10 Best Hair Loss Shampoos That Work for Men: Expert Review 2024 (2024)

Table of Contents
Do hair loss shampoos actually work for hair loss? The best hair loss shampoos that work for men 1. The best shampoos for androgenetic alopecia Recommended shampoos for androgenetic alopecia: Foligain Advanced Hair Regrowth Shampoo How does it prevent hair loss? Recommended shampoos for androgenetic alopecia: John Masters Organics Volumizing Shampoo With Rosemary And Peppermint How does it prevent hair loss? 2. The best shampoos for telogen effluvium Recommended shampoos for telogen effluvium: CHI Luxury Black Seed Oil Blend Gentle Cleansing Shampoo How does it prevent hair loss? Recommended shampoos for telogen effluvium: Vichy Dercos Strengthening & Thickening Stemoxydine Shampoo How does it prevent hair loss? 3. The best shampoos for common scalp problems: Recommended shampoos for common scalp problems: Vanicream Medicated Dandruff Shampoo How does it prevent hair loss? Recommended shampoos for common scalp problems: Nizoral Anti Dandruff Shampoo How does it prevent hair loss? 4. The best shampoos for alopecia areata Recommended shampoos for alopecia areata: Hair Repair Shampoo for Men AMALIA How does it prevent hair loss? Recommended shampoos for alopecia areata: Akin Natural Rosemary Daily Shine Shampoo How does it prevent hair loss? 5. The best shampoos for lifestyle-induced hair loss Recommended shampoos for lifestyle-induced hair loss: Gnarly Joe Mens Shampoo How does it prevent hair loss? Recommended shampoos for lifestyle-induced hair loss: Kérastase Chronologiste Bain Régénérant Shampoo How does it prevent hair loss? What kind of shampoos are best for men to avoid? Can men regrow thinning hair? When should I consider getting a hair transplant? References

If you are looking for the best hair loss shampoo for men, you are probably one of the 85% of males who experience hair thinning by the age of 50 [1]. Since hair loss is more common in men than in women, what you need is a formula that can help treat the main reasons men’s hair is falling out, such as male pattern baldness.

However, it can be frustrating that most of the time, the only fundamental difference between shampoos marketed for men and those that are marketed for women consists in their “masculine” fragrance and bottle design.

Fortunately, in a sea of ineffective hair care products, there are also some good and scientifically supported shampoo options [2] that can help slow down men’s hair loss and even stimulate hair growth, such as formulas containing Minoxidil or the best rosemary oil for hair growth.

While some hair loss is normal in the shower, be aware that if what you are experiencing equals hair shedding, shampoo is not likely to be enough to curb or reverse your hair loss. It is a good idea to see a trichologist, preferably from the first signs of hair thinning and balding, to get to the root of your hair woes and recommend the best hair loss treatment for men.

Keep reading this article to find out all you need to know about:

  • The main reasons for male hair loss
  • The best hair loss shampoo for men
  • How to prevent hair loss in men
  • The most efficient hair loss treatments for men

Table of Contents

  • Do hair loss shampoos actually work for hair loss?
  • The best hair loss shampoos that work for men
  • 1. The best shampoos for androgenetic alopecia
  • 2. The best shampoos for telogen effluvium
  • 3. The best shampoos for common scalp problems:
  • 4. The best shampoos for alopecia areata
  • 5. The best shampoos for lifestyle-induced hair loss
  • What kind of shampoos are best for men to avoid?
  • Can men regrow thinning hair?
  • When should I consider getting a hair transplant?

Do hair loss shampoos actually work for hair loss?

There is no simple answer to the question as to whether hair loss shampoos work for hair loss or not. There are many formulas marketed as the best hair growth shampoo, many of which claim to prevent or reduce hair loss. However, very few have studies behind them that demonstrate their efficiency to combat hair loss.

Moreover, the efficiency of a particular kind of hair growth shampoo depends on the cause and stage of your hair thinning, as well as your scalp and hair particularities.

While there are hair loss shampoos out there that do work for some men, you have to know that there is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all hair loss treatment. It is a good idea to have moderate expectations from these hair care products, as while some of them may reduce your hair loss or even promote growth, they are unlikely to be strong enough to reverse advanced balding or to produce visible thicker hair results overnight.

