A good hair day can boost your mood like nothing else. Equally, dealing with hair loss or thinning hair can have a real impact on your confidence.
If you start to notice your hair thinning or falling out at a faster rate, it could be down to a number of reasons, from damage caused by heat styling to fluctuating hormones, but, thankfully, the best hair loss shampoos are designed to help.
But, it can be hard to know if all those claims actually stand up. So, with the help of our reader panel, the Good Housekeeping Institute experts tested a range of shampoos (and their conditioner counterparts) for thinning hair to find the ones that will help reduce breakage, add volume and stimulate the root and scalp to promote healthy hair growth.
Read more of our Tried and Tested haircare reviews: Best sulphate-free shampoos | Best conditioners | Hair repair treatments
These are our experts' top picks for thicker, healthier tresses at a glance, but read on for everything you need to know about hair thinning, along with our detailed reviews.
Best for detangling
Monpure Strengthening Silk Protein Shampoo
Read review
Best for a deep clean
L'Oréal Professionnel Serié Expert Pro Longer Shampoo
Read review
Best for fine hair
Charles Worthington Grow Strong Activating Shampoo 250ml
Read review
Best for promoting hair growth
L’Oréal Professionnel Serioxyl Clarifying & Densifying Shampoo
Read review
Best for adding volume
Virtue Flourish Shampoo for Thinning Hair
Read review
Best for damaged hair
Percy & Reed Give Me Strength Strengthening Shampoo
Read review
Best for reducing breakage
Kérastase Genesis Bain Hydra-Fortifiant Shampoo
Read review
What causes female hair loss?
Shedding hair is normal and usually nothing to worry about — according to the NHS, we can lose between 50 and 100 hairs a day on average. For women, more excessive hair loss can be caused by a range of factors, including hormonal changes (such as when you’re pregnant or going through the menopause), ageing, a diet lacking in nutrients, stress, iron deficiency, or as a side effect to an illness or treatment.
Being overzealous with heating tools and years of bleaching can also play a part in hair loss, especially around the hairline. Both contribute to breakage by making hair more dry and brittle, eventually leading to hair fallout.
Can shampoos really regrow hair?
Technically, shampoos can’t regrow any missing patches of hair. However, what they can do is create the right environment to encourage healthy hair growth.
Keeping your scalp clean and healthy is key to achieving a fuller head of hair. Ingredients to look out for range from caffeine to peppermint oil, which can help boost circulation, while proteins and keratin will help strengthen hair and give it more resilience.
Hair loss shampoos and conditioners are formulated to target the common causes of hair loss. These are the main types:
- Anti-breakage shampoos and conditioners: these reinforce the structure of the hair strand, aiming to prevent breakage and splitting.
- Hair-thickening shampoos and conditioners: these focus on making hair appear (and sometimes feel) thicker by creating more body and lift.
- Root- or scalp-stimulating shampoos and conditioners: these aim to clear away root or scalp build-up and stimulate the hair follicles to encourage healthy hair growth.
How we test hair loss shampoos
We gave 700 testers — all with self-diagnosed mild to extreme hair loss or thinning and with a range of hair types, from straight to afro — a shampoo and conditioner set to trial for between one and two months.
The products all claimed to correct one of the three main causes of hair loss: anti-breakage, hair-thickening and root- or scalp-stimulation. After the trial period, our panellists gave us detailed feedback on the products, noting any differences they saw in their scalp and hair condition over the trial period and how their hair felt after each wash, as well as reviewing packaging design, ease of use, texture and scent.
In the Good Housekeeping Institute beauty lab, we assessed anti-breakage shampoos by combing through hair switches that had been treated with the product and comparing them to untreated ones. The easier the treated switches were to comb, the less risk of hair breakage and fall out in real life.
To assess the efficacy of thickening and root-stimulating shampoos, we used our specialist Hair Metrix machine to analyse the effect each formula had on hair density and thickness.
These products are not designed to treat those with medically related conditions such as alopecia or male/female pattern baldness. Please seek a medical professional for advice on treating these conditions.
