The 4 Best Products for Thinning Hair That We Tested, from Volume-Boosting Shampoos to Fast-Acting Treatments

Mar. 15, 2025

In This ArticleView AllIn This ArticleOur Top PicksReviewsExperts Also RecommendWhat to KnowBehind the ScenesWhy Trust PEOPLE?What Is PEOPLE Tested?

In This ArticleView All

In This Article

View All

Our Top Picks

Reviews

Experts Also Recommend

What to Know

Behind the Scenes

Why Trust PEOPLE?

What Is PEOPLE Tested?

Photo:People / Jessica Juliao; Amazon (2)

People / Jessica Juliao; Amazon (2)

If you’re reading this, you probably take pride in your luscious locks. So when you notice your hair starting to thin, it’s normal to want to spring into action.We’ve been testing products for thinning hair for over 44 weeks, employing women all across the country, of varying ages and hair types, to put hundreds of popularshampoos for thinning hair, conditioners, solutions, and more to the test.While many didn’t supply much outside of a nice scent and a tingling sensations, others improved our strands before our very eyes — filling in previously patchy spots, boosting thickness, and restoring the confidence from our good hair days of yore.Experts Say“The right shampoo could make a big difference for thinning hair both in terms of preventing hair loss, but also in providing an instant volumizing effect. A good scalp serum would go the extra mile to alleviate hair fallout,” —Kseniya Popova, independent cosmetic chemistRead on for the best products for thinning hair that we’ve discovered in our lab and in real people’s homes.Our Top PicksBest Shampoo for Thinning Hair:Briogeo Destined For Density Caffeine + Biotin Density Shampoo at Amazon$32Jump to ReviewBest Conditioner for Thinning Hair:Nutrafol Strand Defender Lightweight Strengthening Conditioner for Thinning Hair at Amazon$44Jump to ReviewBest Treatment for Thinning Hair:SALERogaine Women’s 2% Minoxidil Topical Solution Hair Regrowth Treatment at Amazon$79$60Jump to ReviewBest Thickening Spray:Rōz Air Thickening Spray at Amazon$39Jump to ReviewNioxin Hair Fall Defense Shampoo at Amazon$29Jump to ReviewThe Rootist Densifying and Thickening Serum for Thinning Hair at Amazon$70Jump to ReviewLiving Proof Full Dry Volume & Texture Spray at Amazon$36Jump to ReviewVegamour Hair Serum at Amazon$78Jump to Review

If you’re reading this, you probably take pride in your luscious locks. So when you notice your hair starting to thin, it’s normal to want to spring into action.

We’ve been testing products for thinning hair for over 44 weeks, employing women all across the country, of varying ages and hair types, to put hundreds of popularshampoos for thinning hair, conditioners, solutions, and more to the test.

While many didn’t supply much outside of a nice scent and a tingling sensations, others improved our strands before our very eyes — filling in previously patchy spots, boosting thickness, and restoring the confidence from our good hair days of yore.

Experts Say“The right shampoo could make a big difference for thinning hair both in terms of preventing hair loss, but also in providing an instant volumizing effect. A good scalp serum would go the extra mile to alleviate hair fallout,” —Kseniya Popova, independent cosmetic chemist

Experts Say

“The right shampoo could make a big difference for thinning hair both in terms of preventing hair loss, but also in providing an instant volumizing effect. A good scalp serum would go the extra mile to alleviate hair fallout,” —Kseniya Popova, independent cosmetic chemist

Read on for the best products for thinning hair that we’ve discovered in our lab and in real people’s homes.

Our Top PicksBest Shampoo for Thinning Hair:Briogeo Destined For Density Caffeine + Biotin Density Shampoo at Amazon$32Jump to ReviewBest Conditioner for Thinning Hair:Nutrafol Strand Defender Lightweight Strengthening Conditioner for Thinning Hair at Amazon$44Jump to ReviewBest Treatment for Thinning Hair:SALERogaine Women’s 2% Minoxidil Topical Solution Hair Regrowth Treatment at Amazon$79$60Jump to ReviewBest Thickening Spray:Rōz Air Thickening Spray at Amazon$39Jump to ReviewNioxin Hair Fall Defense Shampoo at Amazon$29Jump to ReviewThe Rootist Densifying and Thickening Serum for Thinning Hair at Amazon$70Jump to ReviewLiving Proof Full Dry Volume & Texture Spray at Amazon$36Jump to ReviewVegamour Hair Serum at Amazon$78Jump to Review