As for those that do work, consistency is key in using them and it can take weeks or even months for a visible difference in hair density.

10 Best Hair Loss Shampoos That Work for Men: Expert Review 2024 (1)

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The best hair loss shampoos that work for men

Here are some of the shampoos for men that contain ingredients which have been proven effective in preventing hair loss and/or restoring hair growth (however, further research is needed to test their efficiency in shampoo form):

1. The best shampoos for androgenetic alopecia

Also known as male pattern baldness, androgenetic alopecia is the most common cause of hair loss in men. It is produced by a number of factors, such as age, genetics and hormones.

This type of hair loss occurs when your body produces too much of a male hormone known as dihydrotestosterone (DHT) which binds to receptors in your hair follicle, making them shrink and stop producing hair [3].

Main symptoms of androgenetic alopecia:

  • A receding hairline
  • An M-shaped hairline
  • Temple hair loss
  • A bald spot on the crown

Recommended shampoos for androgenetic alopecia: Foligain Advanced Hair Regrowth Shampoo

10 Best Hair Loss Shampoos That Work for Men: Expert Review 2024 (2)

How does it prevent hair loss?

This shampoo formula contains Minoxidil 2%, which is known to be one of the most effective and widely prescribed hair growth medications available. Minoxidil helps your hair grow by widening your blood vessels and allowing more nutrients to reach your hair follicles [4].

While it is unlikely that Minoxidil shampoo works as well as topical Minoxidil for hair loss, Foligan also contains a plant-based proprietary blend known as Trioxidil, which nourishes your hair, softens and moisturises your locks, making them less likely to break from mechanical damage.

Price: Approximately £30/8 oz

Recommended shampoos for androgenetic alopecia: John Masters Organics Volumizing Shampoo With Rosemary And Peppermint

10 Best Hair Loss Shampoos That Work for Men: Expert Review 2024 (3)

Rosemary oil for hair is a natural DHT blocker, which has been proven to be as effective as topical Minoxidil in stimulating hair growth in male pattern baldness [5].

At the same time, peppermint oil for hair has demonstrated similar effects, but only in animal studies, so further research is needed to prove its effectiveness in humans. However, the menthol in peppermint oil is known to increase blood flow to your hair follicles, helping them receive more nutrients [6]. Additionally, the pleasant tingling sensation of the menthol can help calm an itchy or irritated scalp.

Finally, peppermint oil also contains antioxidants, which may provide some UV protection for your tresses [7] (but you still need to wear a hat when spending prolonged time outside in hot weather, as excessive sunlight is not good for your hair).

Price: Approximately £26/8 oz

2. The best shampoos for telogen effluvium

Telogen effluvium is a condition that causes significant hair shedding that starts 2-3 months after a physically or psychologically stressful event. It is fortunately self-resolving and in 95% of cases, it will improve in under 6 months [8] after the initial stressful factor has been removed.

While telogen effluvium is more prevalent in women than in men, this may be because women are more inclined to seek a diagnosis for it [8]. Men can and do also experience this condition, although the exact incidence rates are currently unknown.

Main symptoms of telogen effluvium:

  • Diffuse hair thinning all over your scalp
  • In about a third of patients, a burning sensation on your scalp (trichodynia) [9]

Recommended shampoos for telogen effluvium: CHI Luxury Black Seed Oil Blend Gentle Cleansing Shampoo

10 Best Hair Loss Shampoos That Work for Men: Expert Review 2024 (4)

How does it prevent hair loss?

Black seed oil for hair has demonstrated its effectiveness in curbing telogen effluvium hair shedding and stimulating your hair to grow denser and thicker [10] research has shown that it can regulate your hair growth cycle, keeping your strands in the growth phase for longer.

Moreover, blackseed oil possesses antioxidants that may play a role in preventing UV damage and have a moderate anti-ageing effect on your hair [11] It may also possess some antimicrobial properties, but further research is needed to ascertain this [12].

Price: Approximately £18/ 25 oz

Recommended shampoos for telogen effluvium: Vichy Dercos Strengthening & Thickening Stemoxydine Shampoo

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How does it prevent hair loss?