Pros
- Long-lasting and affordable
- Lathers well
Cons
- Large bottle takes up a lot of bathroom space
Score: 91/100
Proving some good things come in big packages is TRESemme’s affordable strengthening shampoo (available with a matching conditioner), which lasted over a month for some of our testers and costs less than £5. Though low on price, this shampoo delivers on performance, with nearly all our panellists noticing less breakage and fallout after use. They also said their hair felt “stronger, shiner and smoother”.
It has a creamy texture that leaves hair softer, without any of the added weight or dull finish you often get from silicone heavy products. Testers also praised the deep clean it gave and the “fresh, exotic fragrance”. We think it’s worthing making space on your shelf for this strengthening duo.
Key specifications
| Volume | 680ml |
|---|---|
| Paraben free | Yes |
| Silicone free | Yes |
| Sulphate free | No |
Pros
- Lovely scent
- Left hair feeling extra clean
Cons
- Thin consistency
Score: 86/100
As one of the top scorers for anti-breakage, most testers noted less fallout after using this shampoo and conditioner and many said their hair felt noticeably stronger.
Hair also felt softer, making it easier to detangle and style, while those with natural curls saw a reduction in flyaways. Almost everyone said they would continue using these products after the trial.
Key specifications
| Volume | Shampoo, 250ml; conditioner, 200ml |
|---|---|
| Paraben free | Yes |
| Silicone free | Yes |
| Sulphate free | Yes |
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Best for a deep clean
L'Oréal Professionnel Serié Expert Pro Longer Shampoo
Pros
- Gentle on the scalp
- Reduced dandruff
Cons
- Formula isn’t paraben-free
Score: 86/100
If you’re after that squeaky clean feeling, this shampoo was voted best for lather and texture. Testers said their scalps felt refreshed, while the matching conditioner nourished damaged ends.
Adding volume as well as tackling breakage, the majority of our panel noticed a reduction in hair loss by the end of the trial, with many saying their hair felt stronger.
Key specifications
| Volume | Shampoo, 300ml; conditioner, 200ml |
|---|---|
| Paraben free | No |
| Silicone free | No |
| Sulphate free | No |
Pros
- Added shine
- Rinsed out well
Cons
- Slightly drying
Score: 82/100
Our testers were impressed by how little shampoo was needed to create a satisfying lather and all agreed that it didn't feel harsh on their hair.
They noted thicker, healthier-looking hair after using it alongside the conditioner, with most commenting on how hydrated their ends felt. Testers with fine hair noticed an impressive amount of added volume and an improvement in broken hair follicles.
Key specifications
| Volume | Shampoo, 250ml; conditioner, 250ml |
|---|---|
| Paraben free | No |
| Silicone free | No |
| Sulphate free | No |
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Pros
- Smooths frizzy hair
- Formulated with biotin and bamboo extract
Cons
- Left a build-up on scalp over time
Score: 80/100
This Pantene shampoo, along with its matching conditioner, is infused with vitamins, bamboo and biotin ingredients. Our panellists with curls and waves noticed less frizz and breakages during the trial, with more bounce added to their natural texture.
Testers praised how nourishing the products were, leaving them with healthier-feeling, shiny hair and cleansed scalps. Note that some testers said their hair felt greasier more quickly, so it may not be one for finer locks.
Key specifications
| Volume | Shampoo, 400ml; conditioner, 275ml |
|---|---|
| Paraben free | Yes |
| Silicone free | No |
| Sulphate free | No |
Pros
- A little goes a long way
- Packaging makes it easy to dispense
Cons
- It didn't promote hair growth for all
Score: 82/100
Blending keratin proteins, hyaluronic acid and glycerin, this shampoo is packed with ingredients to nourish damaged ends. Our testers said it was gentle on hair, with some noting their scalps felt instantly soothed.
Our panellists were impressed by the glossy results too, with one commenting on the shampoo's luxurious moisturising effect. Almost everyone noticed less fallout and hair breakage, with most seeing an improvement in thickness. It didn’t significantly promote hair growth for all testers though.
