13 Best Shampoos for Hair Loss, Reviewed With Pictures
Your questions about shampoo for thinning hair, answered:Do any hair growth shampoos really work?“The effectiveness [of a shampoo for thinning hair] varies depending on the reason for hair loss,” says Hardik Doshi, MD, FACS, double-board-certified lead surgeon at hair-restoration studio Ample. “They’re not a solution for hair loss, but they can assist in creating an optimal environment for the survival of existing hair follicles on the scalp.” In other words, if you’re losing hair because of pattern baldness or your hormones, a shampoo alone can’t restore your full head of hair. A multifaceted, holistic approach developed with a dermatologist or trichologist is needed, involving a personalised treatment that usually also includes medication, dietary changes, and stress reduction. “Shampoos are rarely an independent type of solution, yet, together with the treatment, they can help to struggle through the restoration process,” says Dr. Doshi.What a shampoo can do is help maintain a healthy scalp environment that’s needed for hair growth and to prevent buildup and irritation that could get in the way of that growth, says trichologist Caspara. They can also add more volume and density, which make hair appear fuller.What causes thinning hair?“The most common cause is androgenetic alopecia, also called male- or female-pattern hair loss,” says Brooke Jeffy, MD, a board-certified dermatologist who specialises in hair loss and skin care. “This causes a widening of the part in women and a receding hairline or bald spot in men.” This kind of hair fall is a result of a hormone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT) attacking the hair follicle, says Friese. “When this happens, the follicle starts to minimise and grow thinner and thinner hair, until it closes and the hair stops growing out of that follicle.”Hormonal imbalances, nutrition deficiencies, and rapid weight loss can also cause hair loss — as well as ongoing stress, pregnancy, and some autoimmune disorders.How can I tell if my hair is thinning?“Hair thinning is one of those things that can sneak up on you without you realising the warning signs,” says Dr. Doshi. “Normal daily shedding is no cause for alarm, but thick clumps of hair loss for sudden reasons, loss concentrated in one place, dryness, brittleness, or new cowlicks forming all indicate that something is going on.”“Thinning hair is a slow, gradual process where individual hairs loose circumference,” says Mark Townsend, a celebrity hairstylist. This is not to be confused with hair breakage or loss, which is when strands fall out from the root. This thinning usually begins with the shrinking of hairs around the front hairline, the nape of the neck, or at the crown of the head. Women usually experience it as a widening of their parts.“If your hair is feeling less dense (like your ponytail seems to have less girth), or you are seeing more scalp than hair, more hair in your brush, or more on the shower floor when you shampoo, then you may be experiencing some hair thinning,” says Friese.What ingredients should I look for in a shampoo to promote hair growth?These ingredients crop up most commonly in shampoos for hair growth and thinning hair:Ketoconazole: A drug that can help lessen scalp irritation and encourage growth by reducing fungus caused by dandruff and acne.Minoxidil: A medication that can potentially reverse hair-follicle miniaturization by increasing blood circulation. It needs to be able to penetrate the scalp in order to be effective, however, which a shampoo can’t do alone as it’s rinsed off.Rogaine: A topical medication that has demonstrated efficacy in stimulating hair growth by bringing blood and nutrients to the scalp. It comes in a range of formulations and strengths, says Dr. Doshi.Biotin: An important B vitamin that potentially “supports keratin production to increase hair volume and density, and strengthen the hair shaft,” says Michele Green, MD, a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist.Niacin: An antioxidant with anti-inflammatory properties that can strengthen hair follicles and promote overall scalp health.Saw palmetto: A natural plant extract that may potentially slow hair loss.Rosemary, caffeine, peppermint: Natural ingredients that stimulate blood flow to the scalp.How long will it take to see results?Using a shampoo alone may not yield the exact results you want if you’re experiencing serious thinning. For that, you’ll want to talk to a derm or trichologist to develop an overall routine that is suitable for you, possibly including medication and dietary changes.That said — after six to eight weeks — your hair should have noticeably more volume and fullness, assuming the thinning isn't too intense.Can thin hair be thickened again?In short – yes. Clearly, one of the best things you can do is swap to a shampoo that's been specifically designed for thinning hair – which means avoiding harsh sulphates and parabens, and prioritising gentle cleansing agents instead."Shampoos that are made with stimulating ingredients that can increase blood circulation at the scalp can really benefit those who suffer from thinning hair," Caspara explains. "Thickeners that can instantly plump up the hair shaft and provide a gratifying feeling of thicker and fuller hair can also help ease the stress of dealing with hair thinning.”But there are also some other general considerations and lifestyle changes that could help thicken up your thin hair, too:Think about your diet. Not eating a well-balanced diet can have a significant impact on the overall health and thickness of your hair. Make sure you're eating enough protein, as well as consuming plenty of fruits and vegetables that are rich in key vitamins and minerals.Limit harsh treatments and styling methods. Cutting down on heat styling can be a great way to promote hair growth and help – so ditch the curling tong in favour of heatless curling methods. Also, adopt low tension hair styles where possible – rather than always opting for a tight slicked-back bun, which will likely cause breakage.Try out some other OTC hair growth products. If you're not sure about your shampoo, there are still heaps of other products for hair loss to consider. Applying scalp scrubs and hair growth serums can really help remove any product buildup, and stimulate hair growth — while taking biotin supplements can be a great option if you like the sound of supporting your hair and nails. Alternatively, red light therapy hair growth devices come with a pretty hefty price-tag, but can make a significant difference to a hair loss journey.Hardik Doshi, MD, FACS, double-board-certified lead surgeon at hair-restoration studio Ample.Brooke Jeffy, MD, a board-certified dermatologist who specialises in hair loss and skincare.Shab Caspara, a board-certified trichologist and founder of hair care brand Leona.Gretchen Friese, a certified trichologist at hair-restoration company BosleyMD.Caroline Robinson, MD, FAAD, a board-certified medical and cosmetic dermatologist.Michele Green, MD, a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist.This story originally appeared on GLAMOUR US.
