The best shampoo for thinning hair? What the studies found, and what people were told
Shampoos for thinning hair promise to block DHT, wake up follicles or thicken hair. This page is not a product ranking and has no affiliate links: it puts the evidence for the ingredients they advertise next to what commenters said in 2,175 reddit threads (2012–2026) about shampoo and hair loss: which one to use, whether a named one works, whether a shampoo can cause shedding, and how often to wash.
In short: no shampoo is an approved hair-loss treatment. In the US, the FDA ruled in 1989 that there were not adequate data for any ingredient in over-the-counter products put on the skin to grow hair or prevent hair loss (biotin is one it names), and that such a product needs approval as a new drug. In the largest shampoo trial we found, 200 men, an anti-dandruff zinc pyrithione shampoo raised hair counts by slightly less than half as much as minoxidil, and adding it to minoxidil gave nothing extra. Caffeine shampoo studies are few and mostly of low quality; the rosemary study tested an oil, and we found no trial of a rosemary or biotin shampoo. On reddit, in 265 threads where someone asked which shampoo to use and got an answer, the main answer was “it helps hair loss” in 25%, “a small add-on at best” in 32% and “it does little or nothing for hair loss” in 30%; the ingredient commenters pointed to by far the most was ketoconazole (326 threads). At most, a shampoo is an add-on to finasteride and minoxidil.
What the studies, reviews and the FDA say, ingredient by ingredient
What a shampoo can do at all
A shampoo's job is cleaning. A review for dermatologists says only its detergents and conditioners matter for that, and that added vitamins and plant extracts are on the scalp too briefly to do much. The FDA rule calls every label claim of an over-the-counter hair grower “false, misleading, or unsupported”. A 2025 review of blinded trials of non-prescription products for pattern hair loss found 13, and only one tested a shampoo.
21 CFR 310.527: Drug products containing active ingredients offered over-the-counter (OTC) for external use as hair growers or for hair loss prevention
US Food and Drug Administration · Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR), Title 21, 1989 · A US federal regulation from 1989 (54 FR 28777, unchanged since; eCFR text as of 1 Oct 2026). Not a study: the FDA's ruling on any over-the-counter product for external use (on the skin or scalp) labelled as a hair grower or for hair-loss prevention.
- The FDA lists ingredients that had been sold in over-the-counter hair-growth products, biotin and the other B vitamins among them. “Amino acids, aminobenzoic acid, ascorbic acid, benzoic acid, biotin and all other B-vitamins, dexpanthenol, estradiol and other topical hormones, jojoba oil, lanolin, nucleic acids, polysorbate 20, polysorbate 60, sulfanilamide, sulfur 1 percent on carbon in a fraction of paraffinic hydrocarbons, tetracaine hydrochloride, urea, and wheat germ oil have been marketed as ingredients in OTC drug products for external use as hair growers or for hair loss prevention.”
- It found no adequate data that these, or any other ingredient, work as an over-the-counter hair grower or hair-loss preventer applied to the scalp. “There is a lack of adequate data to establish general recognition of the safety and effectiveness of these or any other ingredients intended for OTC external use as a hair grower or for hair loss prevention.”
- It calls all such labelling claims false, misleading or unsupported. “Based on evidence currently available, all labeling claims for OTC hair grower and hair loss prevention drug products for external use are either false, misleading, or unsupported by scientific data.”
- Such a product needs an approved new drug application; without one it is misbranded. “In the absence of an approved new drug application, such product is also misbranded under section 502 of the act.”
Shampoo and Conditioners: What a Dermatologist Should Know?
D'Souza P, Rathi SK · Indian J Dermatol, 2015 · A narrative review for dermatologists on what shampoos and conditioners contain and do; no new data. Two dermatologists in India; the paper declares no source of support and no conflict of interest. Open-access full text read (PubMed Central).
- A shampoo's main job is cleaning the scalp and hair; it can also be an aid in treating scalp conditions. “A shampoo not only provides the cleaning of the scalp skin and hair as its primary function, but in addition also serves to condition and beautify hair and acts as an adjunct in the management of various scalp disorders.”
- Only the detergents and conditioners matter for cleaning and manageability; the rest is for stability, look and marketing. “It is important to realize that the only ingredients that are important for the cleansing and the manageability of the hairs are the synthetic detergents and the conditioners while the rest aid in the stability, presentability and marketability of the product.”
- Added vitamins and botanicals (tea tree oil is their example) are on the scalp too briefly to do much; they mainly serve marketing. “The contact time of shampoos with scalp and hair is too brief to expect significant clinical benefits despite claims to the contrary. These additives serve mainly to allow the distinction of one shampoo from another in terms of marketing claims.”
- Thickening conditioners coat the hair, making each one minutely wider: an illusion of thicker hair. “They coat hair shaft, increasing their diameter minutely and giving the illusion of thick hair.”
- Sulfate detergents (lauryl sulfates) are strong cleansers that can leave hair harsh and rough, so they are paired with milder detergents or a conditioner. “As the hair becomes harsh and rough, careful selection of a secondary detergent and possible use of a conditioning agent is always required as part of the shampoo formulation.”