This formula contains an ingredient called stemoxydine. This substance has been proven to reduce the amount of hair follicles that are in the shedding phase and thus help end your telogen effluvium. Moreover, it has been found to be effective in improving androgenetic alopecia hair loss as well [13][14].

Price: Approximately £20/ 7 oz

3. The best shampoos for common scalp problems:

There are several common scalp problems that can lead to hair loss. The most frequently encountered are dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis, which don’t necessarily make your hair fall out (though this may be caused by inflammation in seborrheic dermatitis), but they make your scalp so itchy that the scratching alone can break your strands.

However, there are also other conditions, such as scalp psoriasis or ringworm, which actively cause patchy hair loss in the affected area.

Main symptoms of common scalp problems [15]
Dandruff
  • White or grey flakes on the scalp
  • Dry scalp
  • Itchiness
Seborrheic dermatitis
  • Red, irritated patches
  • Inflammation
  • Greasy, yellow flakes
  • Itchiness
  • Pain or tenderness
  • Sometimes, hair loss
Scalp psoriasis
  • Thick, scaly patches
  • Silver-white flakes
  • Hair loss in the affected area
  • Itchiness
  • Burning
  • Tenderness
Ringworm
  • Round, scaly bald spots
  • Redness
  • Inflammation
  • Pus-filled lesions
  • Swelling
  • Itchiness
  • Tenderness

Recommended shampoos for common scalp problems: Vanicream Medicated Dandruff Shampoo

10 Best Hair Loss Shampoos That Work for Men: Expert Review 2024 (6)

How does it prevent hair loss?

This shampoo contains zinc pyrithione, a substance that is recommended in the treatment of several common scalp problems. It is especially effective against yeast infections on the scalp, such as dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis [16], but can also alleviate inflammation on your scalp, which makes it efficient in other conditions as well. This is likely to reduce hair breakage due to itchiness and inflammation.

Zinc pyrithione shampoo has been found to treat scalp psoriasis alongside topical steroids [17] and is believed to also hold some antibacterial properties [18], but more research is needed to determine whether they are sufficient to treat conditions such as scalp folliculitis.

Price: Approximately £15/ 8 oz

Recommended shampoos for common scalp problems: Nizoral Anti Dandruff Shampoo

10 Best Hair Loss Shampoos That Work for Men: Expert Review 2024 (7)

How does it prevent hair loss?

Nizoral shampoo is one of our recommended hair growth products for men that really work. The main ingredient in this dandruff shampoo is ketoconazole, which is widely recommended for its efficiency in treating dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis. One study performed on 176 people with dandruff showed an 80% improvement in dandruff after one month of using a ketoconazole shampoo [19].

Morever, Nizoral may also treat hair loss from androgenetic alopecia, as 2% ketoconazole shampoos have been found to be as efficient as Minoxidil in stimulating hair growth in men with Norwood stage 3 male pattern baldness [19].

Nizoral shampoo is one of our recommended hair growth products for men that really work.

Price: Approximately £8/ 2 oz

4. The best shampoos for alopecia areata

Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition that causes round, smooth bald spots to appear on your scalp and sometimes in your beard or eyebrows. In mild cases, the lost hair will grow back within a few months or a year, but the condition is likely to flare up again at a later time [20]. More severe cases lead to permanent hair loss, such as ophiasis alopecia, alopecia totalis or alopecia universalis.

Main symptoms of alopecia areata:

  • Round, patchy bald spots on the scalp, beard, or eyebrows
  • Small, broken hair fibres which resemble exclamation marks
  • Pitted and brittle nails
  • Yellow, white, or black dots on your scalp

Recommended shampoos for alopecia areata: Hair Repair Shampoo for Men AMALIA

10 Best Hair Loss Shampoos That Work for Men: Expert Review 2024 (8)

How does it prevent hair loss?

This shampoo contains hemp seed oil, which has been found to have a positive effect on hair regrowth in patients with alopecia areata [21] It also has emollient and conditioning qualities [22], which can help prevent hair breakage.

Its other components, such as mastic, honey, and dittany, also have moisturising and nourishing properties.

Price: Approximately 23£/ 9 oz

Recommended shampoos for alopecia areata: Akin Natural Rosemary Daily Shine Shampoo

10 Best Hair Loss Shampoos That Work for Men: Expert Review 2024 (9)

How does it prevent hair loss?

