We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Shopping Beauty Products Hair Products The 14 Best Shampoos for Thinning Hair of 2024, Tested by Real People Our top pick is the Briogeo Destined for Density Peptide Shampoo By Jessie Quinn Jessie Quinn Jessie Quinn is a Los Angeles-based contributing shopping writer at PEOPLE with over 10 years of experience covering all things beauty, fashion, and lifestyle. At PEOPLE, she collaborates with the PEOPLE Tested team to share our top recommendations for everything from the best shapewear to the best dark spot correctors. People Editorial Guidelines and Alyssa Brascia Alyssa Brascia Alyssa Brascia is a staff shopping writer for PEOPLE with two years of experience in the digital media industry. Her expertise lies in the realm of fashion and beauty, where she covers the best products that your wardrobe and makeup vanity need like the best lip oils, boyfriend jeans, workout sets, ballet flats, and more. People Editorial Guidelines Updated on November 4, 2024 05:15AM EST In This Article View All In This Article Our Top Picks Reviews Others We Tried What to Know Behind The Scenes Why Trust PEOPLE? What Is PEOPLE Tested? Photo: People / Erin Johnson Thinning hair has to be one of the most frustrating haircare woes of all time. From the shedding to the breakage, watching your hair fall can lead you down a rabbit hole of late-night Google searches. While it’s always best to seek advice from a medical professional, adding a nourishing shampoo formula to your haircare routine can support your efforts to healthier strands while also providing a good cleanse. “Your hair and scalp care regimen and the products that you use are the foundation of having healthy hair and, even more so, if you are experiencing hair thinning and hair loss,” says Dr. Craig Ziering, board-certified dermatologist and hair transplant surgeon. The More You Know Ziering says that high-quality shampoo formulas with ingredients that strengthen, moisturize, and balance (such as biotin and caffeine) can help revitalize thinning hair by supporting scalp health. “The scalp is skin and deserves the same attention that your face and body skin needs — that’s why optimal scalp health is always part of the hair growth conversation.” Since taking our hair growth journeys into our own hands, our team has tested 32 popular shampoos for thinning hair over 24 weeks to find out which ones are actually worth the hype. Throughout this time, we considered everything from the ingredients and how they support both scalp and hair health, made note of our hair texture, volume, and density, and also considered the overall shampooing experience to find formulas that meet our high standards. As it turns out, some thickening shampoos aren’t at all gimmicky — they really work. Keep reading to discover the best shampoos for thinning hair for every hair type and concern. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Briogeo Destined For Density Caffeine + Biotin Density Shampoo at Amazon $32 Jump to Review Best Budget: Monday Haircare Volume Shampoo at Amazon $7 Jump to Review Best Value: Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Scalp Care Shampoo at Amazon $30 Jump to Review Best for Hair Growth: Vegamour GRO+ Advanced Balancing Shampoo at Amazon $52 Jump to Review Best for Volume: Nioxin System 1 Shampoo at Amazon $26 Jump to Review Best for Shine: R+Co Dallas Thickening Shampoo at Amazon $38 Jump to Review Best for Dry Hair: Kérastase Densifique Shampoo at Amazon $42 Jump to Review Best for Dry Hair, Less Expensive: Fable & Mane Volumizing Shampoo at Sephora $30 Jump to Review Best for Oily Hair: BondiBoost HG Shampoo at Amazon $24 Jump to Review Best for Damaged Hair: Nécessaire Rosemary Shampoo at Amazon $28 Jump to Review Best Overall Briogeo Destined For Density Caffeine + Biotin Density Shampoo PHOTO: Sephora $32 at Amazon $32 at Nordstrom $32 at Sephora Star Qualities Improved density and some regrowth in areas of concern Provides hair with a boost of nourishment Saw some results almost immediately Red Flags Not much we didn't love about this shampoo! After testing several formulas, it was clear that the Briogeo shampoo was our winner. We tested this formula on dry, thinning hair and saw almost immediate results that only improved with time. Formulated with an energy complex that invigorates the scalp, zinc for hair follicle protection, biotin for strength, and copper peptides for the promotion of a healthy hair cycle, this potent shampoo targets hair loss by boosting nutrients, improving density, and supporting regrowth. When testing this Briogeo shampoo, our tester noticed a change in