- Adverse reactions to shampoos and conditioners are rare. “Adverse reactions to shampoos and conditioners are rare.”
Do Non-Prescription Products Help in Managing Androgenic Alopecia?
Gupta AK, Wang H, Wang T, Talukder M · Skin Appendage Disord, 2025 · A review of investigator-blinded controlled trials of non-prescription products used on their own for pattern hair loss: 13 studies across 8 ingredients, of which only one (the 2020 phyto-caffeine shampoo study below) tested a shampoo; the rest were lotions, oils, foams and supplements. All four authors list Mediprobe Research Inc (London, Ontario) as an affiliation; the paper declares no conflicts and no funder. Abstract and open-access full text read (PubMed Central).
- Non-prescription products, herbal extracts included, have limited evidence on safety and efficacy. “Non-prescription products such as herbal extracts and over-the-counter medications have limited evidence regarding safety and efficacy”
- The 13 trials covered procyanidin, cetirizine, caffeine, rice bran, pumpkin seed oil, rosemary oil, saw palmetto and watercress. “A total of 13 studies were included using procyanidin, cetirizine, caffeine, Oryza sativa bran, pumpkin seed oil, rosemary oil, saw palmetto, and watercress.”
- The authors ask for larger, higher-quality randomised trials. “Additional investigations through the conduct of high quality randomized, controlled trials with larger numbers of patients will help determine the effectiveness and safety of this class of compounds”
- The only shampoo among them: 7 mL a day for 6 months, rinsed off after 2 minutes, against a placebo shampoo. “Phyto-caffeine shampoo (70) 7 mL QD topical for 6 months. Rinsed off after 2 min”
Anti-dandruff ingredients: ketoconazole, zinc pyrithione, piroctone olamine
None of these trials ran longer than 6 months. In 2002, 150 men with dandruff and shedding used one of three anti-dandruff shampoos for 6 months: shedding fell with all three, hair density did not change, and there was no placebo group to compare with. In 2003, 200 men were randomised to a zinc pyrithione shampoo, minoxidil, both, or a placebo shampoo. The piroctone olamine trial lasted 8 weeks, in women, and nine of its eleven authors work for Procter & Gamble. More on ketoconazole, including its label and the mouse studies, on our page on ketoconazole shampoo and hair loss; for flakes and seb derm, see does dandruff cause hair loss?
Nudging hair shedding by antidandruff shampoos. A comparison of 1% ketoconazole, 1% piroctone olamine and 1% zinc pyrithione formulations
Piérard-Franchimont C, Goffin V, Henry F, Uhoda I, Braham C, Piérard GE · Int J Cosmet Sci, 2002 · 150 men with shedding (telogen effluvium) linked to pattern hair loss and dandruff, randomly split into three groups for 6 months, each using one of three anti-dandruff shampoos on the market. No placebo or plain-shampoo group, and the abstract does not say it was blinded; shedding was scored semi-quantitatively. University of Liège authors; funding not stated in the abstract. PubMed abstract only.
- The shampoos were used 2-3 times a week for 6 months. “Shampoos had to be used 2-3 times a week for 6 months.”
- Hair density did not change with any of them; shedding fell (ketoconazole 17.3%, piroctone olamine 16.5%, zinc pyrithione 10.1%) and the share of growing hairs rose. “At end point, hair density was unchanged, although hair shedding was decreased (KTZ: -17.3%, PTO: -16.5%, ZPT: -10.1%) and the anagen hair percentage was increased (KTZ: 4.9%, PTO: 7.9%, ZPT: 6.8%).”
- Hair thickness went up with ketoconazole (5.4%) and piroctone olamine (7.7%) and slightly down with zinc pyrithione (-2.2%). “The effect on the mean hair shaft diameter was contrasted between the three groups of volunteers (KTZ: 5.4%, PTO: 7.7%, ZPT: -2.2%).”
- All three cleared itching and dandruff quickly. “The three treatments cleared pruritus and dandruff rapidly.”
The effects of minoxidil, 1% pyrithione zinc and a combination of both on hair density: a randomized controlled trial
Berger RS, Fu JL, Smiles KA, Turner CB, Schnell BM, Werchowski KM, Lammers KM · Br J Dermatol, 2003 · The largest shampoo trial on this page: 200 men aged 18-49 with Norwood III vertex or IV hair loss, randomised for 6 months to a 1% zinc pyrithione shampoo daily, 5% minoxidil twice daily, a placebo shampoo, or both; investigator-blinded (the abstract does not say the men were blinded). The first author's affiliation is Hill Top Research, Inc. (New Jersey); funding is not stated in the abstract. PubMed abstract only.
- 200 men aged 18 to 49 with Norwood III vertex or IV hair loss took part. “Two hundred healthy men between the ages of 18 and 49 years (inclusive) exhibiting Hamilton-Norwood type III vertex or type IV baldness were enrolled.”
- The zinc pyrithione shampoo raised hair counts against the placebo shampoo, by slightly less than half as much as minoxidil. “The relative increase in hair count for the 1% pyrithione zinc shampoo was slightly less than half that for the minoxidil topical solution and was essentially maintained throughout the 26-week treatment period.”