Best Shampoo for Thinning Hair:Briogeo Destined For Density Caffeine + Biotin Density Shampoo at Amazon$32Jump to ReviewBest Conditioner for Thinning Hair:Nutrafol Strand Defender Lightweight Strengthening Conditioner for Thinning Hair at Amazon$44Jump to ReviewBest Treatment for Thinning Hair:SALERogaine Women’s 2% Minoxidil Topical Solution Hair Regrowth Treatment at Amazon$79$60Jump to ReviewBest Thickening Spray:Rōz Air Thickening Spray at Amazon$39Jump to ReviewNioxin Hair Fall Defense Shampoo at Amazon$29Jump to ReviewThe Rootist Densifying and Thickening Serum for Thinning Hair at Amazon$70Jump to ReviewLiving Proof Full Dry Volume & Texture Spray at Amazon$36Jump to ReviewVegamour Hair Serum at Amazon$78Jump to Review

Best Shampoo for Thinning Hair:Briogeo Destined For Density Caffeine + Biotin Density Shampoo at Amazon$32Jump to Review

Best Shampoo for Thinning Hair:Briogeo Destined For Density Caffeine + Biotin Density Shampoo at Amazon$32

Best Shampoo for Thinning Hair:

Best Conditioner for Thinning Hair:Nutrafol Strand Defender Lightweight Strengthening Conditioner for Thinning Hair at Amazon$44Jump to Review

Best Conditioner for Thinning Hair:Nutrafol Strand Defender Lightweight Strengthening Conditioner for Thinning Hair at Amazon$44

Best Conditioner for Thinning Hair:

Best Treatment for Thinning Hair:SALERogaine Women’s 2% Minoxidil Topical Solution Hair Regrowth Treatment at Amazon$79$60Jump to Review

Best Treatment for Thinning Hair:SALERogaine Women’s 2% Minoxidil Topical Solution Hair Regrowth Treatment at Amazon$79$60

Best Treatment for Thinning Hair:

SALE

Best Thickening Spray:Rōz Air Thickening Spray at Amazon$39Jump to Review

Best Thickening Spray:Rōz Air Thickening Spray at Amazon$39

Best Thickening Spray:

Nioxin Hair Fall Defense Shampoo at Amazon$29Jump to Review

Nioxin Hair Fall Defense Shampoo at Amazon$29

The Rootist Densifying and Thickening Serum for Thinning Hair at Amazon$70Jump to Review

The Rootist Densifying and Thickening Serum for Thinning Hair at Amazon$70

Living Proof Full Dry Volume & Texture Spray at Amazon$36Jump to Review

Living Proof Full Dry Volume & Texture Spray at Amazon$36

Vegamour Hair Serum at Amazon$78Jump to Review

Vegamour Hair Serum at Amazon$78

Best Shampoo for Thinning HairBriogeo Destined For Density Caffeine + Biotin Density ShampooPHOTO: Sephora$32 at Amazon$32 at Nordstrom$32 at Sephora

Best Shampoo for Thinning HairBriogeo Destined For Density Caffeine + Biotin Density Shampoo

Best Shampoo for Thinning Hair

Briogeo Destined For Density Caffeine + Biotin Density Shampoo

PHOTO: Sephora

$32 at Amazon$32 at Nordstrom$32 at Sephora

Star QualitiesAlmost immediate improvement in our tester’s hair healthNew growth in patchy spotsSudsy formula made hair feel cleanRed FlagsSlightly pricey

Star QualitiesAlmost immediate improvement in our tester’s hair healthNew growth in patchy spotsSudsy formula made hair feel clean

Almost immediate improvement in our tester’s hair health

New growth in patchy spots

Sudsy formula made hair feel clean

Red FlagsSlightly pricey

Slightly pricey

We’ve tested more than 20 shampoos for thinning hair, and this winner from Brigeo didn’t just take the cake, it wiped the floor with the other contenders.

Our tester’s noticeable resultsrestored her hair to its “bombshell glory days”(a testimony if we’ve ever heard one), and the hair-loving formulaactuallymade her scalp feel clean (a rarity among hair growth shampoos).

Testers Say“This product gave me my hair back.Just call up Cher and tell her that we found a way to turn back time.”

Testers Say

“This product gave me my hair back.Just call up Cher and tell her that we found a way to turn back time.”

