This option contains no genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and is powered by plants, using a botanical mix that includes green tea extract. Although research is limited right now, a 2019 research review found that green tea extract may help block DHT.
green tea extract for DHT blocking
Hims Hair Thickening Shampoo
affordable
free from parabens and sulfates
Best shampoo with salicylic acid
The shampoo is one part of a 3-part system offered by the company, including shampoo, conditioner, and treatment.
We have a full review of the system here, but overall, the system is on the pricey side and requires consistent use for 12 weeks to see the most effective results. This option is probably best for those who see a lot of hair breakage, but it’s possible it may work for hair loss for some.
The shampoo uses a mix of ayurvedic herbs like organic turmeric and ginseng. The shampoo’s formula also includes wintergreen-derived salicylic acid. According to research from 2015, this may help remove pore-clogging buildup.
It’s free from:
parabens
gluten
synthetic fragrance
mineral oil
petrolatum
formaldehyde
animal ingredients
Pros
vegan
free from gluten and parabens
94% naturally derived ingredients
Cons
works best in a three-part system, which can get pricey
takes 12 weeks to see the best effects
might be better suited to address breakage rather than hair loss
Best shampoo with saw palmetto
Bondi Boost Hair Growth Shampoo
Bondi Boost Shampoo
Price: $$
With not just saw palmetto, this vegan shampoo also boasts peppermint oil, rosemary oil, and horsetail extract. All these ingredients are thought to boost hair growth, though more research is needed.
This option is formulated without sulfates, parabens, and silicones and is cruelty-free.
Reviewers are impressed, and the bottle is pretty large, making it a decent value for the price.
Pros
vegan
large bottle
cruelty-free
contains saw palmetto and natural oils
Cons
a couple of Google reviewers noted it did not work for them
one reviewer mentioned an allergic reaction and greasiness, so always remember to patch test before using a new product
Best shampoo with tea tree oil
Botanic Hearth Biotin Shampoo
Botanic Hearth Biotin Shampoo
Price: $
This shampoo contains both biotin and argan oil, which may protect against hair loss and boost scalp health.
This formula, which the brand claims is safe for color-treated hair, also uses ginger oil. But while this ingredient is thought to promote hair health, one 2013 animal study suggests it actually limits hair growth.
The formula also includes tea tree oil, which is an essential oil known for its ability to cleanse the scalp. According to a 2006 research review, tea tree oil has some antimicrobial properties.
This cruelty-free pick is free from sulfates and parabens and is said to be safe for all hair types.
Pros
cruelty-, sulfate-, and paraben-free
safe for color-treated hair
contains tea tree oil for natural cleansing
Cons
more research on ginger oil is needed, since older research suggests it may have a negative effect on hair growth
Best shampoo for preventing breakage
Pura D’or Professional Grade Natural Shampoo
Purador Professional Grade Shampoo
Price: $$
This naturally derived shampoo has an organic aloe vera-based formula. It targets thin hair and hair loss that comes from breakage.
The formula uses hair health favorites like argan oil, biotin, and aloe vera, along with He Shou Wu. This herbal remedy is thought to help out with lots of things, including hair loss. Again, as with many other natural ingredients, more research is needed on He Shou Wu for hair loss.
This pick is said to be a good option for color-treated hair and helpful for improving scalp health as well.
You can sign up for a subscription to save 15% through the company website if you decide this is the shampoo for you.
Pros
contains aloe vera, argan oil, and herbal remedy He Shou Wu
helps with hair damage from breakage
Cons
may not help with hair loss due to causes other than breakage
Best shampoo for split ends
Luseta Biotin B-Complex Thickening Shampoo
Luseta Beauty Biotin B Complex Thickening Shampoo
Price: $
This shampoo by Luseta targets damaged hair and split ends.
One older in vitro study suggests that caffeine can work as a DHT blocker, encouraging hair growth. This shampoo’s formula includes a mix of naturally derived ingredients, including caffeine. Caffeine is also a stimulant, meaning it could boost hair follicle stimulation, which may mean a fuller look for hair.
This product also contains biotin, which may make hair feel healthy, and adds argan oil for hair repair. Plus, it contains niacin, also known as vitamin B3. One drawback is that it contains perfume, which can be irritating for some sensitive users.
Pros
contains DHT-blocking caffeine
budget-friendly
available in large bottles
Cons
contains added scent
Best shampoo with most hair growth ingredients
First Botany Cosmeceuticals Biotin Hair Loss Shampoo
First Botany Biotin Hair Loss Shampoo
Price: $
Free from sulfates and parabens, this anti-hair loss shampoo includes many DHT blockers, including saw palmetto.
Although the brand lists its 14 ingredients as DHT blockers, it’s worth pointing out that research is needed to confirm that.
The formula does include many of the natural ingredient favorites for hair loss:
argan oil
B-vitamin complex
biotin
saw palmetto
He Shou Wu
It’s also cruelty-free and comes in a large bottle. One thing to note, though, is that some users mention an overpowering scent with this pick.
