If you’re finding that your ponytail feels a bit lighter, fear not! Thinning hair is a lot more common than you might think. Aging, nutrient deficiencies, stress and even the way you style your hair are only a few of the most common culprits behind hair loss. And while a certified dermatologist can help you get to the root of the issue if you’re seriously struggling, the easiest way to fake the appearance of a fuller mane is with one of the best shampoos for fine hair or best hair growth products.
What causes hair loss?
“There are many types of hair loss but the most common we see at our Trichological Clinics are hair thinning known as Androgenic Alopecia or Male/Female Pattern Hair Loss, and hair shedding, known as Telogen Effluvium,” says Anabel Kingsley, Brand President and Consultant Trichologist at Philip Kingsley. She adds that another common type of hair loss is post-partum hair loss, “Postpartum hair loss usually begins around three to four months after giving birth. This timing coincides with the normal hair growth cycle, during which the hair follicles enter a resting phase. About 85-95% of your hair is in the growing phase, while the rest is in the resting or shedding phase. After childbirth, hormone fluctuations can cause more hair follicles to enter the resting phase, leading to increased hair shedding.”
“Having a very poor diet and lacking nutrients can also cause hair loss and thinning,” says Viviscal Ambassador and Leading Trichologist, Hannah Gaboardi. Hair is made up of two structures – the hair shaft and the follicle, which is hidden underneath the skin. Hair grows from the follicle, which is highly active and sensitive, so it’s no surprise that nutrient deficiencies can negatively affect hair growth. “Consuming some nutrients in supplement form may help your hair stay healthy and grow at an optimal rate,” says Hannah.
Heat’s best shampoos for hair loss at a glance:
Best for long-lasting results: Viviscal Thickening Shampoo, £8.24 on Boots
Best overall shampoo for hair loss: John Frieda PROfiller+ Thickening Shampoo, £8.99 on Superdrug
Best budget shampoo for hair loss: L’Oreal Paris Elvive Full Resist Anti Hair-Fall Shampoo, £3.49 on Boots
According to the pros, when looking for a good shampoo for hair loss, you should look for formulas that include hair-loving ingredients like biotin, keratin and zinc to promote healthy hair growth. With that in mind, keep scrolling for some top-tier hair growth shampoos that fit the bill.
SHOP: The best shampoos for hair loss 2024
Best overall shampoo for hair loss
www.superdrug.com
You’ll have thicker, fuller hair in no time with this shampoo. Plumping strands while deep cleansing - the silicone-free formula is infused with biotin and hyaluronic acid for added silkiness. Dreamy!
Tried & tested by Style Writer Phoebe Denman: "This left my hair looking thicker with tons of added hydration. This is by far the best hair growth shampoo I’ve tried if you’re looking to reduce hair loss and add thickness to thinning strands."
Pros
- Volumising
- Results after one use
- Silicone free
Cons
- Some users reported that their hair became greasy quickly between washes
Best anti-hair fall formula
www.sephora.co.uk
This cult-favourite shampoo combines a blend of strand-strengthening ingredients, including ginger root, which helps to improve the circulation of the scalp to promote longer, stronger locks. The brand claims that this hair hero can provide up to 93.3% less hair fall due to breakage.
Tried & tested by Style Writer Phoebe Denman: "My hair felt instantly stronger after using this shampoo – even while still wet – and I really enjoy the gorge fragrance of this product too. Used alongside the accompanying Anti Hair-Fall conditioner – which I also found to be the best lightweight conditioner for weaker locks – the results were undeniable."
Pros
- Ginger root formula
- Deep cleansing
- Smells great
Cons
- Expensive
Best for long-lasting results
www.boots.com
This thickening wash is the perfect treatment to keep your mane in tip-top shape. Gently cleansing and stimulating the scalp, it keeps hair looking and feeling fuller for longer.
Tried & tested by Style Writer Phoebe Denman: "This wonder product made my hair feel nourished and hydrated without weighing it down. The fresh scent is such a delight and it’s got a super smooth and light consistency that doesn’t feel too heavy."
Pros
- Smells great
- Paraben-, SLS-, and SLES-free
- Suitable for all hair types
Cons
- Not as volumising as other options
Best shampoo for fine hair
www.lookfantastic.com
Formulated with hair-loving polymers and peptides to encourage volume in fine hair without stripping it of natural moisture, use this alongside the Thickening Conditioner to give thin strands some serious lift. Crafted specifically for fine hair, its gel-like consistency is ideal for weightless hydration.
Customer review: "Couldn’t be happier with this, another fab Philip Kingsley product. Used twice and hair already feels better for it."
Pros
- Strengthens hair
- Promotes fullness
- Won't strip hair of natural moisture
Cons
- Not as volumising as other options
Best hair growth shampoo
www.uklash.com
This strand-strengthening shampoo from Uklash is strategically fortified with hero ingredients like wheat protein, coconut and panthenol to deliver impressive results for hair growth.
Customer review: "This shampoo works great even though I have dandruff and curly hair. Mixed with the conditioner it leaves my hair shiny and soft. Plus, I can feel my hair is fuller, grows quicker and feels nourished. Thank you Uklash for another great product!"
Pros
- Encourages hair growth & strengthens strands
- Vegan friendly ingredients
- Leaves hair shiny
Cons
- Takes up to 3 months to see hair growth results
Best soothing formula
www.cultbeauty.co.uk
This hair growth treatment helps to maintain scalp health while the keratin amino acids included in the formula work to strengthen strands. Plus, the addition of mint offers a refreshing scalp sensation.
