read: brittle ends and dryness).
This is where Hello Klean comes in. The Full Cover Hair Anti-Thinning Shampoo not only contains the brand's Klean Complex to neutralise these damaging compounds found in hard water, but it's also made with targeted ingredients (read: Biotin and Aminexil) to encourage growth and prevent thinning.
Key Specifications:
| Key ingredients: | Astaxanthin (protects the hair follicles), Biotin (boosts keratin production), Aminexil (prevents thinning), Klean Complex (neutralises minerals, chlorine, and heavy metals). |
|---|---|
| Sulphate free? | No |
| Hair type: | All hair types |
Lambdapil Anti-Hair Loss Shampoo
Dr Rodney is a huge fan of this hair-loss shampoo because it's loaded with anti-inflammatory ingredients (hi, niacinamide and zinc) that "help improve skin barrier function, which can potentially reduce inflammation that can lead to hair fall," she previously told Cosmo.
Personally, my thinning hair and oily scalp love this formula because it makes my roots look lifted and voluminous. FYI: It does contain sulphates, which I love for deeply cleaning and de-gunking my scalp, but they can be drying for some hair types. If your hair is on the drier side, try using this once a month as a "reset" wash, and then make sure to follow it up with a deep conditioner.
Key Specifications:
| Key ingredients: | Niacinamide, zinc, hydrolysed soy protein |
|---|---|
| Sulphate free? | No |
| Hair type: | All* (*but could be a bit drying for very-dry hair if used too often) |
MONDAY Haircare Volume Shampoo
Other than the fact that this shampoo bottle would look cute AF in your shower, it'll also give you volumised hair, which will essentially "mask" your hair loss and/or thinning.
Not only that but it's packed with antioxidants to help protect and repair, as well as coconut oil and shea butter to ensure that the hair stays moisturised.
Key Specifications:
| Key ingredients: | Coconut oil, shea butter, aloe vera |
|---|---|
| Sulphate free? | Yes |
| Hair type: | All* (*but may be too moisturising for very-oily scalps) |
OUAI Fine Hair Shampoo
Volumising products can be tricky for super-fine hair textures. Use the wrong formula, and you'll be left with a crunchy, greasy finish. Cue this lightweight cleanser from Ouai, which calls on a blend of moisturising chia seed oil and strengthening keratin proteins to leave fine hair stronger and smoother, without any heavy residue.
So, while your derm is working on your hair growth from the inside out, this formula can help give you immediate results on the outside.
Key Specifications:
| Key ingredients: | Hydrolysed keratin, chia seed oil |
|---|---|
| Sulphate free? | Yes |
| Hair type: | Oily, normal |
SheaMoisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen & Restore Shampoo
This hair-growth shampoo packs a seriously powerful punch, thanks to ingredients like Jamaican black castor oil (which is loaded with vitamin E, fatty acids, and minerals), moisturising shea butter, and clarifying peppermint.
Not only is it great for heat-damaged hair, but it's also a godsend for textures that require extra moisture.
Key Specifications:
| Key Ingredients: | Peppermint, shea butter, castor oil |
|---|---|
| Sulphate free? | Yes |
| Hair type: | Normal, dry, very dry |
VIRTUE Flourish Shampoo for Thinning Hair
If you want a product that will work for both straight and curly hair, this is your bb. Not only is this shampoo good for dry, flaky scalps, but it is also great for hydrating damaged hair that has split ends and breakage – over-processed hair types, I'm talkin' to you.
Key Specifications:
| Key ingredients: | Keratin, peptides, hyaluronic acid |
|---|---|
| Sulphate free? | Yes |
| Hair type: | All* (*but might be a bit too moisturising for some oily scalps) |
Revitalash Thickening Shampoo
I have RevitaLash's eyebrow growth serum to thank for my thick brows as of late, so I was intrigued to see if the brand's thickening shampoo would also be able to help encourage some hair growth on my scalp.
It's chock full of good-for-scalp ingredients that might not magically make my hair grow longer but will support a healthy scalp environment, which is the first step to growing thicker hair.
A few standouts? Soothing niacinamide, strengthening proteins and amino acids, and skin-barrier supporting peptides.
Key Specifications:
| Key ingredients: | Niacinamide, peptides, arginine, hydrolised soy protein, wheat amino acids |
|---|---|
| Sulphate free? | Yes *(but contains some other strong cleansers) |
| Hair type: | All |
Sachajuan Scalp Shampoo
So, we've determined that a healthy scalp = healthy hair. Enter: Sachajuan Scalp Shampoo that's specifically formulated to help treat dandruff and flaky scalps, thanks to a mix of calming ingredients and – most importantly – salicylic acid, an MVP at gently exfoliating flakes and grease.
The result? Softer, more airy hair and a healthier scalp.
Key Specifications:
| Key ingredients: | Piroctone olamine, climbazole (controls dandruff); salicylic acid (exfoliates); caffeine (stimulates) |
|---|---|
| Sulphate free? | No |
| Hair type: | All* (*but could be slightly drying for dry hair) |
Mielle Organics Rosemary Mint Strengthening Shampoo
I may sound like a broken record here, but if you want your hair to be healthy, you gotta make sure your scalp is healthy first. If you begin to notice that your hair is particularly dry, brittle, weak, and prone to breakage, you (1) need to lay off the heat and colouring, and (2) get yourself a moisturising, strengthening shampoo.