Ingredients:Caffeine, biotin, copper peptides, zinc |Hair type:All |Size:8 oz. |Benefits:Stimulates scalp circulation, nourishes, strengthens, encourages regrowth

Expert Opinion

PHOTO: People / Jaclyn MastropasquaPHOTO: People / Jaclyn MastropasquaPHOTO: People / Jaclyn Mastropasqua

Best Conditioner for Thinning HairNutrafol Strand Defender Lightweight Strengthening Conditioner for Thinning HairPHOTO: Sephora$44 at Amazon$44 at SephoraView on Beautifiedyou.com

Best Conditioner for Thinning HairNutrafol Strand Defender Lightweight Strengthening Conditioner for Thinning Hair

Best Conditioner for Thinning Hair

Nutrafol Strand Defender Lightweight Strengthening Conditioner for Thinning Hair

$44 at Amazon$44 at SephoraView on Beautifiedyou.com

Star QualitiesStronger, thicker hair over timeRegrowth throughout the scalp and hairlineLessened breakage and sheddingRed FlagsDoesn’t tame frizz

Star QualitiesStronger, thicker hair over timeRegrowth throughout the scalp and hairlineLessened breakage and shedding

Stronger, thicker hair over time

Regrowth throughout the scalp and hairline

Lessened breakage and shedding

Red FlagsDoesn’t tame frizz

Doesn’t tame frizz

The name on everyone’s lips in the hair growth hemisphere seems to be Nutrafol — and after trying thisconditioner for thinning hair, we can understand why. After 475 hours of testing the best growth-inducing conditioners on the market, this bottle delivered the most on regrowth, resulting in new strands along the hairline and healthier, thicker, longer hair in general.

In short, this conditioner doesn’t just repair past hair loss: It prevents it from happening in the future, too.

Ingredients:Ximenia oil, vegan proteins, glucose fibers |Hair type:All |Size:8.1 oz. |Benefits:Strengthens hair, restores moisture, encourages regrowth, improves elasticity

Do Nutrafol hair supplements work?While we didn’t test the celebrity-loved Nutrafol supplements that stars likeJamie Chungand influencerClaudia Oshryhave used to treat their thinning hair, you canbuy them at Amazonto double your efforts.

Do Nutrafol hair supplements work?

While we didn’t test the celebrity-loved Nutrafol supplements that stars likeJamie Chungand influencerClaudia Oshryhave used to treat their thinning hair, you canbuy them at Amazonto double your efforts.

PHOTO: People / Courtney KasselPHOTO: People / Courtney KasselPHOTO: People / Courtney Kassel

Best Treatment for Thinning HairRogaine Women’s 2% Minoxidil Topical Solution Hair Regrowth TreatmentPHOTO: Amazon$79$60 at AmazonView on Rogaine.com$60 at Walgreens

Best Treatment for Thinning HairRogaine Women’s 2% Minoxidil Topical Solution Hair Regrowth Treatment

Best Treatment for Thinning Hair

Rogaine Women’s 2% Minoxidil Topical Solution Hair Regrowth Treatment

PHOTO: Amazon

$79$60 at AmazonView on Rogaine.com$60 at Walgreens

Star QualitiesLightweight, non-greasy formulaRelatively quick (and noticeable) resultsHighly absorbentMay affect future hair-coloring sessions

Star QualitiesLightweight, non-greasy formulaRelatively quick (and noticeable) resultsHighly absorbent

Lightweight, non-greasy formula

Relatively quick (and noticeable) results

Highly absorbent

May affect future hair-coloring sessions

If you’re attached to your trusty shampoo and conditioner but still want to add something growth-inspiring to your grooming routine, then we’d recommend this hair loss treatment from Rogaine. Specifically formulated to thicken the hair and reduce hair fall, this fast-acting treatment promised results within three to six months, but our tester noticed longer and thicker strands after just six weeks whenwe tested hair loss treatments.

Just tell your colorist that you’ve been using Rogaine before your next appointment, because it could affect the dye.

Testers Say“You have to be diligent in applying this twice a day, but the results are worth it.”

“You have to be diligent in applying this twice a day, but the results are worth it.”

Ingredients:2% Minoxidil |Hair Type:All |Size:2 ounces |Benefits:Stimulates regrowth, increases fullness of hair

Expert Opinion“From my experience, scalp serums tend to make the biggest difference for patients with thinning hair. [They] deliver active ingredients directly to the hair follicles, helping to stimulate new growth and improve overall scalp health.” —Dr. Ross Kopelman, hair transplant surgeon

“From my experience, scalp serums tend to make the biggest difference for patients with thinning hair. [They] deliver active ingredients directly to the hair follicles, helping to stimulate new growth and improve overall scalp health.” —Dr. Ross Kopelman, hair transplant surgeon

