The 9 Shampoos For Hair Loss That Actually Work (2024)

Whatever the circumstance or severity, there's no sugarcoating the fact that hair loss is hard. Whether there's been steady or subtle hair thinning, or you've noticed a sudden, unexpected bout of hair loss with strands falling out at a rapid rate, it can be difficult, and sometimes even debilitating, to manage both the mental and physical toll.

Between hair growth treatments, high-tech scalp oils and hair serums, the hair loss market now occupies a huge piece of the haircare category. And while there's now an entire industry built around promoting hair growth, the truth is that it can feel even harder to uncover the right solution for you.

Firstly, it's important to remember that there is no magic bullet solution, and a shampoo on its own is not going to remedy the issue. Secondly, it pays to do your research about the claims (if the promises sound too good to be true they probably are). And finally, you'll need to find out exactly what's causing your hair loss in the first place to take a course of action (in some cases, you may also need to speak to a trichologist and undergo professional treatments).

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What causes hair loss?

Stress, genetics, hormonal changes and medical conditions can all cause hair loss. 'The most common types of hair loss are due to hair shedding and breakage. The hormonal shifts that occur leading up to and during menopause can also have a huge impact on the hair growth cycle as well as well as post-partum hair loss,' shares leading trichologist Anabel Kingsley.

'Postpartum hair loss usually begins around three to four months after giving birth,' she continues. 'This timing coincides with the normal hair growth cycle, during which the hair follicles enter a resting phase (telogen phase). About 85-95% of your hair is in the growing phase (anagen), while the rest is in the resting or shedding phase. After childbirth, hormone fluctuations can cause more hair follicles to enter the telogen phase, leading to increased hair shedding. '

The term hair loss is all encompassing and can refer to many different types of hair thinning, shedding and loss. 'There are many types of hair loss but the most common we see are hair thinning known as "Androgenic Alopecia" or "Male/Female Pattern Hair Loss", and hair shedding, known as "Telogen Effluvium",' Kingsley explains.

What should you look for in a shampoo for hair loss?

A shampoo is never going to be a catch-all cure - it can, however, support a haircare routine for hair growth and optimal health. 'Keeping your scalp clean and healthy by shampooing regularly will help support healthy hair growth,' agrees Kingsley. 

As Kingsley states, if you're treating female pattern hair loss or excessive shedding, a ‘hair growth’ shampoo isn’t going to be a miracle cure. 'For one, shampoos are rinsed away and not left on the scalp long enough to impact the hair growth cycle in the way they need to. Also, shampoo is applied to a very diluted environment, and the formula of a shampoo in itself is already diluted with ingredients that are made to cleanse the hair and scalp,' she says. These shampoos should be used alongside a professional treatment, or hair loss routine, and not as a sole solution. That said, if you are experiencing hair thinning or occasional shedding, or you simply want to support your hair's overall health, these shampoos are the ones to turn to for fullness, body and volume.

The best shampoos for hair loss for 2024

Think of this like skincare for your scalp - you'll find some of your favourite skin ingredients powering this shampoo bottle, from energy-boosting caffeine to hydrating hyaluronic acid. Much like the rest of the line-up, it helps support hair follicle health and tends to the important scalp barrier (your stratum corneum).

Champo's Pitta hair growth serum has been a firm favourite among the ELLE beauty team, and its volumising shampoo - especially formulated for thinning and fine hair - is the perfect adjunct for improving hair growth, shine and overall health.

Enriched with keratin proteins, this shampoo cleanses your scalp and ends (and smells delicious too), while also creating a 'fertile' environment for hair follicles to grow. The translation for your strands? A healthier mane and improved hair growth.

The OG of scalp-first haircare, Philip Kingsley's thickening shampoo is all about strengthening your hair from root to tip, packed with a careful blend of salicylic acid and nourishing actives to both hydrate and purify your lengths.

Part of a 3-step treatment, this shampoo is powered by a hefty amount of tech to give your ends a pro service at home - this first step is about purifying, exfoliating and cleaning the scalp, all without stripping it.

If you constantly dye your hair, or can't leave the house without crimping, curling or straightening your ends, allow us to introduce you to Kérastase's game-changing shampoo, which helps minimise breakage, improve split ends and restore moisture.

There's nothing like the turn of the season to take your strands from nourished and healthy to parched and lacklustre. For the latter, Dr Barbara Sturm's formula has been designed to combat hair fall and boost hair health, and is perfect for this notoriously tricky transitional weather.

I consider this shampoo an essential step in my haircare routine. Used alongside a hair growth serum, the naturally-inspired, science-backed formula exfoliates the scalp to aid any mild hair thinning and breakage, and is ideal for tending to overly processed strands.

This affordable shampoo might look fuss-free from the outside, but it's got a powerhouse of ingredients (namely, biotin, keratin and marine collagen) working hand in hand to help you mimic the look of a professional Hollywood blow-dry.