9 Best Shampoos for Men With Thinning Hair
No one likes to see their hair thinning, especially when they feel hopeless to stop it. Luckily, there are plenty of shampoos on the market that can help men manage a thinning head of hair and even reverse it. Check out these 9 Best Shampoos for Thinning Hair Men!
What Causes Thinning Hair in Men?
One reason why thinning hair is so difficult to treat is that it can be caused by a variety of triggers, including:
Genetics: Male pattern baldness (androgenetic alopecia) affects about 1 in 5 men in their twenties and causes thinning for more men in their 30s and 40s. If you have male relatives who are balding, the chances are high that you will, too. There is a lot to male pattern baldness that doctors still don’t understand, but they do know that men can prevent – or at least slow – hair thinning from male pattern baldness if action is taken early enough.
Hormonal Changes: There is also a link between hormonal changes and hair loss, specifically DHT – which can shrink follicles and cause hair thinning when levels of the hormone fluctuate in your system.
Medical Issues: All kinds of medical conditions and medications can contribute to hair thinning, such as thyroid problems, anemia, and treatments for cancer, depression, and high blood pressure. This is why it’s important to see your doctor if you suspect hair thinning. Some medical causes behind balding can be treated, allowing your hair to regrow.
Stress: Shock or stress of different kinds can also cause your hair to fall out. That may mean sudden dramatic weight loss, surgery, viruses, or emotional traumas.
Grooming: In some cases, grooming can be the culprit behind hair fall. Men with long hair who wear their hair tied back may be styling their mane in ways that pull too hard on the hair, causing it to fall out. Perms and heat treatments can also have this effect.
Aging: Pretty much everyone loses some hair as they age, so if you’re noticing other age-related changes, too, there’s a chance that this is the reason for the thinning.
What Can You Do About Thinning Hair?
The first step when you’re experiencing thinning hair is to make an appointment with your primary care physician, who may refer you to a dermatologist. Some hair loss triggers can be treated easily (such as vitamin deficiencies), while others are not so simple. While there’s no cure for male-pattern baldness, there are ways to reduce its effects. Here are some other ways to deal with thinning hair:
Change Your Hairstyle: This is certainly a good idea if your grooming habits are to blame for the hair loss you’re experiencing, and is also the least invasive way to deal with thinning hair. Try parting your hair differently to cover the bald spots, for example. While this isn’t a solution to the problem, it may help you feel more confident in spite of the thinning.
Use a Topical Treatment: Some men apply over-the-counter topical solutions to their bald spots each day. They work by getting into the scalp, boosting inactive hair follicles, and getting hair to stay in its growth phase. While this method is somewhat tedious – it takes months to notice results – it definitely works.
Try Scalp Massages: Sometimes boosting hair growth is all about stimulating the scalp, which can be done with a relaxing scalp massage. Just apply light pressure with your fingertips all around your scalp and you’ll boost blood flow.
Take Vitamins: If your hair thinning is the result of vitamin or mineral deficiencies, taking a daily multivitamin should help. Make sure to check with your doctor before incorporating supplements into your routine.
Try Other Medications: Depending on your specific case, a dermatologist might recommend prescription medications to boost hair growth. There are both oral and injectable medicines along with laser therapy that your doctor may prescribe.
Apply Essential Oils: Some essential oils, such as rosemary and lavender, have been shown to promote scalp health and boost hair growth. Make sure you purchase essential oils that have been diluted with carrier oils before applying them to your skin, and you may want to try a patch test on your hand first to see how your skin tolerates them. Then, massage them into your scalp for a relaxing and growth-inspiring experience.
Get a Hair Transplant: This is typically a last resort method. If you are balding or have already gone bald and want your hair back, you may want to get a hair transplant.
Use Shampoos for Thinning Hair: Perhaps the easiest method to stop hair thinning is to use shampoos that are specially formulated for thinning hair. These often contain ingredients that target common causes of thinning while also encouraging growth. You can simply replace your normal shampoo with them and see results in weeks!
When to Start Treating Thinning Hair
While some interventions can only happen once severe hair loss has been discovered, the best time to combat hair thinning is right away. You may start to notice thinning as soon as hairs start coming out in greater numbers than before. This can happen in the shower, on your pillow, or in your fingers when you run them through your hair.