While there are no scientific studies to show the efficiency of this combination in shampoo form on alopecia areata, a mixture of rosemary oil, lavender oil, and cedarwood oil has been found to play a role in reducing the symptoms of this condition [23].

Since this shampoo contains rosemary, lavender, and cedarwood, it may have a beneficial effect on alopecia areata, but more research is needed to determine whether this combination of ingredients has the same effect when in shampoo form.

Moreover, both rosemary and lavender oils have hair growth properties and lavender oil also has well-known soothing and relaxing qualities, which can reduce stress and anxiety that can cause hair loss.

Price: Approximately £24/16 oz

5. The best shampoos for lifestyle-induced hair loss

Several aspects of your lifestyle can lead to strand damage, which can give you dry, brittle hair that is easy to break. Vitamin deficiencies can starve your locks of the nutrients they need, overexposure to the sun can cause summer hair loss, and using heat styling or harsh chemicals (such as bleach) on your hair can dry it up and make it fragile. Regardless of the type of lifestyle-induced hair loss, they usually have similar effects on your hair strength.

Main symptoms of lifestyle-induced hair loss:

  • Dry, brittle hair
  • Hair breakage at the crown
  • Increased strand dullness
  • Flat hair, that lacks volume
  • Thinning locks
  • Split ends

Recommended shampoos for lifestyle-induced hair loss: Gnarly Joe Mens Shampoo

10 Best Hair Loss Shampoos That Work for Men: Expert Review 2024 (10)

How does it prevent hair loss?

This shampoo is created especially for damaged hair, containing ingredients that can not only nourish it but also strengthen hair by making it more stress-resistant. The Argan oil it contains is known to regulate your natural sebum production, moisturise it and increase its elasticity, making it less likely to break from friction or brushing [24].

At the same time, the shea butter it contains is a good emollient, which can soften your hair and scalp [25] and has been found to play a role in conditioning and regenerating bleach-damaged hair [26].

Price: Approximately 16£/ 4oz

Recommended shampoos for lifestyle-induced hair loss: Kérastase Chronologiste Bain Régénérant Shampoo

10 Best Hair Loss Shampoos That Work for Men: Expert Review 2024 (11)

How does it prevent hair loss?

The abyssinian oil and hyaluronic acid in this shampoo formula have moisturising and conditioning properties, they help improve your hair shine, make it less frizzy, and easier to detangle. This can reduce friction-induced hair breakage and lead to fewer split ends.

Price: Approximately 32£/ 9 oz

What kind of shampoos are best for men to avoid?

While all the shampoos that are commercially available are usually tested and deemed safe for the human scalp, many of them can contain substances that can damage your hair (and/or your overall health) with excessive use. So you may want to avoid shampoos which contain the following ingredients:

  • Lauryl Sulphate or Laureth Sulphate – these harsh detergents can strip all sebum off your scalp and hair, drying them out. If this happens, you will need some of the best shampoos for dry hair to undo this effect.
  • Parabens – while parabens have antimicrobial properties, they have also been linked to certain forms of cancer.
  • Formaldehyde – not many commercial shampoos still contain this preservative, but the ones that do should be avoided, as formaldehyde has been linked to a number of serious health issues [27].
  • Alcohol – Some shampoos use alcohol such as propanol as thickening agents, but they can dry your hair and scalp.
  • Silicone – Types of silicone, such as dimethicone, can make your hair smooth and shiny, but they can also significantly dry out and irritate your scalp.
  • Sodium chloride – salt may be harmless when ingested in recommended quantities, but when used to thicken your shampoo, it will lead to a dry, itchy scalp.
10 Best Hair Loss Shampoos That Work for Men: Expert Review 2024 (12)

Recommended

Can men regrow thinning hair?