the appearance of volume almost immediately, and with regular use, her hair felt thicker, too. We also saw regrowth in areas of concern after just a few weeks. While it is on the pricey side (especially for only eight ounces), the results are well worth the investment. Plus, a little bit of formula goes a long way, so you may not run out of this bottle as fast as you think. Size: 8 ounces | Key Ingredients: Caffeine, CoQ10, green coffee oil, zinc, copper peptides, biotin | Hair Type: All What We Think Now After testing the Briogeo shampoo for six months, our tester's hair felt shinier, thicker, and healthier than ever before. She even noticed new baby hairs growing in places that previously had none. Although this bottle is slightly smaller and more expensive per ounce than others, she says she'll continue to repurchase it for its noticeable results. That’s how good it is. PHOTO: People / Jaclyn Mastropasqua PHOTO: People / Jaclyn Mastropasqua PHOTO: People / Jaclyn Mastropasqua PHOTO: People / Jaclyn Mastropasqua PHOTO: People / Jaclyn Mastropasqua This Shampoo for Thinning Hair Gave Our Tester Volume, Strong Roots, and a Return to Her 'Bombshell Glory Days' Best Budget Monday Haircare Volume Shampoo PHOTO: Target $7 at Amazon $7 at Target $8 at Ulta Star Qualities Noticeable volume and thickness Formula lathered up well Cleansing enough for regular use Red Flags Didn’t clean chlorine out of our hair well If aesthetics are a factor when deciding which products will make it into your shower, then this Monday Haircare Shampoo will be going straight into your cart. And if you want something that’s just as effective as it is cute… surprise, it’s already in your bag. The Monday Volume Shampoo gave our tester instantly volumized hair after the first use, thanks to ginger extract, vitamin E, and coconut oil ingredients that control and thicken each strand. We noticed that there was a buildup of grease that accumulated after washes post-pool day, but this can be remedied by double cleansing — first with a clarifying shampoo, and then with this nourishing formula. But for the price, we’re not thinking twice about this easy-to-grab shampoo that you can pick up at Target, Amazon, or practically any large retailer. Size: 12 ounces | Key Ingredients: Coconut oil, ginger extract, vitamin E | Hair Type: Thin, fine, oily hair PHOTO: People(2) PHOTO: People Best Value Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Scalp Care Shampoo PHOTO: Paul Mitchell $30 at Amazon $60 at Walmart $23 at Ulta Star Qualities Strands appeared thicker and fuller with regular use Less hair fall in the shower with just one wash Has a nice lather Red Flags Slight tingling sensation when washing (but not super uncomfortable) We also loved the Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Scalp Care Anti-Thinning Shampoo — a less expensive option and recommendation of Dr. Howard Sobel, a clinical dermatologic surgeon at Lenox Hill Hospital. Formulated with clover flower, Kakadu plum, pea peptides, turmeric, ginseng, and tea tree, this revitalizing shampoo provides a refreshing wash to all hair types, especially those with thinning hair. The shampoo is designed to boost volume and texture while also protecting against further thinning — and our tester totally reaped the benefits. After just one wash, our tester saw less hair fall in the shower, and this trend continued with regular use. Once dry, she experienced thicker and fuller-looking hair and noticed less shedding. The shampoo also has a nice lather, which made the application process that much easier and felt like a thorough cleanse every time. However, the shampoo left a tingling sensation in our tester’s hair thanks to its tea tree component, so keep that in mind if you have a sensitive scalp. Size: 3.4, 10.14, and 33.8 ounces | Key Ingredients: Clover flower, Kakadu plum, pea peptides, turmeric, ginseng, tea tree | Hair Type: All, especially thinning hair What We Think Now Six months later, we continue to be impressed with the Paul Mitchell Tea Tree shampoo. Our tester began to notice that their hair felt shinier and healthier after only two months of use, and the results stayed consistent over the entire six-month testing period. In fact, our tester liked this shampoo so much that she also purchased the corresponding conditioner. PHOTO: People / Taylor Fox PHOTO: People / Taylor Fox Best for Hair Growth Vegamour GRO+ Advanced Balancing Shampoo PHOTO: Sephora $52 at Amazon $52 at Sephora $47 at Vegamour.com Star Qualities Increased speed of hair growth Nourishing formula improved hair strength Super clean scalp feel from the first wash Red Flags Didn’t improve