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Best shampoos for hair loss
and regrowth

One of the most common searches for women experiencing hair loss is to look for a hair growth shampoo to promote healthy hair. For most people, a shampoo will not be the core remedy to prevent further fallout, however, finding a good shampoo for hair loss will help to improve the scalp’s condition to give your hair the best chance to grow back strong.

It’s important to remember that it’s normal to shed around 50-150 hairs a day. It’s part of the hair’s natural life cycle. If you start to see unusually higher levels of hair fall, this may indicate hair loss. There are a number of reasons which can cause hair to fall – from changes in hormones, postpartum, to stress and vitamin deficiency. You can read more about possible causes here.

Evaluating your hair routine should be done in tandem with remedies linked to the cause of your hair loss. If you have a scalp condition such as psoriasis, a shampoo will have a more direct impact. For those who suspect androgenetic alopecia, this is the genetic gradual thinning of hair usually identified by a widening crown parting, there is no magic bullet to curing hair thinning. However, a good shampoo and wash routine will create better conditions for hair growth.

Don’t forget, give your hair some time to grow. It can take a few months to see results.

What should I look for in a hair loss shampoo?

You want to choose a shampoo that suits your hair type and condition – whether you have curly, dry, or coloured hair. Ultimately you want to find a shampoo which isn’t too harsh on your scalp, but gently cleans your hair from bacteria and natural build-up of dandruff and oil.

Ingredients to avoid

There are many mainstream shampoos which contain chemicals that can be too harsh for the hair strands including sulfates, parabens, and silicones. These types of chemicals can be found in household detergents, which gives you an idea of their strength. Over time it can leave the scalp irritated, dry or inflamed, and in turn adding damage to the hair.

Silicones create a ‘fake’ glossy or moisturised look to the hair when in fact this is a waxy coat which prevents moisture from entering the hair strands.
Sulfates create lather in shampoos, just like in soaps, but can over strip away natural oils leaving the skin sensitive, dry and itchy.
Parabens are preservatives which is used for anti-mold and to prolong the shelf life of a product; which again can be harsh on the scalp.

Ingredients to look for

There are a couple of ingredients which may be helpful to look out for in shampoos. They benefit in giving the right level of cleanse and care to the hair.

Menthol is an antimicrobial agent which helps to soothe the scalp and reduce irritation. It also has a nice cooling effect to the skin.
Hydrocortisone or ketoconazole (1-2% form) benefits those with skin conditions like dandruff which results in a reduction of dryness and flaking.
DHT blockers are said to help slow down hair loss where hormone imbalance is responsible. For some people with hair loss, DHT binds with hair follicles and causes them to shrink in size and fall out. Studies on this are still yet to be more conclusive but anecdotally, users have said to have benefited from DHT blocking properties in combination with other treatments. You should consult with a dermatologist before using this ingredient.
Salicylic acid can help to remove dead skin cells and sebum from the pores. It’s a gentler way of removing build up, and improving the conditions for new hair to grow.

Top 10 shampoos for hair loss

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Kérastase Densifique Bain Densité Shampoo: Best for volume and density

This brand is a popular choice for hair loss sufferers and many of the online reviews highly recommend this product. It is designed to give volume and improve hair density. Elements such as hyaluronic acid help to hydrate the hair, while gluco-peptide and ceramides add texture and strength. This clear formula is gentle yet effective in removing dirt and can be used regularly.