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Nothing is more unsettling than watching the drain and noticing how much hair has fallen out in the shower. While it’s normal for hair thickness and quantity to vary over time—a person typically sheds 50 to 100 strands each day—sudden loss can indicate an underlying medical issue. Whatever the cause, pattern hair loss is uncomfortable for anyone and can lead to significant psychological distress.
Experts agree that genetics is a major factor in pattern hair loss, yet certain products can encourage growth and help prevent future loss. Before reaching for a “miracle” cure in a moment of panic, it’s essential to determine the underlying cause of your hair loss.
We consulted dermatologists and trichologists about the reasons behind thinning hair and the most effective ingredients to fight it. We also assembled a list of expert‑recommended hair‑thickening shampoos, treatments, and other highly rated products with dermatologist‑approved formulas.
Best overall
Nioxin Scalp + Hair Thickening System
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$57.00
Amazon
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Editor’s pick
Vegamour Gro Hair Serum
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$64.00
Sephora
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Best topical foam
Rogaine 5% Minoxidil Unscented Foam
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$49.97
Amazon
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RevitaLash Thickening Shampoo Scalp
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$38.00
Amazon
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Best thickening shampoo
Dove Scalp and Hair Therapy Fullness Restore Scalp Serum
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$9.94
Amazon
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Best for scalp health
Nutrafol Root Purifier Shampoo
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$44.00
Ulta
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How we picked the best thinning hair shampoos and treatments
The optimal treatment for thinning hair depends on what’s causing the 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 your goal is to make your hair appear fuller and you want products that complement medications and in‑office procedures, experts suggest keeping the following in mind:
Ingredients that promote hair growth: Minoxidil is proven to be the most effective treatment for encouraging hair growth in both men and women. It is also the active ingredient in over‑the‑counter products from brands such as Rogaine.
Ingredients that keep hair healthy: In addition to minoxidil‑based OTC or professional treatments, consider a gentle, hydrating shampoo containing ingredients like argan oil and glycerin.
The best treatments and shampoos for thinning hair
Below are dermatologist‑ and trichologist‑approved options designed to stimulate hair growth and maintain strand health.
Best overall kit
Nioxin’s System Kits use peppermint oil, niacinamide and biotin to add volume and are a favorite among Green’s patients. The kits—containing a therapeutic shampoo, conditioner and scalp treatment—are tailored to your hair’s specific needs: System 1 targets light thinning in natural, color‑treated and bleached hair, while System 2 addresses the same hair types with more advanced thinning. Nioxin also sells its shampoos, conditioners, leave‑in products and styling tools separately.
Best thickening shampoo
This shampoo, an NBC Selected Wellness Awards winner for fine hair, claims to boost volume, strengthen strands, exfoliate the scalp and hydrate hair. It is oil‑ and paraben‑free, making it safe for color‑treated hair. The brand advises gently massaging it into the scalp and leaving it for up to two minutes before rinsing.
Best topical 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’s and women’s foams contain 5% minoxidil; Rogaine recommends men apply a half capful twice daily to the affected scalp area, while women should apply half a capful once a day. Results may appear after 120 days, but continued use is required to maintain them.
Best hair growth system
Apply this three‑step system—shampoo, conditioner and hair‑thickening treatment—daily to help reduce loss and thinning. It is best suited for non‑color‑treated hair and contains botanical ingredients such as rosemary extract to encourage growth, according to the brand. BosleyMD offers a range of thinning‑hair treatments, so you can find a solution that fits your specific situation.
Editor’s pick
NBC Selected editorial director Lauren Swanson, who describes herself as having very fine hair, has long been a fan of Vegamour. “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, also recommends the serum because it contains red clover, which may block DHT (the hormone responsible for hair loss), and turmeric extract, which may inhibit DHT production. “It has a nice texture and doesn’t make your hair greasy,” says King.
Swanson used Vegamour Gro Serum twice daily for several months when she noticed thinning hair during the pandemic. Lauren Swanson
Best for a healthy scalp
This serum includes niacinamide, vitamin E, zinc and peptides to support a healthy scalp and soothe irritation and itchiness, says King. It not only makes hair appear thicker and fuller but also strengthens strands, according to the brand. Its lightweight, water‑like texture ensures it won’t leave hair or scalp feeling greasy.
Best topical serum
Similar to Rogaine’s foam, this topical minoxidil solution is sold in separate men’s and women’s versions. The women’s formula is less concentrated, containing only 2% minoxidil. The brand states that results can be seen after 120 days of daily use.
Best lightweight serum
This Verb serum, recommended by King, contains niacinamide, ginseng root extract, a bio‑peptide, a density complex, and is backed by a 20‑week clinical study showing visibly denser hair. The serum reduces shedding and makes hair look thicker, according to the brand, and carries a pleasant bergamot and sage scent.
Best with tea tree oil
While Avalon Organics shampoo isn’t marketed to stimulate growth, it is a popular choice among Green’s patients with irritated scalps. Experts often suggest tea‑tree‑oil‑based products to calm irritation, and tea tree oil also possesses antibacterial properties.
Best for scalp health
Nutrafol, a natural, drug‑free line that includes oral supplements and various hair‑care products, is endorsed by both King and Green. Although you should consult a physician before starting any supplement, the Root Purifier Shampoo is a good starting point. Swanson reports that the shampoo hydrated her scalp without feeling overly greasy or weighing her hair down. The sulfate‑free formula uses gentle cleansers like cocamidopropyl betaine to cleanse while maintaining optimal scalp pH for healthier hair.
Best for volume
This foam can be applied to dry or wet hair to reduce breakage, prevent brittleness, and add volume, according to RevitaLash. NBC Selected updates editor Mili Godio uses the foam on her fine hair to boost volume and keep 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 advises parting hair into sections and thoroughly massaging the product into the scalp and roots.
