According to dermatologists, we lose 50-100 hairs every day. That’s normal, and it happens to almost everyone. The good news is that, in most cases, our system is continually working to replace and grow more hair, and that’s why hair loss usually goes unnoticed.
The problem comes in when you lose more hair than you are growing. This is when you notice that your ponytail is shrinking, the hairline is receding, and your comb fills up with hair after each use. For these instances, shampoos can help, so we created this “The Best Shampoo for Female Hair Loss” list.
Various factors cause hair loss. It can be due to aging, hormonal imbalance (increase in DHT), use of certain medications, harsh hair products, stress, etc. Luckily, there are just as many options for treating hair loss.
Best Female Hair Loss Shampoo Ingredients
Shampoos are one of the most popular ways of dealing with hair loss. However, it would be best to choose the right shampoo since the market is filled with different shampoos formulated for various purposes. Here are the most common ingredients you should look for when buying a hair loss shampoo:
Minoxidil
If you want to grow hair, one of the leading FDA-approved treatments available today is Minoxidil. Before, Minoxidil is available only for men. Nowadays, Rogaine also offers shampoo and hair growth foam for women that contains 2.5% Minoxidil.
Studies have shown that Minoxidil effectively combats hair loss by preventing the production of DHT and stimulating new healthy hair growth. The only issue with Minoxidil and Rogaine is that they cause adverse side effects, including further hair loss, because of the nature of their action. Other side effects include itching, allergies, and seborrheic dermatitis.
If you have sensitive skin or autoimmune skin disorders, consult your doctor before taking or using any medicated shampoos and products.
Plant Extracts (Saw Palmetto, Caffeine, and Tea-Tree Extracts)
Luckily, some products mimic the effects of Minoxidil in regrowing hair. Saw Palmetto, Caffeine, and Tea-Tree extracts were clinically proven to reduce DHT formation in the scalp, thus freeing your scalp from irritation and leading to less hair fall. These 3 natural ingredients can also stimulate hair growth in thinning or balding areas.
One thing that I like about these ingredients is that they have fewer side effects compared to Rogaine. They don’t cause further hair loss as they contain antioxidants that protect your scalp from damage.
Essential and Natural Oils
Used traditionally for decades and hundreds of years by our ancestors, essential and natural oils are powerful in growing healthier and thicker hair. The main advantage of several natural oils is the skin or scalp quickly absorbs them. This makes them the best agents in nourishing hair follicles and strands with nutrients your body lacks.
In addition to that, oils keep your hair and scalp moisturized. You must know by now that dry, frizzy hair is prone to breakage. A dry scalp is itchy and prolonged irritation can cause hair loss. In addition to that, when your hair is not moisturized or stripped of its natural oils, bacterial and fungal infections can occur. This may lead to further irritation, damage, and hair loss.
So, if you buy a hair loss shampoo, make sure that the shampoo contains natural and essential oils to bring back natural oil to your scalp and hair. If you can find oils that stimulate hair growth, then much better. Clinically proven oils that help with hair loss are Rosemary Oil, Pumpkin Seed Oil, Hemp Oil, Argan Oil, and more.
Vitamin Bs (Biotin)
Vitamin Bs are responsible for your blood’s red color. Red blood cells bring the essential nutrients to build new hair strands. Supplementing with Vitamin Bs and getting shampoos with Vitamin B complex can help promote new hair growth.
Biotin is another form of Vitamin B that is popular in the hair and skin industry. Biotin deficiency is very common in people with AGA or androgenetic alopecia. And supplementing with Biotin has been found effective in growing hair and nails.
Ketoconazole, Salicylic Acid
Ketoconazole and salicylic acid are both powerful anti-fungal medications. They are great ingredients if the leading cause of hair loss is itching and fungal infection. Once the itching is gone, scratching can be prevented, and further damage is avoided resulting in new hair growth.
Other Ingredients
Aside from these, other ingredients can help promote new hair growth. Many newer compounds are being discovered that can help nourish hair or block DHT formation. One tip is to find shampoos that use most of these ingredients to maximize your hair growth.
15 Best Shampoos for Female Hair Loss
To make your work easier, we’ve researched and prepared a list of the best hair loss shampoos as recommended by experts. These are some of the best shampoo for female hair loss products that you must add to your hair care routine immediately, lest your problems worsen.