- Adding the shampoo to minoxidil gave no extra benefit. “No advantage was seen in using both the 5% minoxidil topical solution and the 1% pyrithione zinc shampoo.”
- Only the investigator tended to see the shampoo's benefit in photos, not the men themselves. “The benefit of the 1% pyrithione zinc shampoo used alone tended (P < 0.1) to be apparent only to the investigator.”
Scalp application of the antioxidant piroctone olamine reduces hair shedding in an 8-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study
Davis MG, Piliang MP, Bergfeld WF, Caterino TL, Fisher BK, Sacha JP, Carr GJ, Moulton LT, Whittenbarger DJ, Punyani S, Schwartz JR · Int J Cosmet Sci, 2021 · Women with self-perceived thinning, 8 weeks, double-blind and placebo-controlled: a piroctone olamine shampoo (and, separately, a leave-on product) against the same product without it. The abstract gives no number of participants and no figures. Nine of the eleven authors work for Procter & Gamble; the other two are at the Cleveland Clinic. PubMed abstract only.
- It was run in women who felt their hair was thinning, for 8 weeks. “Female subjects with self-perceived hair thinning participated in an 8-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical study”
- The authors report more hair (by phototrichogram) with both piroctone olamine products than with placebo. “Statistically significant increases in hair amount were observed by phototrichogram after use of both PO-containing products versus placebo formulations.”
Topical ketoconazole for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia: A systematic review
Fields JR, Vonu PM, Monir RL, Schoch JJ · Dermatol Ther, 2020 · A systematic review of ketoconazole on the scalp for pattern hair loss, searching one database (MEDLINE): seven studies, two of them in mice. University of Florida authors; funding not stated in the abstract. PubMed abstract only. More on ketoconazole on our ketoconazole page.
- It found seven studies: two in animals (40 animals) and five in people (318 people). “Seven articles were included in the qualitative synthesis, including two animal studies (total of 40 participants) and five human studies (total of 318 participants).”
- Human studies reported thicker hair shafts after ketoconazole. “Human studies reported increased hair shaft diameter following ketoconazole use.”
- The authors call it promising as an add-on or alternative, and say randomised controlled trials are needed. “Topical ketoconazole is a promising adjunctive or alternative therapy in the treatment of AGA. Randomized controlled trials are needed.”
Caffeine (Alpecin and others)
A 2025 systematic review found 9 trials of caffeine on the scalp, 4 of them shampoos. All favoured caffeine, but the evidence was very low quality in 5 and medium at best. The often-quoted “2 minutes” study measured caffeine getting into the skin, not hair growth or hair loss. The double-blind shampoo trial in women measured hairs that come out in a pull test, not hair count.
Caffeine as an Active Ingredient in Cosmetic Preparations Against Hair Loss: A Systematic Review of Available Clinical Evidence
Szendzielorz E, Spiewak R · Healthcare (Basel), 2025 · A systematic review of every clinical trial of caffeine on the scalp up to November 2024: 9 trials, 684 people; 4 of them tested shampoos, the rest serums, lotions, a liquid and a foam. Evidence graded with GRADE. Jagiellonian University (Kraków) authors; they declare no conflicts. Abstract and open-access full text read (PubMed Central).
- Nine trials with 684 people in total met the criteria. “The query returned 1121 articles, of which 9 ultimately met the inclusion criteria. In total, 684 people with androgenetic alopecia, excessive hair loss, or hair thinning were included in these trials.”
- Four of the nine tested caffeine in a shampoo (rinsed off); five used leave-on products. “Four trials studied the efficacy of caffeine applied to the scalp in the form of a shampoo (rinse-off products), while the remaining five trials involved leave-on formulations: 2 serums, 1 lotion, 1 liquid, and 1 foam.”
- All nine favoured caffeine, but the quality of evidence was medium in 3, low in 1 and very low in 5: many had no randomisation or placebo, and most didn't say how much caffeine was in the product. “In all studies, conclusions were in favor of topical caffeine treatment; however, the level of scientific evidence was medium in 3 studies, low in 1, and very low in the remaining 5. Their major flaws included the lack of randomization and placebo and control groups, as well as the lack of information on the caffeine concentration in the topical products.”
- Of 207 ingredients advertised as 'active' in 92 anti-hair-loss products sold in Poland (2018-2019), scientific evidence existed for 8 (4%). “An analysis of 92 anti-hair loss products (shampoos, lotions, serums, and conditioners) sold in Poland from 2018 to 2019 revealed that among 448 unique ingredients that were declared in the product information, 207 were advertised as “active,” although scientific evidence was available only for 8 of them (4%)”
- Their verdict on caffeine products in the shops: maybe worth a try, but good results are not guaranteed. “Commercial hair products with caffeine offered on the market nowadays may be worth a try, but due to incomplete scientific data and product information, satisfactory outcomes are not guaranteed.”
