Feel Confident is a no-nonsense, science-backed hair and skin care line created by an MD and hair restoration surgeon who saw a lack of said, no-frills solutions for guys. Their approach is simple: reliable products that prioritize results over hype. The shampoo and conditioner duo is a tag team that thickens hair and promotes growth. The shampoo cleanses without that harsh, stripped feeling, while the conditioner nourishes without making hair feel overly fine—a common issue for those with thinner strands like myself. They’re formulated with proven ingredients including pumpkin seed oil to strengthen, caffeine to boost scalp circulation, and saw palmetto and turmeric root to combat DHT (a significant factor in hair loss). After repeated use, my hair felt noticeably fuller and stronger. Pro tip: The conditioner doubles as stand-alone nourishment when daily shampooing isn’t necessary.

Best Anti-DHT Shampoo: Nizoral Anti-Dandruff Ketoconazole 1% Shampoo

As Dr. Mislankar points out (and as some studies support), the dandruff-neutralizing active ingredient ketoconazole is probably one of the best active ingredients for countering DHT), a the hormonal byproduct that shrivels up hair follicles in male-pattern baldness. Because of this, derms frequently recommend it for hair loss and dandruff, and I’ve had success using it; however, like most products with this active ingredient, I find it to be drying, so I always chase it with conditioner to help ward off frizz.

Still, I think every guy should own this dandruff shampoo (it’s easy to get on Amazon) and deploy it once a month or every two weeks to mitigate flakes and help mitigate DHT-induced hair loss. Always, always follow it with a nourishing conditioner (and a thickening or volumizing one, should you want those results, too).

Best for Thin Hair: Ouai Fine Hair Shampoo

If you landed here because your hair is “thin” or “fine” as opposed to actively “thinning,” then don’t worry—this one is for you. It’s also a great pick if your hair is both thin and thinning. OUAI’s recipe coats your hair with chia seed oil to leave it visibly plumper upon rinsing and promises not to weight down your strands despite that extra coat. It’s the absolute favorite of my fine-haired partner, and it’s a great base for anyone with hair loss who wants their shampoo to work in tandem with other hair-densifying efforts.

Best for Stimulating: The Grey Stimulating Shampoo

One of the best things you can seek out in a shampoo for best hair fortification is a stimulating active ingredient, like the camphor and rosemary oil that flood The Grey’s formula. These ingredients improve circulation to the follicles, which fortifies their growth environment. Thanks to a healthy dose of creatine, hair appears fuller in a single rinse. It’s worth noting that this top pick has long been beloved by our grooming editors for its ability to help hair look thicker in the immediate and long term.

Best for Adding Volume: Ulo Saw Palmetto Thickening Shampoo

OK, so you’re fine with your thin hair, but you would love a bit of extra oomph up in there. Ulo’s Thickening Shampoo is the solution. This high-lathering shampoo offers an excellent clean feeling, but where it wins out in the haircare game is giving your strands the extra pop of life youi’ve been so desparetely craving since you realized your current locks were falling a bit, uh, flat. The shampoo, despite its excellent cleansing abilities, leaves your hair feeling soft and hydrated, while caffeine and saw palmetto pull double duty to instigate some hopeful extra hair growth. That rosemary and peppermint oil are just the cherries on top to leave you smelling good long after you’ve toweled off.

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