If you are experiencing hair thinning, it’s normal to seek out effective treatments to tackle your hair loss. And since shampoo is one of the most widely used hair products, it’s important to find effective shampoos for hair loss that tackle your specific condition.
Many shampoos contain ingredients that stimulate hair growth. Some of them contain hair loss medication, while others harness the power of natural remedies.
But when choosing the best formulation to clean your hair and stimulate growth, note that some shampoos contain harmful substances, which can aggravate hair shedding. Some may also irritate your scalp, especially if you’re prone to skin conditions like eczema or seborrheic dermatitis.
Here, we’ve asked our team of dermatologists and trichologists for their expert opinions on the best and worst shampoos for hair loss. Read on to understand more about the impact of your shampoo on hair growth, including:
Some hair loss is normal in the shower, but if you are shedding more than 50-100 hairs per day, it may be a sign of diffuse thinning, pattern baldness, or another type of alopecia. If you’re losing hair, it is very important to choose an effective shampoo for thinning hair.
Using a blend of research and expertise, we have put together a list of the best 9 kinds of shampoos to use for alleviating your hair loss.
Disclaimer: Before using any of these products, it is a good idea to consult a hair specialist. In a small proportion of users, some of them can have paradoxical unwanted side effects, such as causing hair loss instead of treating it. The products mentioned on this page are for reference purposes only and have been selected based on online reviews and user-reported results. Wimpole Clinic does not endorse or guarantee the effectiveness of the products sold by these products.
Here are 11 of the best shampoos for hair loss that are available commercially:
Ketoconazole (KCZ) is a substance which is highly effective in reducing dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis [1]. But it may also have anti-inflammatory properties which reduce hair follicle miniaturisation, leaving your hair intact and promoting growth [2].
2025 research demonstrates that topical ketoconazole can reduce hair shedding associated with dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis, as well as other more common types of hair loss, including pattern baldness [3].
One study compared the effects of topical Minoxidil and 2% KCZ shampoo on men with Norwood scale stage 3 male pattern baldness [1]. Results showed that using a shampoo containing ketoconazole for hair loss was effective. The shampoo improved hair density, size and proportion of anagen follicles, offering similar results to Minoxidil 2%, which is one of the most recommended hair growth products.
A further clinical trial also revealed an 80% improvement in dandruff after 4 weeks of use [4]. So using a ketoconazole shampoo is a surefire way to improve scalp and follicle health.
Recommended Ketoconazole shampoo brand: Nizoral 2%
Piroctone olamine is an ingredient often used to combat dandruff. But studies have shown it may also reduce hair shedding, thanks to its antioxidant properties [5]. One comparative research paper found that shampoo containing 1% piroctone olamine decreased hair shedding by 16.5%, as well as increasing the average hair shaft thickness [6].
This shampoo from Head & Shoulders also contains aloe vera extract, which can help soothe your scalp, reducing inflammation. So Head & Shoulders shampoos are unlikely to cause hair loss.
Recommended piroctone olamine shampoo brand: Head & Shoulders Dermax Pro Scalp Care
Stemoxydine for hair loss is an antioxidant which has been shown to decrease the proportion of hair which is in the telogen (shedding) phase, and thus reduce the proportion of your hair falling out [7].
It can help in improving hair loss from diffuse thinning, androgenetic alopecia and telogen effluvium alike [7-8].
Recommended Stemoxydine shampoo brand: Kérastase Densifique Femme, Thickening & Volumising Shampoo, For Fine Hair
Caffeine can do more for you than just wake you up in the morning; it can also stimulate your hair growth. Caffeine shampoo for hair loss is efficient on its own, but it may be even more so when used alongside other ingredients, such as zinc and niacin. Formulas like these are sometimes known as phyto-caffeine.
Research performed on women with female pattern baldness revealed that after 6 months of regular phyto-caffeine shampoo use, subjects showed significant improvements in a hair pull test [9]. That makes this one of the most effective hair loss shampoos for women. Another study that evaluated the effectiveness of a shampoo containing caffeine and adenosine — another ingredient proven to help treat hair loss — found the product significantly reduced hair loss over 3 months of use [10-11].
As well as being effective, a 2025 research review found that caffeine shampoo is noted for being a highly convenient hair loss treatment with minimal side effects, which makes many people more inclined to use it over the long-term [12].
