10 Best Shampoos for Menopausal Hair – Reclaim Fuller Hair

Written by Shehnaz Shirazi

Updated on July 02, 2023

This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we may earn from qualifying purchases.

“Menopause isn’t that bad.” …said no woman ever!

Our skin droops, our waists expand, our sex lives disappear, and our hair loses volume and thickness. Not to mention dry and frizzy hair that’s a total nightmare to manage. While it may not be a top priority, many women lack self-confidence when their hair start thinning, which can be distressing.

So how do you fix it?

Minoxidil, HRT, hormonal medications, diet?

Surprisingly, changing your shampoo alone can make a huge difference to how your hair looks and feels during and after menopause.

And to prove it, here are the best shampoos for menopausal hair that will help you reclaim your youthful and confidence-boosting hair again.

1. ThickTails Hair Growth Shampoo and Conditioner

Excellent anti hair loss and hair regrowth shampoo and conditioner set for women experiencing thinning hair due to menopause or postpartum recovery.

Buy from Amazon

Thicker, fuller, healthy hair, less breakage, more volume, and less grays.

That’s what you get with the Thicktails shampoo. It reduces hair loss and supercharges hair growth. The shampoo and conditioner set contains 8 of the best ingredients for hair health:

• Saw palmetto
• Biotin
• Glycine
• Vitamin B5
• Coconut oil
• Caffeine
• Acetyl Tetrapeptide-3
• Acetyl Hexapeptide-1

Developed by leading trichologists to reduce the detrimental effects of DHT on the hair, Thicktails prides itself as the go-to product for women against DHT hair loss.

2. Watermans Grow Me Hair Growth Shampoo and Conditioner

Get thicker, stronger, longer, and healthier-looking hair with the Grow Me haircare kit.

Buy from Amazon

Watermans Grow Me shampoo is a rich and indulgent shampoo that helps to strengthen hair follicles, improve scalp circulation, and stimulate hair growth. With its DHT-halting technology, a rich blend of peptides, vitamins to help revive tired follicles, caffeine, rosemary, and lupine protein, the Watermans shampoo invigorates weakened hair from the roots.

It’s also a hydrating and revitalizing shampoo that works for all hair types.

3. Shapiro MD Women’s Regrowth Kit Plus

The women’s regrowth kit backed by science. With results showing significant improvements on women who had hair thinning problems.

Buy from Amazon

Founded in 2011 by two Dermatologists, Dr. Steven Shapiro and Dr. Michael Bornenstein, Shapiro MD created its patented triple action hair care formula by leveraging 5 years of intense research on the effects of DHT on hair follicles.

With FDA-approved and clinically proven ingredients that can stimulate stem cells, this shampoo fights hormonal hair thinners with active ingredients such as saw palmetto, caffeine, and green tea.

You also get a 2% minoxidil regrowth treatment in the kit that claims to regrow hair in 3 months.

However, be cautious and do a hair patch test before using minoxidil as every individual may react differently to it. Minoxidil’s common side effects include irritation, irregular heart rhythms, and dry scalp.

Overall, customers who used the Shapiro MD kit showed positive results. See the before and after photos here.

4. Plantur 39 Phyto Caffeine Shampoo

The best coffee shampoo for thinning hair. Also includes a scalp tonic that can be used in-between shampooing.

Buy from Amazon

The Plantur 39 shampoo utilizes the unique properties of nature’s Phyto actives to protect the scalp from the impact of declining estrogen levels. Additionally, it uses caffeine to prevent premature miniaturization of the hair follicles caused by testosterone-derived DHT. ^[15][26]

For women experiencing menopausal hair thinning and hair loss, the Plantur Phyto-Caffeine shampoo, conditioner, and scalp tonic will strengthen fragile and brittle hair from the roots, allowing them to flourish instead of falling off.

5. Virtue Flourish Shampoo for Thinning Hair

A gentle lathering and purifying shampoo that enriches the scalp for optimal hair growth.

Buy from Amazon

The Virtue Flourish shampoo gently cleanses and stimulates the scalp, promoting healthy hair growth. Rice-based humectants and active plant extracts work together to clear scalp irritation and flaking, while alpha and gamma keratin proteins help fortify the hair shaft.

