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10 Best Shampoos For Menopausal Hair Loss & Damage
Dr. Michael May (FRCS)
Medically reviewed by
Dr. Michael May (FRCS)
Updated on March 29, 2024

Menopause causes lots of different symptoms, from hot flushes to night sweats to extreme tiredness. Compounding all these issues is one of the most visible and distressing symptoms: menopause-related hair loss.

It’s very normal for your hair to get thinner as you get older. But if you feel your hair is thinning more than it should be, it might be time to try a new shampoo for menopausal hair.

Here, we’ll explore what causes hair loss and damage throughout menopause, and how switching to one of the best shampoos for menopausal hair could help you sustain your tresses for a little longer.

Table of Contents

What leads to menopausal hair thinning?

Lots of factors can contribute to menopausal hair loss, but often the main culprit is hormone changes.

Throughout menopause, your oestrogen and progesterone levels drop. Because oestrogen helps your hair stay in the anagen (growth) phase of the hair growth cycle for longer, this reduction can force your follicles to move into the telogen (shedding) phase and lead to the development of female pattern hair loss (FPHL) [1-2]:

hair growth cycle
Hair growth cycle. Low oestrogen levels cause hair to move from the anagen phase to the telogen phase more quickly.
stages of female pattern hair loss

Women with female pattern hair loss at stages 1, 2, and 3 on the Ludwig Scale [3].

 

Other contributing factors include:

  • Vitamin deficiencies, which can worsen menopausal symptoms and contribute to conditions like FPHL [4].
  • Harmful styling practices, such as regular bleaching, straightening, or relaxing your hair.
  • Medications, including some drugs used in HRT and treatments for menopause-related conditions like depression.
  • An unhealthy or unbalanced diet has been closely linked with hair loss in menopausal and postmenopausal women [5].
  • Stress, which is common in menopause and is often associated with temporary hair loss known as telogen effluvium.

How does shampoo affect your hair in menopause?

Shampoo hasn’t been linked with hair loss in menopause, so it’s unlikely that ingredients in your current shampoo are contributing to any menopausal hair thinning.

However, there’s some evidence that certain shampoo ingredients can damage your hair, including DMDM hydantoin, and selenium sulphide [6-8]. Other antimicrobial agents, surfactants, and preservatives may also impair hair health [9].

So switching your shampoo may limit damage and offer other benefits to your menopausal hair.

10 best shampoos for menopausal hair loss

Below, we’ve ranked the best shampoos for hair loss that often occurs during or after the menopause. With ingredients proven to treat conditions like female pattern hair loss, thinning hair, and scalp conditions, compare the 10 best shampoos for menopausal hair in the table below:

ShampooActive ingredientsHow it helpsHair typesClinical evidence
Redken Stemoxydine 5% Thickening Treatment ShampooStemoxydineIncreases the number of hairs in the growth phase, helping you maintain hair density.Fine and thinning hairStemoxydine decreases the percentage of hair in the telogen phase [10].
L’Oréal Elvive Full Resist Reinforcing Shampoo with AminexilAminexilIncreases the number of hairs in the growth phase, helping you maintain hair density.Thinning hairAminexil decreases the percentage of hair in the telogen phase [10].
Plantur 39 Phyto-Caffeine Shampoo for Fine, Brittle HairPhyto-caffeineBoosts hair strength while reducing hair loss intensity in a hair pull test.Female pattern hair lossPhyto-caffeine-containing shampoo improved hair pull test results after six months of use in people with pattern baldness [11].
Nizoral 2% ShampooKetoconazoleAntifungal and anti-androgenic effects can boost hair growth in those with female pattern hair loss. It can also reduce symptoms of excessive facial or body hair growth.Female pattern hair lossTopical ketoconazole can increase hair count in women with FPHL after six months of use [12].
Kérastase Densifique Femme, Thickening & Volumising ShampooStemoxydineIncreases the number of hairs in the growth phase, helping you maintain hair density.Dry, brittle, and thinning hairStemoxydine decreases the percentage of hair in the telogen phase [10].
Vatika Black Seed Complete Care ShampooBlack seed oilCan reduce inflammation and oxidative stress that contribute to hair loss, and regulate the hair growth cycle.Thinning hair, hair affected by psoriasisBlack seed oil has antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-aging, and hair growth promoting properties [13].
Alice England Lengthen & Strengthen ShampooRosemary oilBlocks production of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), slowing hair loss and boosting growth.Female pattern hair lossRosemary oil can significantly increase hair count in people with FPHL after six months of use [14, 15].
OGX Anti-Hair Fallout Niacin + Caffeine ShampooNiacin, caffeineImproves hair fullness and strength, giving you more resilient, thicker-looking hair.Dry, brittle, and thinning hairCaffeine boosts hair strength and lowers hair loss intensity, while Niacin increases hair fullness [11, 16].
Pantene Hair Biology Menopause Shampoo For Thinning HairPanthenol, niacinImproves hair fullness and promotes hair follicle cell growth.Fine and thinning hairNiacin increases hair fullness, while panthenol promotes hair follicle cell growth and proliferation [16-17].
JVN Embody Volumising ShampooAloe leaf extract, caffeineBoosts hair strength, reduces hair loss, and fights inflammation around the follicles.Fine and thinning hairCaffeine boosts hair strength and lowers hair loss intensity, while aloe vera extract may help with hair loss related to inflammation [11, 18].

