5 Hair Growth Shampoos That Actually Work

Hair loss is an issue that affects people in different capacities. For some, thinning occurs only at the edges of the scalp. Others experience a loss in density throughout the entire head. One thing’s for sure, investing in a hair growth shampoo can be beneficial. While hair serums provide targeted care, a hair growth shampoo works to cleanse and impart ingredients that promote growth. By now, you may know that natural botanicals and essential oils can stimulate the scalp. However, your hair needs more than that to nurture new growth. “Boosting circulation helps awaken the hair follicles, which is helpful, but incorporating common ingredients like biotin and keratin ensures your strands are strong,” says California-based trichologist Mandy Buechner. Fortunately, hair growth shampoos provide both. Keep reading to find the best shampoos for improving thinning and promoting healthy hair growth.

Key ingredients to look for

Finding the best hair growth shampoo comes down to its formula. Buechner notes that the best shampoos for hair growth combine stimulating and nourishing ingredients. Think: caffeine, peppermint oil, saw palmetto or rosemary to boost circulation and biotin, keratin or amino acids to strengthen strands. As she explains, a balanced formula helps create the ideal environment for optimal scalp health. Boosting thickness and hair growth requires strengthening your follicles from the inside out. In that vein, Buechner recommends looking for shampoos that lead with supportive ingredients for protein structure.

Hair growth shampoos to try

1 / 5

Swoon-worthy packaging aside, this shampoo is backed by clinical testing and has hundreds of testimonies to back up its hype. The formula is made from strengthening ingredients, including peptides, biotin and an alternative keratin source to nourish your strands and improve hair health. Using it over time also reduces breakage and shedding.

 

2 / 5

This formula is a great option if scalp sensitivity is an issue. It gently cleanses without irritation and is specifically formulated to stimulate new growth. “The key ingredients work to unclog follicles, refresh the scalp and improve the appearance of fullness in just one week,” says Buechner.

3 / 5

This formula is a potent combination of clarifying ingredients and fresh botanicals, like turmeric and ginseng. Together, they gently exfoliate the scalp, breaking down buildup that clogs pores and prevents new growth. But it goes beyond the surface and helps to stimulate the follicles at the root, improving thickness and density. Plus, there are two versions—a light formula for fine hair and a richer one for thicker textures.

 

4 / 5

If shedding is one of your main concerns, you’ll want to invest in Act + Acre’s Stem Cell Shampoo. It’s powered by apple stem cells, which are often used in skin-care products to boost cellular production. They work similarly in this formula, stimulating the scalp and elongating the hair follicle growth phase.

5 / 5

Nutrafol’s hair growth supplements are praised for their results. Given that, it should be no surprise that their Root Purifier shampoo has equally impressive results. It clarifies without stripping, and is formulated with a host of ingredients to strengthen the scalp barrier and support your microbiome.