Efficacy of a cosmetic phyto-caffeine shampoo in female androgenetic alopecia
Bussoletti C, Tolaini MV, Celleno L · G Ital Dermatol Venereol, 2020 · Women with pattern hair loss, randomised and double-blind, a phyto-caffeine shampoo against a control shampoo for 6 months; the main measure was a hair-pull test (hairs that come out when pulled), not hair count. The Gupta review above gives 70 women per group (140 in all). Authors from the Catholic University of Rome's cosmetology research centre and Eurofins Biopharma's product testing department; the shampoo's maker and the funding are not named in the abstract. PubMed abstract only.
- After 6 months, about 3 fewer hairs came out in the pull test with the caffeine shampoo, against half a hair with the control shampoo. “Subjects using the phyto-caffeine-containing shampoo had significantly fewer hairs pulled in a hair pull test at 6 months, compared with subjects using the control shampoo (-3.1 vs. -0.5 hairs; P<0.001).”
- Both shampoos were well tolerated. “Both products were very well tolerated.”
Anti-hair loss effect of a shampoo containing caffeine and adenosine
Chen D, Yu F, Wang C, Chen H, Tan J, Shi Q, He X, Liu X, Wang F, Zhao H · J Cosmet Dermatol, 2024 · A shampoo with caffeine and adenosine, used daily by 77 people aged 18-60, who filled in questionnaires in the third month. The abstract reports results against baseline only; the caffeine review above describes it as single-blind with 84 people and a control shampoo without the actives. Three of the ten authors work for Dingmageili Biotechnology Ltd (Beijing). PubMed abstract only.
- 77 people aged 18 to 60 used it as a daily shampoo. “This study aimed to evaluate a shampoo with caffeine and adenosine as a daily scalp care product for hair loss in 77 subjects aged 18-60 years.”
- Hair density rose compared with the start; hair thickness did not change. “The combination of caffeine and adenosine in the shampoo significantly enhanced hair density compared to that of the baseline. The results revealed a significant reduction in hair loss. The hair diameters of the subjects did not change significantly.”
- Per the caffeine review, satisfaction was 71% with this shampoo and 66% with the identical-looking shampoo without the actives. “In a study of shampoo with caffeine and adenosine, 71% of participants expressed overall satisfaction with the treatment as compared to 66% in the control group that used an identical-looking shampoo without the active agents”
Follicular penetration of topically applied caffeine via a shampoo formulation
Otberg N, Teichmann A, Rasuljev U, Sinkgraven R, Sterry W, Lademann J · Skin Pharmacol Physiol, 2007 · The study behind “caffeine gets into the follicle in 2 minutes”. It measured caffeine reaching the blood after a 2-minute shampoo application; it did not measure hair growth or hair loss. The abstract gives no number of participants. Charité Berlin dermatology authors; funding not stated in the abstract. PubMed abstract only.
- Caffeine was applied in a shampoo for 2 minutes and measured in the blood. “The follicular penetration of caffeine, applied topically in a shampoo formulation for 2 min, was measured with highly sensitive surface ionization in combination with mass spectroscopy”
- After 2 minutes, caffeine had got in through the hair follicles and the skin surface. “After 2 min, caffeine penetrated via the hair follicles and stratum corneum.”
Saw palmetto
The review counts pills and scalp products together, and its authors ask for trials of saw palmetto on its own. The one topical study had no placebo, and its abstract doesn't say which of the products were shampoos. Searching PubMed, we found no trial of a shampoo with saw palmetto alone.
Treatment of male androgenetic alopecia with topical products containing Serenoa repens extract
Wessagowit V, Tangjaturonrusamee C, Kootiratrakarn T, Bunnag T, Pimonrat T, Muangdang N, Pichai P · Australas J Dermatol, 2016 · 50 men aged 20-50 used topical saw palmetto (Serenoa repens) products for 24 weeks; open-label, no placebo, compared with their own baseline; a pilot. The abstract says “topical products” and does not say which ones were shampoos. Institute of Dermatology, Bangkok authors; funding not stated in the abstract. PubMed abstract only.
- It was a pilot without placebo: 50 men compared with their own starting point. “This was a pilot, prospective, open, within-subject comparison limited to 24 weeks using no placebo controls. In all, 50 male volunteers aged between 20 and 50 years received topical S. repens products for 24 weeks.”
- Hair counts went up at 12 and 24 weeks against the start, partly levelling off by week 24. “The average hair count and terminal hair count increased at weeks 12 and 24 compared to baseline. Some of these positive results levelled off at week 24”
Natural Hair Supplement: Friend or Foe? Saw Palmetto, a Systematic Review in Alopecia
Evron E, Juhasz M, Babadjouni A, Mesinkovska NA · Skin Appendage Disord, 2020 · A systematic review of products containing saw palmetto, taken by mouth or put on the scalp, for hair loss: 5 randomised trials and 2 cohort studies. The abstract does not say how many were shampoos, and the authors ask for trials of saw palmetto's own contribution. Cedars-Sinai, UC Irvine and Midwestern University authors; they declare no conflicts. PubMed abstract only (the full text is not in PubMed Central's text archive).
- Seven studies of topical and oral products containing saw palmetto reported positive effects. “Five randomized clinical trials (RCTs) and 2 prospective cohort studies demonstrated positive effects of topical and oral supplements containing SP (100-320 mg) among patients with androgenetic alopecia (AGA) and telogen effluvium.”