hair fallout We’re no strangers to the power of Vegamour growth shampoos. In fact, it’s the sister product to the best shampoo for hair growth that we’ve tested all year. But not only does it aid in the lengthening of your locks, it improves the strength and regrowth of thinning hair, too. Our tester needed only a quarter-sized amount to lather up her long hair, which left her scalp and strands feeling clean afterwards. While she didn’t necessarily notice a large difference in the regular shower shedding of her hair, she did see her hair start to look stronger, healthier, and as a result, fuller by the end of the eight-week testing period. Not only does our tester plan to keep using this, but she’s going to repurchase it with her own money, too. Size: 8 ounces | Key Ingredients: GROActive+ complex, Spanish microalgae, niacinamide | Hair Type: All PHOTO: People PHOTO: People(2) Best for Volume Nioxin System 1 Shampoo PHOTO: Amazon $26 at Amazon $35 at Ulta View on Planetbeauty.com Star Qualities Much fuller hair after using this shampoo Hair stayed cleaner for longer Less breakage noticed by the end of the testing period Red Flags Some may not prefer the minty scent The Nioxin Cleanser Shampoo is one of the best shampoos for thinning hair because it actually creates volume and helps create the illusion of thicker, fuller hair. We were immediately impressed by the results after starting to use this product and saw even more improvement in the look and feel of our locks after just a few weeks. Our tester's hair not only looked fuller after washing and styling, but it suddenly had volume that would last into the next day. After eight weeks, there was much less breakage and it would stay cleaner for longer, too. Size: 10.14 ounces | Key Ingredients: Caffeine, peppermint oil, mentha arvensis leaf oil, niacinamide | Hair Type: Fine What We Think Now After using the Nioxin shampoo for six months, our tester noticed that she could get away with washing her hair less often, and in turn, maintained voluminous hair styles for longer than before. This shampoo made her dye-damaged hair feel healthier and thicker, too, which helped her hair look less flat between washes. People / Amanda Klein Best for Shine R+Co Dallas Thickening Shampoo PHOTO: Amazon $38 at Amazon $38 at Nordstrom $38 at Dermstore Star Qualities Texture improved and strands appeared much shinier Noticeably thicker hair A little goes a long way Red Flags A bit expensive for a smaller amount of product When testing out the R+Co Dallas Biotin Thickening Shampoo, our tester was impressed by how much shinier their hair looked after washing and styling. The R+Co shampoo is formulated with a blend of hair ingredients that support healthy strands and promote growth, including biotin and saw palmetto berry extract. This vitamin-rich formula worked hard to nourish and moisturize strands while actively getting rid of dirt and debris. Throughout the testing period, they also noticed how much fuller their hair looked and that styles would have longer hold and even a bit of bounce — no doubt a result of the shampoo’s hydrating and health-enhancing ingredients. While it is a bit expensive, we found that a quarter-sized amount lathers nicely and can take you a long way. Size: 8.5 oz. | Key Ingredients: Biotin, pro-vitamin B5, saw palmetto berry extract, coconut oil, loquat fruit extract | Hair Type: Thin, fine hair What We Think Now We continued to be impressed with how soft, shiny, and healthy the R+Co shampoo makes our hair feel. After two months of use, we noticed that we could go longer between washes and our hairstyles had more staying power. Our hair felt clean but not stripped after washing, and we continued to reach for this shampoo and its matching conditioner six months later. The only downside is that the bottle is pretty small, so we had to purchase another one after about two months. People / Ciara O Grady Best for Dry Hair Kérastase Densifique Shampoo PHOTO: Sephora $42 at Amazon $42 at Sephora View on Kerastase-usa.com Star Qualities Hyaluronic acid-packed formula supports hydration Thicker hair with regular use Easy to lather Red Flags A little pricey for how much formula you get If you're looking for a hydrating hair shampoo to soothe ultra-dry strands, we recommend the Kérastase Densifique Thickening Shampoo. Formulated with a blend of hyaluronic acid, gluco peptide, and ceramides, this thickening shampoo supports hair nourishment and leaves strands feeling silkier, softer, and shinier. After testing this formula for a few weeks, our tester saw significant improvement in the overall thickness of their hair — a hairstylist even commented