9 best shampoo for hair loss 2024 UK; tried and tested on thinning hair
HAIRCARE has become hugely popular in recent years, with people desperately seeking out hair-loss shampoo or treatments to repair damaged hair, encourage regrowth after hair loss or thinning, and thicken their hair.
I am one of those beauty enthusiasts desperately seeking out hair treatments to encourage healthy hair growth.
I have long battled with hair pulling, Trichotillomania, and when anxious or stressed I pull out my hair or torture my hair further by pulling the split ends to ease those feelings.
Over the years as I've got older, environmental aggressors, extreme heat damage and hair styling have all contributed to damaging my hair even more.
Several factors can cause hair loss and hair thinning, and the NHS has an extensive guide for how to treat and deal with hair loss, which you can find .
While I do not have more severe medical conditions, such as alopecia, I have sought out various hair treatments, including hair loss and hair growth shampoos to encourage regrowth and healthy hair.
Some hair shampoos have been more effective than other, so here are my honest thoughts.
Best shampoos for hair loss at a glance:
- Best overall shampoo:
- Best hair growth shampoo:
- Best budget shampoo:
- Best clarifying shampoo:
- Best shampoo for hair breakage:
Virtue Flourish Shampoo for Thinning Hair
Virtue Flourish Shampoo for Thinning Hair, £42
Pros: Lightweight, easy to use, leaves a soft, silky finish
Cons: Expensive
Rating: 5/5
Virtue was one of the first brands I reached for to treat my hair shedding, thinning, brittle strands and to encourage thicker healthier hair.
The shampoo is infused with Virtue's signature Alpha Keratin 60ku, a nourishing protein that binds damaged and frayed hair shafts, for full reparation.
This formulation was super lightweight on my hair and worked to cleanse my scalp, hair follicles and hair shaft without weighing down my hair or drying out my locks.
By removing any sebum and unblocking hair follicles it encourages hair growth, and healthy hair strands too.
After the first use, my hair instantly felt cleansed, but also silky smooth with minimal frizziness caused by years of hair pulling.
Over time, it appeared to encourage hair growth as my hair felt thicker and fuller.
I used the full set, with the conditioner and one of Virtue's post-wash treatments, such as the , for a full 360 regimen.
Size: 240ml, Key ingredients: Alpha Keratin 60ku, sodium hyaluronate, red algae extract, How to use: Use as you would any other shampoo, apply a small amount on wet hair, massage in and wash out, followed by the conditioner and post-wash treatment.
Philip Kingsley Density Hair Thickening Shampoo
Philip Kingsley Density Hair Thickening Shampoo 500ml, £55
Pros: Deeply cleansing, hair felt more voluminous and thicker after use
Cons: None
Rating: 5/5
Philip Kinglsey's Elasticizer is, arguably, the most popular product from the brand, but there are plenty of other haircare solutions to target a variety of hair concerns, including hair loss and regrowth.
The Elasticizer is effective in hydrating the hair and repairing breakages in the hair shaft, but the Density range treated my fine, brittle, frayed and thinning hair, and effectively encouraged healthy hair growth.
This collection includes a shampoo, conditioner and accompanying treatments, which include scalp drops, a scalp toner and a scalp mask.
The shampoo is infused with hydrolysed pea peptides, which thicken, hydrate and smooth each strand of hair, as well as hyper-branched polymers to add volume.
Whether you use the complete Density kit or just the shampoo you will instantly notice your hair feels clean, hydrated, smoother and more voluminous.
My fine hair felt thicker and healthier, and I started to notice fine baby hairs growing back around my hairline after a few uses, which was encouraging.
Size: 500ml, Key ingredients: Hyper-branched polymers, hydrolyzed pea peptides and salicylic acid, How to use: Apply on wet hair, followed by conditioner and post-wash treatment.
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Grow Gorgeous Intense Thickening Shampoo
Grow Gorgeous Intense Thickening Shampoo 740ml, £40 £28
Pros: Affordable, lightweight, thickening and nourishing, available in different sizes
Cons: None
Rating: 5/5
Grow Gorgeous is another of my favourite brands for hair growth products, from the hair growth serum to the shampoo and conditioner duos.
The thickening shampoo has been designed with nourishing and scalp-loving ingredients, which also stimulate hair growth.
The formula contains beneficial ingredients, including caffeine, biotin, rice protein, and provitamin B5, all of which work to exfoliate the scalp and stimulate hair growth, while also nourishing and soothing the scalp and hair.
The Grow Gorgeous Intense Thickening Shampoo melted into my hair easily, lathered and washed out without drying out my hair.
I used the shampoo alongside the conditioner and hair serum, all of which left my hair feeling fuller and more voluminous – and my hairline started to show fine, baby hairs. This is a telltale sign the products are working to combat hair loss and thinning.
Though I've now finished testing the shampoo and conditioner, I have continued to use the serum around my hairline to encourage new growth and this is a range I will continue to use.