Best Shampoo for Hair Regrowth Female
PURA D’OR Anti-Thinning Shampoo
Active Ingredient: Saw Palmetto + 17 Herbal Extracts and Oils, Biotin
On top of my list for the best female hair loss shampoo is Pura D’Or Original Gold Label Anti-Hair Thinning Shampoo. Pura D’OR creates the purest and most sustainable hair products available today. They pride themselves in creating hair products that work that use only natural and plant-based ingredients. This is guaranteed Sulfate-Free, chemical-free, cruelty-free, and paraben-free.
What I love about the Pura D’OR anti-thinning shampoo is that it uses 17 DHT-fighting natural ingredients like Saw Palmetto, He Shou Wu (Fo Ti), Aloe Vera, Tea Tree, Argan Nut, Rosemary, Lemongrass, Grapefruit, and Amla Fruit. As mentioned above, these ingredients can remove DHT from the scalp and prevent hair loss. In addition to that, it also contains, Biotin, Vitamin E, and Zinc that further help stimulate hair growth and nourish hair strands.
Best Shampoo and Conditioner for Female Hair Loss
Shapiro MD Shampoo and Conditioner
Active Ingredient: Saw Palmetto, Caffeine, Green Tree
What I love about Shapiro MD is it is formulated by Dermatologists Dr. Steven Shapiro MD & Dr. Michael Borenstein and has been used by over 228,000 actual patients. It uses the power of 3 active ingredients, Saw Palmetto, Caffeine, and Green Tree, to combat hair loss by preventing the conversion of testosterone into DHT.
I like that they come with a conditioner to help bring back hair moisture and prevent dry, frizzy hair. In addition to that, these products are also sulfate and paraben free.
Best Menopausal Hair Loss Shampoo
Plantur 39 Phyto Caffeine Shampoo
Active Ingredient: Phyto-Caffeine Complex
Plantur 39 is the hottest shampoo today for females experiencing menopausal hair loss. Clinical studies have proven this shampoo to help strengthen and regrow hair in 2-3 months.
It uses a caffeine complex to penetrate the hair follicles and stimulate hair growth. And because Caffeine has natural anti-DHT properties, you can expect less hair loss when you use this shampoo. In addition, it’s sulfate- and paraben-free, making it suitable for daily use.
See Full Review: Plantur 39 Shampoo Review: Does Plantur 39 Work for Hair Loss?
Best Stem Cell Shampoo for Hair Loss
Andalou Shampoo for Thinning Hair
Active Ingredient: Aloe Vera, Argan Oil
This shampoo from Andalou Naturals is termed “Age Defying Shampoo” because it is primarily formulated to tackle air thinning and loss caused by aging. The shampoo features the company’s signature Fruit Stem Cells, providing much-needed protection against free radicals. As a result, it allows your hair follicles to flourish, promoting the growth of strong and healthy strands of hair.
The Argan Stem Cell Age Defying Shampoo also packs several other valuable ingredients like Aloe Vera, vegetable glycerine, and Argan Oil. These help to keep your scalp moisturized.
It’s important to point out that Andalou Naturals Age-Defying Shampoo is sulfate-free. It’s also color-safe.
How to Use Andalou Shampoo for Hair Loss
Apply the shampoo on wet hair and massage it properly to form a lather, then rinse it off. Use the shampoo regularly for the best results.
Is Andalou a sulfate-free shampoo?
Another great thing that can cause hair damage and hair fall is sulfates. Luckily, Andalou is nature-derived, organic, sulfate-free, and cruelty-free.
Pantene Grow Strong Shampoo
Active Ingredient: Biotin
The Pantene Grow Strong Shampoo takes advantage of Pro-V Science, a blend of ingredients tested by the Swiss Vitamin Institute and proven effective and safe for fighting hair loss.
In addition to Pro V nutrient blends, the shampoo contains bamboo, biotin, and other ingredients that go further to prevent breakage and nourish your hair.
How to Use
Apply and massage the shampoo on your hair until it lathers, and then wash it off thoroughly.
