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Maybe you've always dreamed of Rapunzel-worthy locks — or maybe you got an impulsive chop at the salon, and regret is sinking in. Either way, you're looking for the best shampoos for hair growth. If there's one thing I've learned on my quest for thicker and longer tresses, it's that healthy hair growth all starts with a healthy scalp. That means finding the right shampoo.
Although the medication minoxidil — known commercially as Rogaine — may help increase hair growth, it's important to note that it's not safe for everyone and can cause side effects, like scalp irritation, burning, and itching, as well as more severe allergic reactions. Even low amounts of minoxidil can be toxic to cats and dogs. That's why experts advise only pursuing this option with your dermatologist or trichologist as a last resort.
Over the years, I've tested dozens of products that promise to boost hair growth, and I always find myself returning to the Nutrafol Root Purifier Scalp Shampoo. And as it turns out, this is a top favorite of board-certified dermatologists, too. That's because it replenishes the scalp's moisture, nutrients, and skin barrier all at once.
Ultimately, finding the right shampoo for hair growth depends on your specific hair texture, concerns, and goals. We spoke with experts Jody A. Levine, MD, the Director of Dermatology at Plastic Surgery & Dermatology of NYC, Dr. Naana Boakye, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Bergen Dermatology, and Dr. Christina Han, a board-certified dermatologist and the Director of Dermatology at False Creek Dermatology, to learn more about their recommendations and what makes a top-notch shampoo for hair growth. With that in mind, here are some expert-approved options that really work.
Best overall
As someone who has struggled with scalp health issues, like dandruff — which undoubtedly has impeded my hair growth — I repeatedly return to this shampoo. It leaves my scalp feeling super clean without completely stripping my hair, has a lovely citrus-meets-herbal scent, and, most importantly, my hair really does start feeling thicker and stronger after using it for at least a month or two straight.
Levine recommends this shampoo because it contains prebiotics and other natural ingredients that can help restore the proper pH balance of the scalp's microbiome.
"This helps balance oil production without over-drying the scalp, hydrates and nourishes both the scalp and hair, and visibly enhances hair's volume, strength, and texture," she explains.
This shampoo also features quinoa protein, which contains all nine essential amino acids. Studies have found when hair is lacking in these amino acids, the structure tends to suffer, leading to damage and breakage.
Best drugstore
The best shampoos for hair growth don't just feature nourishing, strengthening ingredients — they also lack ingredients that could sabotage your hair or scalp health. For example, Boakye strongly advises looking for shampoos that don't contain parabens or sulfates, which can be drying and irritating.
Han also strongly recommends looking for shampoo that contains amino acids, which are the building blocks of healthy hair. This product features the amino acid histidine — which according to research, may help to improve hair strength. A 2017 study found that a large majority of people with hair loss have a histidine deficiency.
But the real standout ingredient in this budget-friendly shampoo is rice water. Researchers have discovered that rice water may improve hair elasticity — thus making it less prone to breakage. Additionally, inositol — one of its components — can penetrate damaged hair, repairing and strengthening it from the inside out.
Best for dandruff
As far as we know, dandruff doesn't necessarily directly cause hair loss. However, it can increase sebum production, and research has shown that the inflammation, irritation, and itchiness this causes may lead to hair follicle damage that promotes hair loss. So, if you have dandruff, the first step to supporting hair growth is seeking out shampoos that are specifically formulated to treat this condition. Keep in mind that it's best to ask your dermatologist for personalized recommendations based on your symptoms and their severity. They may need to prescribe a stronger medicated shampoo if over-the-counter shampoos don't relieve your dandruff.
All that said, Han recommends this budget-friendly shampoo because it contains more than one active ingredient to address dandruff and was named a top pick for those with oily scalps in our guide to the best dandruff shampoos. One is selenium sulfide, — this combats the overgrowth of Malassezia yeast, which is linked to the development of dandruff. The other is salicylic acid, which can help break down the scales and flakes on your scalp so they wash away more easily.
"I like this one because it comes in two formulations — one for dry hair and one for more normal-to-oily hair — allowing for a more customizable treatment shampoo," she explains.
Best flat hair
Struggling to get some life back into your limp locks? Han says this shampoo is a great pick for anyone with fine to medium hair since the formula is super lightweight, so it won't weigh your strands down.