PHOTO: People / Alisa HalePHOTO: People / Alisa HalePHOTO: People / Alisa Hale

Best Thickening SprayRōz Air Thickening SprayPHOTO: Amazon$39 at Amazon$39 at NordstromView on Credo BeautyStar QualitiesInstant boost of volumeStrand-strengthening formulaTexturized, yet touchable resultsRed FlagsOn the expensive sideProducts that improve hair growth can take weeks to start working, but you can achieve the appearance of thicker hair in an instant with this unique spray from celebrity hairstylist-founded Rōz Hair. The Air Thickening Spray made our locks look significantly fuller while still feeling soft and touchable, earning itself a badge of approval in our2024 PEOPLE Beauty Awards.But while you may think this thickening spray is purely for aesthetics, its vitamin-rich formula simultaneously works to strengthen and nourish the hair over time — giving your hair a nutrient bath while also sprucing your strands. If you need extraoomphin a pinch, this is the product to reach for.Ingredients:Rice protein, mushroom root extract, rice water, radish root |Hair type:All |Size:5 oz. |Benefits:Texturizes, separates, and thickens strands, boosts volume, nourishes and strengthens hairbeauty-awards-2024-hairStylist Tip for Thicker-Looking Hair“When it comes to hairstyles, blunt cuts that hit the shoulder or above will make the hair appear ‘thicker.’” —Gina Rivera, hair stylist and brand founder

Best Thickening SprayRōz Air Thickening SprayPHOTO: Amazon$39 at Amazon$39 at NordstromView on Credo Beauty

Best Thickening SprayRōz Air Thickening Spray

Best Thickening Spray

Rōz Air Thickening Spray

$39 at Amazon$39 at NordstromView on Credo Beauty

Star QualitiesInstant boost of volumeStrand-strengthening formulaTexturized, yet touchable resultsRed FlagsOn the expensive side

Star QualitiesInstant boost of volumeStrand-strengthening formulaTexturized, yet touchable results

Instant boost of volume

Strand-strengthening formula

Texturized, yet touchable results

Red FlagsOn the expensive side

On the expensive side

Products that improve hair growth can take weeks to start working, but you can achieve the appearance of thicker hair in an instant with this unique spray from celebrity hairstylist-founded Rōz Hair. The Air Thickening Spray made our locks look significantly fuller while still feeling soft and touchable, earning itself a badge of approval in our2024 PEOPLE Beauty Awards.

But while you may think this thickening spray is purely for aesthetics, its vitamin-rich formula simultaneously works to strengthen and nourish the hair over time — giving your hair a nutrient bath while also sprucing your strands. If you need extraoomphin a pinch, this is the product to reach for.

Ingredients:Rice protein, mushroom root extract, rice water, radish root |Hair type:All |Size:5 oz. |Benefits:Texturizes, separates, and thickens strands, boosts volume, nourishes and strengthens hair

beauty-awards-2024-hair

Stylist Tip for Thicker-Looking Hair“When it comes to hairstyles, blunt cuts that hit the shoulder or above will make the hair appear ‘thicker.’” —Gina Rivera, hair stylist and brand founder

Stylist Tip for Thicker-Looking Hair

“When it comes to hairstyles, blunt cuts that hit the shoulder or above will make the hair appear ‘thicker.’” —Gina Rivera, hair stylist and brand founder

Our test results gave us the winners above, but our haircare experts recommend these products to round out your regrowth regimen.

Nioxin Hair Fall Defense ShampooPHOTO: Amazon$29 at Amazon$73$47 at Ulta

Nioxin Hair Fall Defense Shampoo

$29 at Amazon$73$47 at Ulta

The Rootist Densifying and Thickening Serum for Thinning HairPHOTO: Amazon$70 at Amazon$58 at Sephora

The Rootist Densifying and Thickening Serum for Thinning Hair

$70 at Amazon$58 at Sephora

Living Proof Full Dry Volume & Texture SprayPHOTO: Ulta$36 at Amazon$19 at Sephora$21 at Walmart

Living Proof Full Dry Volume & Texture Spray

PHOTO: Ulta

$36 at Amazon$19 at Sephora$21 at Walmart

Vegamour Hair SerumPHOTO: Amazon$78 at Amazon$65 at Vegamour.com

Vegamour Hair Serum

$78 at Amazon$65 at Vegamour.com

Expert TipPopova recommends using a dry shampoo that “absorbs excess oil and sweat” to amplify the look of fuller hair.

Expert Tip

Popova recommends using a dry shampoo that “absorbs excess oil and sweat” to amplify the look of fuller hair.

People / Jessica Juliao

What to Know About Products for Thinning Hair

Source of Hair Loss

The first thing to consider when looking for a solution to thinning hair is to find the root of the problem (no pun intended).