Highly Recommended Shampoo for Hair Loss
Nioxin System 4 Cleanser Shampoo
Active Ingredient: Plant Extracts, Natural Oils, Salicylic Acid, Vitamin Bs
You want to consider the Nioxin System 4 Cleanser Shampoo if you are looking for the best shampoo for colored hair with progressed thinning. This product is designed with Pro-Color Shield Technology, which allows it to do the thorough cleansing that your scalp and hair need but not at the price of the color of your hair.
The formula is perfect for exfoliating fatty acids, sebum, and other residues – from the environment and hair care products – leaving you with squeaky clean, and healthy hair.
The shampoo will also strengthen your hair and make it look fuller.
Sadly, Nioxin System 4 Cleanser Shampoo contains some sulfate compounds which can react with a sensitive scalp.
How to Use
Apply the shampoo on wet hair and massage it gently throughout your scalp and hair to form a lather. Rinse.
You are directed to use it daily for the best results.
You can also check out the Nioxin Hair Care Kit for Color Treated Hair, which comes with three distinct products for cleaning, thickening, and maintaining your hair.
Best Aveda Shampoo for Thinning Hair
Aveda Hair Growth Shampoo: Invati Adv
Active Ingredient: Caffeine, Plant Extracts, Salicylic Acid
You might not know this, but some of the hair care products you use leave residues in your scalp, which can accumulate and affect your hair’s health. If you feel like your hair is heavy, weighted down, sticky, or greasy, chances are there is a buildup of residues in there. Some people use clarifying shampoos if the problem is severe.
Aveda Invati Advanced Exfoliating Shampoo is the best exfoliating shampoo for your thinning hair. The shampoo is formulated with powerful ingredients that clean up the sebum, residues, and other impurities hiding in your scalp and hair. In doing so, it unclogs blocked pores, stopping further hair loss and giving the hair a chance to grow.The formula also contains organic turmeric and ginseng, which stimulate blood flow to the scalp. This nourishes your hair follicles, promoting the growth of strong and healthy hair. Check out Aveda Scalp Benefits if you want an eco-friendly, sulfate-free cleanser. Just like the Aveda Invati, the Aveda Scalp Benefits remove build-up.
How to Use
Massage the shampoo to a wet scalp and hair, then wash it off.
Aveda Invati vs. Nioxin: Which is Better?
Regarding ingredients, both the Aveda Invati and Nioxin use several hair-growing ingredients like plant extracts and oils. They both have salicylic acid that can remove product buildup and fight to itch. I can only find 2 significant differences: Nioxin contains a lot of Vitamin Bs that can further help stimulate growth in thinning areas. But it’s not entirely sulfate-free, which the Invati is.
Sulfates can dry your hair and produce more damage if used for a long time. I suggest you use the Nioxin to address your hair thinning, then use the Invati afterward to prevent hair drying that the Nioxin may cause over time.
Best Exfoliating Shampoo for Thinning Hair
Sachajuan Thickening Shampoo
Sachajuan Thickening Shampoo is a popular product that helps clean your hair and improve its manageability. It breathes life into thin and lifeless locks thanks to a powerful formula featuring Sachajuan’sSignature Ocean Silk Technology and several other ingredients.
How to Use
Apply a small amount on the wet scalp and hair and massage it gently. Ensure that it reaches the scalp, covers your hair, and then wash it off. Some people follow it with a conditioner for even better results.
Best Organic Shampoo for Hair Loss Female
Laritelle Organic Shampoo
Active Ingredient: Natural Oils
The Laritelle Organic Shampoo is a certified natural product free of sulfates and parabens. This fantastic shampoo is made of organic ingredients such as rosemary, amber extract, Vitamins C, E, B3, B5, and B6, jojoba oil, virgin Argan oil, Moroccan thyme, and Ylang Ylang extract.
The shampoo improves blood flow and stimulates hair growth. Laritelle Organic Shampoo strengthens the hair and keeps it nourished and hydrated.
How to Use
Massage the shampoo on a wet scalp and hair. Let it sit for around 2 minutes, and then wash it off. Follow the shampoo with a conditioner for the best results.
Best OGX shampoo for Hair Loss
OGX Thick & Full Biotin Collagen Shampoo
Active Ingredient: Biotin
This is an excellent option for every lady looking for a cheap shampoo to combat hair thinning and improve hair thickness.
