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There are many reasons you might find yourself in need of the best shampoo for hair growth: postpartum hair loss, menopause, dietary changes, stress, and more. Whatever the case may be, hair loss is never a pleasant experience.
Our Top Picks
- Best for Heat Damage: Vegamour GRO Revitalizing Shampoo, $48
- Best for Thinning Hair: Nutrafol Root Purifier Shampoo, $44
- Best for Sensitive Scalps: Maria Nila Head & Hair Heal Shampoo, $36
- Best for Repair: Nécessaire Rosemary Shampoo, $28
- Best for Volume: Virtue Labs Volumizing Full Shampoo, $42
- Best Drugstore: OGX Thick & Full Biotin & Collagen Shampoo, $11
- Best for Conditioning: FEKKAI Super Strength+ Shampoo, $35
- Best for All Hair Types: Living Proof Full Shampoo, $34
- Best for Fine Hair: Nexxus Diametress Shampoo, $16
- Best for Color Treated Hair: ColorWow AntiHair Loss Shampoo, $24
- Best for Dry Hair: Lolavie Restorative Shampoo, $29
- Best for Scalp Exfoliation: Philip Kingsley Density Thickening Shampoo, $38
While experts may not universally agree that hair growth shampoos can halt hair loss, they can assist in maintaining the best possible condition for hair growth. It’s worth a try, and many consumers swear by their hair growth shampoos. However, when shopping, it’s important to be discerning as there are various ingredients and formulations to consider. Fortunately, we’ve done the hard work for you by consulting experts to understand what truly works and what’s better left on the shelf.
Consistency is key, along with proper hair care practices—think scalp massages, heat protection, and products that don't clog the scalp. Ahead, 12 of the best hair growth shampoos, according to the pros.
In this article
- Does hair-growth shampoo work?
- How does hair-growth shampoo work?
- What should you look for in a hair-growth shampoo?
- What is biotin?
- What causes hair loss?
- What are other viable hair-loss treatments?
- Meet the experts
Best For Heat Damage: Vegamour GRO Revitalizing Shampoo
Why we love it: If you’re in a committed relationship with your hot tools, chances are your hair may be suffering from some heat damage. Enter: Vegamour GRO. This innovative shampoo features the brand’s proprietary Karmatin, a microencapsulated vegan B-silk protein that bonds with hair, aiding in repair and protection against damage. With consistent use over a few weeks, you’ll begin to notice your hair looking noticeably fuller and glossier.
- Key ingredients: Karmatin, marula, baobab, murumuru butter, red clover, mung bean
- Size: 50 mL, 236 mL
- Safe for color treated hair: Yes
- Scent: Citrus Scent
- Best for: Damaged Hair, Frizzy Hair
Best For Thinning Hair: Nutrafol Root Purifier Shampoo
Why we love it: If you are someone who dutifully takes Nutrafol’s hair growth pills, why not aid your hair care journey by pairing them with Nutrafol’s purifying shampoo? The brand certainly seems to know what they’re doing. According to Dr. Jodi LoGerfo, doctor of nursing practice and a family nurse practitioner, this shampoo is both hydrating and cleansing, and it doesn’t strip the hair.
- Key ingredients: Vegan protein, prebiotics, biosurfactant
- Size: 240 mL
- Safe for color treated hair: Yes
- Scent: Citrus Scent
- Best for: All Hair Types, Thinning Hair
Best For Sensitive Scalps: Maria Nila Head & Hair Heal Shampoo
Why we love it: When in doubt, follow the lead of the Swedes. Maria Nila is the It girl clean hair care brand in Sweden, boasting a cult following that swears by its shampoos. This particular one, aimed at balancing both the hair and scalp, includes aloe vera, which, as noted by Dr. LoGerfo, “can help relieve an irritated scalp.” Moreover, it smells amazing, featuring allergen-free jasmine and linden blossom, ensuring that sensitive skin types can enjoy it worry-free.
- Key ingredients: Aloe Vera, vitamin E, piroctone olamine, peptides
- Size: 100 mL, 350 mL, 1000 mL
- Safe for color treated hair: Yes
- Scent: Jasmine, Linden Blossom
- Best for: For Sensitive/Dry Scalp
Best For Repair: Nécessaire Rosemary Shampoo
Why we love it: Hot off the press! Nécessaire’s latest launch is formulated specifically for thinning, damaged hair. It contains rosemary oil, which according to Dr. LoGerfo, can enhance blood flow in the scalp, potentially decreasing hair loss and promoting hair growth. The shampoo also contains ceramides and proteins, which aid in repairing damaged hair, retaining moisture, and strengthening the hair to prevent breakage.
- Key ingredients: Pure rosemary oil, ceramides
- Size: 250 mL
- Safe for color treated hair: Yes
- Scent: Rosemary
- Best for: All Hair Types
Best For Volume: Virtue Labs Volumizing Full Shampoo
Why we love it: If you have fine hair, might we suggest Virtual Labs Volumizing Full Shampoo? It features a healing protein—Alpha Keratin 60ku—which the brand claims is identical to the keratin that constitutes 90% of our hair. Continued use can not only lead to shampoo commercial volume but also improves the health of your hair over time. Additionally, for those with damaged strands, it also contains plenty of hydrating lipids to soothe and smooth (say that five times fast) frizzy hair.