I love the Virtue range for its cute and colorful bottles and the texture and feel of their products. They feel luxurious and of high quality.

The Flourish shampoo, which comes in a purple bottle, is available in 2 sizes: 240ml and 60ml. If you want to give it a whirl, I’ll suggest getting the small bottle first, which is reasonably priced.

6. Nioxin System 4

72% of people who used the Nioxin 4 system reported thicker-looking hair after 2 weeks.

Buy from Amazon

The Nioxin 4 consists of a thickening shampoo, a scalp revitalizing conditioner that work together to reduce hair breakage.

Ideal for people who suffer from thinning hair mainly due to breakage, the Nioxin 4 system is more a prevention treatment than a cure for hair loss and regrowth. While it will help you strengthen your existing hair, it does not make your hair grow faster or reverse hair loss. It’s an ideal shampoo to start using before entering menopause to control and reduce hair thinning before it’s too late.

7. Viviscal Densifying Shampoo and Conditioner

An excellent densifying shampoo and conditioner set ideal for everyday use for women who have normal or fine hair.

Buy from Amazon

​​Viviscal is a budget-friendly shampoo that uses keratin and biotin to amplify hair thickness and volume. The formula also includes patchouli and coriander oils to balance the scalp.

The only downside of this product is that it contains sulfates, which makes it a no-go for people with color-treated hair.

Overall, expect this shampoo to make your hair look fuller and thicker, but don’t expect it to regrow lost hair.

8. Alterna Caviar Anti-Aging Clinical Densifying Shampoo

Rich and luxurious daily cleansing shampoo for fragile and thinning hair.

Buy from Amazon

This luxurious shampoo contains caviar extract, which is rich in omega fatty acids, and anti-aging properties. With added biotin and keratin, this shampoo actively improves hair texture, thickness, and overall condition.

9. Keranique Shampoo and Conditioner Set for Hair Growth

A premium product formulated to nourish and rejuvenate the hair follicles.

Buy from Amazon

Keranique’s scalp stimulating shampoo deep cleanses and thickens without weighing your locks down. Packed with nourishing and moisturizing ingredients, Keranique also delivers better hair manageability and frizz control that can last all day long. Trusted by over 2 million women worldwide, it’s one of the best premium shampoos for female pattern baldness.

But beware. Due to its high popularity, you may come across copycat products online.

10. OGX Thick and Full Biotin Shampoo

A good drugstore budget shampoo for hair thickening.

Buy from Amazon

The OGX Thick & Full shampoo is a volume-creating powerhouse with an extra helping of vitamins and proteins to pump up fine strands. With biotin and collagen as its key ingredients, it adds noticeable strength, resilience, and thickness to the hair to improve the overall look.

However, if you use it too often, you may notice buildup in the hair.

Other negative points are sulfates and DMDM hydantoin, which are harmful ingredients to avoid.

How Does Menopause Affect The Hair?

Menopause influences hormones that regulate the hair growth cycle. During menopause, estrogen (female hormone) levels drop significantly, causing the hair growth cycle to slow down and hair follicles to shrink. As a result, menopausal women experience an increase in hair shedding and thinning, which can be distressing.

According to Trichologist Dr. Sharon Wong, a gradual reversal in the ratio between female and male hormones (androgens) triggers hair loss. ^[1]

“The decline in estrogens/progesterones means you lose the protective effect on your hair, whilst the effect of androgens on the follicle is amplified. – She said”

Most women will also notice that their hair loses volume, length, density, and elasticity, making it challenging to style and manage.

As we age, our skin becomes drier and more sensitive. Some women may find that their scalp becomes dry and itchy during menopause ^[2] due to a sudden decline in sebum production ^[3]. Such changes can lead to problems like inflammation, flaking, and dandruff. ^[4]

To summarise, menopause affects hair quality from root to end, causing what most menopausal women would refer to as the “midlife hair crisis.”

How to Care for Hair During Menopause?

Regardless of your hair type and texture, here are a few tips that will help you get the best out of your hair during and after menopause.

1. Reduce Your Stress Levels

Menopause can cause emotional stress due to the body’s reaction to change.

