9 products to prevent hair thinning from alopecia or aging (2024)

As we age, our hair tends to thin out or fall out—making hair regrowth aids more important than ever. Made worse by stress, illness, or other conditions like alopecia areata, this struggle can lead to cutting tresses short or resorting to a ponytail every day.

Thankfully, there are a few beauty products and alopecia treatments out there—for both men and women—to help improve density, fill in sparse areas, and stimulate hair growth over the long term.

Here are nine shampoos for alopecia and hair loss that prove losing hair doesn’t mean you have to lose your confidence.

9 great shampoos for alopecia and thinning hair

1. Tarte Big Ego Dab & Go Hair Concealer

For alopecia areata sufferers, this bingo-dauber-like tube with a sponge is a total win for your hair care routine. Unlike most products for hair thinning or bald patches (which tend to be powders to brush on or shake at awkward angles), this vegan, non-messy formula is hyper precise for smaller—or larger—spots.

It blends well, requires no technique to apply, and stays on all day with no irritation at the application site—even if rocking a sweaty high ponytail at the gym thanks to your newfound confidence. For those with thinning hair follicles at the temples, or for quick root touchups, Tarte Hair Concealer comes in a purse-size tube for ultimate convenience.

The small volume may be off-putting to some given its price tag, but the fact that it’s the same price for a with brow stencils is a neat bonus for those who need a bit more filling in above the eyes, too.

2. Bumble and Bumble Prêt-à-Powder Dry Shampoo Powder

Most dry shampoo users are loyal to aerosol formulas, which are admittedly much easier to find. But it’s worth trying Bumble and Bumble’s Prêt-à-Powder version in a squeeze tube, which lasts much longer than its cousins in a can (particularly the effective but not as wallet-friendly Bumble and Bumble Thickening Dryspun Volume Texture Spray).

The non-aerosol Prêt-à-Powder squeeze tube comes in two sizes: a travel-size tube that can last up to a year when used even three times a week, and a value-sized version sold at a higher price for three times more product.

What’s especially great about this one is that it’s multipurpose. Prêt-à-Powder is not only a dry shampoo for days when you don’t have time to lather, but it can be an everyday great volumizer and even used on days you do shampoo and want a little extra oomph.

Adding this to the beauty bag is great for those with fine hair, since over-shampooing can strip essential oils and make strands even more limp. Reviews suggest this is not just a great alopecia shampoo but also a solid shampoo for hair loss from other conditions, too.

3. Living Proof. Full Dry Volume & Texture Spray

Stick-straight strands aren’t exactly the style du jour anymore (French bob, anyone?), making life en vogue more challenging than ever for those who need more bounce in their ounce. That need not be the case with Living Proof.’s Dry Volume & Texture.

Hold this aerosol spray about 6 inches away from your strands and spritz on prior to styling with a heat tool. Or you can just apply a quick spray and go mussing with your fingers.

It also plays well with other products, meaning those prepping for a night out can use a root volumizer post-shampoo, creams, or mousse and apply the texture spray after drying for added longevity in the bodifying department. Unlike other volumizing or texture sprays (like the top-rated Oribe Dry Texture Spray), this one has a non-obtrusive scent and is easier on the pocketbook.

4. Living Proof. Style Lab Amp2 Texture Volumizer

Most people fear that gel or hair wax may make them look like a spiky ‘90s boy band member—and they’d likely be right. That’s why there’s Amp2 Texture Volumizer. This non-tacky paste is great as a primary styler for shorter styles or as a root lifter for longer tresses that have already been styled.

Users praise this product for taming flyaways and shorter curls, with multiple applications a few days in a row between washings. It’s also easy to brush out without crunchy or flaky residue. A little goes a long way, however, and it can take some technique to massage in via fingertip fluff versus overapplying. On the plus side, that means this 2-ounce pot lasts for several months, even with consistent use.

5. Kérastase Bain Densité Shampoo

The linchpin of hair health is indeed the root, and the hyaluronic acid in Kérastase’s Bain Densité Shampoo helps maintain a healthy scalp microbiome for optimal growth. Hyaluronic acid can also help tresses retain moisture without weighing them down, lessening the negative impact of the heat tools those with thin hair often revert to for body.

While many people with fine hair are cautioned to avoid shampoos with soapy sulfates (detergents used in many personal care products), it can be tricky to get a fully clean feeling if going the sulfate-free route. Bain Densité balances a perfect lather with a fresh cleanse that doesn’t feel as though natural oils are being stripped from the hair.

Used in concert with the Fondant Densité Conditioner (which has minerals to fill in gaps in hair strands), and the , results can be seen—and felt—after just one shower.

6. Bumble and Bumble Thickening Plumping Mask

Most people with fine or thinning hair stay away from deep-conditioning treatments, thinking they’ll be too heavy, but then overstyle their locks in an effort to volumize, so they become dry. The Bumble and Bumble Thickening Plumping Mask (a conditioner replacement) shows results in just one use, with softness and volume that lasts all day.

Since this mask works in as little as two minutes, there’s no need to jump out of the shower and then back in to rinse it out, like many other deep-conditioning treatments require. Users praise the product’s light scent and, for those with curls and waves, increased definition. While its full 6.7-ounce size is pricey, a little goes a long way—especially on fine hair—and there’s a $16 2-ounce trial size.

7. Divi Scalp Serum

While Divi can be a bit divisive when it comes to user reviews, its fans swear by this scalp-nourishing and volumizing formula. Detoxifying product buildup is key to preventing irritation on sensitive scalps, and Divi’s tea tree oil helps remove product and dead skin buildup to help promote healthy hair growth.

Zingy peppermint oil, menthol, and other key ingredients help increase blood circulation, too. Reviewers with psoriasis, color-treated hair, and postpartum conditions give Divi Scalp Serum two thumbs up. Like most topical products, growth results may not be apparent until about three months of consistent use.

8. Virtue Women’s 5% Minoxidil Foam

Anyone who’s ever watched a TV commercial in the ‘80s is probably familiar with Rogaine, but until recently, Minoxidil—the medication within it—was rarely used by women. That’s because lower-dose treatments (like 2% topical sprays) are applied two times daily, meaning some found their hair too greasy in appearance after use.

New formulas that up the ante include Virtue’s 5% Minoxidil Foam, which is lighter than a spray, non-greasy, and can be applied at night so it won’t impact styling. Users praise Virtue’s formula for its pleasant scent, with most reporting positive results or thicker, fuller, and healthier hair within three months.

9. GrandeBrow 2-In-1 Tinted Brow Gel + Brow Enhancing Serum

While the focus of this article is on shampoos for hair loss and alopecia, it's a well-known fact that thinning hair doesn’t stop at the scalp. Over time, brows can also become more sparse and need some plumping up. This is unfortunate news, since fluffy, groomed brows are in style.

That’s where GrandeBrow comes in.

Grande already has a loyal following for its eyelash growth serum (more affordable than most other lash serums), and its 2-in-1, easy-to-use, tinted brow gel enhances the look and color of an often-under-recognized part of self-grooming. The color is buildable, as are the results. Mini fibers give instant color and volume, while the serum promotes thicker, darker brows over time.

Prices were accurate at the time this article was published but may change over time.