on the texture! — and their locks looked and felt a lot healthier thanks to the extra nutrients. Size: 8.4, 16.9 ounces | Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, gluco peptide, ceramides | Hair Type: Thinning hair What We Think Now Our tester loved this shampoo so much that they recommended it to multiple friends over the six-month testing period. It instantly volumized their hair without drying it out and continued to perform from the first use to the last. It didn’t strip the hair like some other thickening shampoos do, and it left our tester’s strands feeling soft and silky. Although this is more expensive than some other shampoos on our list, we also noticed that it lasted us a little longer than most others we’ve tried. People / Paden Reich Best for Dry Hair, Less Expensive Fable & Mane Volumizing Shampoo PHOTO: Sephora $30 at Sephora View on Fableandmane.com View on Selfridges.com Star Qualities Made our strands stronger Noticeably thickened hair Thoroughly cleansing without overstripping Red Flags Made our hair feel slightly coarse If you want to boost your hair’s thickness without stripping your already-dry strands (but don’t want to spend so much on the Kerastase) we hear you — this Fable & Mane shampoo is an effective, yet less expensive option. Made from a cocktail of Ayurvedic ingredients that promote hair growth and thicken strands, this shampoo made our tester’s hair feel stronger and thicker, which resulted in less breakage and less hair fall out. The shampoo made our tester’s scalp feel super clean, which they hadn’t experienced with a hair growth product before (it was always a messy oil or serum that required hours of leave-in time). However, this led to a slight feeling of coarseness — which didn’t have much effect on the overall score, because their scalp was never irritated and thinning spots began to fill in over time. Size: 8.5 ounces | Key Ingredients: Fenugreek seed, onion juice, amla extract | Hair Type: Fine to medium, straight, wavy, and curly PHOTO: People PHOTO: People(2) Do hair thinning shampoos really work? “The right shampoo can support hair health, thickness, luster, and shine,” says Dr. Ziering. Although thickening shampoos might not target the cause of hair loss altogether, he says they can help address the issue and maximize the appearance of your hair. “Depending on the ingredients, they play a key role in cleansing your scalp, removing built-up sebum, excessive oil, and dirt, and some might stimulate hair growth,” he adds. Best for Oily Hair BondiBoost HG Shampoo PHOTO: Sephora $24 at Amazon $30 $24 at Target $24 at Sephora Star Qualities Hydrates hair without extra oil Has a mild scent Reduced amount of hairfall Red Flags Doesn’t lather as well as other shampoos For oily hair types, reach for the BondiBoost HG Shampoo for Thinning Hair. Formulated with lightweight yet hydrating ingredients such as aloe vera, saw palmetto, and rosemary, this shampoo is designed to support hair hydration without promoting excess sebum production or weighing down strands. These ingredients are also known for improving hair growth over time, making them a powerhouse blend for oily, thinning hair. After a few weeks of testing out this formula, our tester experienced much less hair fall than usual and their hair looked a lot shinier (but not in a greasy way) and smoother, too. Our only complaint is it doesn't lather as well as some other shampoos we tested, which can make application a bit challenging. Size: 10.14, 16.9 ounces | Key Ingredients: Aloe vera, peppermint, saw palmetto, rosemary | Hair Type: Normal to oily What We Think Now Six months after our tester began testing this shampoo, their hair looks fuller after experiencing less hair loss than ever before. They noticed thicker strands and retained more hair when brushing than they did before using the shampoo. One bottle lasted around three months when using the shampoo two to three times a week. PHOTO: People / Erin Johnson PHOTO: People / Erin Johnson PHOTO: People / Nellah Mcgough Best for Damaged Hair Nécessaire Rosemary Shampoo PHOTO: Sephora $28 at Amazon $28 at Sephora View on Credo Beauty Star Qualities Produced a nice lather Improved hair’s strength and density Lightweight, non-greasy formula Red Flags Strong rosemary scent According to experts, rosemary is one of the best ingredients to have in a treatment for thinning hair — and seeing as it scored a star role in this shampoo’s ingredient list, we knew it would be a success. It only took four weeks for our tester to start seeing their hair grow thicker, healthier, and stronger, and they predict that it will only continue to grow as more time