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Best shampoos for hair loss 
and regrowth

Woman washing hair under water shower

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. 

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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.

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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 

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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. 

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  • 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.  

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Ingredients to look for

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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.  

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Top 10 shampoos for hair loss

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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.

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Available on Amazon (paid link):

2

Founded by the famous hair stylist, Jen Atkin, OUAI Haircare aims to bring a bit of luxury with an affordable reach. Her light weight formula for fine hair includes hydrolysed keratin which is great for strengthening hair strands (keratin is one of the most important building blocks for hair). It also includes biotin, a vitamin which is associated with hair growth, and chai seed oil.

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Available on Amazon (paid link):

3

Nioxin is a well-known hair thinning treatment brand which has been used in professional salons for many years. Its cleanser shampoo comes as part of a range of sets depending on the grade of your hair loss. The shampoo’s key selling point is its gentle cleansing ability to remove build up on the scalp, fatty acids, and sebum clogging follicles (which can contain a hormone called DHT). By actively removing this without stripping your natural hair oils, it gives new hairs a chance to grow. The white tea and peppermint oil gives a cooling effect to the scalp too. 

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Available on Amazon (paid link):

4

Viviscal is a popular hair loss brand which does a range of wellbeing and medicated products. This shampoo is more on the affordable range and for the best results recommends it is used with its other treatments products. This is a gentle shampoo which cleanses and leaves the hair looking fuller and thicker. It has nourishing properties including biotin, keratin, and zinc.

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Available on Amazon (paid link):

5

This shampoo helps to reduce hair loss particularly for those who are losing excessive amounts. It’s ingredients also help to promote hair growth and gives a thicker, luscious look to your locks. It can be used with the Lambdapil Anti Hair Loss Lotion. It contains serenoa repens which is linked to hair re-growth and contains anti-inflammatory properties. In addition, trichogen, made up of vitamins, amino acids, bardana and ginseng extracts, helps with the re-growth of new hair follicles. 

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Available on Amazon (paid link):

6

Similar to other hair loss recommended shampoos, this shampoo is a gentle, light weight formula. Made from pure coconut oil, it leaves the hair soft and bouncy without stripping away the natural oils. The amino acid complex helps the scalp to maintain its moisture which is great for dry hair types. The hydrolysed wheat protein provides hydration and protection for the hair strands.

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Available on Amazon (paid link):

7

This shampoo is a great, affordable option for those after a bargain. This shampoo contains biotin, a vitamin B which helps to maintain healthy hair. It also contains collagen, a protein which is important for hair growth, contributing to the strength and elasticity of the hair strands. This shampoo is said to provide volumizing effects for fine hair.  

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Available on Amazon (paid link):

8

Aveda’s shampoo is made up of salicylic acid, a formula which helps to gently break down build up and oils which can clog the pores of the scalp. This allows the scalp to be cleansed and allow new skin and hairs to grow. It is also made up of ayurvedic herbs including ginseng and turmeric, to help stimulate blood flow to the scalp. The shampoo is also colour-safe and can be used as part of their three-step system to get the best results.

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Available on Amazon (paid link):

9

This shampoo is equipped for all the needs for thinning hair. It’s free of sulfate, dyes, and parabens and gives a gentle cleanse to help stimulate hair follicles. Made from keratin and panthenol (pro vitamin B5), hair will feel stronger, bouncy and light. This shampoo gives a deep scalp cleanse and gives a frizz free finish.

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Available on Amazon (paid link):

10

A British brand which focuses on treating hair issues including hair loss. There are a number of shampoos to choose from but this one is highly rated for its ability to tackle dandruff and scalp irritation. With its apple fragrance, it is suitable for regular hair wash. It contains anti-microbial piroctone olamine, which helps to sooth the scalp from irritation, which can be an important factor for hair loss. It’s suitable for fine, medium, coarse, and coiled curls and doesn’t strip away any colour.

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Available on Amazon (paid link):

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References

Please click below if you want to read the science behind this article.

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