Size: 740ml, Key ingredients: Caffeine, biotin, rice protein, provitamin B5 and niacinamide, How to use: Use a small amount on damp hair and massage in, wash out fully before using the Grow Gorgeous conditioner
Viviscal Thickening Shampoo
Viviscal Thickening Shampoo, £10.99
Pros: A potent formula for thickening hair, easy to use, affordable
Cons: More effective with supplements
Rating: 4.5/5
Viviscal products target hair loss, and thinning and encourage hair growth, whatever the cause may be and the company has the backing of trichologist Hannah Gaboardi, as its ambassador.
The brand's haircare collection includes shampoo, serums and nutritional supplements to combat hair thinning.
The shampoo is a potent formula enriched with hair-loving ingredients, including biotin, keratin, marine collagen and seaweed extract to exfoliate the scalp and encourage healthy hair growth, while simultaneously nourishing the hair shaft.
The formula works to fill any breakages, smooth the hair shaft, and encourage thicker, stronger and healthier hair to reduce further damage.
The shampoo left my hair feeling healthier and reduced breakages, but I felt the supplements I took alongside played a larger part in encouraging new hair growth in the areas that are thinning.
Size: 250ml, Key ingredients: Marine collagen, seaweed extract, biotin, keratin, How to use: The Viviscal shampoo should be used like any other shampoo. Apply to wet hair, and wash from the roots through the hair to the ends, and wash out, before using the conditioner. I use in conjunction with the Viviscal hair growth supplements to stimulate hair growth
Vegamour GRO Revitalizing Shampoo
Vegamour GRO Revitalizing Shampoo for Thinning Hair, £48
Pros: Lightweight shampoo, hydrating, vegan formula, suitable for all hair types, free from parabens and silicones, cruelty-free
Cons: Didn't last as long as other shampoos
Rating: 4/5
Vegamour's GRO range is ideal for those looking for an effective and eco-friendly hair loss treatment kit.
The Gro shampoo is enriched with vegan B-silk protein, which works to heal split ends and frayed hair, while the phytoactives work to reduce the signs of shedding.
The potent formula is gentle on the scalp and hair, which makes it the ideal option for all hair types and hair needs.
I used the shampoo alongside the conditioner, Gro hair foam and Gro Serum; they encouraged hair growth around my hairline and left my hair feeling thicker and voluminous, but without leaving it feeling sticky or greasy.
My only bugbear is I went through the shampoo super speedily and it's expensive.
Size: 236ml, Key ingredients: Vegan B-silk protein, marula, baobab and murumuru butter, red clover, How to use: Use as you would any shampoo. Apply to wet hair and massage into the scalp and hair shaft, before rinsing out. Follow with the conditioner and hair serum
L'Oréal Paris Elvive Hydra Pure
L'Oréal Paris Elvive Hydra Pure Scalp Serum, Shampoo and Conditioner Set for Oily Roots and Dehydrated Lengths, £28.99
Pros: Clarifying, deeply cleansing, effectively exfoliates the scalp, and nourishing
Cons: Doesn't necessarily combat hair thinning
Rating: 3.5/5
L'Oreal's Hydra Pure Scalp Serum set has been a game-changer in terms of leaving my scalp feeling oil-free, exfoliated and intensely clean.
The scalp serum was particularly effective in breaking down sebum, and reducing the greasiness of my hair, which leaves my head feeling sore when it's not been washed for a few days.
The serum, alongside the shampoo and conditioner, thoroughly cleaned my hair from root to tip, which is essential for stimulating hair growth without being impacted by blocked pores.
However, while the products cleaned my hair, I did not notice much impact in terms of hair growth.
Size: Shampoo is 500ml, conditioner 400ml and serum is 102ml, Key ingredients: Salicylic acid and hyaluronic acid, How to use: The set provides a full 360° haircare routine. I applied the lightweight and cooling scalp serum to break down sebum, clear hair follicles and stimulate hair growth. Apply the shampoo and conditioner to wet hair for a full cleanse
Champo Pitta Volumising Shampoo
CHAMPO Pitta Volumising Shampoo, £18
Pros: Lightweight, nourishing, thickening, made from natural ingredients, affordable
Cons: More suited for thickening and adding volume than hair loss
Rating: 3/5
Champo has numerous hair shampoo and conditioner bundles, as well as serums, to target various hair needs. Shoppers can find the best product to suit their needs using the hair quiz.
For me, Pitta was the best option to encourage hair growth and thicken my fine locks.
While Champo nourished my dry and dehydrated hair, I did not notice a difference in my hair growth.
I also found it was difficult to get much out of the pump and a lot of product was needed to wash my long hair.