"It also contains keratin, the main protein that makes up hair, to provide more volume and repair to each hair."
More specifically, the formula features Virtue's proprietary Alpha Keratin 60ku® protein, which your scalp might be able to more easily use and recognize for damage repair since it's identical to the human keratin in your own hair.
Studies have shown that the lower the lipid content of your hair, the more weak, brittle, and damage-prone your hair is — and fortunately, this formula also boasts phospholipids to support healthy hair growth.
Best for thin hair
According to Levine, biotin and caffeine are two ingredients to look for in the best shampoos for hair growth — and luckily, this product has both.
"Biotin (vitamin B7) is essential for the production of keratin, a protein that makes up the structure of hair and helps strengthen hair follicles, preventing breakage and promoting overall hair health," she explains. "Meanwhile, caffeine helps stimulate blood circulation and deliver nutrients to hair while also counteracting the effects of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone associated with hair loss."
I'm a longtime fan of Brigeo's whole haircare line because the products are clean, emphasize naturally derived ingredients, and always contain nutrients with well-studied benefits. This shampoo is no exception, with scalp-stimulating and antioxidant-rich green coffee oil, copper peptides to promote hair growth, and lindera strychnifolia root extract for a healthy, balanced scalp microbiome. I never get tired of the warm vanilla-tinged, fruit-forward scent, either.
One thing worth noting is that if you already have super dry hair, you may want to follow this up with an extra-rich conditioner or mask, as it can be a tad drying. That's pretty standard for any shampoo made for thin hair, though — these formulas don't tend to contain some of the richer oils that may weigh thinner strands down.
Best for curly hair
Curly hair is more prone to dryness and frizz. That means you'll want to look for shampoos that are formulated with lots of moisturizing ingredients that can penetrate the hair shaft, leaving hair softer, smoother, and more elastic. Hence, it's less vulnerable to breakage. This one fits the bill: the formula includes nourishing cupuaçu seed butter, glycerin, and sunflower seed oil.
Meerika Khanna, a certified trichologist and founder of Rthvi, says this shampoo is not only great for curly hair but also features ingredients to support hair growth — like rosemary leaf extract. Some studies have found that rosemary extract is just as effective at protecting against hair loss as the medication minoxidil (commonly known as Rogaine), and other studies have shown that it can stimulate hair growth in people with alopecia areata — an autoimmune disorder that causes hair loss.
Best for breakage
Between bleaching it every few months and heat styling it almost every time I shower, I put my poor hair through the wringer. I've been hard-pressed to find shampoos that don't leave my already dry hair feeling like straw — that is, until I discovered Olaplex No. 4. The formula — which has a luxuriously creamy feel — is packed with plant-based oils and other ultra-moisturizing ingredients, so I don't have to go overboard with conditioner afterward. But the real advantage to this shampoo, according to Han, lies in Olaplex's patented ingredient: bis-aminopropyl diglycol dimaleate. (Say that five times fast.)
"It helps to restore strength in the hair shaft by repairing broken bonds that occur because of exposure to chemicals/dyes, heat, and UV rays."
Not only that, but this shampoo features moisture-boosting hyaluronic acid, strengthening plant-based protein, and rosemary leaf extract to support hair growth. The subtle yet refreshing grapefruit-tinged scent doesn't hurt, either.
Check out some of our other favorite bond-building treatments here.
Best thickening
I'm not sure exactly what happened between my 20s and 30s, but my previously thick tresses have been getting gradually thinner. It's a bummer because even though I have a lot of hair, it doesn't look like much — leaving me with pretty sad-looking ponytails and buns. That's why I've prioritized thickening shampoos like this derm-approved one, which has a pretty impressive ingredient list. I also happen to like the clean, faintly floral scent.
"This shampoo contains amaranth extract which acts as a natural hair strengthener and also has ceramides and biotin to improve the strength of each strand, preventing premature breakage," explains Han.
BondiBoost's longtime star ingredient is Australian aloe vera powder, which may help restore lost moisture in the hair and fortify the hair cuticles. This shampoo also contains vegan marine collagen, which contains some nonessential amino acids the body uses to build keratin — the main building block of healthy hair.
