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 of 2023

Best Shampoos for Thinning Hair for Men — Byrdie / Chloe Jeong

Diet, lifestyle, and genetics play a huge role in hair thinning. Thankfully, prescription hair treatments, such as minoxidil (generic for Rogaine) and finasteride (generic for Propecia), work wonders for guys experiencing thinning or receding hair. These types of treatments are easier to find than ever before, but there's nothing wrong with adding in some extra reinforcements; in this case, in the form of shampoos designed for hair thinning. Whether you're looking for a product to add to your existing hair thinning routine, or you're starting to think about creating one, we're here to help.

Shampoos for hair thinning help boost volume (creating the appearance of thicker hair) and can even promote scalp health, which is an integral part of stimulating hair growth and maintaining the health of the hair you already have on your head.

Ready to add a shampoo for hair thinning to your routine? We tapped an expert for recommendations and even tried a few top-rated products for ourselves. The result: This curated list of shampoos that actually make a difference in the look and overall health of your hair. We considered ingredients like protein, biotin, and saw palmetto, each of which is known to promote stronger, fuller hair. We also took into account how well the formulations lathered, whether or not they're scented, and how much use you're able to get out of the bottle. We then cross-referenced our expert-recommended picks with our highest-rated options and compiled this list of best hair thinning shampoos for men.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

R+Co Bleu Ingenious Thickening Shampoo at Walmart

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Best Budget:

Every Man Jack 2-in-1 Shampoo + Conditioner

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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 Amazon

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Best Anti-Dandruff:

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

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Best for Color-Treated Hair:

Bosley MD Color Safe Nourishing Shampoo at Bosleymd.com

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Best Dry Shampoo:

Briogeo Charcoal + Biotin Dry Shampoo at Amazon

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R+Co Bleu

View On Walmart View On Cosmetify.com View On Neiman Marcus

What We Like

Adds volume
Little bit goes a long way

What We Don't Like

Can be drying

Formulated with R+Co's proprietary Bleu Molecule Complex (aka micro-encapsulated sugar molecules), this shampoo gradually deliver active ingredients to weightlessly repair and strengthen hair from the inside out. It's ideal for all hair types (including color-treated) and works to deliver body, bounce, and shine right away. We especially love how it cleanses, clarifies, and removes product build up, while strengthening, hydrating, and plumping hair from root to tip over time. Like most shampoos, it can be drying, so it's best to finish up with a nice, hydrating conditioner.

Price at time of publish: $59

Every Man Jack Thickening Tea Tree 2-in-1 Shampoo and Conditioner

Walmart

View on Ulta View On Amazon View On Target

What We Like

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

What We Don't Like

Could lather better

An invigorating 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 and conditioner duo is free of parabens, phthalates, dyes, and aluminum. Plus, it's all packaged in an eco-friendly bottle. We love how fresh it smells (without being too overpowering) and how soft and manageable hair feels after use thanks to a blend of coconut oil, shea butter, and aloe.

Price at time of publish: $9

Mens Thickening Shampoo with Biotin

View On Amazon View On Walmart

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 believe us when we say it works. This biotin-infused shampoo is the best first step you can take towards better hair. Not only does it do wonders after just one wash, but if you use their simple three-step system, the brand says you can expect to have noticeably thicker-looking hair in two weeks.

Price at time of publish: $15

Bain Volumateur Aux Algues

View On Amazon View On Nordstrom

What We Like

Loaded with fortifying seaweed proteins
Full of natural oils

What We Don't Like

Can be too drying for curls, kinks, and coils

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. The only caveat is that it's not moisturizing enough for those with curls, kinks, or coils. We recommend following up with a conditioner and brushing your hair out to avoid tangles.

Price at time of publish: $51

For Hims

View On Forhims.com

What We Like

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

What We Don't Like

Might dry some scalps

Hims has become a major player in the wellness and self-care space, and this product is among their best. This shampoo is especially helpful when it comes to male pattern baldness and blocking DHT (a male hormone that contributes to hair loss). This 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. Just keep in mind that it can be drying for some scalps, so be sure to patch test before using and follow up with a hydrating conditioner.

Price at time of publish: $19

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Skinstore.com

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 from EVO. This vegan, cruelty-free, and color-friendly formula is sulfate-free and adds lift, shine, strength, and elasticity to all hair types. When paired with the conditioner, your hair will become undeniably more dense and full.

