Shampoo for thinning hair
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- Volumizing shampoo for fine hair. Best for: Making thin hair look fuller. See options on Amazon
- Lightweight conditioner for fine hair. Best for: Conditioning without flattening. See options on Amazon
- Nioxin System Kit. Best for: People who want a 3-step thickening routine. See options on Amazon
What a thinning-hair shampoo can do
On its female pattern hair loss page, the AAD lists what hair loss shampoos may do: help your hair hold moisture, which makes hair look fuller and thicker, and lessen breakage, which can reduce thinning. It adds that they cannot regrow hair or prevent hair loss from worsening.
So think of shampoo as cosmetic support. Treatments that can regrow hair are a separate conversation with a dermatologist.
Choosing a shampoo and conditioner
| Product type | AAD guidance for thin hair |
|---|---|
| Volumizing shampoo | Use one; these tend to contain ingredients like protein that coat the hair so it looks fuller |
| Conditioning shampoo | Avoid; heavy conditioners can weigh hair down and make it look limp |
| Conditioner for fine hair | Use one; lighter formulas will not weigh hair down |
| Intensive conditioner | Avoid; too heavy |
This guidance is from the AAD's tips for new moms with hair loss. The AAD also says finding the best shampoo and conditioner for thin hair is really a matter of trial and error, and that no single ingredient makes a volumizing product better than the rest.
How to wash thinning hair gently
- Use a gentle shampoo. The AAD says some shampoos can strip moisture from your hair.
- Shampoo the scalp. The AAD suggests applying shampoo to your scalp instead of the entire length of your hair.
- Condition the ends. If you have fine or straight hair, apply conditioner to the ends, the AAD says; putting it on the scalp and all of your hair tends to weigh hair down.
- Wash as your scalp needs. If you have straight hair and an oily scalp, the AAD says you may want to shampoo every day.
- Want a scalp tool? See our electric scalp massager guide.
Habits that protect fragile hair
The AAD's hair loss tips include:
- Forgo hot-oil treatments, which heat up the hair and further damage fragile hair.
- Limit curling irons, flat irons and hot combs.
- Use the lowest heat setting on your blow-dryer.
Choose hair care products that say they are made for your hair type, as the AAD suggests.
Thickening shampoo systems
Some brands sell multi-step systems. Nioxin, for example, sells four System Kits: Kits 1 and 2 for natural, non-colored hair with light or progressed thinning, and Kits 3 and 4 for colored or damaged hair with light or progressed thinning. Its steps are to massage the cleanser into wet hair and scalp, wait one minute and rinse, then apply conditioner for one to three minutes and a leave-in scalp treatment.
Nioxin recommends using the complete system at least 3 times a week for visible results in 30 days, and says you may notice more shedding than usual in the first few weeks. Treat those as maker claims; if shedding worries you, ask a dermatologist.
When to see a dermatologist
The AAD says other causes of hair loss can look like female pattern hair loss, that each cause requires different treatment, and that without the right treatment hair loss often continues. It says treatment works best when started at the first sign of hair loss, and advises seeing a board-certified dermatologist.
If a dermatologist recommends minoxidil, the AAD says you will need to use it continuously for about six to 12 months before you know how well it works. After pregnancy, the AAD says shedding usually peaks about four months after giving birth, and most women see normal fullness return by their child's first birthday. Before trying supplements such as biotin or hair, skin and nails vitamins, read our guides and ask your doctor.
What to look for when you buy
Volumizing shampoo for fine hair
Best for: Making thin hair look fuller
The AAD suggests a volumizing shampoo, which tends to contain ingredients like protein that coat the hair.
Watch out: Avoid products labeled conditioning shampoo, which can weigh hair down.
See options on AmazonLightweight conditioner for fine hair
Best for: Conditioning without flattening
The AAD advises a conditioner formulated for fine hair, used mainly on the ends.
Watch out: Skip products labeled intensive conditioner.
See options on AmazonNioxin System Kit
Best for: People who want a 3-step thickening routine
Nioxin sells four kits matched to natural or colored hair and light or progressed thinning.
Watch out: Maker results claims; shampoo cannot regrow hair, per the AAD.
See options on AmazonQuestions people ask
- Can shampoo regrow hair?
- No. The AAD says hair loss shampoos may help hair look fuller and lessen breakage but cannot regrow hair.
- What shampoo is best for thinning hair?
- The AAD suggests a gentle, volumizing shampoo and says finding the best one is a matter of trial and error.
- Should I use conditioner on thinning hair?
- Yes, a conditioner formulated for fine hair, used mainly on the ends, per the AAD.
- How often should I wash thinning hair?
- It depends on your scalp; the AAD says people with straight hair and an oily scalp may want to shampoo every day.
- When should I see a dermatologist for thinning hair?
- At the first sign of hair loss; the AAD says treatment works best when started early.
Sources
- Thinning hair and hair loss: Could it be female pattern hair loss? (aad.org), American Academy of Dermatology
- Hair loss in new moms: Dermatologist tips (aad.org), American Academy of Dermatology
- Hair loss: Tips for managing (aad.org), American Academy of Dermatology
- Tips for healthy hair (aad.org), American Academy of Dermatology
- How To Use Nioxin System Kits (nioxin.com), Nioxin