The star ingredients in the OGX Shampoo’s formula are biotin and collagen. Both of these ingredients in this biotin shampoo have been proven to be very useful for strengthening hair and making it voluminous. Hydrolyzed wheat protein and Vitamin B7 improve the results even further.
How to Use
Massage it on wet hair, ensuring that even the ends are covered. Wash it off and follow with a conditioner.
Best Thickening and Volumizing Shampoos
Bumble and Bumble Shampoo
Active Ingredient: Aloe Vera, Vitamin B5
Bumble and Bumble Shampoo is a unique volumizing cleanser that removes dirt and residues lurking in your hair and scalp while boosting the fullness of your hair simultaneously. In addition, it improves your hair’s softness and shine.
This thickening-volume shampoo will also add just the proper moisture to your scalp.
The Bumble and Bumble Volume Shampoo contains potent ingredients like Aloe Vera, glycerin, and Vitamin B5 (panthenol). It is free of parabens, mineral oils, formaldehyde, and phthalates.
How to Use
Apply on wet hair and massage it to form a lather, then rinse your hair thoroughly. Rubbing it from the scalp and roots moving towards the ends is best.
Kerastase Densifique Shampoo
No products found.Active Ingredient: Hyaluronic Acid
Densifique Bain Densite is a thorough shampoo formulated with powerful ingredients that will benefit your hair in various ways. First, it does an excellent job of deep cleaning your hair. It also has the right ingredients to strengthen your hair, increase its density and fullness, and give it a unique shine.
Some of the key ingredients present in the Densifique Bain Densité Shampoo are Hyaluronic Acid, Gluco Peptide, and Ceramides. Hyaluronic acid plays a significant role in strengthening your hair. This stops hair breakages and prevents the occurrence of the same in the future. Gluco Peptide is also very useful in maintaining the hair, while Ceramides enrich it, making it elastic, shiny, and moisturized.
How to Use
Apply the recommended amount on wet hair, massage it throughout your scalp and hair, and rinse it off properly.
No products found.
Philip Kingsley
Body Building Volumizing Shampoo
Active Ingredient: Keratin Proteins
The Philip Kingsley Body Building Shampoo cleanses your hair, makes it look voluminous, and improves its manageability. The shampoo is formulated with ingredients such as Copolymers, Natural Cellulose, and Keratin proteins that will benefit your hair in various ways. For instance, keratin proteins strengthen hair while Natural Cellulose thickens your hair strands, from the root to the ends.
The Philip Kingsley Shampoo makes styling, blow-drying, and overall hair management a more manageable task while reducing your bad hair days.
How to Use
Apply the shampoo on wet hair and scalp. Massage it throughout and then rinse it off thoroughly.
FAQs About Female Hair Growth Shampoo
Do hair growth shampoos work?
Topical applications like shampoos and serums have been proven to help remove DHT from the scalp. Thus, regular DHT-fighting and blood-flow-stimulating shampoos can also help with hair growth.
Best Shampoo for Women Female Loss: Verdict
Which is the Best Shampoo for Female Hair Loss?
Overall, the best shampoo for female hair loss should contain the best ingredients I mentioned above. Pura D’OR is my favorite because it has the best natural ingredients, followed by Shapiro MD and Aveda Invati Advanced. The other shampoos mentioned can benefit women with different hair needs. For example, Plantur 39 is much better for menopausal women, while the Nioxin System 4 is best for color-treated hair. BB, Philip Kingsley, and Kerastase are best for thinning and flat hairs; other shampoos smell better.
In addition to these shampoos, I suggest you address the leading cause of your hair loss by consulting your doctor or changing your lifestyle. Reduce stress, which has been linked to hair loss, eat nutritious food to prevent deficiencies, and practice good hygiene to avoid infections.
Diana used to work as an Assistant Salon Manager in Los Angeles, CA before she started writing for Union of Barbers. With over 10 years of experience, she has tried hundreds of hair care products and has seen, styled, and treated all types of hair. Now, she shares all of the things she has learned in the hair industry and gives advice on everything about hair. When she’s not writing, you can find Diana at the beach on her yoga mat!