Price at time of publish: $30

Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Scalp Care Anti-Thinning Shampoo

Ulta

View On Amazon View On Ulta

What We Like

Antibacterial
Stimulates scalp
Gently cleanses

What We Don't Like

Could lather better

Thinning hair can lead to a sensitive, dry scalp. 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 formula is vegan and cruelty-free. The only thing we wish we could change is the lather. Some people might enjoy the subtle foaminess, but others might be expecting a little more.

Price at time of publish: $23

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

View On Walmart View On Riteaid.com View On Walgreens

What We Like

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

What We Don't Like

Tingling sensation can be off-putting for some

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. Keep in mind that the tingly sensation is pretty powerful, so if you're not into that kind of thing, you might want to steer clear. However, if you love to feel your products working, this one is definitely for you.

Price at time of publish: $7

Bosley MD BOS Defense Color Safe Nourishing Shampoo

Courtesy of Ulta

View On Bosleymd.com View On Jdoqocy.com

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

Now you don't have to pick between protecting color and thickening strands with this shampoo for color-treated hair. Its very own sulfate-free, nourishing formula removes styling build-up from the scalp surface, all while keeping your mane healthy and moisturized. Like some of the other options on this list, it's not the most hydrating, so you'll want to follow up with a moisturizing conditioner and maybe even some finishing cream.

Briogeo Scalp Revival Charcoal + Biotin Dry Shampoo

Ulta

View On Amazon View On Sephora View On Target

What We Like

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. Arguably one of the easiest, quickest, and fool-proof ways to thicken up oily 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.

Price at time of publish: $25

Aveda Sap Moss Weightless Hydration Shampoo

Nordstrom

View On Aveda.com

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 experience dullness or dry ends, 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. While we didn't experience any change in hair color, some say that the shampoo made their hair appear dull. This shouldn't be a problem, however, if you don't color your hair.

Price at time of publish: $30

KÃ©rastase Densifique Thickening Shampoo for Thinning Hair

Sephora

View On Amazon View On Sephora View On Kerastase-usa.com

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 moisture, we recommend following up with the corresponding Kérastase Densifique replenishing masque.

Price at time of publish: $40

Mane

View On Thesuperiormane.com

What We Like

Stimulates hair follicles
Promotes hair growth

What We Don't Like

Takes time to see results

If you struggle with patchiness—listen up. Mane, a hair brand dedicated to male hair loss, created this shampoo to eliminate follicle-clogging toxins and give the scalp the nutrients it needs to grow strong, thick hair. Loaded with essential nutrients and peptides, this formula stimulates hair growth, repairs, and fortifies thinning strands. With continued use (the brand says about 12 weeks), you can expect your scalp to be healthier than before.

Price at time of publish: $25

Final Verdict

Shampoos like our best overall choice R+Co Bleu Ingenious Thickening 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.

Meet the Expert

Ava Shamban, M.D. is a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist based in Santa Monica and Beverly Hills. She is the co-founder of LA medspa Skin Five.
Joshua Ziechner, M.D. is a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City. He is the Associate Professor of Dermatology and the Director of Cosmetic & Clinical Research in Dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital.

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

Protein

Protein is a key ingredient to help plump up thinning strands. Proteins, which can be found in the form of soy, seaweed, and wheat, 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, like the Leonor Greyl Bain Volumateur Aux Algues. 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." Saw palmetto can be found in the Hims The Stimulator The Shampoo+ for Hair Loss.

Biotin

Biotin is a good choice in for men with 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. Biotin is a key ingredient in the Briogeo Scalp Revival Charcoal + Biotin Dry Shampoo.

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.

How We Researched

To compile this list, our team of editors and contributors spent hours researching the best products on the market in this category, evaluating their key features—like ingredients, shade range, or design—in addition to reviews from customers and other trusted sources. We then used this research to assign a star rating from one to five (five being the best; one being the worst) to certain products on the list.

Why Trust Byrdie

Barret Wertz is a writer and editor covering men's style and grooming. His work has appeared in AskMen, GQ, Men’s Health, Men’s Fitness, Men’s Journal, The Manual, Best Life, Essence, and StyleCaster.

The 15 Best Hair Thickening Products for Full, Voluminous Hair

Updated by Caitlyn Martyn

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.