15 Hair Growth Shampoos That Actually Work
Hair loss is more common than you think and can happen to anyone for a myriad of reasons—from genetics to stress to hot tools (like your everyday flat iron). But the good news is, if you’re among the millions of women who suffer from hair loss, there are ways to help treat it. Alongside using hair growth vitamins and oils, hair loss shampoos (and conditioners) may actually help re-grow patchy sections, add density to thin hair, and prevent sparseness in the first place.
When it comes to hair growth shampoo, you have two options: prescriptions or over-the-counter treatments. Prescription shampoos like ketoconazole are “anti-androgenetic,” which means they prevent two hormones associated with triggering hair loss from activating—testosterone and dihydrotestosterone (DHT)—by “targeting hair growth at the site of the follicle and helping to interrupt the hormone cycle locally that causes thinning,” explains Dr. Eric Schweiger of Schweiger Dermatology Group in NYC. Meanwhile, “over-the-counter growth shampoos typically contain amino acids and antioxidants to provide the components to rebuild hair as well as reduce damage and inflammation,” Schweiger adds.
According to Krupa Koestline, cosmetic chemist and founder of KKT Consultants, there are some ingredients to look for that have proven benefits in hair growth stimulation: zinc, keratin, procyanidin B2, biotin, ginseng, caffeine, peppermint, arginine, amino acids like cysteine and tyrosine, vegetable proteins from wheat or soy, and tri-copper peptides.
Schwieger also backs these ingredients as effective and cautions against using shampoo with parabens, sulfates, and fragrances, which can irritate hair and reduce moisture. Additionally, cosmetic chemist Ron Robinson of BeautyStat says to look into ingredients like salicylic acid, which exfoliates the scalp and improve blood flow, and biotin, which nourishes the hair follicles, can also be beneficial in a hair growth shampoo.
Honeydew Biotin Shampoo for Hair Growth B-Complex Formula
According to this Amazon top seller’s reviews, this product is said to work like magic, featuring a blend of biotin, keratin, and zinc to help stimulate hair growth and improve hair loss caused by genetics and surgery.
Amazon rating: 4.3/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “Tried this on a whim after seeing some rave reviews online. Since going through chemo and losing my hair, I didn’t want to wash my hair with chemicals, and this shampoo fit the bill. It cleans my hair well, including my scalp, and doesn’t weigh it down! My head isn’t itchy from [the] residue, and it’s cost-effective too. Highly recommend it!”
Pure Biology Growth Stimulating & Anti Hair Loss Shampoo
Filled with active ingredients like biotin and keratin, this shampoo formula stimulates the cells responsible for hair follicle development.
Amazon rating: 4.2/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “When I used this product, my hair did not fall out at the rate that it had previously. Since my hair was already so thin due to age and other medical conditions, I was able to really spread out the use of the one bottle, because I didn’t need to use so much. I definitely think that continued, long-term use will improve the quality and quantity of my hair.”
SheaMoisture Strengthen, Grow & Restore Shampoo and Conditioner Set
Featuring clarifying apple cider vinegar and Jamaican black castor oil to fortify damaged and chemically-treated strands, this shampoo gives you a thorough cleanse without compromising moisture. Plus, the conditioner nourishes the hair, leaving a silky smooth feeling behind post-shower.
Amazon rating: 4.5/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “Love the scent and the creaminess. I have very thin, fine hair, and it seems to be helping! My hair is coming back to life.”
Nioxin System 1 Hair Care Kit
“Nioxin cleanser is good for general hair thinning,” says Schweiger. Plus, nine out of ten people note a thickening of their hair when using the full Nioxin treatment system—which features a post-wash foaming treatment that helps refresh the scalp and boost volume. Key ingredients include biotin and caffeine to stimulate hair follicles.
Amazon rating: 4.4/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “I’ve been losing hair like crazy. I’m talking hair on my pillow when I wake up—even just gently touching my hair would cause hair loss—and every time I would wash my hair, I would lose 124 hairs in the shower. My stylist told me to try this product, and two weeks in, I noticed a huge change. I’m back to normal shedding (like five to 10 hairs lost when washing my hair). I love the minty smell and tingle that the conditioner leaves on my scalp. Also, the shampoo lathers very nicely.”
Briogeo Blossom & Bloom Ginseng + Biotin Volumizing Shampoo
Briogeo’s cleanser is 94 percent naturally derived and contains ginseng and ginger to stimulate the scalp to encourage growth.
Nordstrom rating: 4.2/5 stars
A Nordstrom reviewer says: “This really works for my fine, long hair. I love that it’s natural, and the scent is very fresh and citrusy. I love the way my hair feels, and I notice after I use this shampoo I can go several days without washing (not in a bad way, it’s not overly drying), and my hair feels really clean and shiny afterwards.”
Biolage Full Density Thickening Shampoo
Some Amazon reviewers have found a magic potion in this shampoo that boasts biotin and zinc to help strengthen hair.
Amazon rating: 4.5/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “I tried this shampoo and the conditioner gel, and voila, it was evident the follicles were thickened and my hair felt cleaner.”
