Our best overall pick is Biolage Advanced Full Density Thickening Shampoo, which contains biotin, zinc, and a gluco-omega blend to strengthen hair while removing follicle-clogging impurities that can prevent new hair growth.
Hair thickening shampoos work to plump hair strands by infusing them with protein and vitamins. It provides a temporary solution for those born with thin hair. The body normally sheds a certain amount of dead hair, but anyone experiencing unusual or excessive hair thinning should see a dermatologist.
One of the easiest? Starting your haircare routine with a volumizing shampoo, according to Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab experts. Volumizing shampoos can help make hair appear fuller and thicker since they typically contain fewer conditioning ingredients, so they're less likely to weigh hair down.
So, does thickening shampoo actually work to make your hair look better? Yup! Thickening shampoo can't treat hair loss on its own, but it really can give your hair a fuller, healthier-looking appearance over time.
Here's the hard truth: Little can be done to permanently change the diameter of individual hair strands. Thickening products can do wonders to temporarily plump hair strands, but when it comes down to it, fine hair is genetic and can't be changed.
The bottom line. There's no strong evidence to support using biotin for hair growth or to prevent hair loss in people without a deficiency. Because hair thinning and poor hair growth are sometimes associated with a biotin deficiency, correcting a deficiency can help restore hair growth in some people.
Biotin-infused shampoos work to strengthen follicles, while adding thickness and volume to your strands; soft and glossy ends are other benefits.
When your hair is thinning, Dr. Farah says you only want to use shampoo on your scalp. "Typically, we would want the patient to focus shampoo on the scalp, massage into the scalp, and avoid it on the hair follicle [or strand]," she says.
Shampoos containing phyto-caffeine have been shown to reduce hair thinning caused by androgenic alopecia. Plantur 39 hair care products are marketed and developed specifically for the hair and scalp during menopause. Along with phyto-caffeine, this shampoo also contains zinc, which may support hair growth.
Best Shampoos for Thinning Hair At a Glance:
Best Overall: Pura D'Or Original Gold Label Anti-Thinning Shampoo. Most Nourishing: Virtue Flourish Shampoo. Best Volume: Biolage Advanced Full Density Thickening Shampoo. Best Organic Formula: Andalou Naturals Argan Stem Cell Age Defying Shampoo.
If you are experiencing thinning or balding, our Bosley experts recommend washing no more than three times a week.
If no home remedies work for your hair loss, use a daily biotin supplement for at least 6 months to start seeing results.
Regular intake of excessive quantities of certain nutrients can cause hair loss in some cases due to a temporary condition known as Telogen Effluvium. However, the effects of too much vitamin B7 - also known as biotin toxicity - remain unconfirmed.
Lifestyle factors could include using certain hair products, wearing your hair up too tightly, experiencing high stress levels, or not getting enough of certain vitamins and minerals in your diet. People who have immune system deficiencies could also have thinning hair.
"Sudden thinning hair can be a symptom of anemia (low red blood cell count), hormonal issues especially related to events like pregnancy, or a thyroid disorder, which are all very common in women," says Dr. Peredo.
The most common B Vitamin you might already be familiar with is Biotin—also known as Vitamin B7. If you've been looking into growth vitamins to thicken your hair, you're likely familiar with Biotin at this point. It's an essential growth ingredient often added to supplements that promote healthy hair and nails.