This one by Mielle will gently cleanse the hair while adding moisture to dry and over-processed hair. Massage it through your wet locks, rinse it all out, then follow with a hydrating conditioner.
Key Specifications:
| Key Ingredients: | Rosemary oil, peppermint oil, babassu oil |
|---|---|
| Sulphate free? | Yes* (*but contains some strong surfactants) |
| Hair type: | Normal, dry, very dry |
Do shampoos for thinning hair work?
If you're hoping a shampoo will electrify your hair follicle and speed up your hair growth, then no, shampoos for thinning hair don't work. I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but because shampoos are not clinically proven to cause hair growth, we have to get a little more technical with what we mean by "works".
In reality, nothing that sits on your scalp for 30 seconds will do anything to make your hair grow faster. But – but! – if your hair loss is due to scalp conditions such as dryness, dandruff, or psoriasis, then yes, a shampoo may help create a healthier, more hospitable environment for your hair to grow.
Trust me, if shampoos could magically regrow hair that has been lost, expensive procedures, like hair transplants, wouldn't be in the picture. The best they can do is temporarily add volume to your thin hair or potentially treat or calm down scalp conditions that may be contributing to your thinning hair.
How do you treat thinning hair with shampoo?
You can "treat" your thinning hair with shampoo in multiple ways, but before self-diagnosing the cause of your hair loss, talk to a dermatologist or trichologist first pls, K? Dermatologist Mona Gohara says that when she treats patients for hair loss, she views her approach as a "treatment ladder."
The first step is to determine the root cause and then "make sure your scalp is in the best, and healthiest, condition as possible," noting that this is where shampoo comes in. "Shampoos for thinning hair can hydrate dry scalps, ensure good cuticle health, and clear any clogged hair follicles."
Dr Gohara compares shampoo to a coach on an athletic team: "The coach can't play for the team, however, they can offer advice and support. It's the same for shampoo – shampoo can't grow the hair back, but it can create the best and most optimal environment for healthy hair.
And if over-the-counter treatments don't work, you move up the ladder and work with your dermatologist to determine if oral medication, procedures, or even a hair transplant can be an option. Science has come a long way, and there are many solutions for hair loss today, so as frustrating as it can be, don't think all hope is lost.
What causes thinning hair?
Dr Gohara explains that everyone's hair thins naturally with age: "If you consider everyone's hair densities in their thirties, forties, fifties, and so on, you'll see that it doesn't look the same as it did in their teens and twenties." She says you must consider genetics, explaining that when and how quickly your hair will thin is genetically predetermined, just like your eye and hair colour.
And then, Dr Gohara explains that there are many other issues that can organically cause hair thinning: stress, eating habits, hormonal changes, post-pregnancy, and even over-processing the hair. This type of hair loss is called telogen effluvium – a ~fancy~ way of saying temporary hair loss – and if you correct the issue at its core (i.e., proper nutrition, less stress, seeing a doctor), the hair loss will gradually stop after a period of time.
How much hair loss should be concerning?
If you're worried about thinning hair, see a dermatologist immediately – they can cocktail prescription topicals, prescribe oral medications, and even inject your scalp with cortisone to slow down shedding and inflammation. But in general, as a loose guideline, remember that "you lose about 50 to 100 hairs every day, which is about 0.001 per cent of your hair,” as trichologist, Dominic Burg has told Cosmo US.
It's not until you notice that amount "double or tripling," Dr Burg has explained, that you'll need to take action and see a dermatologist – and that's especially true if you're dealing with bald spots, a sudden receding hairline, or a vast difference in hair density.
Beth Gillette is the beauty editor at Cosmopolitan, where she covers skincare, makeup, hair, nails, and more across digital and print. She can generally be found in bright eyeshadow furiously typing her latest feature or hemming and hawing about a new product you "have to try." Prior to Cosmopolitan, she wrote and edited beauty content as an Editor at The Everygirl for four years. Follow her on Instagram for makeup selfies and a new hair 'do every few months.
Clare Stephenson is the Senior Fashion and Beauty E-commerce Writer for Cosmopolitan, ELLE and Harper’s Bazaar. She has been an e-commerce writer since 2022, creating matter-of-fact reviews and shopping pages filled with her favourite products for every budget and need – whether that’s a glow-giving foundation, a high-tech LED face mask or the perfect wear-with-everything blazer.
Alongside writing, Clare loves to be in front of the camera creating shopping content, putting viral products to the test to see which ones are truly worth the hype. Through her work, she has interviewed leading dermatologists, makeup artists and industry experts to bring readers trusted advice and product recommendations.
Clare has contributed to titles across the Hearst UK portfolio, including Women’s Health, Good Housekeeping, Red and Prima. Prior to joining Hearst, she earned a BA in Multimedia Journalism from Bournemouth University, focusing her studies on magazines and editorial. She later worked as an editorial assistant at Voir Fashion Magazine, covering events including Fashion Week and interviewing notable brand founders.
Outside of work? You can find Clare strolling through London’s Columbia Road Market, pouring her fourth coffee of the day or heading to a Pilates class.
Follow Clare on Instagram @clarefrancesstephenson.
10 best backless bras for low-back dresses
Drop-waist dresses are back trending for spring
Rugby tops are trending & we have just the one for you
24 stylish work bags designed for the 9-to-5