According to theMayo Clinic, several factors can contribute to thinning or loss of hair. Some include alopecia, physical or emotional shock, chemotherapy, or something as rudimentary as changes in diet or sleep. Consult with your doctor before starting a new treatment for hair growth.

Types of Products for Thinning Hair

When looking for the right product for your thinning hair, there are generally two categories to consider: leave-in or wash-out treatments.

The DifferenceLeave-in:“A good leave-in haircare product would ideally be lightweight and volumizing, says Popova. “It should not cause build-up with continual use… [and] would ideally blend into the roots and scalp seamlessly without being sticky or tacky.” Think of theRogaine 2% Minoxidil Topical Solutionand its weightless, non-greasy feel.Wash-Out: “A good rinse-off haircare product would cleanse the scalp well, but not leave it stripped,” Popova adds. “It would not deposit heavy conditioning ingredients to the hair and would leave [the] hair volumized.” This sounds like theBriogeo Destined for Density Shampoothat our tester raved about, if you ask us.

The Difference

Leave-in:“A good leave-in haircare product would ideally be lightweight and volumizing, says Popova. “It should not cause build-up with continual use… [and] would ideally blend into the roots and scalp seamlessly without being sticky or tacky.” Think of theRogaine 2% Minoxidil Topical Solutionand its weightless, non-greasy feel.Wash-Out: “A good rinse-off haircare product would cleanse the scalp well, but not leave it stripped,” Popova adds. “It would not deposit heavy conditioning ingredients to the hair and would leave [the] hair volumized.” This sounds like theBriogeo Destined for Density Shampoothat our tester raved about, if you ask us.

Ingredients

Active ingredients are the star components of the formulas we love, such as minoxidil for regrowth inRogaine. Other key ingredients to look out for include vitamins, amino acids, and natural chemicals, which work to strengthen, hydrate, and regrow your hair.

Ingredients to Look ForAccording to our experts, these are some of the ingredients to keep an eye out for when purchasing a product that combats thinning hair:MinoxidilBiotinPeptidesCaffeineNiacinVitamin CRosemary oil

Ingredients to Look For

According to our experts, these are some of the ingredients to keep an eye out for when purchasing a product that combats thinning hair:MinoxidilBiotinPeptidesCaffeineNiacinVitamin CRosemary oil

According to our experts, these are some of the ingredients to keep an eye out for when purchasing a product that combats thinning hair:

On the other hand, there are some ingredients worth avoiding, such as alcohol, sulfates, heavy oils, and silicones.

“I would avoid scalp barrier-disrupting ingredients, such as alcohol,” says Popova. “If a formula has a small amount of alcohol, that is okay, but if the base consists of a high amount of it, then the likelihood of scalp barrier disruption is greater and could lead to the opposite effect.”

Sulfates and parabens are also likely to irritate the scalp, which can lead to more thinning or hair loss. “These ingredients can strip natural oils from the scalp and weaken the hair’s overall structure,” explains Dr. Kopelman.

What Else Helps Combat Thinning Hair?Let’s face it, products aren’t everything. While it’s helpful to add a few new formulas to your daily routine, lifestyle changes will help transform your hair, too. Popova recommends “getting quality sleep and learning how to manage stress more effectively,” while Henderson suggests “keeping your hair free of low-tension hairstyles” and eating more green, leafy vegetables.

What Else Helps Combat Thinning Hair?

Let’s face it, products aren’t everything. While it’s helpful to add a few new formulas to your daily routine, lifestyle changes will help transform your hair, too. Popova recommends “getting quality sleep and learning how to manage stress more effectively,” while Henderson suggests “keeping your hair free of low-tension hairstyles” and eating more green, leafy vegetables.

We pored over our previous tests of products for thinning hair, where we put shampoos, conditioners, and miscellaneous hair growth treatments to the test with real women in their everyday lives. Each test required robust product and ingredient research and required hundreds of hours of real-world testing.

Alyssa Brasciais a staff shopping writer at PEOPLE who specializes in fashion and beauty. Her content spans from eyeliner roundups to first-person skincare reviews, though she has ample experience writing about products that combat hair loss and hair thinning. Brascia has previously contributed to a number of other digital publications, including InStyle, Real Simple, Southern Living, Shape, and Food & Wine, to name a few.

For this piece, she tapped a group of hair stylists, cosmetic chemists, trichologists, and hair surgeons to explain the do’s and don’ts of products from thinning hair — from the ingredients and purposes of each to the aesthetics.

Our Expert Panel

We created thePEOPLE Tested seal of approvalto help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs.

In short, PEOPLE Tested provides recommendations you can trust — every day, every purchase.

source: people.com