- The authors say robust data are lacking and larger trials on saw palmetto's own contribution are needed. “Although robust high-quality data are lacking, supplements containing SP may be a treatment option for patients with AGA, telogen effluvium, and self-perceived hair thinning. Further large-scale RCTs focusing on the sole contribution of SP to hair growth outcomes are needed to confirm efficacy and determine long-term adverse events.”
Rosemary
The trial behind most rosemary claims used rosemary oil, not a shampoo, and compared it with 2% minoxidil without a placebo group. Searching PubMed, we found no trial of a rosemary shampoo for hair loss.
Rosemary oil vs minoxidil 2% for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia: a randomized comparative trial
Panahi Y, Taghizadeh M, Marzony ET, Sahebkar A · Skinmed, 2015 · The study behind most rosemary claims. 100 people with pattern hair loss, randomised to rosemary oil or 2% minoxidil (not the 5% strength) for 6 months. It tested an oil, not a shampoo; there was no placebo group, and the abstract does not say it was blinded. The abstract gives no affiliations or funding. PubMed abstract only.
- 50 people used rosemary oil and 50 used 2% minoxidil, for 6 months. “Patients with AGA were randomly assigned to rosemary oil (n = 50) or minoxidil 2% (n = 50) for a period of 6 months.”
- Neither group changed at 3 months; both had more hair at 6 months, with no difference between them. “No significant difference was found between the study groups regarding hair count either at month 3 or month 6 (> .05).”
- Scalp itching rose in both groups, more with minoxidil. “Scalp itching, however, was more frequent in the minoxidil group at both assessed endpoints (P < .05).”
Biotin
The biotin review is about supplements, and found benefit only in people with an underlying condition. The FDA rule above lists biotin and all B vitamins among the ingredients without adequate evidence as hair growers on the skin. Searching PubMed, we found no trial of a biotin shampoo.
A Review of the Use of Biotin for Hair Loss
Patel DP, Swink SM, Castelo-Soccio L · Skin Appendage Disord, 2017 · A review of biotin taken as a supplement (not in shampoo) for hair and nails: it found 18 case reports, all in people with an underlying condition. Children's Hospital of Philadelphia authors; funding not stated in the abstract. PubMed abstract only. We found no trial of a biotin shampoo for hair loss.
- Every reported case of biotin helping was in someone with an underlying condition. “We found 18 reported cases of biotin use for hair and nail changes. In all cases, patients receiving biotin supplementation had an underlying pathology for poor hair or nail growth.”
- The authors find not enough evidence for biotin in healthy people. “However, we propose these cases are uncommon and that there is lack of sufficient evidence for supplementation in healthy individuals.”
Does washing often cause hair loss?
One controlled study, paid for by Procter & Gamble, compared daily washing with once a week. It measured scalp and hair condition, not hair loss.
The Impact of Shampoo Wash Frequency on Scalp and Hair Conditions
Punyani S, Tosti A, Hordinsky M, Yeomans D, Schwartz J · Skin Appendage Disord, 2021 · Two studies in Asian adults with no scalp disease: a survey-style study by how often people naturally wash, and a controlled study comparing daily washing with once a week. It measured scalp and hair condition, not hair loss. Procter & Gamble, a shampoo maker, paid 100% of the costs, and three of the five authors list it as their affiliation. PubMed abstract only.
- A daily wash came out better than once a week on every measure, with no harm to the hair seen. “Controlled treatment likewise showed that a daily wash regimen was superior to once per week cleansing for all end points. No objective detrimental effects to hair at this level of cleansing were observed.”
- Funding: Procter & Gamble paid all the costs. “S.P. and J.S. are employees of the Procter & Gamble Company, which paid 100% of the costs of this work.”
Quotes are copied from the papers' abstracts and open-access full text (PubMed and PubMed Central) and from the eCFR text of the FDA rule, checked 17 Oct 2026. Things to weigh: most trials are small and short, several had no placebo group, and several were run or paid for by companies that sell hair products (named on each card). Searching PubMed for Nioxin, Pura d'Or and Revita by name, we found no study of them.
The ingredients on reddit
Per ingredient: in how many of the 2,175 threads the word comes up at all (title, post or any comment), in how many commenters recommended it, and, where someone asked whether a shampoo with it works, what the answers said. Counts of threads, not a score.
| Ingredient | Named in | Recommended in | “Does it work?” threads answered | Helps | Small add-on | Little or nothing | Split |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ketoconazole (Nizoral, Regenepure DR and others) | 1,511 | 781 | 230 | 37 | 104 | 54 | 35 |
| zinc pyrithione (Head & Shoulders and others) | 64 | 113 | 18 | 5 | 5 | 7 | 1 |
| piroctone olamine | 51 | 25 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| selenium sulfide (Selsun) | 27 | 28 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| caffeine (Alpecin and others) | 218 | 88 | 52 | 1 | 7 | 38 | 6 |
| saw palmetto | 155 | 19 | 13 | 0 | 4 | 7 | 2 |
| rosemary | 118 | 28 | 12 | 0 | 2 | 6 | 4 |
| biotin | 334 | 79 | 20 | 0 | 4 | 13 | 3 |
| tea tree | 67 | 20 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| coal tar (T/Gel and others) | 28 | 41 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 1 |
| salicylic acid | 41 | 32 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
“Named in” counts the word or a brand that is that ingredient (Nizoral and Regenepure for ketoconazole); a “zinc pyrithione” recommendation is often just “Head & Shoulders”, which is why it is recommended in more threads than the word appears. Where few threads answered, the split says little.