Otherwise, you’ll start to notice bald patches or places on your head where it looks like you have less hair than before. Some men have receding hairlines, while others get bald patches that spread over time.
What to Look for in a Shampoo for Thinning Hair
When looking for the best shampoos for thinning hair, men should keep an eye out for these features:
Scalp Care: Healthy hair starts with a healthy scalp, which is why you should opt for shampoos that mention how they soothe and nourish your scalp to boost hair health. By getting rid of flaking and other scalp issues, you can ensure that your hair grows healthier than before.
Nourishing Ingredients: Your hair needs nourishment, too! So make sure you’re buying shampoos that have important natural ingredients that provide micronutrients to your hair. Products packed with nourishing ingredients address breakage and hair damage, restoring your hair to its best self – which may just help with the thinning already.
The Absence of Harmful Ingredients: Some shampoos are laden with chemicals that can contribute to hair loss and hinder your progress. Avoid formulas that contain sulfates, sodium chloride, formaldehyde, parabens, alcohols, and silicones. When in doubt, go for natural products with ingredients that you can recognize and pronounce!
Volumizing Ingredients: To compensate for the thin parts, get a shampoo that adds some volume and thickness to the strands of hair you already have! This will help the thinning appear less noticeable. Some ingredients to look for include panthenol, glycerin, and natural oils like almond and soybean.
Amino Acids: Amino acids strengthen your hair while repairing damage, so they’re the ultimate addition to a shampoo for thinning hair. Some specific amino acids to look for include cysteine, lysine, and glycine – although the list doesn’t end there.
Caffeine: Just like coffee wakes you up and gets you going, caffeine stimulates the scalp and increases blood flow. This blood flow is what encourages healthy hair follicles, so seeing caffeine on your shampoo label is a good omen.
Vitamins: While we already mentioned nourishing ingredients above, some vitamins are so powerful they deserve their own category. Like biotin or niacin for example – vitamins that improve circulation and support keratin, the protein that makes up your hair.
Essential Oils: Essential oils can impart all kinds of benefits and help speed up hair growth. Some favorites to look for include peppermint, lavender, cedarwood, lemongrass, and tea tree, which strengthen and promote health while also expediting the growth process.
Saw Palmetto: Research conducted on saw palmetto has shown that it is effective at preventing excess DHT, a hormone behind some forms of hair loss. Many of the best shampoos for thinning hair rely on saw palmetto for its hormone-balancing effects that can halt hair loss.
If you’re experiencing hair thinning, don’t fret! These best shampoos for thinning hair men are sure to boost your confidence in no time.
1. Blu Atlas Shampoo
With a silken texture, unforgettable scent, and natural ingredients, this is by far the best shampoo for thinning hair men. The secret to this product’s success is that it’s mild and gentle enough for daily use while cleaning thoroughly, reinforcing each strand, and providing key solutions to hair loss. It’s safe on all hair types, meaning it’s a one-size-fits-all solution for men with thinning hair.
You also won’t find any harmful ingredients here, as the shampoo boasts an impressive 99% natural ingredient list. Since the shampoo was created with input from a medical advisory board of top dermatologists, you can trust it to take care of your hair and scalp, restoring it to its former glory.
Saw palmetto is an important ingredient here, lending anti-inflammatory power and blocking DHT, the hormone behind some kinds of hair thinning. Vegan biotin works to strengthen hair, giving it greater volume. Aloe barbadensis leaf is another important addition to the formula, soothing the scalp and locking moisture into each piece of hair.
This shampoo comes in two scents – classic and coconut apricot. The classic scent is deeply masculine and fresh, while the coconut apricot scent is somewhat tropical and sweet. Take your pick – users rave about both!
Many reviewers share their relief at finding a sulfate-free shampoo that really works. A few mention that the shampoo helped ease scalp itching, and others note visible improvement in hair strength. Lots of thumbs up from the Blu Atlas reviewers!
2. Kevin Murphy’s Stimulate-Me.Wash
This product from Kevin Murphy is an experience for the senses. It reinvigorates your hair and scalp while also providing a stimulating aroma that will get you ready to start your day. We chose this formula because it’s sulfate-free and has no parabens, and it works to strengthen hair and increase density.
