“Rosemary shampoo is helpful for anyone desiring to reduce shedding or anyone who desires to have hair to be thicker and fuller,” says Candace Spann, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and hair-loss specialist. The main ingredient in Nécessaire’s botanically based shampoo is rosemary oil, which can help block DHT, stimulate blood flow to the scalp, and create a healthier environment for hair to grow, says trichologist Friese. Its formula also includes strengthening plant proteins and ceramides that protect your scalp’s barrier. When looking for a shampoo for curly hair, our reviewer landed on this one. She says she saw noticeably more volume, shine, and definition in her thinning curls — not to mention that her hair smelled great.
Tester review: Though not specifically marketed for curly hair, this shampoo has really enhanced the volume and texture of my curls. Its refreshing gel-like consistency with pure rosemary oil tingles the scalp in the best way, providing a thorough cleanse without stripping it and leaving it feeling dry and stale. The mix of rosemary, mandarin, jasmine, and cedarwood almost creates a spa-like experience as I’m in the shower, which I’m definitely not mad at. This shampoo addresses thinning and colour-safety concerns, strengthening hair and minimising breakage with ceramides and plant proteins. My curls feel clean, hydrated, and bouncier, with a healthier scalp free from dryness and irritation (since it’s noncomedogenic, in case you have sensitive skin). —Jade Brito, GLAMOUR contributor
5. Best for Hair Growth: HairMax Stimul8 Shampoo for Thinning Hair
Original photo from Glamour tester Breanna Davis
- What we like: Slows shedding and thinning; reduces product buildup; fairly affordable
- What could improve: Not very volumizing
Two key ingredients in this shampoo are saw palmetto and caffeine, both of which can stop the hormone DHT from shrinking hair follicles. Niacinamide, meanwhile, boosts scalp circulation. The shampoo’s formula fights all the product buildup on hair that leads to a depletion of natural oils for hair growth. Our tester said she saw a real reduction in shedding after three months of use.
Tester review: I use HairMax’s shampoo to target hair loss specifically in the middle of my scalp. I noticed a huge difference in about three months of using the shampoo weekly and the serum daily. I paired it with the brand’s Growth Serum, and it felt like it made things work two times faster. If I take breaks and switch to another shampoo for a few weeks, I don’t notice a difference in thinning or shedding, so I’m happy to know the results actually last. I just wish it were more affordable! — Breanna Davis, GLAMOUR reviewer
6. Best for Scalp Health: Hårklinikken Stabilizing Scalp Shampoo
Original image by Glamour commerce editor Malia Griggs
Original image by Glamour commerce editor Malia Griggs
Original image by Glamour commerce editor Malia Griggs
- What we like: Lightweight; fragrance-free; leaves hair clean-feeling; adds volume
- What could improve: Very pricey
“The best shampoo for thinning hair is one that will not add buildup to the hair and will instead gently cleanse the scalp to promote healthy hair growth as well as nourishing the hair and making it appear fuller,” says Shab Caspara, a board-certified New York–based trichologist and founder of hair care brand Leona. Hårklinikken’s does just that, says our tester, who observed increased shine and volume in her curls after months of use. Its formula is heavy on burdock root, an anti-inflammatory plant material that’s thought to help with sebhorric dermatitis, a skin condition that causes dandruff. The dry-scalp shampoo balances out the distribution of your hair’s natural oils, reduces grease, and cleans with a sulphate derived from palm oil.
Tester review: I’ve tested the Hårklinikken scalp care system for over nine months now (which includes an exfoliating hair extract, shampoo, daily conditioner, and styling products). Prior to use, my fine, wavy hair had dandruff and my curls often felt weighed down by my various hair care products. After using the system (and spending a lot more time massaging and stimulating my scalp), my hair is no longer flaky and feels more voluminous. I’m getting more compliments on my curls than I have in years. My hair feels so clean and bouncy in a way it hasn’t in a very long time. I particularly like this shampoo, which the system recommends I use every time I wash at the roots. It doesn’t lather as much as other shampoos, nor does it have any particular fragrance, but my roots feel clean and almost feathery. — Malia Griggs, GLAMOUR US Commerce Editor
7. Best Anti-Dandruff: Nizoral Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
Original image by Glamour senior commerce editor Jenifer Calle
- What we like: Contains proven ingredient that fights hair loss; lathers easily; affordable
- What could improve: Not suitable for extreme cases of dandruff; can be drying