Bellisso Biotin Shampoo and Treatment Conditioner
As the name suggests, this best-selling duo is packed with biotin, alongside hydrolyzed keratin, to strengthen weak hair. Safe for sensitive scalps, you can expect to see shinier, thicker strands after a month of use.
Amazon rating: 4.3/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “I have vibrant hair color (pink, blue, purple) and my hair is long and thinning in the upper corners. I also have a spot that has been balding on the side of my head for over a year now. HOWEVER, this does not wash out and fade my hair color, makes it feel super soft and clean AND after two months of using this, I’ve seen my hair grow back longer and thicker. Even little baby hairs have grown in my balding spot.”
Ultrax Labs Hair Surge Caffeine Hair Recovery Stimulating Shampoo
The caffeine compounds and peppermint oil in this formula work to reduce hair loss by stimulating hair follicles to grow hair. Think of it as a cup of coffee for your scalp and strands.
An Amazon reviewer says: 4/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “After 35 years of self-inflicted hair damage from braid extensions, coloring, perms, and hair weaves, the purchase of Ultrax Lab Hair Surge was the lifeline that evoked change. Once I purchased it, I made an appointment with my hairstylist. During the appointment, the stylist applied the shampoo, and the texture of my brittle menopausal hair was revitalized. It felt so good, I refused a hair conditioner application. This is a great product for African American individuals with kinky hair and women going through menopause.”
Keranique Scalp Stimulating Shampoo
As a preventative option before hair breaks and sheds, try this nutrient-rich cleansing treatment. The formula contains a keratin complex that strengthens hair to avoid breakage or loss due to heat or damaging products.
Amazon rating: 4.3/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “This is the eighth hair shampoo/ conditioner I have purchased for thinning hair. This product made my hair full sans frizz or flyaways! It’s soft but fuller-looking after the very first time.”
Pura D'or Original Gold Label Anti-Hair Thinning Shampoo
Fight hair thinning the natural way. Biotin and black cumin work together to encourage hair growth by stimulating the follicle and keeping the scalp healthy. Meanwhile, pumpkin seed oil helps block DHT, a main culprit of hair loss. The formula is also gentle enough for everyday use.
Amazon rating: 4.4/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “I’ve had this about a month, and I feel like I’ve had less breakage and less hair falling out when I shower or brush my hair. I’ve also changed my diet and added a multivitamin with Biotin. I believe these are all contributing to less hair loss. But what’s been amazing is that my seborrheic dermatitis is completely gone! Great product!”
Kérastase Resistance Length Strengthening Shampoo
Key ingredients like taurine and ceramides protect the hair follicle while simultaneously moisturizing your scalp. You’re getting two strong hair loss fighters in one potent shampoo.
Sephora rating: 3.6/5 stars
A Sephora reviewer says: “I have multiple autoimmune diseases that cause me to lose hair, and this product is amazing! It’s allowed me to grow my color-treated hair past armpit length.”
Andalou Naturals Argan Stem Cell Age Defying Shampoo
This shampoo features a blend of antioxidant-rich argan, apple, and grape stem cells, which can help block the damaging effects of pollution responsible for some hair loss. Additionally, apple stem cells have been shown to “promote and extend the hair’s natural growth phase while soothing and hydrating the scalp,” trichologist Helen Reveay previously told ELLE.com.
Amazon rating: 4.2/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “My hair is paper thin and has no life to it at all. I struggle to get any lift or body to my hair; I have to use a half bottle of hairspray to do anything with it. After one use of this system, along with the leave-in spray, I’ve gone from having flat hair to thicker-looking full-style hair! I will be buying this again when I start to run out.”
Carol's Daughter Goddess Strength Fortifying Shampoo
Strong hair makes for long hair. Invest in a fortifying shampoo, like this one from Carol’s Daughter, to strengthen strands and nourish heat-damaged hair. Ideal for 4c hair types, the biotin-infused cleanser removes dirt and product build-up without stripping hair of its natural oils. It also features ginger root extract to boost blood flow to the scalp and promote hair growth.
Ulta rating: 4.6/5 stars
An Ulta reviewer says: “The shampoo leaves my hair feeling wonderfully clean and soft at the same time. I wish I’d found it years ago. If you have dry, curly hair and follow the curly girl method, this is the shampoo for you.”
OGX Thick & Full Biotin & Collagen Shampoo
Found in your local drugstore aisle, OGX’s Thick and Full shampoo is here to rebuild and repair the structure of your follicles thanks to a blend of biotin, collagen, and hydrolyzed wheat protein. Plus, it’s sulfate-free, so it won’t cause further damage to already brittle strands.
Amazon rating: 4.4/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “I can absolutely tell my hair is stronger and fuller since I started using this. And the aroma is heavenly—light and not overpowering, but I am secretly super proud to whip my hair around and catch the scent.”
Dream Girls Renewing Shampoo
Ideal for natural hair textures, this hair cleanser will replenish dry hair with a blend of stimulating peppermint oil and moisturizing pro-vitamin B5. Follow-up with the brand’s revival treatment.
DH Hair rating: 4.87/5 stars
A DH Hair reviewer says: “I love this system. It leaves mine and my daughter’s hair soft and manageable. Smells great and [I] love the tingle. As far as growth, I’ve seen a good amount and little to no breakage!”