Key specifications
| Volume | 240ml |
|---|---|
| Paraben free | Yes |
| Silicone free | Yes |
| Sulphate free | Yes |
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Best for promoting hair growth
L’Oréal Professionnel Serioxyl Clarifying & Densifying Shampoo
Pros
- Pump bottle makes it easy to dispense
- Softens hair
Cons
- Required a generous application for some
Score: 81/100
This treatment promises to encourage volume and clarify the scalp. It performed brilliantly in the lab when it came to improving hair density and thickness, and it left our panel's hair looking fuller.
Everyone agreed it provided a thorough clean too, leaving their scalps feeling nourished and not at all itchy. All panellists reported fewer split ends, with most finding their hair loss concerns reduced by the end of the trial.
Key specifications
| Volume | Shampoo, 250ml |
|---|---|
| Paraben free | Yes |
| Silicone free | Yes |
| Sulphate free | Yes |
Best for adding volume
Virtue Flourish Shampoo for Thinning Hair
Pros
- Improves hair density
- Strengthens hair
Cons
- Can leave the scalp feeling dry
Score: 80/100
If a faux blow dry effect is what you're after, no shampoo and conditioner duo packed more of a volume punch than this one. Though far from budget-friendly (see Pantene for that), both the shampoo and conditioner come packed with keratin proteins to revitalise tired strands.
Nearly all testers saw fewer breakages, saying their hair looked and felt thicker and fuller after the trial period. The shampoo boosted shine, frizz and smoothness for everybody, with many impressed by how much lift it gave their roots.
Key specifications
| Volume | Shampoo, 240ml; conditioner, 200ml |
|---|---|
| Paraben free | Yes |
| Silicone free | Yes |
| Sulphate free | Yes |
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Best for damaged hair
Percy & Reed Give Me Strength Strengthening Shampoo
Pros
- Deeply cleans hair without stripping natural oils
- Creates noticeable hair regrowth
Cons
- Left sticky residue for some
Score: 80/100
Years spent frying strands with hair straighteners or using the wrong shampoo can leave locks looking limp and damaged. But this shampoo and conditioner helped deliver healthier-looking hair, with most of our panel reporting improved thickness and strength and everyone seeing fewer split ends.
Testers happily noticed less fallout during the trial, with one delighted by their “softer, thicker and more manageable” hair.
Key specifications
| Volume | Both 250ml |
|---|---|
| Paraben free | Yes |
| Silicone free | Yes |
| Sulphate free | Yes |
Best for reducing breakage
Kérastase Genesis Bain Hydra-Fortifiant Shampoo
Now 20% Off
Pros
- Thick consistency that left hair feeling nourished
- Reduced shedding in post-partum hair
Cons
- Some fading for coloured hair
Score: 80/100
If your hair is lacking oomph, give this strengthening shampoo (and matching conditioner) a go; it claims to reduce breakages while gently cleansing from root to tip.
Many testers said their hair felt healthier and looked stronger after use, with less fallout and fewer breakages, as promised. The floral scent was described as calming by one tester, while another said their hair felt “instantly thicker, even when lathering”, leaving it soft and boosting condition.
Key specifications
| Volume | Shampoo, 250ml; conditioner, 200ml |
|---|---|
| Paraben free | Yes |
| Silicone free | Yes |
| Sulphate free | Yes |
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Best root-stimulating shampoo
Umberto Giannini Grow Long Root Stimulating Shampoo
Now 33% Off
Pros
- Hair looks and feels hydrated
- Reduced frizz
Cons
- Didn't lather well
Score: 79/100
Our panellists were happy with the full-bodied head of hair this shampoo and conditioner provided, with some testers reporting significant hair growth. Overall, they noticed less hair breakage and fallout, with strands looking and feeling softer and thicker.
The scent smelt too sweet for some and if your hair is prone to tangles, the shampoo made it difficult for a few to brush a comb through, but the conditioner seemed to help combat this.
Key specifications
| Volume | Shampoo, 250ml; conditioner |
|---|---|
| Paraben free | Yes |
| Silicone free | Yes |
| Sulphate free | No |
Pros
- Good at detangling
- Made hair easy to style
Cons
- Didn’t lead to any hair regrowth for some
Score: 78/100
No matter its other benefits, a good shampoo must effectively lift built-up dirt and grime to leave your hair feeling clean. And that's exactly what this salon favourite did.
