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Top 10 Shampoos for Hair Loss Men Should Try in 2025
Dr Ahmad Moussa (FRCS)
Medically reviewed by
Dr Ahmad Moussa (FRCS)
Updated on May 22, 2025

If you are looking for the best hair loss shampoo for men, you are probably one of the 85% of men who experience male pattern baldness by the age of 50 [1]. Since hair loss is more common in men than in women, what you need is a specifically designed formula that addresses male hair growth needs. 

Fortunately, in a sea of ineffective hair care products, there are also some good and scientifically supported options when it comes to shampoos for hair loss men can try [2]. They can help slow down male hair loss and even stimulate hair growth, such as formulas containing Minoxidil or the best rosemary oil for hair growth. This article will tell you all you need to know about:

  • Whether hair loss shampoos work for men.
  • The best hair loss shampoo for men
  • What to avoid when choosing a shampoo for hair loss men can safely use
  • The most efficient hair loss treatments for men

Do the shampoos for hair loss men use really work? 

There is no simple answer to whether shampoos work for men’s hair loss. Many formulations are marketed as the best hair growth shampoo. However, very few have studies behind them that demonstrate their efficiency in combatting men’s hair loss.

The main concern regarding the effectiveness of hair loss shampoo for men regards absorption rates. Hair growth remedies need to be left on the scalp for a long time (sometimes hours) to be absorbed properly, while shampoos are rarely kept on for more than a few minutes. Moreover, the efficiency of a particular kind of hair growth shampoo depends on the cause and stage of your hair thinning, as well as your scalp and hair particularities.

There is evidence that certain hair loss shampoos (e.g. caffeine shampoo  [3][4]) can work for some men. However, this does not apply to all formulations and there is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all hair loss treatment. It is a good idea to have moderate expectations from these hair care products. Remember that while some can work well in conjunction with hair loss medication, they do not replace a trichologist-prescribed hair growth treatment. 

The best hair loss shampoos that work for men

Here are some of the best shampoos for hair loss in men, formulated with ingredients proven effective in preventing and/or curbing male alopecia. Keep in mind that further research is needed to test their efficiency in shampoo form:

Foligain Advanced Hair Regrowth Shampoo

1. Foligain Advanced Hair Regrowth Shampoo

 This shampoo formula contains Minoxidil 2%, one of the most effective hair growth medications available. Minoxidil helps your hair grow by widening your blood vessels and allowing more nutrients to reach your hair follicles [6]. 

While it is unlikely that Minoxidil shampoo works as well as topical Minoxidil for hair loss, Foligan also contains a plant-based proprietary blend known as Trioxidil, which nourishes and moisturises your strands, reducing dry hair in men and the unnecessary hair breakage that comes with it. 

John Masters Organics Volumizing Shampoo

2. John Masters Organics Volumizing Shampoo With Rosemary And Peppermint 

Rosemary oil for hair contains natural DHT blockers and has been proven to be as effective as Minoxidil 2% in stimulating hair growth in male pattern baldness [7]. At the same time, the menthol in peppermint oil for hair is known to increase blood flow to your hair follicles, helping them receive more nutrients [8]. Additionally, the pleasant tingling sensation of the menthol can help calm an itchy or irritated scalp.

Finally, for active men who like to spend time outdoors, peppermint oil abounds in antioxidants. They can provide some UV hair protection [9] (but you still need to wear a hat when spending prolonged time outside in hot weather, as excessive sunlight is not good for your hair).

Akin Natural Rosemary Daily Shine Shampoo

3. Akin Natural Rosemary Daily Shine Shampoo 

This shampoo contains some of the best essential oils for hair growth: rosemary, lavender, and cedarwood. They can have a beneficial effect against several types of alopecia that can affect men, such as male pattern baldness, stress and anxiety-induced hair loss or even alopecia areata (though more research is needed). 

While there are no scientific studies to show the efficiency of this combination in shampoo form on alopecia areata, a mixture of rosemary oil, lavender oil, and cedarwood oil has been found to play a role in reducing the symptoms of this condition [9]. 

Nizoral Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

4. Nizoral Anti-Dandruff Shampoo  

Nizoral shampoo is one of our recommended hair growth products for men that really work. The main ingredient in this dandruff shampoo is ketoconazole, which is widely recommended for its efficiency in treating dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis [10]. 

Moreover, Nizoral may also treat hair loss from androgenetic alopecia, as 2% ketoconazole shampoos have been found to be as efficient as Minoxidil in stimulating hair growth in men with Norwood stage 3 male pattern baldness [10].

Vichy Dercos Shampoo

5. Vichy Dercos Strengthening & Thickening Stemoxydine Shampoo

This formula contains stemoxydine. This substance has been proven to reduce the amount of hair follicles that are in the shedding phase and thus help end your telogen effluvium][11]. While this condition is more frequently diagnosed in women, men can and do experience it during times of physical or emotional stress. Moreover, there is some indication that stemoxydine may be effective in improving male pattern baldness as well [12][11].

