The best shampoos and treatments for thinning hair

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Nothing causes dread like glancing at the drain to see how much hair you’ve lost while showering . Though it’s normal for hair thickness and quantity to change over time (a person might shed anywhere from 50 to 100 strands per day), sudden hair loss can signal an underlying medical condition . Regardless of the reason behind it, pattern hair loss is not pleasant for anyone and can cause significant psychological distress to those experiencing it.

Though experts say genetics plays a major role in pattern hair loss, some products can stimulate growth and prevent hair loss in the future. But before you buy some “magic” elixir in a moment of panic, it’s crucial to identify what's causing your hair loss in the first place.

We talked to dermatologists and trichologists about what causes thinning hair and hair loss, as well as the best ingredients to combat it. We also compiled expert-recommended hair thickening shampoos, treatments and more, plus highly rated products with dermatologist-approved hair thickening formulas.

Selected. Our top picks

How we picked the best thinning hair shampoos and treatments

The best treatment for thinning hair depends on the cause of that hair loss. “Topical serums and targeted shampoos may not be enough to thicken hair and curb hair loss completely,” says board-certified NYC cosmetic dermatologist Dr. Michele Green . “Often, patients will need a combination of topical products, oral medications (Minoxidil, Finasteride, Dutasteride or Spironolactone), and in-office treatments ( PRP injections , HydraFacial Keravive) to treat their thinning hair effectively.” (More on these treatments below .)

If you’re goal is to make your hair look thicker and want products that pair well with medications and in-office treatments, experts recommend keeping the following in mind:

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The best treatments and shampoos for thinning hair

Listed below are dermatologist- and trichologist-approved options to help promote hair growth and keep your strands healthy.

Best overall kit

Nioxin Scalp + Hair Thickening System

Nioxin’s System Kits rely on peppermint oil, niacinamide and biotin to thicken hair and is a favorite among Green’s patients. The kits, which include a therapeutic shampoo, conditioner and scalp treatment, are formulated based on your hair’s unique needs: the System 1 kits target light thinning in natural hair , color-treated hair and bleached hair. The System 2 kits target the same hair types, but for progressed thinning . Nioxin sells its shampoos , conditioners , leave-in products and other styling tools separately, too.

Best thickening shampoo

RevitaLash Thickening Shampoo Scalp

This shampoo, an NBC Selected Wellness Awards winner for fine hair, can boost hair volume, improve strength, exfoliate the scalp and hydrate hair, according to the brand. It’s also oil- and paraben-free, which means it’s safe to use on color-treated hair, according to Revitalash. To apply, the brand recommends gently massaging it into the scalp and letting it sit for up to two minutes before rinsing.

Best topical foam

Rogaine 5% Minoxidil Unscented Foam

“Rogaine is probably one of the few things that’s been actually FDA-approved and worked out to help grow hair,” says Green. The active ingredient in Rogaine products, including this foam, is minoxidil, which stimulates hair growth. Both the men and women’s foams contain 5% of minoxidil, but Rogaine recommends men apply a half capful twice a day directly to the scalp in the hair loss area. For women, the brand recommends applying half a capful just once a day. You can expect to see results in 120 days, but keep in mind that continued use is necessary to maintain results, according to the brand.

Best hair growth system

BosleyMD Revive Volumizing System

Apply this three-step system, which includes a shampoo, conditioner and hair thickening treatment, daily to help reduce hair loss and thinning. It’s best for non-color-treated hair and has botanical ingredients like rosemary extract to stimulate hair growth, according to the brand. BosleyMD has many options for thinning hair treatments, so you should be able to find the right one for your unique situation.

Editor’s pick

Vegamour Gro Hair Serum

NBC Selected editorial director Lauren Swanson, who describes herself as having a lot of fine hair, has been a big fan of Vegamour since her beauty editor days. “I have these thinner spots on my scalp from when I danced ballet and needed to wear tight buns for hours,” she says. “When I started to use the Vegamour serum many years ago and take the gummies , I noticed more hair density.” Dr. Hadley King , a board-certified dermatologist in New York City who specializes in medical and cosmetic dermatology, is also a fan of this serum because it has red clover, which may help to block DHT (or dihydrotestosterone, the hormone responsible for hair loss), and turmeric extract, which may help to inhibit DHT production. “It has a nice texture and doesn’t make your hair greasy,” says King.

Best for a healthy scalp

Dove Scalp and Hair Therapy Fullness Restore Scalp Serum

This serum has niacinamide, vitamin E, zinc and peptides to help support a healthy scalp and soothe irritation and itchiness, says King. It not only makes your hair look thicker and fuller, but it also makes strands stronger, according to the brand. It’s also very light and water-like, so it won’t make your hair or scalp look or feel greasy after you apply it.

Best topical serum

Rogaine 5% Minoxidil Solution - 3 Month Supply

Similar to Rogaine’s foam product, this topical minoxidil solution is sold separately in men and women ’s versions. The women’s product, however, is less concentrated and contains just 2% minoxidil. You can expect to see results after 120 days of daily use, according to the brand.

Best lightweight serum

Verb Density Peptide Scalp Serum

This Verb serum comes recommended by King, who likes that it has niacinamide, ginseng root extract, a bio-peptide, a density complex and a 20-week clinical study that showed visibly denser hair. The serum helps reduce shedding and makes hair visibly thicker, according to the brand. Plus, it has a lovely bergamot and sage scent.

Best with tea tree oil

Avalon Organics Scalp Treatment Shampoo

While this Avalon Organics shampoo isn’t formulated to spur hair growth, it is a notable favorite among Green’s patients that have an irritated scalp. In our guide to the best shampoos for scalp acne , multiple experts recommend tea tree oil-based products to soothe irritation. Tea tree oil also has antibacterial properties.

Best for scalp health

Nutrafol Root Purifier Shampoo

Nutrafol, a natural, drug-free shampoo line that makes oral supplements and various hair care products, comes recommended by both King and Green. While it’s best to consult your doctor before taking any supplement, you could start by trying the Root Purifier Shampoo. When Swanson tried the shampoo, she says it hydrated her scalp without being overly greasy or weighing her hair down. The sulfate-free shampoo is formulated with gentle cleansers like cocamidopropyl betaine that cleanse while optimizing your scalp’s pH levels for improved hair health, according to the brand.

Best for volume

RevitaLash Cosmetics Enhancing Foam

You can apply this foam on dry or wet hair to prevent breakage and brittleness, and to help create volume, according to Revitalash. NBC Selected updates editor Mili Godio uses this foam on her fine hair to give it more volume and prevent it from falling flat. “I apply it on my hair wash days and it makes such a huge difference. I notice my hair looks so much thicker, especially when I let my hair air dry,” she says. Revitalash recommends parting your hair into sections and thoroughly massaging the product into your scalp and on roots.

Best hydrating shampoo

ArtNaturals Argan Oil & Keratin Shampoo

Many of Green’s patients love this argan oil shampoo. Argan oil (also an ingredient in an NBC Selected-favorite clarifying shampoo ) can help hydrate dry hair and retain moisture. It’s also formulated with the cleanser cocamidopropyl betaine, which is a gentler alternative to harsh detergents and sulfates, says King.

How to treat thinning hair