Best hydrating shampoo
Many of Green’s patients favor this argan‑oil shampoo. Argan oil, also featured in an NBC Selected‑favorite clarifying shampoo, helps hydrate dry hair and retain moisture. The formula includes cocamidopropyl betaine, a milder alternative to harsh detergents and sulfates, says King.
How to treat thinning hair
Before addressing thinning hair, identify the root cause. “There is no magic button,” says Green, but several approaches can help regrow hair or at least protect existing strands.
Minoxidil: Minoxidil is the most proven treatment for both men and women, says King. “Low‑dose Minoxidil is a safe and effective hair loss treatment that strengthens hair follicles and is commonly prescribed off‑label by dermatologists to promote hair retention and growth,” says Green. Found in shampoos and popular products like Rogaine, it widens blood vessels, allowing more oxygen, blood and nutrients to reach follicles. While topical minoxidil works well for many, some individuals achieve better results with oral minoxidil, notes Green. Keep pets in mind—minoxidil is toxic to cats and dogs, even in small amounts.
Argan oil and/or tea tree oil: “Argan oil is rich in fatty acids and will protect your hair,” says Green. It also helps hair retain moisture. Many of her patients prefer shampoos containing tea tree oil, which offers antimicrobial and antifungal benefits that soothe irritated scalps.
Glycerin‑based styling products: Glycerin‑based products help keep hair hydrated, says King. “A hair‑care regimen that preserves the protective cuticle layer as long as possible will reduce breakage,” she adds.
Shampoos and serums can be combined with oral medication and dermatology treatments such as platelet‑rich plasma injections (PRP) or prescription‑only laser caps. Topical treatments must remain on the scalp to be effective; rinsing them away like regular shampoo limits their benefit, says Green. The most important factor is solid data. “There are many products out there that promise results that aren’t backed by hard science,” says King.
When choosing products, avoid shampoos with harsh detergents such as Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate, Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) and Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS). Some alcohols can also dehydrate hair; “the ones to avoid usually have ‘prop’ in their name, like isopropyl or propanol,” she advises.
What causes thinning hair?
“The most common cause of hair loss is androgenetic alopecia, which is called male pattern or female pattern baldness,” says Green. In this condition, hair follicles shrink and eventually stop producing hair. Women typically notice a gradually widening part, while men often develop a receding hairline or bald spot.
Other factors such as medical conditions or stress can also trigger loss, says Green. She suggests observing the pattern of loss—whether it appears suddenly across the scalp or gradually at the front—and consulting a physician. Blood tests may reveal anemia, vitamin D deficiency, thyroid disorders or autoimmune disease. Many of Green’s patients are surprised to learn that hair loss can signal lupus or, in rare cases, a tumor.
Telogen effluvium, a stress‑related form of shedding, can follow events like the loss of a loved one, job changes, high fever, pregnancy or surgery.
“Hairs are usually found at all different stages of the hair cycle,” says King. Intense stress can synchronize the cycle, causing many hairs to fall out at once. “The good news is that this kind of hair loss is reversible,” says King. “It does grow back.” During the early pandemic, many of Green’s patients experienced worsened shedding, not from infection but from isolation stress. (You can learn more about hair‑loss causes in the American Academy of Dermatology fact sheet.)
How to prevent hair loss
Genetics play a large role, but early intervention helps: “You’ll want to stop it before it gets bad because once you lose your hair, and those hair follicles are dead, they’re not growing back,” says Green.
There are several strategies to slow the process and simple hair‑care tips to help prevent loss:
A healthy lifestyle: Adopt habits that lower stress and support overall health, such as meditation, yoga, journaling and a whole‑foods diet, experts recommend. Limit alcohol and cigarettes: “They definitely weaken hair and they are just bad for you in general. No crash dieting either,” says King.
Protect your remaining hair: Wearing a tight bun daily pulls on strands and can cause permanent damage, says Green. Frequent use of heated styling tools has a similar effect. “A hair‑care regimen that allows the protective layer, or cuticle, to remain intact for as long as possible will decrease breakage and drying out of the hair strands,” says King.
Use gentle fabrics: Wet hair is fragile. Experts suggest using a microfiber towel after showering and sleeping on a satin pillowcase or wearing a satin bonnet.
If you notice thinning becoming a concern, schedule an appointment with a specialist. Advocate for yourself during the visit. “One of the most frustrating things is how many women get dismissed,” says Green. Don’t be afraid to speak up—a good doctor will take time to discuss your unique situation.
Frequently asked questions
Losing hair can be traumatic, so it’s unsurprising that many hair‑growth oils have entered the market. While minoxidil remains the most proven topical option, studies have examined oils such as rosemary, pumpkin seed, castor oil and ginseng root (and smaller mouse studies linked lavender and peppermint oils to growth), according to King. A 2015 study compared minoxidil and rosemary and found both groups experienced significant hair‑growth increases after six months.
Although these findings hint at future scientific advances, the evidence is not yet conclusive: “The bottom line is we need bigger, better studies in order to evaluate whether or not these ingredients help with hair growth,” says King.
We recommend contacting a board‑certified dermatologist or your primary care physician for more information about prescriptions and oral supplements.
If over‑the‑counter options aren’t delivering satisfactory results, ask your doctor about prescription treatments such as spironolactone, finasteride and oral minoxidil, according to both King and Green.
Meet the experts
At NBC Selected, we work with professionals who possess specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and experience. We also ensure that all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
Dr. Hadley King is a board‑certified dermatologist in New York City who specializes in medical and cosmetic dermatology.
Dr. Michele Green is a board‑certified dermatologist in New York City who specializes in cosmetic dermatology.
