The Best Shampoo for Thinning Hair Helps Men Reach Their Fullest Potential
Best for Halting Falling Strands: Nioxin Hair Fall Defense Shampoo
When it comes to thinning hair, a few clinical-sounding options always make the list, and Nioxin, one of the OGs of clinical hair care, deserves its laurels. With a loyal fan base since its inception in 1987, the brand continues to innovate, and its new Hair Fall Defense Shampoo is practically a serum for your scalp. Formulated to reduce hair loss and promote thicker, fuller hair over several weeks, this shampoo combines proven and progressive ingredients. Niacinamide (vitamin B3) nourishes the follicles, caffeine boosts blood flow, and the brand’s proprietary Sandalore (a synthetic sandalwood derivative) stimulates hair growth through olfactory receptors. After a few washes, I noticed less shedding and loved its fresh scent, making it easy to leave on for two minutes and let it work its mojo.
Best Shampoo & Conditioner Duo: Feel Confident Thickening Shampoo & Thickening Conditioner
Feel Confident is a no-nonsense, science-backed hair and skin care line created by an MD and hair restoration surgeon who saw a lack of said, no-frills solutions for guys. Their approach is simple: reliable products that prioritize results over hype. The shampoo and conditioner duo is a tag team that thickens hair and promotes growth. The shampoo cleanses without that harsh, stripped feeling, while the conditioner nourishes without making hair feel overly fine—a common issue for those with thinner strands like myself. They’re formulated with proven ingredients including pumpkin seed oil to strengthen, caffeine to boost scalp circulation, and saw palmetto and turmeric root to combat DHT (a significant factor in hair loss). After repeated use, my hair felt noticeably fuller and stronger. Pro tip: The conditioner doubles as stand-alone nourishment when daily shampooing isn’t necessary.
Best Anti-DHT Shampoo: Nizoral Anti-Dandruff Ketoconazole 1% Shampoo
As Dr. Mislankar points out (and as some studies support), the dandruff-neutralizing active ingredient ketoconazole is probably one of the best active ingredients for countering DHT), a the hormonal byproduct that shrivels up hair follicles in male-pattern baldness. Because of this, derms frequently recommend it for hair loss and dandruff, and I’ve had success using it; however, like most products with this active ingredient, I find it to be drying, so I always chase it with conditioner to help ward off frizz.
Still, I think every guy should own this dandruff shampoo (it’s easy to get on Amazon) and deploy it once a month or every two weeks to mitigate flakes and help mitigate DHT-induced hair loss. Always, always follow it with a nourishing conditioner (and a thickening or volumizing one, should you want those results, too).