While this won’t stop some causes of hair loss, it will give your hair a makeover, leaving your hair feeling stronger and thicker, which is a big plus. Users claim that this works best when combined with the conditioner and leave-in thickening treatment, so you may not get the full results when using this product on its own.
Camphor crystals are essential to this formula, as they get the blood flowing in the scalp and give hair a noticeable sheen. Keratin amino mend broken hair and are so lightweight they won’t weigh your hair down. Pepper seed extract and oil also play a big role in this shampoo, providing antioxidants to help fight off free radicals and keep your scalp and hair healthy and youthful.
Expect a subtle masculine scent here – that is, a hint of spicy and bright – adding to the overall energizing effect of this product.
Men praise this shampoo’s scalp tingling effect, which soothes itchy and irritated scalps and feels refreshing. Some men report increased hair growth in just over a month, while others simply mention the increased volume their hair sees after use.
3. SachaJuan Thickening Shampoo
This brand was created by hairdressers with a minimalist approach to hair care, which is perfect for men with thinning hair. This thickening shampoo contains the brand’s thickening technology to boost hair density and is full of vegan ingredients that also protect hair from damage, cutting down on future hair fall.
It’s this product’s simple goodness that makes it a contender for the best shampoos for thinning hair men. That’s also the reason that this shampoo has won all kinds of awards!
Glycerin helps soften hair, reducing breakage to encourage hair to grow longer and fast. Red algae is the other key inclusion in this formula – a superfood for your hair. It’s packed with fortifying amino acids and plenty of vitamins and minerals to bring about hair health naturally. Thanks to its sun-filtering properties, red algae also provides a dose of antioxidants to your scalp and hair to fight environmental damage.
There are plenty of masculine overtones to this scent, which is strong enough to linger for a while but subtle enough not to overpower your cologne. Many users claim this is their favorite part of the product! Just be aware that the scent comes from parfum, which may irritate those with sensitive skin.
Men claim that a little goes a long way with this shampoo, meaning you only need a few drops to reap all the benefits. Many claim it gives hair extra lift and makes hair look denser despite hair fall.
4. Philip Kingsley Density
This trichologist-approved shampoo packs tons of volume without drying hair out. It also has the capability to improve the overall condition of your hair, preventing future breakage and loss. Incorporate this shampoo into your shower routine if you haven’t taken proper care of your hair in the past, which may have contributed to its thinning.
Density also takes care of the scalp, which is the source of hair growth. That way, you can build a strong foundation to support healthy hair.
Polymers and pea peptides kick up the volume a notch, giving the appearance of a full head of hair. Salicylic acid exfoliates the scalp to get rid of dandruff, and radish root ferment filtrate gets rid of free radicals that cause scalp damage.
One user calls the smell “divine,” and others mention that it is definitely a reason to purchase the shampoo. The brand also offers unscented shampoo and conditioner for those with sensitive skin.
Several cancer patients mention that this shampoo has helped bring their hair back to life, giving it more bounce and thickness. Others agree that this shampoo makes their hair feel fuller and more resilient.
5. R+Co Bleu Thickening Shampoo
Men with fine hair that snaps easily will especially benefit from this thickening shampoo, which revitalizes dull hair and reinforces each strand to prevent breakage. Get ready for a serious volume upgrade when you use this shampoo. Climate-conscious men will appreciate how this bottle is made from 100% post-consumer recycled plastic, making this shampoo a sustainable choice.
The proprietary molecule complex found in this shampoo is where many of the benefits come from, as it bolsters weak strands of hair. Vegetable protein is another important strengthening ingredient, while avocado oil – rich in biotin – makes for healthier hair that will hang on longer.
A lovely blend of scent notes is just another thing that makes this product one of the best. You’ll smell a hint of cardamom along with pineapple, tangerine, lavender, and bamboo.
Several users say that Ingenious Thickening is the only shampoo they’ll use for the rest of their lives! Men claim that this shampoo truly makes a difference and is totally worth the high price.
6. Keeps Thickening Shampoo
Keeps is a brand devoted to helping men keep their hair, so it should come as no surprise that they’ve created one of the best shampoos for thinning hair men. The product promises results in just a few months, creating a healthy hair environment to encourage more growth and a thicker appearance.