Whether or not you can achieve hair growth, be it naturally or by undergoing treatment, depends on the condition that causes your hair to thin. That is why it is important to speak with an experienced trichologist, who can make the right recommendations for you. Those recommendations may include:

  • Finasteride – This is the most commonly prescribed DHT inhibitor for male pattern baldness. It is very effective in stopping this condition from advancing and in some cases, in restoring hair density.
  • Dutasteride – While it can produce comparable (or even superior) results to Finasteride in treating male pattern baldness, Dutasteride is less frequently prescribed as it is not FDA-approved for hair loss.
  • Minoxidil – This medication can stimulate hair growth in most types of alopecia, as it works by increasing blood flow to your follicles and thus ensuring more nutrients.
  • Steroid creams – These creams can be effective in reducing the symptoms of autoimmune conditions, such as alopecia areata and scalp psoriasis.
  • Red light therapy for hair growth – a form of low-level laser therapy, red light therapy for hair growth involves applying focused beams of red or near-infrared light to your scalp to enhance cell metabolism and bring more energy to your hair follicles.
  • Derma rolling for hair growth – this therapy involves using a small tool called a derma roller, which creates minuscule punctures in your scalp, to activate your natural healing reaction. It also helps topical medication, such as topical Minoxidil, penetrate your scalp more easily.

When should I consider getting a hair transplant?

If non-surgical options are not enough to help you regrow your thinning hair, you may want to consider getting a hair transplant. It is a very simple and relatively painless procedure, where healthy hair follicles are harvested from a donor area on your scalp (usually the back or sides of your head) and reimplanted in balding areas.

More and more people, including celebrities are getting hair transplants each year, as advancements in this field have made it easier to get a natural looking hair transplant regardless of whether you opt for an FUE or FUT type procedure.

While hair transplant costs may be relatively high in comparison to hair growth medication, it is worth the investment. That is because hair transplants are permanent, allowing you to enjoy thicker, fuller locks for years to come. If you can hardly believe this, see these hair transplant results after 10 years for yourself.

Book a consultation to speak with one of our hair loss specialists to discuss a treatment plan for your hair condition or check out our reviews page to learn more about the services our award-winning clinic provides.

Sources:

  1. Men’s Hair Loss
  2. Hair Cosmetics for the Hair Loss Patient
  3. Androgenetic alopecia: a review
  4. Minoxidil: a comprehensive review
  5. Rosemary oil vs minoxidil 2% for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia: a randomized comparative trial
  6. Mechanisms and time course of menthol-induced cutaneous vasodilation
  7. Peppermint essential oil: its phytochemistry, biological activity, pharmacological effect and application
  8. Telogen Effluvium: A Review of the Literature
  9. The role of psychological factors and serum zinc, folate and vitamin B12 levels in the aetiology of trichodynia: a case–control study
  10. Evaluation of a Therapeutic Alternative for Telogen Effluvium: A Pilot Study
  11. Development and Evaluation of Herbal Hair Serum: A traditional way to Improve Hair Quality
  12. Nigella sativa seed, a novel beauty care ingredient: A review
  13. Skin, hair and beyond: the impact of menopause
  14. Telogen Effluvium
  15. Dandruff
  16. Targeted Delivery of Zinc Pyrithione to Skin Epithelia
  17. Shampoos: Ingredients, efficacy and adverse effects
  18. In Vitro Growth-Inhibitory Synergistic Effect of Zinc Pyrithione in Combination with Gentamicin against Bacterial Skin Pathogens of Livestock
  19. Ketoconazole Shampoo: Effect of Long-Term Use in Androgenic Alopecia
  20. What causes alopecia areata?
  21. Clinical and Pathological Evaluation of Hemp Seeds Oil Effectiveness in the Treatment of Alopecia Areata
  22. Hemp Seed Oil for Skin Care (non-drug cannabis sativa L.): a Review
  23. Randomized trial of aromatherapy. Successful treatment for alopecia areata
  24. Hair Oils: Indigenous Knowledge Revisited
  25. Nutritional Values and Indigenous Preferences for Shea Fruits (Vitellaria Paradoxa C.F. Gaertn. F.) in African Agroforestry Parklands
  26. Effects of Hair Treatment with Shea Butter on Bleached Hair
  27. The Toxic Effects of Formaldehyde and Formalin

The Wimpole Clinic offers FUE Hair, Beard & Eyebrow Transplants & Trichology.
Talk to a specialist ☎ 020 7935 1861.

10 Best Hair Loss Shampoos That Work for Men: Expert Review 2024 (2024)

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