Size: 260ml, Key ingredients: Haritaki fruit, sandalwood and ylang, gluconolactone, geranium, Himalayan jatamansi, neroli and petitgrain oils, How to use: Apply the shampoo to wet hair and massage in, follow with the conditioner; apply the serum to damp hair
Ffor Re:Vamp Shampoo Volumising Shampoo
Re:Vamp Volumising Shampoo for fine hair 300ml, £18
Pros: Nourishing shampoo, revitalising on the scalp, natural ingredients, vegan, cruelty-free
Cons: Did not impact hair growth
Rating: 3/5
Ffor prides itself on being a natural haircare brand with numerous creations to suit different hair types and needs.
I tested the Re:Vamp Volumising Shampoo for fine hair, as well as the Gentle collection.
The shampoo was super nourishing on my hair and worked to tame any frizziness, giving my lacklustre locks a much-needed glug of hydration. However, though the products were soothing and moisturising I didn't notice a difference in hair growth or in the volume of my hair.
Size: 100ml or 300ml, Key ingredients: Bergamot, vetiver and sunflower seed oil, How to use: Similar to any shampoo, apply to wet hair and wash out thoroughly before following with conditioner
Klorane Strengthening Shampoo for Thinning Hair
KLORANE Strengthening Shampoo for Thinning Hair, £11
Pros: Affordable, nourishing and strengthening, vegan formula
Cons: Not a lathering shampoo
Rating: 3/5
Klorane's shampoo for thinning, tired hair appealed to me as it described my hair type perfectly, as well as its need for strengthening.
This natural-infused haircare essential nourished my hair, smoothing the broken strays and softening the hair strands, which gave a glossy finish.
While my hair felt clean after washing, the shampoo felt like a cream and was difficult to lather.
After finishing the shampoo I didn't notice much of a difference in my hair in terms of its volume or growth.
Size: 200ml, Key ingredients: Quinine, organic edelweiss, vitamin B, caffeine, biotin, niacinamide, How to use: This shampoo needs a little more work than other shampoos as it doesn't foam into a lather. Apply to wet hair and massage into the scalp before washing out and following with the conditioner
How We Tested
For many years I have been conscious of my hair – its density, volume and thinning – especially after someone joked I had a receding hairline, which wasn't a joke to me.
Over the last few years, I have tried a variety of solutions to help grow my hair, improve its density and repair split ends after years of heat damage.
My fine hair can get greasy fairly easily depending on the weather, time of the month, as well as how often I touch my hair, but I tried to keep hair wash days to every other day.
Over the years I have trialled shampoo and conditioner combos from many brands to clean my locks, repair years of heat damage and excessive styling, as well as damage from my hair pulling, and the resultant hair loss.
When trialling the products I used the shampoo and conditioner, as well as accompanying serums for a month or longer, until the bottles were empty, to ensure my hair had enough time to reap the benefits of the formulations and assess their efficacy.
Where can I buy shampoos for hair loss in the UK?
Hair loss shampoos are widely available in the UK from many retailers, both online and on the high street. Check out larger pharmacies such as Boots and , as they’re likely to stock a few brands, but also take a look in department and chain stores such as and as they often have large beauty departments. You may even find a limited range of shampoos for hair loss in larger supermarkets.
If you know what product you want to buy then visit the brand’s website as you’re likely to find a comprehensive selection and may even benefit from special offers, such as discounts for signing up to their newsletter.
and large beauty websites, such as Sephora, , and Look Fantastic also stock many shampoos, conditioners and treatments for hair loss from a wide range of companies.
It could also be worth speaking to your GP or a trichologist if you suffer from hair loss as they will be able to recommend expert and medical treatments.
The products we reviewed came from:
Can hair grow back after thinning?
Thinning hair can be down to a number of factors and some of these can be reversed. Stress can cause hair loss, but if you remove the stress then your hair can regrow. The same applies if your hair loss is due to a bad diet – improving your nutrition and taking vitamin and mineral supplements could be of benefit.
Menopause can cause hair thinning, as can certain health conditions, such as thyroid problems, and some illnesses. Cancer treatments can be extremely hard on your body, often resulting in hair loss.
Thinning hair can also run in families and if hair loss is due to genetics then that may not be reversible.
Medication and some treatments are available on prescription so in the first instance make an appointment with your GP. You can also consult a trichologist or private hair clinic to explore your options.
How much do shampoos for hair loss cost in the UK?
Shampoos for hair loss tend to cost more than regular shampoos, the same goes for hair loss conditioners and other treatments. How much more though depends on the brand, with designer and trichologist-inspired products being at the top of the price scale, and own-make or mass-market brand products being a lot cheaper.
The shampoos reviewed in our feature ranged from £10.99 up to £55, but always look out for special offers as this can bring down the price to a more affordable level.
Price is also dependent on bottle size, so for example, though the Philip Kingsley Density Hair Thickening Shampoo was the most expensive we tried at £55 this was for a 500ml bottle; there’s also a 200ml bottle priced at £30. If you’re not sure if a particular shampoo is going to work for you then trying the smallest size available could be a good idea.