Neofollics Hair Growth Shampoo

6. Neofollics Hair Growth Stimulating Shampoo  

Research shows that caffeine shampoo works for hair loss in men with male pattern baldness. It can reduce the follicle-damaging effects of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), reducing the symptoms of androgenetic alopecia [3]. This Neofollics formulation contains caffeine, alongside 12 other proprietary stimulating ingredients that can make men’s hair grow thicker and stronger.  

Hair Repair Shampoo for Men AMALIA

7. AMALIA Hair Repair Shampoo for Men

This shampoo contains hemp seed oil, which has been found to have a positive effect on hair regrowth in patients with alopecia areata [13] It also has emollient and conditioning qualities [14], which can help prevent unnecessary hair breakage which can make men’s hair loss appear worse than it is. Its other components, such as mastic, honey, and dittany, also have moisturising and nourishing properties, for strong, healthy hair.

Gnarly Joe Mens Shampoo

8. Gnarly Joe Men’s Shampoo

This formulation is created especially for men’s damaged hair. It contains ingredients that can not only nourish it but also strengthen hair by making it more stress-resistant. Argan oil is known to regulate your natural sebum production and moisturise it. Moreover, the shea butter can help soften and regenerate your hair and scalp [15][16] and increase strand elasticity [17].

While this shampoo does not curb a specific form of male alopecia, it helps prevent dry, brittle hair that breaks off easily. Over time, this keeps your mane fuller and more volumised, making any hair thinning you may be experiencing appear less visible. 

Kérastase Genesis Homme Thickness Boosting Shampoo

9. Kérastase Genesis Homme Thickness Boosting Shampoo

The ginger root in this formulation has significant antioxidant properties which can protect men’s hair from oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is known to worsen the symptoms of male pattern baldness [18]. 

Moreover, it may also help improve hair loss in men with alopecia areata (though more research is needed [19]  Finally, the added creatine helps seal your hair cuticles, locking in moisture and preventing men’s hair from falling out unnecessarily.

CHI Luxury Black Seed Oil Shampoo

10. CHI Luxury Black Seed Oil Blend Gentle Cleansing Shampoo

Black seed oil for hair has demonstrated its effectiveness in curbing telogen effluvium hair shedding and stimulating your hair to grow denser and thicker [20]. Research has shown that it can regulate your hair growth cycle, keeping your strands in the growth phase for longer.

Moreover, black seed oil possesses antioxidants that may play a role in preventing UV damage and have a moderate anti-ageing effect on your hair [21] It may also possess some antimicrobial properties, but further research is needed to ascertain this [22].

Man avoiding hair loss shampoo

What hair loss shampoos should men avoid?

Most of the shampoos for hair loss men can buy in the UK are tested and deemed safe for the human scalp. However, many of them still contain substances that can damage your hair (and/or your overall health) with excessive use. So you may want to avoid formulations which contain the following ingredients:

  • Lauryl Sulphate or Laureth Sulphate – these harsh detergents can strip all sebum off your scalp and hair, drying them out. If this happens, you will need some of the best shampoos for dry hair to undo this effect.
  • Parabens – while parabens have antimicrobial properties, they have also been linked to certain forms of cancer.
  • Formaldehyde – not many commercial shampoos still contain this preservative, but the ones that do should be avoided, as formaldehyde has been linked to a number of serious health issues [23].
  • Alcohol  – Some shampoos use alcohol such as propanol as thickening agents, but they can dry your hair and scalp.
  • Silicone – Types of silicone, such as dimethicone, can make your hair smooth and shiny, but they can also significantly dry out and irritate your scalp.
  • Sodium chloride – salt may be harmless when ingested in recommended quantities, but when used to thicken your shampoo, it will lead to a dry scalp that itches a day after washing your hair. 

Treatments that can fix hair loss for men?

Whether or not you can achieve hair growth, be it naturally or by undergoing treatment, depends on the condition that causes your hair to thin. That is why it is important to speak with an experienced trichologist, who can diagnose and treat men’s hair loss.. Treatment  recommendations may include:

  • Finasteride – This is the most commonly prescribed DHT inhibitor for male pattern baldness. It is very effective in stopping this condition from advancing and in some cases, in restoring hair density.
  • Dutasteride – While it can produce comparable (or even superior) results to Finasteride in treating male pattern baldness, Dutasteride is less frequently prescribed as it is not FDA-approved for hair loss.
  • Minoxidil – This medication can stimulate hair growth in most types of alopecia, as it works by increasing blood flow to your follicles and thus ensuring more nutrients.
  • Steroid creams – These creams can be effective in reducing the symptoms of autoimmune conditions, such as alopecia areata and scalp psoriasis.
  • Red light therapy for hair growth – a form of low-level laser therapy, red light therapy for hair growth involves applying focused beams of red or near-infrared light to your scalp to enhance cell metabolism and bring more energy to your hair follicles.
  • Derma rolling for hair growth – this therapy involves using a small tool called a derma roller, which creates minuscule punctures in your scalp, to activate your natural healing reaction. It also helps topical medication, such as topical Minoxidil, penetrate your scalp more easily.
  • A hair transplant – this simple, outpatient surgical procedure involves harvesting healthy hair follicles from the back of your head and implanting them in your thinning areas. Unlike medication that only works while you are actively taking it, a hair transplant is permanent, so you can enjoy it forever. 