Take a look at this product’s reviews and you’ll see plenty of before and after pictures to reassure you of the shampoo’s efficacy. The point of the product is to keep hair follicles healthy, clean, and ready for action so that they can keep supplying you with hair for many years to come.
There are a few superhero ingredients you have to thank for this formula’s effects – saw palmetto for hormonal balance, biotin for strength, caffeine for scalp circulation, and green tea for antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties.
The scent of this product is great but fairly natural, so you won’t feel like you’re dousing your head in perfume.
Some men label this shampoo as “life-changing,” saying that it gave them a major confidence boost by helping their hair grow again. Hope for a thick head of hair is not lost when you use this shampoo! The only complaint users have is that it takes a long time to kick in, so you’ll need to exercise patience.
7. Shea Moisture Strengthen and Restore Shampoo
Men with kinky, wavy, or curly hair will get the most out of this product, as will those who have experienced a lot of hair damage from heat and styling. Unlike some other products, this one is a clarifying shampoo, removing gunk and buildup from the scalp and hair follicles to ensure uninhibited growth.
It cuts back on shedding by using soothing natural ingredients to strengthen hair that has been damaged, then gives your scalp some attention. This shampoo attacks thinning hair from all angles.
Hydrolyzed rice protein is perhaps this shampoo’s most important ingredient, as it has been shown to increase hair volume significantly in several studies. Peppermint relieves scalp irritation, and the namesake Jamaican black castor oil improves circulation to the scalp, ramping up healthy hair growth.
If you’re someone who doesn’t need a fancy scented shampoo, you’ll appreciate this product – which has a plain and natural smell to it. You’ll definitely catch a whiff of castor oil in here, and almost a clay-like earthiness.
Users notice that this shampoo provides superior hydration, taking curls from dry and frizzy to soft and bouncy. Many also point out that they’re seeing new hair growth within a few weeks of use.
8. MD hair Regrowth Shampoo
MD hair takes a methodical approach to hair thinning, laying out four steps you’ll need to take to get back to a dense mane of hair. These steps are scalp care, attention to the hair shaft, supplements to boost growth from within, and ingredients that promote hair health. The brand offers a whole slew of products you can use in combination to boost hair growth.
Even if you don’t want to go all in on this particular regrowth solution, you can start with the shampoo, which can solve all kinds of hair problems. It tackles scalp health, stimulates hair follicles, balances out your natural sebum production, and fights damage. If you’re looking for a customized thinning hair solution, try the brand’s hair regrowth quiz to figure out what might be causing your hair loss and find products to help you get back on track.
Saw palmetto and pumpkin seed get to work on inflammation and DHT, reishi mushrooms prep your scalp for regrowth, and argan oil seals moisture in for health and resilience. There are plenty of other natural botanicals included in this formula as well.
Think fresh and clean – that’s the smell you can expect with this shampoo. It smells totally natural and inoffensive.
Users are blown away by how well this product works, resulting in thicker hair that almost changes in texture as it comes out, feeling stronger and heartier. Many say that they’ve stopped noticing hair fall when they brush their hair or run their hands through it, and many claim this is the first product that’s really worked for them.
9. Hims Hair Thickening Shampoo
This Thick Fix shampoo targets hormonal hair loss, turning to mostly natural ingredients to do the trick. The formula is paraben-, silicone-, sulfate-, and phthalate-free, which is good news for your scalp and hair. It also may boost your hair’s texture and shine, giving you better-looking hair in general.
Hims also offers plenty of other products to stimulate hair growth and stop thinning, so if the shampoo alone doesn’t work for you, check out the conditioner, supplements, and spray.
Saw palmetto is the star of this formula, blocking DHT, the hormone that can shrink your follicles and lead to a shorter hair growth cycle and thinning as a result. There are also some chemical exfoliants in this formula to rid the scalp of dead skin, and the natural antioxidant benefits of tocopherol – a form of vitamin E.
The scent of this product is named “eucalyptus grove,” and follows through with a fresh and uplifting dose of eucalyptus. Men love this smell, claiming it helps them feel clean all day long.
Men with thinning hair report an uptick in thickness after using this product for a while. Some even say that they noticed a difference within a week! Several men also mention the natural volumizing quality of this shampoo, which helps them forget about thinning.
McClatchy newsroom and editorial staff were not involved in the creation of this content.