Customer review: "An amazing shampoo if you want to give your hair a deep clean. My hair even looks blonder after using."
Pros
- Leaves hair feeling refreshed
- Filled with nourishing ingredients for stronger strands
- 4.14 star average review rating on Cult Beauty
Cons
- Takes time to see results in reduced hair fall
Best shampoo for volume
www.cultbeauty.co.uk
If you’re looking to add a little oomph to thin locks, this shampoo is the best for volume and thickness. Leaving your scalp feeling nourished, the accompanying conditioner also works wonders for detangling ends.
Customer review: "I really enjoyed this line for my super thin and sparse hair. After receiving the testers, I had to rebuy them even though they are expensive. I feel like my hair really likes the formula and feels super clean and shiny and it even gives me some volume."
Pros
- Fixes damage without weighing hair down
- Shifts scalp build-up
- Volumising formula
Cons
- Some users say the formula can be quite drying
Best thickening shampoo
www.lookfantastic.com
Blending biotin, niacinamide and rice protein, this shampoo is full to the brim with ingredients to nourish damaged ends. Promising to leave strands with a shiny and thicker appearance while building body, this volumising shampoo invigorates locks from root to tip.
Customer review: "This is my favourite shampoo at the minute, doesn’t make my hair greasy and cleans it well. A good price too, especially when you get it on offer!"
Pros
- Leaves hair looking healthy
- Builds body
- Thickening formula
Cons
- Not as effective at reducing hair fall as other options
Best shampoo for scalp health
www.lookfantastic.com
If your scalp needs some love, give this hair growth shampoo a go; it claims to stimulate roots while adding hydration. Formulated with Noughty’s own strand-loving pea complex to encourage vitality and scalp health, this leaves hair feeling instantly thicker.
Customer review: "Excellent product which has made a noticeable difference to my hair, used together with the conditioner my hair is noticeably fuller, softer and healthier looking. I’m really pleased especially as it was noticeable from the first use."
Pros
- Cruelty-free
- Leaves hair looking thicker and smoother
- Hair growth inducing ingredients
Cons
- Takes a few months to see results
Best fast-acting shampoo for hair loss
www.superdrug.com
This vitamin E packed formula cares for the scalp and reduces breakage by up to 90% to leave hair feeling soft and manageable. After just one week of use, locks feel fuller and healthier with tons of added body.
Tried and tested by Style Writer Phoebe Denman: "After only a few washes, my hair looks plumper, healthier and feels much softer. I’ve also seen a real difference in thickness and reduced breakage."
Pros
- Results within one week of use
- Reduces breakage by 90%
- Helps thicken and add body
Cons
- Doesn't add as much shine as other options
Best budget shampoo for hair loss
www.boots.com
This anti hair-fall formula includes aminexil, a patented molecule that is clinically proven to strengthen hair, as well as a nourishing blend of biotin and arginine which act as a lightweight barrier to protect against damage. Silky smooth hair coming right up!
Tried and tested by Style Writer Phoebe Denman: "After using this for a couple of weeks I noticed much less hair fall after brushing, not to mention my strands felt much stronger and smoother."
Pros
- Leaves hair looking fuller
- Detangles without breakage
- Available in multiple sizes
Cons
- Could be more volumising
Best anti-dandruff shampoo
www.sephora.co.uk
This prebiotic formula rebalances your scalp without causing irritation thanks to an anti-dandruff agent called defenscalp. It’s super effective at hydrating locks, leaving you with a healthier and shinier mane.
Tried and tested by Style Writer Phoebe Denman: "This made my hair feel hydrated and smooth immediately. I often suffer from an itchy scalp, and I noticed that my scalp felt so soothed after using this, I could tell that it was getting to work on hydrating my skin."
Pros
- Suitable for all hair types
- Leaves hair looking shiny
- Targets dandruff and removes scalp build-up
Cons
- Doesn't add volume
Best vitamin E formula
www.boots.com
Up to 95% less hair fall? This shampoo claims to do just that for less than £8. Leaving you with flake-free, hydrated locks while encouraging fullness and nurturing roots, it contains a cocktail of scalp circulation-boosting niacinamide and vitamin E to encourage healthy hair growth.
Customer review: "This has helped with my flaky, itchy scalp and has also added some thickness to my hair. It also has a really nice scent to it."
Pros
- Targets dandruff
- Hydrating
- Reduces hair fall by up to 95%
Cons
- Contains sulfates
What can I do if my hair is falling out?
Ok, so now you know what’s triggering the hair loss, here’s how to tackle it…
· Use a shampoo for hair loss to bring back body and volume to hair. Try massaging it into your scalp every time you wash – this will stimulate blood flow to your scalp to encourage hair growth.
· Use a deep repair mask once a week. This will give overworked or stressed out locks a nutrient boost to help protect against heat styling and any general wear and tear.
· Apply a nourishing hair oil to the ends of damp hair to keep it soft and healthy.
· Increase the amount of protein and iron in your diet. Hair is made of protein, making this the most important nutrient for hair growth.
· Take supplements. Alongside a healthy diet, supplements can be helpful for boosting levels of vitamins and minerals.
· Hannah recommends hair cycling for those with hair thinning and loss. “You need to treat your hair as you do your skin,” she says. “So the skin on your face and the skin on your scalp is the same. You need to be washing your hair regularly and applying conditioner on your hair shaft to keep the moisture, and you also need to be cleansing the scalp to make sure the follicles are clean of any bacteria.”