“Which shampoo should I use?” What commenters told people who asked
547 threads asked which shampoo (or conditioner) to use for thinning hair or hair loss. In 265 a commenter said how much a shampoo would do. The main answer per thread:
- it helps hair loss: 25% (66)
- a small add-on at best: 32% (84)
- it does little or nothing for hair loss: 30% (80)
- split: 13% (35)
What they pointed to
Number of the 547 threads where a commenter recommended it:
- 326ketoconazole (Nizoral, Regenepure DR and others)
- 217something else
- 163a “DHT-blocking” or hair-growth shampoo (Pura d’Or, Revita, Hims, Nioxin…)
- 99a mild, baby or sulfate-free shampoo
- 66zinc pyrithione (Head & Shoulders and others)
- 59a thickening or volumizing shampoo
- 54biotin
- 53caffeine (Alpecin and others)
- 27coal tar (T/Gel and others)
- 20rosemary
- 19salicylic acid
- 17selenium sulfide (Selsun)
- 15piroctone olamine
- 14saw palmetto
- 13tea tree
Everything commenters said
Number of the 547 threads where at least one top comment said it:
- 134their own hair or scalp got better with a shampoo
- 107it helps the scalp (dandruff, oil, inflammation), not hair growth
- 104it dries the hair or scalp; condition, or use it less often
- 57shampoo won’t stop hair loss; finasteride or minoxidil are what work
- 52which shampoo you use doesn’t matter for hair loss
- 43thickening shampoos only make hair look fuller for a while
- 38ketoconazole is the one shampoo worth using for hair loss
- 36“hair growth” and “DHT-blocking” claims are marketing
- 36sulfates or harsh shampoos are bad for thinning hair
- 35a shampoo is on the scalp too briefly to do much
- 30a shampoo made their shedding, dryness or hair worse
- 25see a dermatologist or doctor
- 22they used one and saw no change
- 14washing daily or often is fine
- 10sulfates don’t cause hair loss
In 134 threads a commenter said their own hair or scalp got better with a shampoo, often ketoconazole, and in 30 that one made things worse. These are people's own accounts, not a trial, so they can't show what a shampoo did by itself.
In commenters' words
“it helps hair loss”
“I can vouch for the Nizoral 2%. Been using it for a few weeks and my scalp has felt super clean, less irritated and the itchiness has gone entirely. It has also majorly reduced my shedding”
A reply to Best Shampoos for Healthy Hair? (UK based) (reddit, Feb 2025)“I've definitely noticed less shedding when shampooing with the ketoconazole.”
A reply to So what shampoo is everyone using? (reddit, Sept 2018)“Personally, Alpecin caffeine shampoo, as well as Revivogen has helped reduce hair loss.”
A reply to Best shampoo + conditioner for hair loss / hair growth (reddit, Oct 2022)“I truly believe Nioxin shampoo helped slow down my hair loss.”
A reply to Need info on shampoo. Any brand recommendations? (reddit, Jul 2022)
“a small add-on at best”
“It reduced my shedding to some extent. No new hair growth though.”
A reply to Any shampoo recommendations for those with thinning hair and male pattern baldness? (reddit, Jul 2022)“If you're gonna use shampoo anyway (which I assume you do) ketoconazole helps a little, but it won't have any cosmetic significance on its own.”
A reply to 21 yo, thinning hair. Okay no bullshit, what kind of shampoo should I get? (reddit, Jul 2016)“First off all : shampoo & conditioners should always be considered a small "bonus" to your regimen, don't expect much from them.”
A reply to Shampoo and conditioner Recommendations (reddit, Oct 2022)“I like Regenepure DR & Nizoral but to be honest they probably won't make a noticeable difference in growth on their own unless you have a real scalp issue that needs treated.”
A reply to Best shampoo and other hair products (reddit, Jan 2020)
“it does little or nothing for hair loss”
“No shampoo is going to prevent, let alone reverse, male pattern hair loss.”
A reply to which shampoo to reverse/block initial loss? (reddit, Aug 2016)“Nioxin has absolutely nothing in it to treat hairloss. It's a volumizing shampoo, so for whatever reason, it's gotten a reputation to combat hairloss.”
A reply to Best Anti Dht shampoo (reddit, Jan 2017)“I like hims shampoo and conditioner. It doesn’t help stop hairloss but it gives the appearance of thicker hair”
A reply to Shampoo recommendations to pair with Hims spray? (reddit, Nov 2023)“Shampoo is about cleansing the hair and scalp, it is not the best vehicle for delivering treatments as it is not in contact with the scalp for long enough.”
A reply to Best supplement(s) and shampoo for hair loss? (reddit, Nov 2021)
Brands that come up
Number of the 2,175 threads that name the brand at least once, in the title, the post or any comment. A mention is not a recommendation: many of these are people asking whether it works, or saying it doesn't.