Our testers appreciated its fresh scent and loved how thoroughly it cleansed their scalps. It calmed any inflammation, and many found their hair easier to comb through after washing. Only a few noticed new hair growth, but fewer strands ended up in our lab team’s hairbrush and it helped reduce breakages too.
Key specifications
| Volume | Shampoo, 250ml; conditioner, 200ml |
|---|---|
| Paraben free | Yes |
| Silicone free | Yes |
| Sulphate free | Yes |
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Pros
- Good for dyed hair, as no testers experienced fading
- Easy to comb through
Cons
- Hard to get the final bit of product out
Score: 77/100
This shampoo (along with its matching conditioner) aims to strengthen strands and prevent breakage with the help of its pH-balancing formulation.
It won testers over with its deep yet gentle cleanse, with many enjoying noticeably more volume and everyone spotting fewer split ends. Our lab test found it did a great job at detangling and reducing breakages, while testers with colour-treated hair appreciated the vibrancy it gave their colour.
Key specifications
| Volume | Both 300ml |
|---|---|
| Paraben free | Yes |
| Silicone free | Yes |
| Sulphate free | No |
Best for adding bounce
Hairburst Longer Stronger Hair Shampoo & Conditioner
Now 25% Off
Pros
- Rinses out well
- Deeply cleansing
Cons
- Caused some colour fading
Score: 75/100
Originally famous for its hair-growth gummies, Hairburst has since tried to replicate that science in shampoo format.
This set left panellists' hair more hydrated and injected a welcome bit of bounce into their ends. Strands not only felt fresh, but also looked shinier and softer, with fewer breakages when brushing through wet hair. Overall, hair was left looking fuller and more voluminous.
Key specifications
| Volume | Both 350ml |
|---|---|
| Paraben free | Yes |
| Silicone free | Yes |
| Sulphate free | Yes |
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Pros
- Gives hair shine
- Doesn’t cause irritation
Cons
- Some testers said their hair became greasy, quicker
Score: 75/100
This strengthening shampoo from Aveda, which is certified vegan, aced our lab tests for detangling knots and limiting hair breakage and fallout.
Testers felt their strands were stronger and healthier after use, with one noticing a difference after only a single wash. Hair was left more hydrated and it soothed irritated scalps.
Key specifications
| Volume | Both 200ml |
|---|---|
| Paraben free | Yes |
| Silicone free | Yes |
| Sulphate free | Yes |
Pros
- Lathers well
- Hydrates hair
Cons
- Hard to dispense
Score: 75/100
Collagen has been a holy grail ingredient in the skincare world for a while now, but did you know it can benefit hair, too? The hero protein in this shampoo and its matching conditioner promises to strengthen thinning locks, leaving them thicker and bouncier.
It did just that for our testers, with hair looking healthier, fuller and more hydrated after use. The shampoo’s rich, creamy lather proved a hit, and many said their hair felt more manageable after rinsing. If hair loss is your main issue, most found it helped to nip excess shedding and breakages in the bud.
Key specifications
| Volume | Both 250ml |
|---|---|
| Paraben free | Yes |
| Silicone free | Yes |
| Sulphate free | Yes |
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Pros
- Affordable
- Thick and creamy texture
Cons
- Lots of conditioner needed afterwards
Score: 74/100
Garnier’s golden shampoo creates a surprisingly luxurious lather and indulgent experience for the price point. Our panellists’ brittle ends were bid adieu and soft, strokable lengths were left in their wake.
Testers were impressed with the rich texture and said their locks looked thicker and shinier after using it for the duration of the trial. At this price, it’s one to stock up on.
Key specifications
| Volume | 360ml |
|---|---|
| Paraben free | No |
| Silicone free | No |
| Sulphate free | No |
Pros
- Vitamin rich formula
- Gentle on the scalp
Cons
- Hair became more greasy quickly
Score: 73/100
This cheap and cheerful option contains vitamin B5 and biotin to soothe the scalp and promote strength from root to tip. Its real standout quality for our testers was how well it transformed dry and brittle strands into velvety-smooth tresses.