- Key Ingredients: Phospholipids, glycerin
- Size: 60 ML, 240 mL
- Safe for color treated hair: Yes
- Scent: Floral Scent
- Best for: Fine to Medium Hair
Best Drugstore: OGX Thick & Full Biotin & Collagen Shampoo
Why we love it: This drugstore pick is a great option for those who want to thicken their hair without breaking the bank. Dr. Doshi is also a fan stating that it’s packed with biotin and collagen, which are well-known for promoting hair volume and overall health. It also contains wheat protein to strengthen your hair and reduce breakage. “The best part is that it’s free of sulfates and parabens, so it’s gentle on your hair, and it has a pleasant, slightly sweet fragrance,” he adds.
- Key ingredients: Vitamin B7 biotin blend, collagen, wheat protein
- Size: 25.4 fl oz., 13 fl oz.
- Safe for color treated hair: Yes
- Scent: Jasmine and vanilla scent
- Best for: Flat to Medium Volume Hair
Best For Conditioning: Fekkai Super Strength+ Shampoo
Why we love it: Broken and damaged hair doesn’t stand a chance against this super strength shampoo. Clinical studies show that it can leave hair three times stronger and can repair up to 56% of split ends after just one use. Packed with jojoba oil, which Dr. LoGerfo notes is an excellent hair conditioner, this shampoo also features vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid), praised for its potential in treating alopecia. Additionally, it contains vitamin E, which gives your hair the shiny, sleek look we all desire.
- Key ingredients: Powerbond technology, jojoba oil, vitamin B5, vitamin E
- Size: 2 fl oz., 8.5 fl. oz
- Safe for color treated hair: Yes
- Scent: Tonka beans and almonds
- Best for: Fine to Medium Hair
Best For All Hair Types: Living Proof Full Shampoo
Why we love it: This shampoo comes highly recommended by Dr. LoGerfo to her clients, stating that it “works well to clean the scalp and volumize hair.” As we know, a clean scalp is everything when it comes to hair growth, but in addition to that, it’s also great for adding some oomph to your hair—a problem many people with thin hair face. “If your hair is thinning, flat, and fine, this shampoo helps to texturize it and give it some volume,” she adds.
- Key ingredients: Amino cleansing complex, amaranth peptides, phytantriol
- Size: 236 ML, 710 mL, 946 mL
- Safe for color treated hair: Yes
- Scent: Citrus
- Best for: All Hair Types
Best For Fine Hair: Nexxus Diametress Shampoo
Why we love it: Dr. Doshi’s top pick, this shampoo contains a “protein-rich formula that strengthens and adds fullness, effectively reduces static, and maintains a fresh scent with ginseng and flaxseed.” Many shampoos tend to weigh the hair down, but this one is formulated with gentle cleansing agents and vitamin B5 nourishment to lift hair from the roots, ensuring it remains lightweight. A little goes a long way—you only need a tiny amount for fuller, fresher hair.
- Key ingredients: Green tea extract, concentrated elastin protein
- Size: 400 mL
- Safe for color treated hair: Yes
- Scent: Green tea scent
- Best for: Fine Hair
Best For Color Treated Hair: ColorWow AntiHair Loss Shampoo
Why we love it: I’ve lost count of the times I’ve stepped out of the shower only to realize my shampoo didn’t rinse out properly. Thankfully, this one is specifically formulated to rinse out cleanly, leaving no residue that can weigh down your hair or clog your follicles, which can ultimately impede hair growth. Just a coin-sized amount is all it takes for everyone to start asking you about your secret to frizz-free, shiny hair.
- Key ingredients: Sodium methyl cocoyl taurate, sodium cocoyl glycinate
- Size: 250 ML
- Safe for color treated hair: Yes
- Scent: Unscented
- Best for: All Hair Types
Best For Dry Hair: Lolavie Restorative Shampoo
Why we love it: There comes a time when you regret impulsively chopping your hair off and want it to grow to new lengths. This nourishing shampoo can help, as it contains ceramides which are helpful in repairing damaged hair and retaining hair’s moisture. Dr. LoGerfo explains, “Ceramides coat the hair, protecting it and preventing breakage from outside assaults.”
- Key ingredients: Vegetable ceramides, botanical extracts, niacinamide, biotin
- Size: 60 ML, 250 ML, 710 ML
- Safe for color treated hair: Yes
- Scent: Naturally-Derived Fragrance
- Best for: Dry Hair
Best For Scalp Exfoliation: Philip Kingsley Density Thickening Shampoo
Why we love it: A healthy scalp equals healthy hair. The Kingsley family is renowned for its trichological clinics, establishing them as a trusted authority in scalp care. This formula contains salicylic acid to gently exfoliate and stimulate the scalp, fostering a healthy environment. Additionally, it includes strengthening molecules that penetrate deep into the cortex to minimize hair breakage.
