This Is the Only Shampoo That Strengthened the Thin Hair Around My Crown
Now that I’m in my 30s, I’ve realized aging doesn’t just show up on your face—it shows up on your head too. So when my ponytail started looking thinner and more scalp began peeking through, I started researching the best shampoos for thinning hair. And with seasonal shedding in full swing (yes, studies suggest this is a real thing in the late fall and early winter), it felt like the perfect time to do another round of testing.
Can shampoos and conditioners for hair loss bring back the luscious locks of my early 20s? According to the dermatologists I spoke with, not on their own—but they can help create a healthier scalp and softer, fuller-looking hair. To find out what actually works, I spoke with dermatologists, hairstylists, and trichologists about which ingredients matter most, plus had 30 Glamour contributors with different hair types test the top formulas. Our top overall pick? Easily the derm-approved Vegamour Gro Revitalizing Shampoo, which improved fullness in our tester’s hair and helped fill in areas of sparseness on the crown. Below, you’ll find more options—each vetted by our team of testers and editors, and reviewed with expert input to help you find the right formula for your needs.
Top shampoos for thinning hair, at a glance
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Best Overall: Vegamour Gro Revitalizing Shampoo
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Original photo from Rachel Inman testing Vegamour Gro Revitalizing Shampoo
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Original photo from Rachel Inman testing Vegamour Gro Revitalizing Shampoo
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Vegamour Gro Revitalizing Shampoo (8 fl. oz.)
- What we like: Strengthens and hydrates hair; visibly reduces shedding; safe for color-treated hair; vegan
- Worth noting: Pricey; scent is strong
This was multiple testers’ top choice for best shampoo for hair growth—Vegamour also makes some of our favorite hair care products like hair-growth vitamins and supplements, hair-growth masks, and scalp serums as part of a fuller routine. Its star ingredient is karmatin, a vegan keratin alternative that bonds to the hair shaft to strengthen strands and reduce breakage, says Rahi Sarbaziha, MD, a double board-certified integrative aesthetics doctor in Beverly Hills. Unlike formulas that rely on minoxidil (a prescription-strength ingredient that treats pattern hair loss), Karmatin offers a drug-free alternative that’s still clinically effective. The product is also an excellent choice for anyone looking for a postpartum shampoo, since some other treatments contain minoxidil, which isn’t safe to use while breastfeeding, but Karmatin is a great alternative.
- Best for: All hair types
- Size: 8 fl. oz.
- Key ingredients: Karmatin, aloe vera, magnolia bark
- Color-safe: Yes
Testing notes from Glamour testers Rachel Inman and Canyon Sillman
Multiple testers were impressed by how well the shampoo supported hair strength and density, regardless of hair type. “Within months, I saw less hair fall out and a noticeable increase in fullness—Vegamour gave me the thick, healthy hair I always wanted,” says Glamour reviewer Rachel Inman, who’s used the system for two years. Glamour tester Canyon Silliman, who has curly hair, noticed a major reduction in shedding within three months of use: “I don’t see nearly as much hair in the drain anymore, and my curls have way more volume—even days after washing. On a more impressive note, my girlfriend has never complimented my hair more.” While the scent isn’t for everyone, both testers agree that the results are worth it.
Best for Fine Hair: Kérastase Densifique Bain Densité Shampoo
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Original image of Alanna Martine Kilkeary testing the Kérastase Densifique Bain Densité Shampoo
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Original image of Alanna Martine Kilkeary testing the Kérastase Densifique Bain Densité Shampoo
Kérastase Densifique Bain Densité Shampoo
- What we like: Improves fullness and strength; doesn’t weigh down hair with residue
- Worth noting: Strong scent; tough to dispense from bottle; pricey