Best strengthening
I'll admit I was skeptical when I read the instructions on this concentrated shampoo, which advised using half the amount I usually do. Alas, I got a pretty rich lather despite applying much less product. That means the bottle lasts way longer despite taking up less space in my shower. I love the uplifting, lemony scent and the fact that it leaves my hair feeling soft, bouncy, and more manageable.
According to Levine, the best shampoos for hair growth contain collagen and/or keratin. This product has both.
"Collagen provides essential amino acids that support the structure of hair follicles," she says. Keratin, a protein that makes up the structure of hair and helps strengthen hair follicles, prevents breakage, and promotes overall hair health," she adds.
Han also recommends looking for shampoos that are packed with peptides, which this product also has, thanks to the addition of hydrolyzed yeast protein. Peptides can support scalp and hair hydration as well as hair follicle health.
Best for hair loss
You may have noticed cannabidiol (CBD) popping up in more haircare and other products as of late, and that's no surprise when you consider that it can help regulate sebum production for improved scalp health. In fact, participants in a small 2021 study applied CBD topically every day for six months, and researchers observed a 93.5% increase in hair count — with no side effects, to boot. CBD is the superstar ingredient in this innovative shampoo, which also leverages the silk protein and vegan keratin alternative Karmatin™. All of that may help to explain why in a study of 150 users, 91% saw an improvement in the appearance of their hair after using this shampoo.
Boakye says aloe vera juice is one of her favorite ingredients to look for in shampoos for hair growth, and this formula happens to feature it. Studies show that aloe has scalp-calming anti-inflammatory properties and can boost blood circulation to the scalp. Researchers believe aloe vera may also help with hair growth because it can increase the delivery of nutrients and oxygen to the hair follicles.
Another standout ingredient? Arginine — an important amino acid found in the hair that can reduce help shedding, thus helping you achieve a fuller mane.
Best luxury
This gentle yet nourishing shampoo has definitely achieved cult-favorite status, and it's easy to see why. Oribe Gold Lust is packed with healing and moisturizing oils and butters — like argan oil, shea butter, and maracuja — and other powerful ingredients like biotin, plant collagen, and plant-based protein. It also has scalp-invigorating caffeine, which Khanna and Levine say is a game changer for hair growth.
"Caffeine helps stimulate blood circulation and deliver nutrients to hair while also counteracting the effects of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone associated with hair loss," says Levine.
What to look for
Ingredients:
The best shampoos for hair growth will contain the following, according to dermatologists and trichologists:
- Keratin
- Biotin
- Amino acids
- Peptides
- Hyaluronic acid
- Argan or jojoba oil
- Rosemary
- Saw palmetto
"These natural ingredients have been shown to promote increased strength and integrity of existing hairs while decreasing the potential for shedding," explains Han. Rosemary and saw palmetto also demonstrate the ability to inhibit or block dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone that can be toxic to hair follicles. The others are geared more toward improving the strength of hair and repairing damage to the hair shaft that can occur with heat, styling, and environmental exposures such as UV radiation and pollution."
As for what to avoid, Levine, Boakye, and Khanna advise skipping shampoos that contain:
- Parabens
- Sulfates
- Synthetic fragrances
Hair type:
The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) strongly advises opting for a shampoo that's formulated specifically for your hair type to ensure it's tailored to your needs. Otherwise, you likely won't reap the benefits you're looking for — or worse, you could risk damaging your hair, says Levine.
"For example, coal tar (a common ingredient in anti-dandruff shampoos and conditioners) isn't suitable for light-colored hair due to the risk of discoloration," explains Han. "For people with fine hair, I generally suggest products without heavy ingredients that might make the hair look more flat and limp."
For example, shea butter, coconut oil, and sunflower oil are all super hydrating and perfectly suited to medium to thick dry hair but will probably weigh down fine hair.
Minoxidil:
Levine says the medication minoxidil (commonly known by the brand name Rogaine) can be beneficial for some people with severe hair loss due to androgenetic alopecia and other hair disorders. However, Han notes that it's not safe for anyone who is pregnant or breastfeeding and can poison dogs and cats — even in small amounts. Minoxidil is not suitable for anyone under the age of 18 or anyone who has experienced scalp infections or inflammation, hair loss after childbirth, or sudden/patchy hair loss.
