Should men shampoo thinning hair?

If your hair is thinning, you may be tempted to wash it less often—or not at all—to prevent any additional loss from scrubbing your scalp. This isn’t the case, though. Not washing your hair can quickly lead to it becoming greasy, and greasy hair gets weighed down. In turn, your hair can appear thinner.

How can men stop their hair from thinning?

There are numerous causes of hair loss in men , so you’ll first want to discern what is causing your hair to thin. From there, you can best seek out the right treatment to help stop your hair from thinning.

Can thin hair in men become thick again?

While you can’t change the size of your hair follicles, there are definitely things you can do to help it appear thicker. The best place to start is by addressing the cause of your thinning hair . Additionally, using thickening shampoos can help create the appearance of thicker, fuller hair.

How often should men wash their hair if it’s thinning?

Many people wash their hair every day, but unless you have an extremely greasy scalp, that’s usually too often. Experts recommend men wash their hair about three times per week , and that holds true even if your hair is thinning. You can move to four times per week if your hair feels greasy, but avoid washing it more than that. Additionally, you can focus on washing your scalp instead of down the length of your hair to avoid drying out your hair.

The 12 Best Shampoos for Thinning Hair for Men of 2022

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While diet, lifestyle, and genetics affect hair loss more than just about anything else, the scalp is the first line of defense. Prescription hair treatments, such as minoxidil (generic for Rogaine) and finasteride (generic for Propecia) work wonders and are easier to get than ever. But if you're like a lot of guys who are dealing with thinning strands, there's always room for more.

Researched & Approved

Shampoos like our best overall choice Viviscal Man Full Force Fortifying Shampoo use a combo of vitamins and proteins to make hair stronger. But you don't have to spend a lot to see results. The time-saving Every Man Jack 2-in-1 Thickening Shampoo is a budget-friendly option that uses natural soy proteins to nourish hair.

A good shampoo formulated for thinning hair will keep your scalp and hair in tip-top shape—and you'll begin to see serious results when it comes to strength, thickness, and overall health. You can't reverse thinning hair, but these formulas will build up what you have and prevent further loss. To help, we've rounded up our favorites for every budget and type of thinning hair out there.

Read on for the best thinning hair shampoos for men.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Viviscal Man Full Force Fortifying Shampoo at Amazon

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Best Budget:

Every Man Jack 2-in-1 Shampoo + Conditioner at Everymanjack.com

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Best Drugstore:

Old Spice Thickening System Shampoo for Men at Amazon

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Best Splurge:

Leonor Greyl Bain Volumateur Aux Algues at Amazon

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Best DHT Blocker:

Hims The Stimulator at Forhims.com

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Best for Instant Results:

EVO Gluttony at Amazon

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Best for Sensitive Scalps:

Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Scalp Care Anti-Thinning Shampoo at Ulta

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Best Anti-Dandruff:

Head & Shoulders Full & Thick Dandruff 2-in-1 Shampoo & Conditioner at Riteaid.com

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Best for Color-Treated Hair:

Bosley MD Color Safe Nourishing Shampoo at Ulta

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Best for Oily Hair:

Briogeo Charcoal + Biotin Dry Shampoo at Amazon

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Viviscal Man Full Force Fortifying Shampoo

Courtesy of Walmart

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What We Like

Blended with biotin, zinc, and keratin
Increases resistance to breakage
Thickens hair

What We Don't Like

Not for sensitive scalps

Viviscal hair growth supplements are some of the best in the business, so it should be no surprise that their corresponding shampoo is super effective as well. Using the potent combo of biotin, zinc, and keratin, this formula makes thinning hair look visibly fuller and thicker. For maximum results, we recommended adding the brand's hair supplement to your routine as well.

Every Man Jack Tea Tree 2-In-1 Thickening Shampoo + Conditioner

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What We Like

2-in-1 shampoo and conditioner
Softens and defines curls
Uses 96 percent naturally-derived ingredients

What We Don't Like

No longer contains antibacterial tea tree

That tea tree tingle makes this shampoo feel refreshing on your scalp, while soy proteins help to plump up finicky follicles. Using 96 percent naturally-derived ingredients, this shampoo-conditioner duo is free of parabens, phthalates, dyes, and aluminum. Plus, it's all packaged in an eco-friendly bottle.

Mens Thickening Shampoo with Biotin

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What We Like

Lifts the hair
Contains biotin
Creates thicker hair in two weeks

What We Don't Like

Results may not be drastic to some

The brand known for your dad's favorite aftershave has graduated into haircare-and it works. This biotin-infused shampoo is the best first step you can take towards better hair. Not does it do wonders with just one wash, but if you use their simple three-step system, you'll have noticeably thicker-looking (and feeling) hair in two weeks.