passes. The vitamin-packed formula was easy to lather and left our tester’s hair feeling super clean (without the subsequent dryness, even after double-cleansing). However, it had a strong scent that was hard to ignore and could be a turnoff to sensitive noses. But in the end, the results were so tangible. Adding to cart now, thanks! Size: 8.4 ounces | Key Ingredients: Rosemary oil, plant proteins, ceramides | Hair Type: All PHOTO: People PHOTO: People(2) Best Strengthening Shu Uemura Izumi Tonic Rice Water Shampoo PHOTO: Sephora $55 at Sephora View on Shuuemuraartofhair-usa.com Star Qualities Helped strengthen strands after postpartum hair loss Formulated with rice water Lathers well Red Flags Could target frizz better Our top pick for the best strengthening shampoo for thinning hair is this strengthening pick from Shu Uemera. As its name suggests, this shampoo is enhanced with rice water, which is known for its ability to revive damaged hair cuticles and improve volume over time. Our tester used this shampoo to combat postpartum hair loss and found that it did an excellent job of strengthening strands, resulting in less breakage (though she wished it helped control frizz a bit more). The shampoo also had a nice lather so it was easy to suds up in her hair and hands. Despite producing a good amount of bubbles, it was super easy to rinse out, leaving hair feeling ultra-soft and deeply cleansed. Size: 2.5, 10.14 ounces | Key Ingredients: Rice water | Hair Type: All, especially thinning What We Think Now The quality of the Shu Uemera shampoo did not wane over our six months of testing and made our hair look full, thick, and healthy. The shampoo noticeably reduced hair breakage and helped our hair to grow faster than before. While it didn’t do much to extend our styles in between washes (that’s where the R+Co shampoo really shined), we’d still recommend this shampoo for anyone who wants a strengthening shampoo that smells great and delivers on its promises. People / Ciara O Grady Best for Frizz Mielle Rosemary Mint Strengthening Shampoo PHOTO: Amazon $10 at Amazon $10 at Target $10 at Walmart Star Qualities Effectively reduced frizz Filled in patchy areas with consistent use Made with biotin, which supports stronger, healthier strands Red Flags Has an abrasive minty scent This reasonably-priced shampoo has a lot of shiny qualities that extend past its pretty price — including the fuller and longer hair growth that we noticed, the glossy finish that it gave our strands, and its frizz-controlling properties that kept our hair looking sleek after every use. Formulated with biotin, the shampoo formula supports thinning hair by promoting stronger and healthier strands all around. With regular use, our tester saw some regrowth on some of the thinning areas, especially around the part and hairline which had some patchiness, and they experienced much less hair fall, too. Additionally, the formula’s impressive de-frizzing properties are what made us fall for this product, leaving the hair looking and feeling silkier, smoother, and shinier than before. Size: 12 oz. | Key Ingredients: Biotin, rosemary leaf oil, peppermint oil | Hair Type: All What We Think Now Our tester noticed pretty dramatic results after continuing to use the Mielle Rosemary shampoo for six months. After two months, their hair felt healthier and looked fuller, and four months after that, it shed less during wash days and felt clean and hydrated. They ran out of this shampoo after almost three months of using the shampoo twice a week, and for just $11 a bottle, which makes it an incredible value for the quality. People / Masego Manamela Best Shampoo Bar Superzero Strengthening & Scalp Stimulating Shampoo PHOTO: Amazon $28 at Sephora $28 at Superzero.com View on Revolve Star Qualities Rejuvenates and restores density of heat-damaged hair Very gentle on the scalp, yet still deep-cleans Lathers and spreads very easily Red Flags Shampoo bar may have a learning curve This shampoo bar is designed to minimize waste while targeting thinning hair. Throughout the eight-week testing period, one of our testers — who experienced damage from heat styling and bleach — noticed a significant improvement in their overall hair health, noting that their strands looked much fuller and healthier compared to the beginning of the testing period. This is likely due to the ingredient lineup, which includes a bond builder, caffeine, and rosemary oil to provide deep, healing nourishment to damaged hair while also creating a cleaner and healthier scalp environment that promotes hair growth. It’s also a fantastic alternative for those looking for a deep, yet gentle