- 1,038Nizoral
- 232Regenepure
- 221Head & Shoulders
- 214Nioxin
- 170Pura d'Or
- 130Revita (DS Laboratories)
- 129Alpecin
- 105Hims
- 100OGX
- 73Neutrogena / T/Gel
- 66Lipogaine
- 46Selsun
- 37Hair Restoration Laboratories
- 32L'Oréal
- 29Vichy Dercos
- 20Sebamed
- 20Paul Mitchell
- 20Kérastase
- 18Aveda
Nizoral, a ketoconazole anti-dandruff shampoo, comes up in 1,038 threads; the next brand, Regenepure (its DR shampoo is sold as a ketoconazole shampoo), in 232. Of the blends sold as “DHT-blocking” or hair-growth shampoos, Nioxin, Pura d'Or, Revita and Hims come up most.
“Does this shampoo work?” What the answers said
618 threads asked whether a named shampoo, brand or ingredient helps hair loss, or compared two. In 551 a commenter answered. The main answer per thread:
- it helps hair loss: 8% (46)
- a small add-on at best: 28% (152)
- it does little or nothing for hair loss: 51% (283)
- split: 13% (70)
By what was asked about: for ketoconazole (230 threads answered) the most common answer was “a small add-on at best” (104); for “DHT-blocking” and hair-growth blends (189) it was “it does little or nothing for hair loss” (118), and the same for caffeine (38 of 52).
- 189it helps the scalp (dandruff, oil, inflammation), not hair growth
- 184shampoo won’t stop hair loss; finasteride or minoxidil are what work
- 134“hair growth” and “DHT-blocking” claims are marketing
- 119their own hair or scalp got better with a shampoo
- 95it dries the hair or scalp; condition, or use it less often
- 91they used one and saw no change
- 80a shampoo is on the scalp too briefly to do much
- 55thickening shampoos only make hair look fuller for a while
- 52a shampoo made their shedding, dryness or hair worse
- 42ketoconazole is the one shampoo worth using for hair loss
- 22see a dermatologist or doctor
- 20sulfates or harsh shampoos are bad for thinning hair
In commenters' words
“it helps hair loss”
“I first started taking it because of dandruff and noticed my hair get fuller. Have kept using it since”
A reply to Got my first Nizoral shampoo! Didn’t know it was advertised for dandruff though (reddit, Feb 2022)“I've using prescription Ketoconazole 2% for a few weeks and have noticed a few new hairs on the top of my bald head.”
A reply to Ketozolin 2% shampoo- Any experiences? (reddit, May 2023)“keto shampoo has kept my hair and scalp so much healthier. Didn’t realize my scalp was so inflamed until I used it”
A reply to Can someone briefly explain the point of ketconozole shampoo? (reddit, Mar 2023)“It worked well for treating the itching and inflammation, and frankly I think that helped my hair loss situation too”
A reply to Does anyone use 2% Ketoconazole cream or shampoo in their routine? If yes, did you notice any difference after use? (reddit, Sept 2018)
“a small add-on at best”
“It has a small anti-DHT effect and fights seborrheic dermatitis. I happen to have both problems, so it makes more sense for me. The effect on hair loss is minimal, and it tends to make your hair dry.”
A reply to Is Nizoral/keto shampoo a waste of time? (reddit, May 2026)“Effective but at the bottom of the food chain for hair loss. Won’t do much on its own but can assist in conjunction with other treatments.”
A reply to Your experience/advice re: Nizoral shampoo… (reddit, Jul 2023)“My hair fall was a lot less during showers and my hair got thicker. But It doesn't grow new hair REMEMBER THAT.”
A reply to How legit is this biotin shampoo? (reddit, Sept 2018)“It won’t actually re grow hair but it’s a great shampoo and in my experience helps with density/thickness a bit”
A reply to Nioxin shampoo as part of the daily treatment (reddit, Aug 2022)
“it does little or nothing for hair loss”
“I've been using them for awhile, they don't really make any difference. No shampoo is going to cure hair loss.”
A reply to Keeps and Hims non-medicated shampoos -- do they help at all, and does anybody use them (reddit, Aug 2023)“Except for Nizoral helping with dandruff, the other ones didn't do anything at all in terms of hairloss.”
A reply to Nizoral, Alpecin, Nioxin, Biolage, Viviscal. Shampoos (reddit, Jul 2023)“Shampoos that are meant to deliver a growth stimulant like caffiene, i’d say no. They’re not on your scalp long enough to be a good vehicle for that.”
A reply to Just started Fin + Min – Are "add-ons" like Caffeine Shampoos actually worth it? (reddit, Jan 2026)“Tbh does nothing. I've used it for many years and it's better to buy a coffee.”
A reply to Do you think saw palmetto shampoo works? (reddit, Apr 2022)
Can a shampoo cause hair loss?