Pros
includes 14 ingredients the brand claims are DHT blockers
cruelty-free
can be used for all hair types
Cons
some users say it has a strong scent
research needs to confirm ingredients are actually DHT blockers
Best shampoo for oily hair
Kiehl’s Rice and Wheat Volumizing Shampoo
Kiehls Rice and Wheat Volumizing Shampoo
Price: $
Although this volumizing shampoo is not formulated to regrow hair, it’s a gentle, lightweight option for thin and oily hair.
The formula uses what the brand describes as lightweight proteins and rice bran oil to add volume and body for flat, oily hair.
This seems to be the only pick on our list containing sodium laureth sulfate — which means it’s less “natural” compared to the others. But it’s more likely to give a traditional lather, which you may prefer if you have oily hair.
Pros
formulated for oily thin hair
budget-friendly price point
likely to give good lather
Cons
contains sodium laureth sulfate
How we chose the best natural shampoos for hair loss
We looked for natural shampoos for hair loss that primarily include all-natural and science-backed ingredients promoting hair growth. We aimed to include products at a range of price points that would be appropriate for a variety of needs.
Every product on our list of top picks has passed our rigorous vetting process. From the company’s reputation to the product’s ingredients, our team of experts reviewed each shampoo to make sure it meets our high standards.
Read more about our vetting process.
What is natural shampoo?
Natural shampoos use nearly all-natural, organic, or naturally derived ingredients. Some of these products may use both natural and synthetic ingredients.
There’s limited regulation on cosmetic items like natural shampoos. It’s up to you as a consumer to read ingredient lists carefully and decide for yourself which options are more “natural” than others.
Natural shampoos are generally plant-based and leave out harsh chemicals like parabens, synthetic fragrances, and sulfates.
Although sulfates can be especially harsh on your hair, a 2015 research review suggests they’re the main cleansing component of typical shampoos. Grabbing a sulfate-free shampoo may mean trading sulfates for other, likely similar, types of chemicals. It may also mean that the shampoo does not create a lather as easily.
Overall, opting for a natural shampoo is a trade-off that may take some getting used to. But it’s worth pointing out that some natural shampoos for hair loss on our list get high praise from reviewers for their latherability, even without sulfates.
How natural shampoo works for hair loss
Natural shampoos, in general, try to avoid synthetic ingredients. A natural shampoo that’s appropriate for hair loss will take things a couple of steps further.
These shampoos add natural ingredients known for slowing hair loss or thickening hair overall.
For example, one popular natural remedy for hair loss is saw palmetto. This extract comes from berries of a palm common in the southeastern United States.
This ingredient may help thicken your hair, thanks to how it affects a sex hormone from testosterone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT) or androgen.
Generally, DHT is known for its ability to create certain sex characteristics like boosted muscle mass, voice deepness, and, ultimately, hair loss.
More research is needed, but a promising 2020 research review found that saw palmetto could drop DHT amounts, offering some improvement in hair regrowth and clearing out clogged hair follicles. Specially formulated DHT-blocking shampoos are also available.
How to choose the right shampoo for you
After considering your budget, look carefully at the ingredients.
First, check the ingredient list to make sure you aren’t allergic to any ingredients. Performing a patch test is a simple way to prevent allergic reactions or adverse reactions if your skin is sensitive.
Next, see if the shampoo is free from harsh ingredients. Common examples of these include synthetic fragrances, parabens, and sulfates. See if the brand added any other natural ingredients to address hair loss or thinning hair.
Some products are even designed with specific hair types in mind and can help address other concerns at the same time, like frizziness or dryness.
It’s also important to read reviews carefully. Some reviewers will mention if formulas have changed and how those changes may affect results.
Keep in mind that everyone is different. What works for someone else may not work at all for you, or may even have an adverse effect on you.
When to talk with a doctor about hair loss
There are about 100,000 hair follicles just on the human head. According to the AAD, it’s common for people to lose about 50–100 strands of hair per day.
If your hair loss seems significant or is affecting your life, visiting a doctor is a good idea. Your doctor can also help you find the cause behind your hair loss, which means you’ll have a better chance of preventing and treating it.
Tell your doctor right away if you notice hair loss along with any of the following symptoms:
fatigue
mood changes
anxiety
itching
If your hair loss is patchy or sudden, it’s important to contact your doctor right away. Patchy hair loss may be a sign of a medical condition.
Takeaway
Hair loss is common, but finding the right remedy for it can be tricky. The best natural shampoos for hair loss don’t use harsh chemicals like sulfates. They also include natural ingredients that may help with hair growth.
Check labels carefully before using your new shampoo — even gentle shampoos can cause allergic reactions for some or an adverse reaction for those with sensitive skin. Performing a patch test before using the shampoo is the best way to avoid a widespread reaction.
Some patience and trial and error may lead you to the results you’re hoping for.