Han notes that oral minoxidil tends to have more severe side effects than the topical version of this production. That said, topical minoxidil can still cause unpleasant or concerning side effects, like:
- Skin irritation that can worsen eczema
- Itching and/or a burning sensation on the scalp
- Skin scaling, which can worsen the scalp condition seborrheic dermatitis
- Excessive hair shedding
- Excessive body hair growth
This is why Han and Levine advise consulting with a board-certified dermatologist. They will consider your scalp health, overall health history, and other factors before determining whether Minoxidil is right for you.
"Rosemary oil has been shown to offer similar benefits to minoxidil in clinical studies, making it a viable alternative," says Khanna.
In a 2015 study, participants with androgenetic alopecia used either topical minoxidil or rosemary oil on their scalp. When researchers examined their hair at a three-month and six-month follow-up, both groups experienced equal growth. However, the minoxidil participants experienced more scalp itching than those who used rosemary oil.
FAQs
What causes hair loss?
According to Levine, hair loss can be caused by a number of factors, including:
- Hormonal imbalances — for example, as a result of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
- Genetics
- Underlying medical conditions
- Side effects from certain medications — like blood thinners, antifungals, beta-blockers, antidepressants, anticonvulsants, and acne treatments with vitamin A
- Stress
- Nutritional deficiencies, like low iron levels
"Genetics, in particular, play a big role in pattern hair loss," says Han. "Genetically-driven hair loss is progressive and will worsen over time without treatment. Reversing and/or treating the underlying medical issue is important in optimizing the chances of hair regrowth."
Han also notes that hormonal changes are another common cause of hair loss — particularly in those assigned female at birth. This can happen as a result of pregnancy, childbirth, and menopause. In people assigned male at birth, Khanna says this is usually related to an increase in dihydrotestosterone (DHT) at the hair follicles.
"The underlying hormonal shifts that occur during these events are thought to play a role and can unmask the underlying genetic predisposition of progressive hair loss in some individuals," Han explains. "For example, all people assigned male at birth will have detectable levels of DHT — why some progress to baldness and others don't may be related to how sensitive their hair follicles are to DHT which is ultimately driven by genetics."
How you treat your hair loss will depend on what's triggering it. That's why Boakye advises seeing a dermatologist or trichologist who can help you identify the root cause of your hair growth.
Does shampoo help hair growth?
"Shampoo works to clean the scalp and hair, which in turn can promote hair growth," says Boakye. "However, results will vary depending on individual hair type and based on consistent use."
Hair growth shampoos can help if poor scalp health is to blame for hair thinning or shedding. However, according to Boakye, even the best shampoos for hair growth are less likely to yield results if there are underlying reasons for your hair loss — such as genetics, nutritional deficiencies, and hormone imbalances.
"Shampoos formulated for hair loss or thinning can help slow down these conditions, but they won't reverse them or actually cause hair to regrow," explains Han. I view them as complementary products that patients can add to their hair loss regimen, which usually features a prescription medication."
What is the difference between regular shampoo and shampoo for hair growth?
"Regular shampoos are formulated to clean and rid the hair of dirt, sweat, and unwanted oils," says Boakye.
What distinguishes shampoo for hair growth is the inclusion of certain ingredients that are known to promote scalp and hair health, says Levine. These ingredients are intended to prevent breakage — thereby allowing the hair to grow longer — while also nourishing the scalp and hair follicles to support growth.
"Shampoos formulated for hair loss should contain ingredients with anti-inflammatory and antioxidizing properties," says Han. "Many shampoos formulated for hair loss may also contain ingredients that help optimize the scalp health, which is an important foundation for healthy follicles. If there are signs of inflammation, such as flaking and itching, it can be helpful to use these shampoos to promote a healthy scalp environment."
How long does it take to see results from shampoos for hair growth?
Don't expect to see results from your hair growth shampoo immediately — after all, healthy hair only grows about 0.5 inches per month.
According to Levine and Khanna, it typically takes at least three or four months to see any effects on your hair thickness or length. However, Khanna says you may notice improvements in your hair quality — the shine, softness, and strength, for example — after just a few weeks of using these shampoos.
Reviewed by mimisabreena
on
Saturday, April 20, 2024
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