If your ponytail feels a little skimpier or your part looks wider than it used to, you’re not alone. Hair thinning is incredibly common — and not just due to aging. Stress, hormones, and scalp health all play a role. The good news? According to skin surgeon Dr. Neera, your shampoo may actually help.
In a recent TikTok that’s gaining traction among beauty lovers and haircare skeptics alike, Dr. Neera breaks down the best derm-approved shampoos for tackling thinning hair — and some of her picks may surprise you.
“Dandruff shampoos are not just for dandruff,” she says. “Some can actually help reduce hormonal hair loss and slow down shedding.”
Here are her top 3 picks — and why they work.
@dermatologysurgeon Best shampoos to help regrow thinning hair from a dermatologist with hair loss. #hairthinning #hairgrowthtips #creatorsearchinsights #fyp MILLION DOLLAR BABY (VHS) – Tommy Richman
1. Nizoral Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
Key ingredients: Ketoconazole
Why it works: While commonly used to fight flakes, Nizoral has a hidden power: DHT-blocking properties. DHT (dihydrotestosterone) is a hormone linked to genetic hair thinning.
“It can reduce hormonal hair loss and slow down hair shedding,” explains Dr. Neera.
It’s especially effective for those experiencing androgenic alopecia (aka female or male pattern baldness).
2. Dove Scalp + Hair Therapy
Key ingredients: Peptides, zinc, niacinamide
Why it works: If you’re looking for a sulfate-free alternative to Nizoral, this is Dr. Neera’s go-to.
“Dove Scalp + Hair Therapy is your girl,” she says. “It contains peptides to support the hair root, plus zinc and niacinamide to soothe the scalp.”
That means less inflammation and a healthier environment for hair to grow.
3. Vegamour GRO Revitalizing Shampoo
Key ingredients: Vegan keratin alternative, caffeine
Why it works: If you want hair that looks fuller instantly while still addressing root causes of shedding, Vegamour’s GRO Shampoo checks all the boxes.
“It contains a vegan keratin alternative that coats the hair to make it look thicker and smoother,” says Dr. Neera.
Even better? It also features caffeine, an ingredient that’s shown promise in counteracting hormonal and stress-related hair loss.
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The Bottom Line: Scalp Care = Hair Care
All three shampoos take a different approach — from hormone blocking to scalp soothing — but each supports healthier, fuller-looking hair.
“Supporting the scalp and root is key to treating thinning hair,” says Dr. Neera. “Whether you’re dealing with hormonal shedding or stress-related loss, choosing the right shampoo can make a real difference.”
So next time you’re in the haircare aisle, don’t just reach for volume. Reach for ingredients that actually support hair health at the source.