When should I consider getting a hair transplant?

If neither the best shampoos for hair loss in men nor trichologist-prescribed medications work to improve your hair loss, it may be time to consider the surgical option. Book a free hair transplant consultation with one of our experienced surgeons and find out whether you are a good candidate for this procedure. 

Our surgical team at the award-winning Wimpole Clinic has an almost 100% success rate and you can get a natural looking hair transplant regardless of whether you opt for an FUE or FUT-type procedure. And our 50-year legacy of surgical hair restoration excellence speaks for itself, as does our before and after hair transplant gallery

So you can confidently place your hair in our hands, knowing that you will be able to enjoy the amazing results of your hair transplant after 10 years and many more.  

Top 10 Shampoos for Hair Loss Men Should Try in 2025, Wimpole Clinic

Frequently asked questions

If you are curious to find out more about the best anti hairfall shampoos for men, take a look at the answers to these frequently asked questions:

There are some good 2-in-1 shampoo and conditioners for hair growth out there. And using them can save time, especially if you are a busy man. However, it is generally better to use separate products for washing and conditioning your hair. The formulas are better calibrated and can be better tailored to certain hair types in men. You can also get complementary ingredients in your shampoo and conditioner, for a wider variety of hair growth stimulants.

While the best shampoos for hair loss men use may be able to reduce your hair thinning, it is unlikely that they can reverse baldness that has already set in. Even if they contain hair growth medication, your scalp is unlikely to be exposed to the drug for long enough to reverse your hair loss. The best thing you can do is to see a trichologist from the first signs of hair thinning and balding and get the right treatment. The best anti-hairfall shampoo for men will likely complement the effect of the medication, but it will not replace it.  

It is unlikely to develop a Minoxidil overdose from using both the treatment and the medicated shampoo at the same time. Shampoos normally contain a small concentration of Minoxidil for a man (only 2%, compared to the Minoxidil 5% solution men often use) and don’t stay on your scalp for very long. However, should you experience persistent Minoxidil side effects, such as itching, irritation, scalp swelling or a rash, you may want to choose a different shampoo for hair loss in men.  

Sources:
  1. Men’s Hair Loss
  2. Hair Cosmetics for the Hair Loss Patient
  3. An Open-Label Randomized Multicenter Study Assessing the Noninferiority of a Caffeine-Based Topical Liquid 0.2% versus Minoxidil 5% Solution in Male Androgenetic Alopecia
  4. Efficacy of a cosmetic caffeine shampoo in androgenetic alopecia management
  5. Randomized trial of aromatherapy. Successful treatment for alopecia areata
  6. Androgenetic alopecia: a review
  7. Minoxidil: a comprehensive review
  8. Rosemary oil vs minoxidil 2% for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia: a randomized comparative trial
  9. Mechanisms and time course of menthol-induced cutaneous vasodilation
  10. Ketoconazole Shampoo: Effect of Long-Term Use in Androgenic Alopecia
  11. Telogen Effluvium
  12. Skin, hair and beyond: the impact of menopause
  13. Clinical and Pathological Evaluation of Hemp Seeds Oil Effectiveness in the Treatment of Alopecia Areata
  14. Hemp Seed Oil for Skin Care (non-drug cannabis sativa L.): a Review
  15. Nutritional Values and Indigenous Preferences for Shea Fruits (Vitellaria Paradoxa C.F. Gaertn. F.) in African Agroforestry Parklands
  16. Effects of Hair Treatment with Shea Butter on Bleached Hair
  17. Hair Oils: Indigenous Knowledge Revisited
  18. Oxidative stress in androgenetic alopecia
  19. Ginger (Zingiber officinale (L.) Rosc) Improves Oxidative Stress and Trace Elements Status in Patients with Alopecia Areata
  20. Evaluation of a Therapeutic Alternative for Telogen Effluvium: A Pilot Study
  21. Development and Evaluation of Herbal Hair Serum: A traditional way to Improve Hair Quality
  22. Nigella sativa seed, a novel beauty care ingredient: A review
  23. The Toxic Effects of Formaldehyde and Formalin
Dr Ahmad Moussa (FRCS)
Medically reviewed by Dr Ahmad Moussa (FRCS)Updated on May 22, 2025
The Wimpole Clinic offers FUE Hair, Beard & Eyebrow Transplants & Trichology.
Talk to a specialist ☎ 020 7935 1861.
Dr Ahmad Moussa (FRCS)
Medically reviewed by
Dr Ahmad Moussa (FRCS)
Updated on May 22, 2025
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