It didn’t provide a thick lather, but it did deliver a gentle yet effective cleanse at the root. Many testers noticed slight regrowth during the trial, with some saying their hair grew faster, while others were just pleased to see less shedding.
Key specifications
| Volume | 400ml |
|---|---|
| Paraben free | Yes |
| Silicone free | Yes |
| Sulphate free | Yes |
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These also passed...
- John Frieda Full Repair Full Body Shampoo, £5.69; Score: 73/100 - this shampoo's omega-3-rich formula not only left ends shinier, but also helped to reduce breakages for our panel.
- Dr. Barbara Sturm Super Anti-Aging Shampoo, £40; Score: 72/100 - the high-end price tag may not be for everyone, but this aced our lab test for improving thickness and density. Testers appreciated its gel-like texture, creamy lather and pleasant scent.
- The Hair Boss by Lisa Shepherd Overworked Shampoo, £7.99; Score: 71/100 - if your scalp is on the sensitive side, this shampoo cleans deeply without foaming up aggressively. Packed with avocado oil, it left testers' hair looking more nourished and feeling pillowy-soft.
- Noughty Get Set, Grow Thickening Shampoo, £7.95; Score: 71/100 - most testers reported thicker, stronger, healthier-looking locks after using this shampoo and conditioner, which harnesses the hero skincare ingredient, hyaluronic acid.
- Charles Worthington MenoPlex Volumising Shampoo, £9.99; Score: 70/100 - this shampoo is designed to counteract the effects of declining oestrogen levels during menopause and our panel agreed their hair looked thicker and felt smoother after use.
- Philip Kingsley Density Thickening Shampoo, £30; Score: 70/100 - this exfoliating formula contains BHAs (beta hydroxy acids) to gently remove dead skin cells from the scalp, leading to less fallout and breakage.
The verdict on hair loss shampoos
Our winner, the TRESemmé Beauty-Full Strength shampoo ticks three major boxes – it’s affordable, it helps to minimise breakage, and it costs less than £5. There’s a reason it scored an impressive 91/100 with our panel.
If you have finer hair and want to boost fullness and strength, we recommend Charles Worthington's Grow Strong Activating Shampoo.
And for improving hair density and thickness, look to L'Oreal Professionnel Serioxyl Thinning Hair Shampoo. While it is pricier, it performed brilliantly in our lab tests.
Florence Reeves-White
Senior Beauty Writer
Florence is our Senior Beauty Writer, specialising in expert-tested beauty and grooming reviews — from toothbrushes to the latest skincare launches. She’s committed to sharing recommendations for products that truly work and make people feel confident and healthy. Prior to this she was at Tropic Skincare, where she worked closely with biochemists in the lab, delving into the functions of each fresh, natural ingredient and conveying its efficacy to her audience in easy-to-digest terms.
With over five years’ experience in beauty and health journalism, Florence has written for ELLE, Women’s Fitness, Sister Magazine, National Geographic Traveller and many more, with a strong sustainability angle thread through much of her work.
When she isn’t packing for a trip away, working out, eating out or reading up on retinol serums, you’ll probably find her experimenting with her film camera and building her portfolio of portraits. Florence’s photography can be found at florencereeves-white.com, her Instagram is @florencereeveswhite and her twitter is @floreadsnwrites
Madeleine Evans
Lifestyle Writer
Madeleine is our Lifestyle Writer, specialising in expert-tested reviews and round-ups on the latest beauty Beauty and products. From skincare to protein powders, Maddie is committed to providing honest and helpful reviews to help guide readers to the best product for them. Maddie has a BA in English Literature and Language, which stemmed from her lifelong interest in reading and writing. She started her post graduate life at Hearst UK within a marketing capacity, which quickly turned into a desire to fulfil a writing career.
When she is not writing about the latest expert reviewed products, you can find her rifling through vintage shops or car boots, reading a print magazine, or capturing portraits on her film camera.
Tested byOrla Badger
Former Senior Beauty and Grooming Tester
Orla was our Former Senior Beauty and Grooming Tester.