232 threads asked whether a shampoo caused shedding, dryness, itching or other problems, most about ketoconazole (128). Commenters answered in 200:
- the shampoo can cause it; use less or switch: 34% (68)
- it’s not the shampoo: 40% (79)
- split: 27% (53)
- 60it dries the hair or scalp; condition, or use it less often
- 59a shampoo made their shedding, dryness or hair worse
- 33their own hair or scalp got better with a shampoo
- 25it helps the scalp (dandruff, oil, inflammation), not hair growth
- 19shampoo won’t stop hair loss; finasteride or minoxidil are what work
- 18hairs in the shower are normal shedding
- 16sulfates or harsh shampoos are bad for thinning hair
- 14“hair growth” and “DHT-blocking” claims are marketing
- 14a shampoo is on the scalp too briefly to do much
- 10they used one and saw no change
Dryness was the problem raised most (60 threads). The review for dermatologists above says adverse reactions to shampoos are rare, and that strong sulfate detergents can leave hair harsh and rough.
In commenters' words
“the shampoo can cause it; use less or switch”
“I tried it a few times and experienced loads more shedding than usual so I stopped and it went back to normal”
A reply to Nizoral shampoo causing shedding (reddit, Oct 2021)“For me it caused quite a bit of hairfall for some reason,like when I pat dried my hair after applying selsun blue I would find a lot of hair strands on it.”
A reply to Anyone lose hair on selenium sulfide? (Selsun Blue) (reddit, Oct 2025)“its because the ketoconazole fries your hair so bad it causes breakage which is why you see more hair fall out.”
A reply to why do i loose more hair , while using keto 2% shampoo? (reddit, Aug 2022)“MAXIMUM twice a week, even at once a week it made my scalp itchy, dry and nasty looking.”
A reply to Is it okay to use Nizoral 1% ketoconazole shampoo everyday? How often can I use Nizoral? (reddit, Feb 2025)
“it’s not the shampoo”
“These hairs are ready to fall out and are easily removed with washing, friction, and plucking.”
A reply to Anyone had a shed from changing their shampoo? (reddit, Sept 2024)“People loose between 50 and 100 (150?) hair a day. Mostly while showering. So yes, the amount of hair you shed is normal.”
A reply to Ketoconazole shampoo shedding, is it normal? (I use it as a prescription for dandruff) (reddit, Jan 2022)“Nah. It might exacerbate existing MPB but it won’t cause it.”
A reply to Does sls and other sulfate shampoos cause hairloss? (reddit, Jan 2024)“head and shoulders is definitely not causing your hair loss. zinc pyrithione, which is the active ingredient, is great for scalp health.”
A reply to Every-Day Shampoo? (reddit, Nov 2020)
Washing: how often, and the hair in the drain
227 threads asked how often to wash or use a shampoo, or whether washing itself causes hair loss. Number of these threads where a commenter said it:
- 62washing daily or often is fine
- 56it dries the hair or scalp; condition, or use it less often
- 38hairs in the shower are normal shedding
- 28it helps the scalp (dandruff, oil, inflammation), not hair growth
- 21a shampoo is on the scalp too briefly to do much
- 19their own hair or scalp got better with a shampoo
- 15sulfates or harsh shampoos are bad for thinning hair
- 12shampoo won’t stop hair loss; finasteride or minoxidil are what work
“It won’t make you lose hair it just removes hairs that were already going to shed.”
A reply to Double Shampooing Everyday. Safe or not? (reddit, Jan 2026)“Those were hairs that already shredded but didn’t leave your head on the days you didn’t use shampoo.”
A reply to Does anyone loose excess hair during shampoo days ? (reddit, Dec 2025)“Shampooing has zero effect on AGA. Just make sure you keep it semi clean and shampoo it when needed.”
A reply to Does infrequent shampooing accelerate hairloss? (reddit, Jun 2024)“It is perfectly fine to wash your hair every day as long as you aren't getting a dry or irritated scalp.”
A reply to What's your shampoo routine? I'm looking to improve my shampoo routine. (reddit, Sept 2025)
After a hair transplant: 259 more threads asked about washing and shampoo after the surgery. Commenters most often pointed to a mild, baby or sulfate-free shampoo (107 threads), then to ketoconazole (68). More on the weeks after surgery: hair transplant recovery.
A shampoo was also one line in people's regimens: in 292 more threads it was one item in a progress or routine post. What people reported from the treatments that do the main work: finasteride results, minoxidil results and minoxidil vs finasteride.
How this page was made
We took every live reddit thread in our corpus whose title names a shampoo, a conditioner or a shampoo brand sold for thinning hair (2,606 threads), and read the asker's post and the top comments by other people. 431 were about something else (styling, dandruff with no hair-loss question, adverts, jokes) and are not counted above. Most askers did not say whether they are a man or a woman; where they did, 150 were men and 25 women, so this mostly reflects men with pattern hair loss. Brand and ingredient mentions are counted by fixed word patterns over the whole thread. Each quote is copied word for word from the comment it links to; we picked them by hand so each states the view it is shown under, and quote nothing from threads that read as adverts. Each study quote is copied from the archived text. Removed posts are left out, usernames are not shown, and posts that mention suicide or self-harm are never quoted. Data as of Oct 2026. This is not medical advice: sudden or patchy hair loss, or a red, burning scalp, is one for a dermatologist.
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