Bain Volumateur Aux Algues

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What We Like

Loaded with fortifying seaweed proteins
Moisturizing
Full of natural oils

What We Don't Like

Pricey

This luxuriously lathering shampoo features volumizing and detangling benefits that give thinning hair a big boost with no further steps required. Loaded with seaweed proteins to fortify, wheat proteins to strengthen and protect, and vitamin-rich plant extracts, this shampoo is worth every penny. Bonus: the super-concentrated formula goes a long way and doesn’t require a separate conditioner.

Courtesy of For Hims

View On Forhims.com

What We Like

Lathers up well
Smells good
Features saw palmetto to help target DHT
Makes hair very soft

What We Don't Like

Might dry some scalps

This brand has become a major player in the wellness and self-care space, and this product is especially helpful when it comes to male pattern baldness and blocking DHT (a male hormone that contributes to hair loss). This reformulated formula highlights saw palmetto, a naturally-derived ingredient that is shown to boost testosterone and reduce inflammation—both key factors in maintaining a healthy head of hair.

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What We Like

Color-friendly formula
Ideal for enriching hiar
Promotes strength

What We Don't Like

Might make some hair oily

If you have fine, thin, or thinning hair, you’ll see instant results with this stellar shampoo. Vegan and cruelty-free, this color-friendly formula is sulfate-free. When paired with the conditioner, your hair will become undeniably more dense and full.

Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Scalp Care Anti-Thinning

Courtesy of Ulta

View On Ulta

What We Like

Antibacterial
Stimulates scalp
Gently cleanses

What We Don't Like

Could lather better

Thinning hair can lead to sensitive scalps. This formula features the brand's proprietary Regeniplex blend—a mix of kakadu plum, pea peptides, clover flower, turmeric, and ginseng—which stimulates the scalp while providing fuller, thicker hair. The tea tree scent is offset with fresh notes of lemon, basil, and fir, as well as amber and patchouli. As with all Paul Mitchell products, this delightful douse of thickening lather is vegan and cruelty-free.

Head & Shoulders Full & Thick Dandruff 2-in-1 Shampoo & Conditioner

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What We Like

2-in-1 shampoo and conditioner
Pocket-friendly
Infused with caffeine

What We Don't Like

Can create tingle sensation on the scalp

Thin hair and dandruff are not mutually exclusive. If your scalp goes beyond itchy to downright flakey, thinning hair can draw even more attention to the irritation. This iconic brand packs the two-in-one punch you need to eliminate flakes and illuminate locks.

Bosley MD BOS Defense Color Safe Nourishing Shampoo

Courtesy of Ulta

View On Ulta

What We Like

Full of strengthening plant extracts
Removes build-up well
Rich in vitamins

What We Don't Like

May be drying for some

With this shampoo, you don't have to pick between protecting color and thickening strands. This sulfate-free, nourishing formula removes styling build-up from the scalp surface, all while keeping color-treated hair healthy and moisturized.

Briogeo Scalp Revival Charcoal &#43; Biotin Dry Shampoo

Courtesy of Briogeo

View On Amazon View On Sephora View On Dermstore

What We Like

Travel-friendly
Nourishes the scalp
Removes deep-rooted toxins
Only made of natural ingredients

What We Don't Like

Leaves sticky residue

Excess oil can make thin hair look even thinner. When thin hair clumps together, more scalp peeks through, which in turn draws even more attention to your hair loss woes. Arguably one of the easiest, quickest, and fool-proof ways to thicken up oil strands is to opt for a dry shampoo between washings. This formula fools the eye immediately upon application, while helping to strengthen thinning hair over time.

Aveda Sap Moss Weightless Hydration Shampoo

Courtesy of Nordstrom

View On Nordstrom

What We Like

Doesn't weigh down hair
Produces a clean feel
Makes hair more manageable

What We Don't Like

May make hair look dull

Thin hair can be dry hair too. This hydrating shampoo promises to quench strands with serious moisture. This blend saturates dry hair without adding weight to already thin areas. The result? Happy and healthy hair that looks fuller.

4.8

Kerastase Densifique Bain Densité Shampoo

Courtesy of Sephora

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What We Like

Nice smell
Effectively thickens the hair
Softening

What We Don't Like

Might frizz up some hair

When your hair goes from just dry to full-on damaged, it’s time to get serious. Loaded with ceramides, and our favorite plumping molecule, hyaluronic acid, this shampoo works hard to ensure even the most damaged hair feels thick and healthy after a single wash. When thin hair needs even more added moisture, we recommend following up with the corresponding Kérastase Densifique replenishing masque.

What to Look for in a Men's Shampoo for Thinning Hair

Protein

Protein is a key ingredient to help plump up thinning strands. Soy, seaweed, and wheat are just a few common ingredients that protein is derived from. Proteins can help to strengthen and protect the hair cuticle, which is ideal to fight against further breakage. Protein is such a popular ingredient for hair care that you can even find entire hair treatments centered around it. Ava Shamban, MD tells Byrdie that “rebuilding, supporting, and boosting this protein matrix is key to healthy hair and scalp.”

