Reason #780 to go see a dermatologist: There are a tonne of inflammatory scalp conditions that can contribute to hair thinning and hair loss, such as dandruff, dryness, psoriasis, and more. Being overzealous with heating tools and years of bleaching can also play a part in hair loss, especially around the hairline. Both contribute to breakage by making hair dry and brittle, eventually leading to hair fallout. Kate Holden AIT, is a trichologist consultant based in Manchester, United Kingdom, and an associate member of the Institute of Trichologists. She offers expert diagnoses, therapeutic recommendations, referrals, and treatments for various hair and scalp conditions, including hair loss and thinning. If you have dandruff, an over-the-counter dandruff shampoo containing the active ingredient ketoconazole will help kill the dandruff-causing yeast on your scalp. If you have an irritated, dry scalp, a scalp oil treatment, a moisturising and gentle shampoo, and a soothing scalp serum should be your go-to. As for a shampoo specifically for thinning hair, look for a gentle, moisturising, and anti-inflammatory formula that can potentially aid in healing your scalp. Consider your goals. Dr Anita Takwale, consultant dermatologist and hair specialist for Stratum Dermatology Clinics, explains how most people notice hair thinning and shedding, but many overlook scaling, itching and burning in the scalp linked with thinning, mistaking it to be due to dandruff. This can be an early sign of certain types of scarring alopecia which if ignored can lead to permanent hair loss. The best shampoo for hair loss and thinning hair – what should you look for?

In the GHI lab, we also assessed anti-breakage shampoos by combing through hair switches that were treated with the product(s) and comparing them to untreated hair switches. The easier the treated switches were to comb, the less risk of hair breakages and fall out in real life. Trüeb RM. Oxidative stress in ageing of hair. Int J Trichology. 2009;1(1):6-14. doi:10.4103/0974-7753.51923If you just want to mask your thinning or hair loss, look for volumising shampoos with strong surfactants that remove oil and buildup on your scalp and weigh down your hair. But if you actually want to strengthen your damaged ends to make them look a bit fuller, try a bond-building shampoo (I love Olaplex No. 4 Shampoo). Many people will experience some degree of hair loss and thinning at some stage in their lives," explains Dr Sara Kayat, Viviscal’s medical ambassador. "Common causes are post-pregnancy, menopause, ageing, diet, seasonal shedding, illness, stress and medications." Gavazzoni Dias MFR. Hair cosmetics: an overview. Int J Trichology. 2015;7(1):2–15. doi: 10.4103/0974-7753.153450

Technically, shampoos can’t regrow any missing patches of hair. However, what they can do is create the right environment to encourage your natural hair to grow as healthily as possible. We also recommend using a shampoo that nourishes the hair and the scalp, which will create the optimal environment for hair growth. Ingredients to look out for in a shampoo for thinning hair Finally, prebiotic Beta Glucan deeply nourishes and rebalances the scalp’s natural microbiome, whilst Salicylic Acid performs a gentle chemical exfoliation to ward off itchiness and flakiness caused by pore-clogging sebum and product build-up.

Pharmacy product

Frequent shampooing is important to hair growth," Kingsley tells us. "This is because ithelps to keep the scalp environment clean and in good condition– and ahealthy scalpencouragesthe growthof healthy strands.

Unlike other shampoos, Nanogen Shampoo Luxe is enriched with Glycerin and Panthenol, the formula lightly conditions your hair, leaving it silky yet not weighed down, making it perfect for fine and thin hair textures. Dendy Engelman, MD, FACMS, FAAD is a board-certified dermatologic surgeon in New York. Dr. Engelman has also been featured in the media as a consultant and is heavily involved in the MDSC SkinCeuticals skincare line. When it comes to growth-boosting shampoos, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Dendy Engelman recommends looking for a product that supports overall health of your scalp in addition to your hair cuticle and hair follicle. “The scalp plays an important role in growing and maintaining strong, healthy hair,” she says. Therefore, you want to make sure it’s being properly nourished and treated for optimal hair health and growth. If you want healthy looking hair that’s full of life, you need a conditioner that won't weigh your hair down.

More From Feelunique

Draelos ZD, Jacobson EL, Kim H, Kim M, Jacobson MK. A pilot study evaluating the efficacy of topically applied niacin derivatives for treatment of female pattern alopecia. J Cosmet Dermat. 2005;4(4):258-261. doi: 10.1111/j.1473-2165.2005.00201.x Hair is left instantly revitalised with a silky-soft and smooth texture and visibly boosted shine and overall health. Root- or scalp-stimulating shampoos and conditioners: these aim to clear away root or scalp build-up and stimulate the hair follicles to encourage healthy hair growth. Due to the drop in oestrogen and progesterone that occurs after the menopause, the hair cycles are affected, causing increased shedding." Ageing

Shampoos can help with hair growth by strengthening the hair shaft, reducing breakage, and cleaning the scalp," Holden tells Byrdie, noting that maintaining a healthy scalp is crucial. Hardworking surfectants deliver the primary purpose of removing impurities, oil and dirt to clean the scalp and hair, resilience-boosting thanks to Keratin, Nanogen Shampoo Luxe unleashes the potent antioxidant powers of Green Tea extract to defend against harmful external stressors that cause damage.Rele AS, Mohile RB. Effect of mineral oil, sunflower oil, and coconut oil on prevention of hair damage. J Cosmet Sci. 2003;54(2):175-192. We gave 700 testers — all with self-diagnosed mild to extreme hair loss or thinning — a shampoo and conditioner set to trial for between one and two months. This is usually noticed three to six months after giving birth. This is because when you are pregnant you have high levels of oestrogen, which is thought to keep the hair in the growth phase. After childbirth, the oestrogen levels drop, and this causes the hair to enter the resting phase. When these hairs shed and new hairs push through around three months later, you notice the sudden loss of hair." Menopause With over five years’ experience in beauty and health journalism, Florence has written for ELLE, Women’s Fitness, Sister Magazine, National Geographic Traveller and many more, with a strong sustainability angle thread through much of her work.