And when we feel stressed out, our body reacts by elevating cortisol levels, also known as the stress hormones. According to Anabel Kingsley, a world-renowned Trichologist, this type of stress can disrupt the scalp’s natural balance, causing follicle sensitivity and eventually hair thinning ^[5]. That’s why most menopausal women experience stress-induced hair loss like alopecia areata.

To reduce menopausal stress and prevent hair loss, Dr. Stephanie Goodwin, also known as the menopause guru, advises menopausal women to do a regular scalp massage to stimulate extra blood flow ^[6]. Also, it is known as an effective form of stress relief and a good relaxation exercise that invigorates the scalp.

2. Adapt Your Haircut

A new haircut can help you adapt to your new hair texture and make it look its best.

For example, shorter styles are easier to care for and help disguise thinning hair. A layered cut can add body and movement, while a blunt cut will keep your hair looking sleek and polished.

To be honest, many women find that they are no longer as interested in styling their hair in the same way as they were when they were younger. A shorter haircut, in my opinion, is simpler and less time-consuming to maintain.

You could also try a different color or highlights, which can help disguise any thinning areas.

3. Avoid Heat Styling

During menopause, hair becomes drier, more brittle, and prone to breakage.

Styling your hair with heat can exacerbate these problems and accelerate hair damage. So it’s best to avoid using heat styling tools as much as possible during menopause. If you need to style your hair, try using a styling product that will protect it from the heat, like a thermal protector spray. And be sure to use a low setting on your styling tools, and wait until your hair is completely dry before styling it.

4. Deep Cleanse Your Hair and Scalp Regularly

Due to a combination of hormonal changes and the fact that older skin cells are less efficient at retaining moisture, a dry scalp can accumulate white flakes (dry or dead skin cells).

Shampooing every other day is enough to keep your hair healthy, clean, and manageable.

5. Sleep on Silk Pillowcase

During menopause, it’s common to experience hot flashes and night sweats that make sleeping uncomfortable. According to Dr. Shahzadi Harper (Harper Clinic London), sleeping on silk can alleviate these problems. Silk is a natural thermoregulator, which means it will keep you comfortable regardless of whether the temperature is high or low. Plus, silk is ultra-smooth, making it more gentle for your hair to avoid tangling while you sleep. Unlike cotton fabrics that are known to absorb moisture from the skin and hair, silk absorbs very little moisture, aiding your hair’s moisture retention and smoothness throughout the night.

So get a silk pillowcase. It will reduce hair breakage and make sure your locks don’t dehydrate when you zzz.

Menopausal Hair Shampoo – Buying Guide

After reviewing 37 shampoos that target menopausal hair problems, we’ve narrowed down the list of ingredients and qualities we found most of them had in common. While you may not have a single product with all these attributes, you can use it as a checklist to ensure you get good value for your money.

Active Ingredients to Look for:

Biotin

Biotin stimulates keratin production, the most important building block of the hair, reinforcing its strength, elasticity, and lifeforce. Without enough keratin, hair becomes fragile and breaks easily. So it’s critical to support your hair with biotin-rich foods, supplements, or products. ^[7]

Minoxidil

Minoxidil is an FDA-approved ^[8] topical treatment that stimulates hair growth and reduces hair thinning. Available over the counter without prescription, minoxidil can help menopausal and postmenopausal women treat androgenic alopecia, female pattern hair loss (FPHL), and prevent premature hair loss.

However, it’s recommended to use the formula at a 2% concentration for women and 5% for men. ^[27][

While Minoxidil can be highly effective, it has known side effects, like scalp irritation, unwanted facial hair growth, and irregular heartbeat. ^[9]

A better natural alternative to minoxidil is rosemary oil.

Rosemary Extract

“Rosemary oil is equivalent to 2.5% minoxidil, which is pretty impressive.” – says Dr. Michelle Henry, a Board-certified Dermatologist in New York City.

When applied topically to the scalp, rosemary oil helps restore blood flow ^[10] and encourages cell turnover. Being completely natural, it’s well-tolerated by the skin and doesn’t cause any unwanted side effects. Rosemary is a natural antioxidant and antimicrobial agent ^[11] that can clean and protect your scalp against free radicals and infection.

