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 the hair loss usually goes unnoticed. The problem comes in when you start to lose more hair than you are growing. This is when you begin to 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, which is why we created this top 10: “The Best Shampoo for Female Hair Loss”.
Hair loss is caused by various factors. It can be due to aging, hormonal imbalance (increase in DHT), use of certain medications, harsh hair products, stress, etc. Luckily for us, there are just as many options when it comes to treating hair loss.
Best Female Hair Loss Shampoo Ingredients
Shampoos are one of the most popular ways of dealing with hair loss. However, you have 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 is effective in combatting hair loss by preventing the production of DHT and stimulating new 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 its action. Other side effects include itching, allergies and 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, there are products that 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 leading to less hair fall. These 3 natural ingredients also can stimulate hair growth in your 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 also contain antioxidants that protects your scalp from damage.
Essential and Natural Oils
Use traditionally for decades and hundreds of years by our ancestors, essential and natural oils are powerful in growing thicker and healthier hair. The main advantage of several natural oils is they are easily absorbed by the skin or scalp. This makes them the best agents in nourishing hair follicles and hair strands with nutrients your body is deficient in.
In addition to that, oils keep your hair and scalp moisturized. You must know by now that dry, frizzy hair is prone to breakage. 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 these 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 very much help to 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 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 main cause of your hair loss is itching and fungal infection. Once the itching is gone, scratching can be prevented and further damage is avoided resulting to new hair growth
Other Ingredients
Aside from these, there are other ingredients that can help promote new hair growth. There are a lot of newer compounds being discovered that can help nourish hair or block DHT formation. One tip is to find shampoos that use the majority of these ingredients to maximize your hair growth.
15 Best Shampoo for Female Hair Loss
To make your work easier, we’ve done the research and prepared a list of the best shampoos for hair loss as recommended by experts. These are some of the best shampoos for female hair loss products that you have to add to your hair care routine right away, 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 has the ability to 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 real 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.
See Full Review: Top 9 Best Shapiro MD Products & Bundles That Reverse Hair Loss
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. This shampoo has been proven in clinical studies 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 fewer hair loss when you use this shampoo. In addition to that, it’s sulfate-free and paraben-free as well which makes it suitable for daily use.
See Full Review: Plantur 39 Shampoo Reviews 2021: 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 that provide 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 useful 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 totally free from sulfates. 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 shampoo sulfate-free?
Another great thing that can cause hair damage and hair fall are 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 that have been tested by the Swiss Vitamin Institute and proven to be 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
Simply 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 basically 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
Aveda Hair Loss Shampoo Review
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. Actually, 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, and this stops further hair loss, giving the hair a chance to grow.Speaking of, the formula also contains organic turmeric and ginseng, which stimulate blood flow to the scalp. This serves to nourish your hair follicles hence promoting the growth of strong and healthy hair.
How to Use
Massage the shampoo to a wet scalp and hair then wash it off.
Aveda Invati vs Nioxin: Which is Better?
When it comes to 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 build up and fight itching as well. I can only find 2 major differences: Nioxin contains a lot of Vitamin Bs that can further help stimulate growth in thinning areas. But it’s not completely sulfate-free which the Invati is.
Sulfates can dry your hair and produce more damage if used for a long time. I suggest that 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 with cleaning your hair and improving 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 wet scalp and hair and massage it gently. Ensure that it reaches the scalp and 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 that’s 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 that can combat hair thinning and improve hair thickness.
The star ingredients in the OGX Shampoo’s formula are biotin and collagen. Both of these ingredients 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, making sure 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 gets rid of dirt and residues lurking in your hair and scalp while boosting the fullness of your hair simultaneously. In addition to that, it improves the softness and shine of your hair.
This thickening volume shampoo will also add just the right 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. It’s best to massage it from the scalp and roots moving towards the ends.
Kerastase Densifique Shampoo
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 your hair 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 strengthening the hair while Ceramides enrich your hair, making it elastic, shiny, and moisturized.
How to Use
Just apply the recommended amount on wet hair, massage it throughout your scalp and hair, and rinse it off properly.
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 are known to 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 an easier 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 actually work?
Topical applications like shampoos and serums have been proven to help remove DHT from scalp. Thus regular use of DHT fighting and blood flow stimulating shampoos can also help with hair growth.
Best Shampoo for Women Hair Loss: Verdict
Which is the Best Shampoo for Women Hair Loss?
Overall, the best shampoo for hair loss should contain the best ingredients I mentioned above. Pura D’OR is my favorite because it contains the best natural ingredients, followed by Shapiro MD and Aveda Invati Advanced. The other shampoos mentioned can benefits women with different hair needs. For example, Plantur 39 are 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 and some other shampoos smell better than the others.
In addition to these shampoos, I suggest that you also address the main 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 prevent infections.
Hair growth takes time, be patient and make sure that you are healthy inside and out to prevent further hair loss.
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!