Recommended caffeine shampoo brand: Plantur 39 Phyto-Caffeine Shampoo for Fine, Brittle Hair
Rosemary oil is one of the best essential oils for hair growth. A study performed on 100 patients with male pattern baldness revealed that rosemary oil for hair growth is just as effective as Minoxidil when it comes to increasing hair count after 6 months of regular use [13].
Some researchers and dermatologists also believe rosemary is effective in reducing dandruff and hair greasiness when added to shampoo [14]. So this may be a good choice if you’re struggling to control scalp flaking and excessive oiliness around your roots.
Recommended rosemary oil shampoo brand: Faith In Nature Rosemary Shampoo
Black seed oil is known for its antimicrobial, antioxidant and hair growth-promoting qualities. It helps prevent hair loss by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress and it contributes to regulating your hair cycle [15]. So using shampoo made from black seed oil for hair growth may also lead to satisfying results.
Recommended black seed oil shampoo brand: Vatika Black Seed Complete Care Shampoo
Tea tree oil for hair is an effective natural treatment against dandruff and head parasites, such as lice [16]. One study on 126 patients with dandruff revealed symptoms improved by 41% after using tea tree oil shampoo daily for 4 weeks [17].
Tea tree oil itself may also improve symptoms of hair loss, though it’s unclear if these effects extend to its use in a shampoo. One study found that regularly applying a formula containing tea tree oil, minoxidil, and diclofenac (an anti-inflammatory agent) could reduce more hair loss than minoxidil alone [18].
Recommended tea tree oil shampoo brand: Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Special Shampoo
Well-known for its soothing properties, aloe vera has long been used in cosmetic products. When applied to your scalp as a shampoo, aloe vera for hair helps calm itchiness and irritation, removes greasiness, strengthens and repairs the hair strands and contributes to hair growth [19].
Research has described the use of aloe vera shampoo for hair loss as moderately effective [20]. It works best as an adjunct to medical hair loss treatments (like minoxidil and finasteride).
Our recommended aloe vera shampoo also includes moisturising agent argan oil, helping keep your hair soft and sleek.
Recommended aloe vera oil shampoo brand: Mill Creek Botanicals Aloe Vera Shampoo
This type of shampoo contains a mix of protective substances for your hair, such as antioxidants, UV absorbers, conditioning agents. It contains certain saccharomyces (or yeast species) which can fight oxidative stress, a contributing factor in many types of hair loss. It also contains added amino acids to replace those depleted by daily wear and tear [5]. Amino acids are the building blocks of protein, which is essential for keeping hair strong and facilitating hair growth.
In some formulas, the concentration of these protective elements is too low to provide a significant and lasting effect. But products with a higher concentration can help maintain your scalp and hair health.
Recommended anti-aging shampoo brand: Alterna Haircare CAVIAR Anti Aging Replenishing Moisture Shampoo
Adenosine is a naturally-occurring molecule in your body which helps with multiple body functions, from energy regulation to heart rhythm modulation. Research has also shown that it can help promote hair growth, with regular topical application increasing hair density and thickness [11].
A shampoo containing caffeine and adenosine was shown to promote hair growth in men who used the formula daily over three months [10]. Our recommended adenosine shampoo contains caffeine and even saw palmetto for hair loss to boost your chances of hair regrowth.
Recommended adenosine shampoo brand: DSD de Luxe 3.1 – Intense Caffeine Hair Loss Shampoo
Research indicates that applying melatonin for hair loss topically may help enhance hair growth in women affected by pattern hair loss [21-22].
While more evidence is needed to confirm these effects more widely, using a shampoo formula that contains multiple hair growth-promoting ingredients — including rosemary oil — could help limit hair loss when used regularly.
Recommended adenosine shampoo brand: As I Am Rosemary Shampoo with Melatonin
Shampoos are normally safe to use and should not make your hair fall out. However, some of them contain harsher or more health-hazardous chemicals than others, which it’s best to avoid if you’re already experiencing signs of hair thinning.
When choosing a shampoo, check the ingredient list and stay away from the following hair products.
Sulphates are cleaning agents that act like powerful detergents, eliminating sebum and debris on your scalp. But in the process, they can be very harsh on your hair, leaving it dry and brittle.