Also, a randomized trial that included two groups of people with androgenetic alopecia using minoxidil and rosemary oil showed similar results in hair count in 6 months. The group that used minoxidil reported scalp itching problems. The trial demonstrated that rosemary oil was as good as minoxidil when applied topically and did not have any adverse side effects. ^[12]

Saw Palmetto

Saw palmetto is a plant-derived anti-androgen ^[13] that has garnered much praise for its effectiveness at slowing down hair loss and promoting new growth.

To prove it, 5 randomized clinical trials and 2 cohort studies ^[14] proved that patients who suffered from androgenetic alopecia showed a 60% improvement in overall hair quality, 27% improvement in total hair count, and 83.3% of patients reported increased hair density by taking saw palmetto in 100-320 mg doses via topical and oral supplements. Saw palmetto did not have any negative side effects either.

Caffeine

Caffeine is a natural hair growth stimulator.

According to a study, caffeine in doses of 0.001 and 0.005 percent were found to counteract testosterone-induced hair loss, resulting in hair elongation at 120 hours after administration. ^[15]

A topical application in a shampoo for 2 minutes resulted in higher and faster caffeine penetration into the hair follicles than any other route, resulting in quicker caffeine absorption during the first 20 minutes after application. ^{[15] [16]}

That’s why brands like Alpecin, Plantur, Ultrax Labs, Terez & Honor, TruePure are big advocates of caffeine-based shampoos to help men and women stabilize hair loss and regain thicker hair.

Try a shampoo or conditioner with caffeine in it, or add a few drops to your regular shampoo.

Green Tea Extract

DHT (dihydrotestosterone) is one of the main contributing factors to male pattern balding and thinning hair in women during menopause. ^[17]

Green tea contains a chemical called epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), which is a natural DHT blocker. EGCG administration has been proven in studies to lower DHT levels, stimulate hair roots, and extend the hair’s anagen phase (growth) to withstand the adverse effects of hormonal imbalances. ^[18]

Related: Benefits of using green tea as a scalp tonic

Pumpkin Seed Oil

Pumpkin seed oil is a great natural source of zinc, magnesium, and fatty acids that are highly beneficial for skin and hair health.

Zinc is essential for cell production and division. Magnesium helps to keep the scalp healthy and prevents inflammation, while fatty acids keep your hair shaft strong and promote healthy hair growth.

Pumpkin seed oil is also rich in antioxidants, including polyphenols which help to protect the hair from free radical damage and keep it looking shiny and healthy.

In a 2014 study, researchers examined hair changes in 76 male patients with alopecia who used pumpkin seed oil. For 24 weeks, they received either a placebo or a 400 mg dose of the PSA daily. Those who took Pumpkin seed oil showed a 40% in hair count. In comparison, patients who took the placebo experienced only a 10% increase in hair count. ^[19]

Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein

Hydrolyzed wheat is protein broken down into very small pieces, making it easier for the hair to absorb and replenish its lost protein (keratin).

A shampoo with wheat protein can help recover damaged hair, reducing breakage and hair loss. ^[20]

Collagen

Collagen is a fibrous, structural protein that helps form the foundation of the hair shafts, giving them the ability to bend, flex, and twist without snapping. Collagen adds strength and resilience to the hair.

However, as you age, your body produces less collagen, which directly impacts your hair’s strength and ability to withstand external influences that cause breakage and damage.

That’s why it’s essential to keep supporting your hair with collagen supplements either via a topical application or an oral supplement.

“Collagen is not a component of hair. But the main component of hair, about 95% of it, is the protein keratin. For the body to make keratin, amino acids (or building blocks of protein) are necessary. And that’s where collagen comes into play.” – says Rachel Maiman, M.D., Board-certified Dermatologist at Marmur Medical.

Related:

Folic Acid

Folic acid (Folate/Vitamin B9) helps produce new red blood cells, which can carry oxygen and nutrients to the scalp.

In a 2014 study carried out evaluating the relationship between folate deficiency and some autoimmune diseases like alopecia areata, which is a common form of hair loss, there was conclusive evidence suggesting that patients with alopecia had lower levels of red blood cells folate. ^[21]

Although there is no conclusive evidence that it can fight hormonal hair loss, folic acid is still a key nutrient that can amp up the body’s red blood cells production, a key contributor to healthy hair.

Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is a plant that has long been used for medicinal purposes. It can be used as a moisturizer for dry skin, blood sugar stabilizer, mouthwash, and soothing sunburns. ^[22]

But its most potent benefits lie in its anti-inflammatory properties, which can heal various skin and scalp conditions. ^[23]

So how does this help with hair loss?

Well, although there is no conclusive research to prove that it stops hair loss, there is enough evidence to support aloe vera gel’s effectiveness to heal chronic scalp conditions ^[24] that may contribute to hair loss. By helping the scalp fight bacteria, dandruff, and inflammation, it fertilizes the hair base for optimal growth.

Niacin (Vitamin B3)

Niacin, also known as vitamin B3, is a water-soluble vitamin that has proven to slow down the aging effects on hair with its highly effective antioxidants. Niacin reactivates blood vessels near the skin to open up, boosting blood supply to the hair follicles ^[25]. Its efficacy is well-documented, and many studies also support the use of niacin in various hair growth vitamins and supplements designed to tackle female pattern alopecia.

Here’s a study that proves how niacin increased hair fullness in 60 females after 6 months of application.

You can also find niacin as a key ingredient in women’s hair loss products such as Nutrafol, Oxford Biolabs, Plantur, Viviscal, and many more.

Look for a Shampoo That Boosts Hair Growth

Ingredients like saw palmetto, caffeine, and biotin can boost hair volume and thickness. Especially if you are in the early stage of menopause, a shampoo formulated with such hair growth boosters can minimize the adverse effects of hormonal imbalances.

Look for Scalp Stimulating Properties

A shampoo that can stimulate blood flow to the scalp will help strengthen the hair follicles for optimal growth. Stimulants like caffeine ^[15] and niacin ^[25] are highly effective at carrying essential nutrients and oxygen to the hair follicles, which can help revitalize every single hair strand to its maximum potential.

Look for a Shampoo That Can Double Up as a Scalp Treatment

A shampoo that can double up as a scalp tonic treatment can help unclog impurities, stale sebum, and buildup that may be inhibiting hair growth. A good scalp cleanser shampoo can detox and rebalance the scalp, improving hair follicles’ ability to stimulate more growth.

Look for Nourishing and Moisturizing Ingredients

Moisturizing and nourishing ingredients improve hair elasticity, moisture retention and prevent frizziness, making your hair easy to style and manage.

Here are some of the ingredients to check for in your shampoo:

• Argan oil
• Shea butter
• Coconut oil
• Aloe vera
• Avocado oil
• Honey

Look for a Shampoo That Reduces Hair Breakage

Ingredients like biotin, keratin, collagen, and elastin can help strengthen the hair shafts, making them more resistant to splitting and breaking when detangling or styling.

But still, make sure you never detangle your hair when it’s dry. Always brush or detangle when your hair is drenched in conditioner to avoid frizz and breakage.

Don’t Forget Frizz Control

Most menopausal women experience frizzy hair due to estrogen deficiency, scalp dryness, and the natural decline in collagen.

An anti-frizz shampoo can improve the hair’s appearance by keeping it smooth, manageable, and easy to style.

Filter Out The Bad Chemicals

Many shampoos contain harsh chemicals like sulfates that can damage the hair. Over time, these chemicals can strip the hair of its natural oils, leading to excessive dryness. Look for a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner designed to cleanse and moisturize without over-stripping the hair.

Summary

Hair thinning, hair loss and frizz are common problems among women who go through menopause due to hormonal changes.

That’s why it’s essential to adjust your products to support your hair and scalp during and after this transitional change. Starting with a shampoo that contains essential natural ingredients and follicle boosters like biotin, caffeine, and antioxidants can help stimulate the scalp to increase blood flow and produce more natural oils, enhancing overall hair quality and manageability.

All is not lost. You can still put your best self forward by embracing the change and adapting to your body’s new needs.

Get started today with the best shampoo for menopausal hair 👇

ThickTails Growth Shampoo Kit

Check Price

About the Author

Shehnaz Shirazi

Shehnaz Shirazi has been writing in the beauty and cosmetics industry for over 8 years, sharing her expansive hair care and beauty knowledge. Shehnaz researches and tests new hair care trends and publishes her insights here.