cleanse, as it’s one step down from a deeply clarifying shampoo formula, providing that same debris lift without the potential stripping of natural oils. Size: 2.15 ounces | Key Ingredients: Bond builder, triolein, vegan keratin, caffeine, rosemary oil, menthol, alma extract | Hair Type: All What We Think Now After using this strengthening shampoo for six months, our tester’s hair looked and felt so much healthier that their hairdresser even commented on its improved health. It does a great job of cleaning thick hair, regardless of hair type. Even after six months of consistent use every other week, they still haven’t run out of product, making this the longest-lasting shampoo we’ve tested. People / Chantia Murphy Best Custom Prose Custom Shampoo PHOTO: Prose View on Prose.com Star Qualities Bespoke formula caters to your specific needs Doesn’t strip the hair Prevented hair fallout and breakage Red Flags Can’t go to the store to restock — you have to buy in advance If you’re looking for a combination of the benefits above (hydration, strength, frizz-reduction, etc.), then you might as well make your own — and luckily with Prose’s Custom Shampoo, you can. This shampoo starts out with a clarifying base that can be customized by taking an online quiz to suit your hair needs. The evaluation takes into consideration your hair and scalp health, treatments and hair history (dyeing, Keratin, perms, etc.), lifestyle, geographical location, and your hair goals. After the test is complete, you’ll end up with a slew of products and suggested supplements in order to achieve the hair of your dreams. We noticed a significant change in the strength and overall health of our hair within the first two weeks of testing our personalized shampoo and conditioner. Since you can’t just walk into the store and buy this customized shampoo, you’ll need to be proactive about ordering a new shampoo when the time for a restock is coming close (or you can subscribe and save for 15 percent for routine deliveries). However, we think the personalized formula is worth the extra work. Size: 8.5 ounces | Key Ingredients: Depends on your test results | Hair Type: All Editors Say “I had a theory that finding the ‘right shampoo for you’ might reduce hair loss more than a general shampoo specifically targeting hair loss, so I called in a sample of Prose custom haircare after Instagram bombarded me with it. I think my theory is correct, because my hair is healthier and more hydrated than it’s been in years, and, as a result, I’ve noticed less hair going down the drain at the end of my showers.” —Erin Johnson, associate editorial director PHOTO: People / Erin Johnson PHOTO: People / Erin Johnson Other Shampoos for Thinning Hair We Tried OGX Thick and Full Volumizing Shampoo for Thin Hair: We loved how fresh this under-$10 shampoo left our hair feeling after each wash. Our hair felt inordinately clean, and we were enamored with the floral-vanilla fragrance that lingered after each wash. However, we think we need a bit more time testing this product to see a real difference in the thickness and volume of our hair. Maple Holistics Shampoo for Thinning Hair: One thing we loved about this biotin-enhanced shampoo was its ability to revive our hair — making our strands appear healthier, thicker, and even enhancing our natural curls after a wash or two. We did notice that this formula struggled to lather, which made us use a lot of shampoo in order to feel like we were getting an effective clean. It didn’t dramatically change the thickness of our hair overall, but it provided a quick fix. Routine Wellness Shampoo: This shampoo offered many benefits, including reduced shedding, less breakage, and a stronger, shinier coat as the weeks progressed. It richly cleansed our hair without leaving an unsightly residue and even gave our locks an extra dose of volume. However, our testers with sensitive scalps complained of mild itchiness after prolonged use, so we couldn’t award full points. Experts Say Depending on the cause of hair thinning, strands can definitely grow back after thinning. “With proper care, a healthy routine, and professional treatments, thinning hair can improve in density and volume,” says Dr. Sobel. However, in order for hair to grow back, Sobel says identifying the cause is most important as this can inform the best treatment. And, while shampoos for thinning hair can certainly support healthier hair, they might not target thinning hair on their own as some causes of thinning hair require medical attention in order to truly reverse. What to Know About Shampoos for Thinning Hair Stimulating Ingredients Just like with hair loss