1. Redken Stemoxydine 5% Thickening Treatment Shampoo

Stemoxydine is a shampoo ingredient that’s been shown to induce the growth phase of the hair growth cycle [19]. It decreases the number of shedding hairs, boosting hair density so it appears thicker.

Redken shampoo

Redken Stemoxydine 5% Thickening Treatment Shampoo harnesses this ingredient to create a product that’s ideal for keeping menopausal hair clean, fresh, and voluminous.

2. L’Oréal Elvive Full Resist Reinforcing Shampoo with Aminexil

Aminexil is a chemical compound that has been shown to slow down the process of ageing within hair roots [20]. It fastens the hair root within the scalp, preventing premature hair loss.

L'Oreal Elvive shampoo

L’Oréal Elvive Full Resist Reinforcing Shampoo with Aminexil also contains salicylic acid, which has been shown to prevent hair loss as part of a hair loss prevention shampoo, and also has anti-dandruff properties [21].

3. Plantur 39 Phyto-Caffeine Shampoo for Fine, Brittle Hair

One of the best-known shampoos for hair loss, Plantur 39 contains caffeine for hair loss, an ingredient that’s proven to stimulate hair growth [22]. It can reduce hair loss intensity and boost hair strength.

Plantur 39 shampoo

Plantur 39 Phyto-Caffeine Shampoo is good for menopausal hair that’s prone to thinning and breakage at the crown and around the hairline.

4. Nizoral 2% Shampoo

The active ingredient in Nizoral shampoo is ketoconazole, an antifungal treatment with anti-androgenic properties. While it’s mainly formulated for treating dandruff, evidence suggests ketoconazole can also reduce hair loss symptoms associated with female pattern hair loss [12].

Nizoral shampoo

Nizoral shampoo for hair loss is a great option for promoting regrowth in menopausal hair, as well as treating any dandruff or flaking on your scalp, as well as controlling scalp sebum to fight greasiness.

5. Kérastase Densifique Femme: Thickening & Volumising Shampoo, For Fine Hair

Like Redken’s thickening treatment shampoo, Kérastase Densifique Femme contains Stemoxydine to reduce hair shedding and boost hair density. Promoted as a “bodifying” shampoo, it’s said to increase hair volume in those with thinning hair.

Kerastase shampoo

Kérastase Densifique Femme also contains hyaluronic acid, which can promote the formulation of hydrogen bonds within your hair keratin, helping your hair retain moisture [23]. So it’s a great option if your menopausal hair feels brittle or frizzy.

6. Vatika Black Seed Complete Care Shampoo

Black seed oil for hair is a natural way to regrow hair that works through multiple mechanisms [13]. It can fight oxidative stress, reduce signs of ageing within your hair, and promote hair growth.

Vatika shampoo

Vatika Black Seed Complete Care Shampoo also contains a vitamin blend and a soybean extract. While vitamin supplements for hair growth aren’t always effective, soybean extract has been shown to promote hair growth in postmenopausal women [24].

7. Alice England Lengthen & Strengthen Shampoo

Alice England products are exclusively vegan, so this is a great option for older women who want to stick with natural yet proven products. The Alice England Lengthen & Strengthen Shampoo contains rosemary oil for hair, which acts as a natural DHT blocker [14].

Alice England shampoo

This hair loss shampoo is also free from parabens, which may have toxic side effects, and comes in fully recyclable packaging [25].

8. OGX Anti-Hair Fallout Niacin + Caffeine Shampoo

Niacin and caffeine are both proven to boost hair growth, which is why the OGX Anti-Hair Fallout Niacin + Caffeine Shampoo makes our list [16, 22]. With glycerin and lactic acid, it’s also great for hydrating your hair.

Niacin and caffeine shampoo

This menopause hair loss shampoo formula also contains saw palmetto for hair, which may help block DHT.

Learn more about how safe and efficient saw palmetto is for women with hair loss.

9. Pantene Hair Biology Menopause Shampoo For Thinning Hair

Pantene has specially formulated this shampoo for hair loss that gets worse with age. With niacin and panthenol, this shampoo can make your hair look fuller while actively promoting hair follicle cell growth [16-17].

Hair Biology menopause shampoo

This shampoo moisturises your hair without weighing it down, allowing you to maintain and maximise hair volume.

10. JVN Embody Volumising Shampoo

Developed by Jonathan Van Ness, this volumising shampoo contains caffeine and aloe leaf extract, both of which can help with hair loss [16, 18].

JVN shampoo

Like Alice England’s range, this shampoo is fully vegan and cruelty-free. It’s also silicone- and sulphate-free, so it’s great for people with sensitive scalps and those who are keen to use ethical hair products.