If your hair is very dry, choose a shampoo with plenty of moisturising agents. See the best shampoos for dry hair for more dehydrated haircare options.
Parabens are antifungal and antimicrobial agents, meaning they may help minimise fungal scalp problems like dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis.
But parabens have been revealed to cause hormonal imbalances and have even been connected to breast cancer [23]. Other research suggests that parabens can damage the scalp and the hair follicles, potentially compromising your hair growth [24].
As a result, certain parabens have been banned for use in the EU. But other parabens are still in use, so look for the paraben-free logo if you’re concerned.
Formaldehyde is a preservative which can be highly toxic and lead to a number of serious health issues, including cancer [25]. And it’s not good for your hair, either.
Studies have shown that hair products containing formaldehyde may reduce resistance to breakage, moisture retention, and an increase in irregular cuticles [26]. This results in very dry brittle hair that’s liable to break off, making it appear thin.
In addition, formaldehyde has been linked with increasingly severe allergic contact dermatitis [26]. So if you experience any kind of skin reaction (such as scalp eczema or facial swelling) after using a product containing formaldehyde, discontinue use immediately.
DMDM hydantoin is a compound that has preservative and antimicrobial properties, helping keep your shampoo fresh and reducing the risk of bacterial or fungal infection of the scalp.
But DMDM hydantoin can also release a small quantity of formaldehyde into your hair. While the amount released is generally considered to be safe to health, it may still put you at risk of allergic reactions and hair dryness [27].
Most shampoos contain some kind of alcohol, so this is tricky to avoid altogether. In reality, you need to know the difference between helpful and harmful alcohols, and steer clear of the latter.
Fatty alcohols, such as cetyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol, and lauryl alcohol, tend to be beneficial. As well as thickening the shampoo itself, they can help your hair retain moisture.
However, other alcohols can dry your hair out, especially if there’s no hair hydrating ingredients in the list to balance it. This includes propanol, ethanol, isopropyl alcohol, and propyl alcohol.
This compound relieves itchiness and dry skin caused by dandruff. But one study found that repeatedly using a shampoo containing selenium sulphide resulted in hair loss of varying degrees [28]. This was shown to happen in six cases, and stopped when those affected stopped using this shampoo.
Animal studies suggest selenium sulphide may also be a carcinogen, although there’s no evidence yet that this effect also applies to humans [29].
Dimethicone is one of the most common silicones used in shampoo. As a silicone, it has several benefits: it coats the hair fibres, sealing in moisture, reducing frizz, and creating a soft, silky texture [30].
But dimethicone isn’t water-soluble, which makes it difficult to wash out. This can become a problem if you have too much silicone buildup on your hair fibres. Your hair may start to feel dry and/or lank as a result.
Dimethicone isn’t dangerous, but if your preferred product contains dimethicone, consider restricting its use to just once or twice a week to minimise buildup.
Phthalates are gelling compounds used to preserve fragrance in shampoos and other haircare products. But they’re also known to cause significant endocrine, reproductive, developmental and neurological health problems [31] and are also damaging to the environment.
In addition, the use of phthalates in hair relaxers may be linked with hair loss [32]. So it’s best to avoid any shampoo containing phthalates for your overall and hair health.
Multiple conditions could be responsible for your hair falling out. The most common of these include:
It is important to get an accurate diagnosis for your hair loss as soon as possible, so you can receive the most appropriate treatment and keep your condition from becoming worse. That is why you should book a consultation with a trichologist.
They will use minimally invasive procedures, such as dermoscopies or blood tests for hair loss, to pinpoint the exact cause and nature of your shedding and provide you with the best hair loss treatment.
The best treatment for your hair loss depends on the reason why you are experiencing it. While shampoos may alleviate the symptoms of milder forms of balding if your shedding is more advanced, a stronger therapeutic approach may be required.
The most commonly used treatments and procedures recommended for promoting hair restoration and growth include:
If you are considering getting a hair transplant to increase your hair density, we encourage you to take a look at our before and after hair transplant gallery. And if you like what you see, don’t hesitate to book a consultation with one of our world-renowned surgeons. They will assess whether you are a good candidate for the procedure and walk you through every step of your hair restoration journey.
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