treatments and masks and conditioners for hair growth, the ingredients in a shampoo formula matter and this couldn’t be more true for those designed specifically with thinning hair in mind. “Disinfectant molecules such as carnosic acid from rosemary or terpinene-4-ol from tea tree oil help to control microbial overgrowth and promote good bacteria so that the balding scalp is free from issues of bad microbes,” says Dr. Sanjay Batra, a hair loss, and regenerative expert and co-founder of WeThrivv. “If your shampoo contains these disinfectant ingredients, it will become a medicine for your scalp.” Additionally, Dr. Ziering recommends looking for biotin and caffeine in your shampoo formula, as these can support scalp health while also strengthening and revitalizing the strands. Our top pick for the best shampoo for thinning hair, the Briogeo Destined for Density Peptide Shampoo, features caffeine in its ingredient lineup, as does the superzero Strengthening & Scalp Stimulated Shampoo for Thinning Hair. Consider Your Hair Type While many thickening shampoos are formulated for those with thin or fine hair, it’s important to asses your individual hair type and condition of your scalp (most vary between normal, dry, or oily). This can ensure that your roots receive the nutrients and care they need, whether that be oil control or light hydration that won’t weigh down strands. Behind The Scenes To find the best shampoos for thinning hair, we researched dozens of formulas before selecting 32 products for real-world testing. From there, our PEOPLE Tested team conducted at-home tests over the course of six months, carefully documenting their experiences with every wash. To make sure we only recommend the best, we continue to test products on the market and update this story accordingly. In order to determine which shampoos still deserved a place on our list, we looked at the following qualities: Lather and feel: We evaluated how well each formula lathered and how much product was required for even coverage, how it felt on our scalps, and how easily it rinsed out.Growth: We closely monitored our strands for any improvements, such as increased fullness or less hair fall, to form a timeline. After testing each product for eight weeks, we took note of any new growth and whether our hair appeared to be thicker than before. Effectiveness: Finally, we rated how each shampoo made our hair look in the short- and long-term. These parameters included how soft, smooth, and shiny our hair looked after eight weeks on top of any regrowth. Why Trust PEOPLE? Jessie Quinn is a contributing commerce writer for PEOPLE and has written for publications such as Byrdie, InStyle, The Spruce, NYLON, and more. When covering the best shampoos for thinning hair, Jessie researched each formula on the PEOPLE Tested team’s list and carefully reviewed their notes to learn more about their experiences. She looked for formulas that not only gave impressive results for hair density and volume but also looked at additional perks like shine and improved texture. Additionally, Jessie reached out to top haircare experts Dr. Craig Ziering, Dr. Sanjay Batra, and Dr. Howard Sobel to learn more about shampoos for thinning hair, including what to look for and what to know about the potential benefits. Staff writer Alyssa Brascia continues to update this story with PEOPLE’s latest findings after our testers and editors tried a handful of new products. She researches, tests, and writes about several kinds of beauty products in her day to day, including makeup, skincare, and haircare — with an emphasis on thinning hair and hair growth products and treatments for the latter. Our Expert Panel Dr. Craig Ziering is an expert hair transplant specialist at his private practice, Ziering Medical, which specializes in hair transplants. Dr. Sanjay Batra is the co-founder of Wethrivv, a company that creates beauty products, including the Revivv Topical Hair Serum. Dr. Howard Sobel is a board-certified dermatologic at Sobel Skin, a private practice for dermatology and cosmetic surgery in New York City. What Is PEOPLE Tested? We created the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval to help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs. But we don’t stop there: We also regularly re-review the categories in which we’ve awarded the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval — because the best product of today might not be the best of tomorrow. And by the way, companies can never buy our recommendation: Their products must earn it, fair and square. In short, PEOPLE Tested provides recommendations you can trust — every day, every purchase.