While incredibly common–hair loss affects over 80 million people in the US, according to widely reported figures–it’s not the sort of topic that comes up at dinner parties. Few of us relish the discussion at all.
Hair loss is stressful. I can attest to this.
I feel far more sentimentality attached to my lengths than I should. My locks are like a protective blanket for me.
I feel my best when my mane is freshly washed and styled. A blow-dry is transformational for my mood.
Vogue’s Favorite Shampoos for Hair Loss:
Best Anti-Shedding Shampoo: Nioxin Hair Fall Defense Shampoo, $47
Best for Strengthening: Dove Derma Scalp Density Boost Shampoo, $10
Best for Scalp Stimulation: Philip Kingsley Density Thickening Shampoo & Conditioner, $163
Best for Thickening: Viviscal Thickening Shampoo, $13
Best for Repair: Vegamour GRO Revitalizing Shampoo, $42
I experienced my first wave of serious hair thinning back in 2020. Beyond normal shedding (50 to 100 hairs per day, say the American Academy of Dermatology), I started to notice clumps on my pillow and heart-plummeting handfuls on wash day.
This set me on a mission to turn the tide with a holistic routine that includes hair supplements, red light therapy for hair growth, hair growth oils, hair serums and styling essentials designed to nourish, increase density, and promote follicle health. But the most effective routine should start with the right shampoo designed specifically to tackle hair loss.
As the first step in any wash day routine, it is important to choose the right ingredients in a shampoo to prevent irritation and dryness, and remove follicle-clogging buildup effectively, while also promoting a healthy scalp environment. This is the role of a shampoo for hair loss, says Dr.
Nichola Conlon, molecular biologist and longevity expert, who also encourages managing expectations on how much a shampoo can do: “A cosmetic shampoo isn’t going to treat every underlying cause of hair loss, but what it can do is create a healthier environment for the hair you already have. A well-formulated shampoo can remove excess oil, product buildup and support the scalp barrier to help manage some of the scalp conditions that can contribute to irritation.”
The most effective results will be achieved by including shampoos for hair loss as part of a wider routine. Dr. Conlon adds, “When combined with good conditioning, it can also reduce breakage, which helps preserve density and length. There are emerging ingredients and technologies aimed at supporting the follicle and reducing shedding, but I’d think of shampoo as one part of a wider scalp-and-hair routine rather than a standalone.”
First, it is important to get to the root cause (sorry, not sorry) of what is causing hair loss in the first place. With the help of Dr. Conlon as well as health expert and physician Dr. Naheed Ali, we decode the different types of hair loss, the ingredients to look out for, the frequency of how often to wash your hair and the other products to support a wider hair loss-fighting routine.
Below, Vogue highlights six of the best shampoos for hair loss to consider.
Why We Love It: In Nioxin’s clinically-proven shampoo, there is a quad of follicle-stimulating ingredients, like niacinamide to improve scalp barrier function and caffeine to improve blood microcirculation. The clinical study was undertaken by participants who were experiencing hair loss, and it revealed that using this shampoo minimized shedding by creating a healthy environment in which hair can grow and hair fall is reduced.
Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, caffeine, sandalore and lauric acid
Size: 16 oz
Best for Strengthening: Dove Derma Scalp Density Boost Shampoo
Why We Love It: According to Dr. Conlon, molecular biologist and longevity expert, this shampoo from Dove’s newly revamped hair-care collection is worth noting for its “scalp-first approach.” The hair expert is a fan due to “ingredients such as niacinamide with targeted technologies designed to support the scalp and hair fiber rather than focusing solely on how the hair looks.” While also giving value for money with the large size and affordable price tag, the formula gives hair a fuller appearance and cleanses without stripping.
Key Ingredients: Amino complex, zinc and biotin
Size: 16 oz
Best for Scalp Stimulation: Philip Kingsley Density Duo Thickening Shampoo & Conditioner Duo
Why We Love It: The Kingsley family is renowned for its trichological clinics, which have established it as a trusted authority in scalp care. This shampoo, for instance, contains salicylic acid to gently exfoliate and stimulate the scalp as well as strengthening molecules that penetrate deep into the cortex to minimize breakage.
The conditioner is powered by polymers and peptides for volume, while biomimetic ceramides help to replace lost lipids in damaged hair. A strong all-rounder for thinning hair.
Key Ingredients: hyper-branched polymers, hydrolysed pea peptides, strengthening molecules, salicylic acid
Size: Shampoo 200ml, conditioner 170ml
Best for Repair: Vegamour GRO Revitalizing Shampoo
Why We Love It: Vegamour’s shampoo takes a more botanical approach to growth—safeguarding against further loss with the likes of caffeine, biotin, and biomimetic peptides; plus, the likes of Karmatin (a microencapsulated vegan B-silk protein), red clover, and mung bean. Per board-certified dermatologist Noah Gratch, MD this combination helps stimulate and nourish the scalp, strengthen the hair, and repair breakage.
Key Ingredients: Karmatin, marula, baobab, murumuru butter, red clover, mung bean
Size: 50 mL, 236 mL
Best for Thickening: Viviscal Thickening Shampoo
Why We Love It: What drew me into the Viviscal shampoo and conditioner was the long-lasting aroma, but beyond simply the scent, there is a greater lasting impact too. A powerhouse concoction of hair-strengthening and growth-inducing ingredients, the formula includes biotin, keratin, marine collagen and seaweed extract, a quad that any person looking for a thicker, fuller mane will be very familiar with.
Key Ingredients: Biotin, keratin, marine collagen and seaweed extract
Size: 250ml