Saw Palmetto

This ingredient is also available in supplement form for thinning hair. It can prevent hair loss and promote hair growth, making it a great ingredient for thinning hair. It works in a way that’s related to your hormones, helping to block DHT, which contributes to hair loss. Joshua Ziechner, MD, tells Byrdie that “"saw palmetto is a botanical extract that has been shown to block the effect of androgen hormones. We know that high levels of these hormones are associated with hair thinning, so blocking them may theoretically improve hair growth."

Biotin

Another item that can be taken in supplement form as well as applied topically, biotin is a good choice in shampoo for men’s thinning hair because it’s a form of vitamin B that may help assist with hair growth. It’s been shown to potentially boost hair growth when taken as a supplement as well as used topically, though studies on topical use are limited.

FAQ

Should men shampoo thinning hair?

If your hair is thinning, you may be tempted to wash it less often—or not at all—to prevent any additional loss from scrubbing your scalp. This isn’t the case, though. Not washing your hair can quickly lead to it becoming greasy, and greasy hair gets weighed down. In turn, your hair can appear thinner.
How can men stop their hair from thinning?

There are numerous causes of hair loss in men, so you’ll first want to discern what is causing your hair to thin. From there, you can best seek out the right treatment to help stop your hair from thinning.
Can thin hair in men become thick again?

While you can’t change the size of your hair follicles, there are definitely things you can do to help it appear thicker. The best place to start is by addressing the cause of your thinning hair. Additionally, using thickening shampoos can help create the appearance of thicker, fuller hair.
How often should men wash their hair if it’s thinning?

Many people wash their hair every day, but unless you have an extremely greasy scalp, that’s usually too often. Experts recommend men wash their hair about three times per week, and that holds true even if your hair is thinning. You can move to four times per week if your hair feels greasy, but avoid washing it more than that. Additionally, you can focus on washing your scalp instead of down the length of your hair to avoid drying out your hair.

The Best Hair Thickeners to Effectively Bulk up Thin Hair

Article Sources

Byrdie takes every opportunity to use high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial guidelines to learn more about how we keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.

Parisi OI, Scrivano L, Amone F, et al. Interconnected PolymerS TeChnology (IPSTiC): An Effective Approach for the Modulation of 5α-Reductase Activity in Hair Loss Conditions. J Funct Biomater. 2018;9(3):44. doi:10.3390/jfb9030044
Urysiak-Czubatka I, Kmieć ML, Broniarczyk-Dyła G. Assessment of the usefulness of dihydrotestosterone in the diagnostics of patients with androgenetic alopecia. Postepy Dermatol Alergol. 2014;31(4):207-215. doi:10.5114/pdia.2014.40925
Evron E, Juhasz M, Babadjouni A, Mesinkovska NA. Natural Hair Supplement: Friend or Foe? Saw Palmetto, a Systematic Review in Alopecia. Skin Appendage Disord. 2020;6(6):329-337. doi:10.1159/000509905
Evron E, Juhasz M, Babadjouni A, Mesinkovska NA. Natural Hair Supplement: Friend or Foe? Saw Palmetto, a Systematic Review in Alopecia. Skin Appendage Disord. 2020 Nov;6(6):329-337. doi: 10.1159/000509905. Epub 2020 Aug 23. PMID: 33313047; PMCID: PMC7706486.
Marotta JC, Patel G, Carvalho M, Blakeney S. Clinical Efficacy of a Topical Compounded Formulation in Male Androgenetic Alopecia: Minoxidil 10%, Finasteride 0.1%, Biotin 0.2%, and Caffeine Citrate 0.05% Hydroalcoholic Solution. Int J Pharm Compd. 2020 Jan-Feb;24(1):69-76. PMID: 32023218.
Patel DP, Swink SM, Castelo-Soccio L. A Review of the Use of Biotin for Hair Loss. Skin Appendage Disord. 2017 Aug;3(3):166-169. doi: 10.1159/000462981. Epub 2017 Apr 27. PMID: 28879195; PMCID: PMC5582478.

Best Overall: Viviscal Man Full Force Fortifying Shampoo

Best Budget: Every Man Jack 2-in-1 Thickening Shampoo + Conditioner

Best Drugstore: Old Spice Thickening System Shampoo for Men Infused with Biotin

Best Splurge: Leonor Greyl Bain Volumateur Aux Algues

Best DHT Blocker: Hims The Stimulator The Shampoo+ for Hair Loss

Best for Instant Results: EVO Gluttony Volumising Shampoo

Best for Sensitive Scalps: Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Scalp Care Anti-Thinning Shampoo

Best Anti-Dandruff: Head & Shoulders Full & Thick Dandruff 2-in-1 Shampoo & Conditioner

Best for Color-Treated Hair: Bosley MD BosDefense Color Safe Nourishing Shampoo

Best for Oily Hair: Briogeo Scalp Revival Charcoal + Biotin Dry Shampoo

Best for Dry Hair: Aveda Sap Moss Weightless Hydration Shampoo

Best for Damaged Hair: Kérastase Densifique Bain Densité Shampoo

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