The best hair loss shampoo: give thinning hair a helping hand

Hair loss shampoo

Hair loss can be extremely frustrating. Whether your hair is starting to thin gradually with age or other factors are contributing to fast hair loss, it can be a tiring and emotionally draining battle. However, no matter what the reason for your hair loss, there are thank fully a range of pretty decent products on the market right including hair loss shampoos that promise to either slow down the process of hair loss or encourage new growth, some even offering both. The questions are: which is the best hair loss shampoo and do these products actually work? 

Frustratingly, whether a product will actually work well or not is down to the personal underlying cause of your hair loss combined with may other factors such as lifestyle, diet and general wellbeing. However, a considered approach to trial and error of a few hair loss shampoos with different ingredients may well enable you to identify which botanicals or extracts work best for you. Just remember to always read the labels and to consult a professional before embarking on any hair loss remedy journey if you are unsure.

So, if you are looking to encourage hair re-growth, there are a few key ingredients to look out for in hair loss shampoo that is scientifically known to boost the production of hair follicles. The first, and probably the most common ingredient you will come across is caffeine. Studies show that caffeine stimulates the growth of keratinocyte which is one of the most common cells found in the skin. If you are looking for a top caffeine shampoo, Alpecin Double Effect Caffeine Shampoo is our pick.

The second most common ingredient in hair loss shampoo is biotin. Hair loss is said to be a side effect of biotin deficiency and therefore by upping your intake of biotin (that’s vitamin B7 to us non-sciencey people), this will help to strengthen the hair follicle and thus reduce hair loss. Watermans Grow Me Shampoo contains both biotin and caffeine and is our top pick for the best all round hair loss shampoo.

Plant extract is also proven to be beneficial in the reduction of hair loss, particularly saw palmetto. So if you’re looking for a natural way to try and treat your hair loss, then look out for shampoos with this ingredient. For men who suffer with male patterned baldness, the saw palmetto extract works to stop testosterone being converted into DHT which is responsible for this problem in men. 

Not all hair loss shampoos work for everyone, but we’ve picked out a range of shampoos with different key ingredients for you to find the one that works best for you. These shampoos don’t cost a fortune, so they’re definitely worth a shot!

Hair loss shampoo

1. Watermans Grow Me Shampoo

An everyday shampoo with two main ingredients for strengthening hair

Specifications

Best for: Everyday use
Ingredients: Caffeine and Biotin
Sulfate free: Yes

Reasons to buy

+
Natural DHT blockers
+
Suitable for all hair types

Reasons to avoid

-
Washing everyday can cause greasiness

If you have suffered quite extensive hair loss, then this shampoo contains two of the active ingredients that promote the repair of damaged hair follicles. This shampoo is designed to stimulate hair regrowth, and many users have found this to have positive results in only a few months. Some customers have said that using it every day can be counterproductive to cleaning your hair, and can make it a little greasy, but if this is a problem for you then you can always use it alongside a regular shampoo to keep the hair looking clean and shiny. For its hair loss prevention, this is one of the most highly rated shampoos for all hair types. 

Hair loss shampoo

2. ArtNaturals Argan-Oil Hair-Loss Prevention Shampoo

A naturally infused shampoo which leaves the hair full and shiny

Specifications

Best for: Volume & shine
Ingredients: Caffeine
Sulfate free: Yes

Reasons to buy

+
Contains Argan oil for shine
+
For men and women

Reasons to avoid

-
 Doesn’t last very long 

If you find that your hair is dull and lifeless, as well as struggling to grow, then this natural shampoo infused with both caffeine to promote growth, and Argan oil to promote shine could be the perfect combination for you. It’s designed for both men and women, and is said to leave hair feeling super soft and voluminous. Those who have tried it said they noticed a significant difference in the amount of hair they had falling out, just be sure to be sparing as this shampoo doesn’t last too long otherwise. 

Hair loss shampoo

3. Alpecin Double Effect Caffeine Shampoo

A particularly potent shampoo for male hair loss

Specifications

Best for: Strength
Ingredients: Caffeine
Sulfate free: No

Reasons to buy

+
Prevents dandruff
+
Promotes the growth of healthy skin cells

Reasons to avoid

-
Smell isn’t great

This is a particularly strong shampoo that is designed specifically for men to tackle both dandruff and hair loss. It works to remove the dead skin cells from the scalp and then promote the healthy growth of the hair follicle with a strong dosage of caffeine. Be warned, this shampoo doesn’t smell too pleasant, but users have said it works pretty well. Men have said their hair feels significantly stronger than when they were using regular shampoo. 

Hair loss shampoo

4. Nioxin System 3 Cleanser

Use as part of a preventative routine for hair loss

Specifications

Best for: Cure and prevent hair loss
Ingredients: Biotin
Sulfate free: No

Reasons to buy

+
Thickens hair
+
Long-lasting product

Reasons to avoid

-
 Use in conjunction with other products for best results 

This hair cleanser is designed to help treat and prevent hair loss in both men and women. Those who have used this product claimed they noticed their hair becoming thicker over the weeks of using it. It is a little pricey and you are recommended to use it with the conditioning products in the range for the best results, but the product itself is said to go a long way so you only need to use a little at a time. 

Hair loss shampoo

5. American Crew Anti-Hairloss + Thickening Shampoo

Ideal for preventing hereditary hair loss in men

Specifications

Best for: Preventing hair loss
Ingredients: Plant cellulose
Sulfate free: No

Reasons to buy

+
Improves appearance of thin hair
+
Prolongs hair life

Reasons to avoid

-
Prevention not cure

This hair loss shampoo from American Crew is perfect for those who know hair loss runs in their family. The plan extract in this shampoo is designed to help strengthen the hair you do have, and promote thickness and healthy growth. All your hair needs is a small amount massaged into the scalp and it is said to work very effectively. This hair loss shampoo may not be as potent as others, but it uses natural ingredients and will leave your hair feeling healthy. 

Hair loss shampoo

6. Plantur39 Shampoo Fine&Brittle Hair

For ladies whose hair is brittle and thinning

Specifications

Best for: Thin and brittle hair
Ingredients: Caffeine
Sulfate free: No

Reasons to buy

+
Activates hair roots
+
Adds volume

Reasons to avoid

-
Can have reverse effect if used too much

For ladies who find their hair to be dry, brittle and breaking off, then this shampoo could be the key to encouraging growth. It is said that ladies going through menopause may notice thinning of the hair, and this hair loss shampoo is designed to activate the roots with caffeine and stimulate growth. Some users found their hair to become quite dry from using this shampoo, but that is because they were using it daily. For occasional use in between regular shampoos, this product has given ladies fuller and thicker looking hair that doesn’t malt as much as before they started using it. 

READ MORE:

Our guide to the best beard oils will give your facial hair a soft, touchable makeover