What’s the best menopausal shampoo for menopausal hair?

Here’s a rundown of our top-ranked shampoos for different menopausal hair types:

  • Best shampoo for menopausal itchy scalp: Nizoral 2% Shampoo
  • Best shampoo for menopausal hair loss: Plantur 39 Phyto-Caffeine Shampoo for Fine, Brittle Hair
  • Best shampoo for menopausal greasy hair: Nizoral 2% Shampoo
  • Best shampoo for menopausal dry hair: OGX Anti-Hair Fallout Niacin + Caffeine Shampoo (see more of the best shampoos for dry hair)
  • Best shampoo for menopausal frizzy hair: Kérastase Densifique Femme, Thickening & Volumising Shampoo
  • Best ethical menopause shampoo: Alice England Lengthen & Strengthen Shampoo

What to look for in a shampoo for thinning hair due to menopause

  • Proven ingredients — Look for active ingredients that are proven to control hair thinning. Use the table above for ideas of which shampoo ingredients really work.
  • User reviews — See how other women with similar hair loss problems rate each shampoo to see how it might help you.
  • Scalp conditions — If you have another scalp condition like dandruff, psoriasis, or seborrheic dermatitis, seek out a shampoo that can treat this as well as helping with hair thinning.
  • DHT blocking properties — While DHT blockers for women aren’t recommended before menopause, they’re often safe to use afterwards. So ingredients that stop DHT production can help with hair loss.

How to regrow hair loss after menopause

Using a volumising or hair growth shampoo for menopausal hair is a good first step to tackling your hair loss. But if your hair has started to thin more substantially, you might need a stronger solution.

The following hair loss treatments are proven to improve symptoms of female pattern hair loss and other menopause or perimenopause hair loss conditions:

  • Minoxidil — A topical treatment that dilates the blood vessels in the scalp, allowing more nutrients to flow to the hair follicles. Minoxidil shampoo may be a suitable option.
  • Finasteride — A pharmaceutical DHT blocker that may sometimes be prescribed to women after menopause.
  • Spironolactone — A medication that reduces androgen levels to slow hair loss and promote regrowth.
  • Hair transplant — FUE and FUT can both be used to permanently restore hair lost to female pattern baldness in menopausal and postmenopausal women.

Female hair loss is often difficult to diagnose and treat, especially as you get older. Book a consultation with the Wimpole Clinic’s doctor-led trichology team to find the best hair loss treatment for women.

10 Best Shampoos For Menopausal Hair Loss & Damage, Wimpole Clinic

Sources:
  1. Effect of estrogens on skin aging and the potential role of SERMs
  2. Hormonal Effects on Hair Follicles
  3. Recent Advances in Understanding of the Etiopathogenesis, Diagnosis, and Management of Hair Loss Diseases
  4. The role of vitamin D in menopausal women’s health
  5. Nutrition of women with hair loss problem during the period of menopause
  6. Hair protein removal by sodium dodecyl sulfate
  7. Amended safety assessment of formaldehyde and methylene glycol as used in cosmetics
  8. Diffuse Hair Loss Associated With Selenium Sulfide Shampoo
  9. A Review: Hair Health, Concerns of Shampoo Ingredients and Scalp Nourishing Treatments
  10. Skin, hair and beyond: the impact of menopause
  11. Efficacy of a cosmetic phyto-caffeine shampoo in female androgenetic alopecia
  12. Trichogenic effect of topical ketoconazole versus minoxidil 2% in female pattern hair loss: a clinical and trichoscopic evaluation
  13. A Review on the Cosmeceutical and External Applications of Nigella sativa
  14. Promotion of hair growth by Rosmarinus officinalis leaf extract
  15. Rosemary oil vs minoxidil 2% for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia: a randomized comparative trial
  16. A pilot study evaluating the efficacy of topically applied niacin derivatives for treatment of female pattern alopecia
  17. Dexpanthenol Promotes Cell Growth by Preventing Cell Senescence and Apoptosis in Cultured Human Hair Follicle Cells
  18. A Close Look at Aloe Vera Barbadensis and Its Effect on Hair Health
  19. Oral Presentations
  20. Topical Products for Human Hair Regeneration: A Comparative Study on an Animal Model
  21. Double-blind randomized placebo-controlled study of the efficacy and safety of hair loss prevention shampoo containing salicylic acid, panthenol, and niacinamide in alopecia patients
  22. Role of Caffeine in the Management of Androgenetic Alopecia
  23. Improving the Mechanical Properties of Damaged Hair Using Low-Molecular Weight Hyaluronate
  24. Hair Growth Promotion with Black Soybean Extracts: case series
  25. Toxic Effects of Paraben and its Relevance in Cosmetics: A Review
Dr. Michael May (FRCS)
Medically reviewed by Dr. Michael May (FRCS)Updated on March 29, 2024
The Wimpole Clinic offers FUE Hair, Beard & Eyebrow Transplants & Trichology.
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