- Key ingredients: Hyper-branched polymers, hydrolyzed pea peptides, strengthening molecules, salicylic acid
- Size: 200 ML
- Safe for color treated hair: Yes
- Scent: Unscented
- Best for: Fine, Fragile, and Thinning Hair
Does hair-growth shampoo work?
According to Dr. Hardik Doshi, lead surgeon in hair restoration at Ample, hair growth shampoos may not be equally helpful for everyone, as hair loss could result from a variety of underlying factors that require different treatment strategies. The effectiveness of a hair growth shampoo depends on the ingredients used. While the evidence for significant regrowth is limited, certain ingredients have shown promise in scientific studies, including ketoconazole, saw palmetto, biotin, and minoxidil.
“Hair loss can have various causes, and a dermatologist or hair transplant surgeon can help diagnose the underlying cause and recommend the most effective treatment options for your specific situation,” he emphasizes. Treatment approaches may include a combination of methods, such as hair growth shampoos containing specific ingredients, medications, or surgical procedures.
Trichologist William Gaunitz explains, “Hair growth shampoo can work under very specific circumstances; however, the vast majority of the time, shampoo is the low man on the totem pole as far as efficacy when trying to regrow hair.” It’s mainly used as support for a hair growth serum or medications that help to address the underlying reason for the hair loss.
The reason being that shampoo itself doesn’t make much of an impact on the scalp, unless there is an inflammatory scalp condition, like seborrheic dermatitis, excessive bacteria and fungus, excessive oil, or Demodex parasites. Gaunitz adds, “If there’s an active ingredient in the shampoo that will help manage those items, it will usually improve hair growth.”
How does hair-growth shampoo work?
Per Gaunitz, hair growth shampoo works by supporting a healthy scalp microbiome, reducing oil, fungus, bacteria, and parasites, and decreasing inflammation. Oftentimes, these shampoos will include ingredients like saw palmetto, arnica, tea tree oil, and a host of other natural anti-inflammatory or antiseptic ingredients that are beneficial for the scalp.
Keep in mind that for hair growth shampoos to be effective, the active ingredients must penetrate the skin and enter the hair follicles. “This is why many hair development treatments are typically left on the scalp for a specific period before rinsing for more effective absorption,” says Dr. Doshi.
What should you look for in a hair-growth shampoo?
When shopping for a hair growth shampoo, Gaunitz recommends seeking natural active ingredients that minimize inflammation and reduce microbial overgrowth on the scalp. “Ingredients such as tea tree oil, rosemary oil, green tea extract, saw palmetto, aloe, and arnica are all fantastic ingredients to look for,” he says. Typically, the first five ingredients make up 97% of the product, so ensure they lean toward the natural side and do not contain harsh surfactants or parabens.
What is biotin?
“Biotin, usually known as vitamin B7, is a water-soluble vitamin that plays a crucial role in human metabolic processes, including energy synthesis, genetic control, and cell signaling,” says Dr. Doshi. He continues, “It is necessary for the efficient functioning of enzymes and contributes to the formation of keratin, a protein that serves as a structural component in hair, skin, and nails.” Although biotin is naturally found in many foods such as egg yolks, nuts, seeds, and vegetables, its bioavailability can vary. You can always consider taking a supplement, but the effectiveness of biotin intake for hair and nail growth is currently under investigation, and outcomes may vary among individuals.
What causes hair loss?
There are a ton of reasons why you may experience hair loss, ranging from genetic predispositions to medical conditions, stress, dietary deficiencies, and hormonal changes. Gaunitz breaks it down into three main components: genetic sensitivity, nutritional hair loss, and inflammation.
“A genetic sensitivity to dihydrotestosterone, also known as DHT, leads to hair loss referred to as androgenetic alopecia or male and female pattern hair loss,” he explains. Nutritional hair loss occurs due to insufficient levels of vitamin D3, zinc, ferritin, folate, B12, and iron in the bloodstream. Inflammation contributes to various types of hair loss, including scarring alopecia, alopecia areata, and inflammatory scalp conditions.
What are other viable hair-loss treatments?
“While minoxidil and finasteride are frequently suggested for hair loss, medical professionals may recommend a variety of additional treatment options like low-level laser therapy for promoting growth, platelet-rich plasma therapy, which involves injecting the individual’s plasma with growth hormones, hair transplant surgery for severe cases, and unapproved drugs such as spironolactone or dutasteride for hormonal imbalances,” says Dr. Doshi. However, success varies by individual, so it’s important to consult with a medical expert to devise a personalized game plan.
Meet The Experts
- William Gaunitz is a certified trichologist and founder of Advanced Trichology
- Dr. Hardik Doshi is a double board-certified plastic surgeon and the lead surgeon for hair restoration at Ample.
- Dr. Jodi LoGerfo is a doctor of nursing practice and a family nurse practitioner certified in family medicine and dermatology.