The 22 Best Hair Growth Shampoos of 2023 That Actually Work

Healthy hair is an understandable goal—after all, its a large part of your daily look. If youre struggling with hair loss, however, youre not alone. According to UK-based trichologist Kate Holden, AIT, "Hair loss is incredibly common among women." Whether youre dealing with stress-induced shedding, postpartum thinning, hormonal hair loss, or hair that doesnt seem to want to grow, there might be hope in an over-the-counter treatment1—shampoo.

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"Shampoos can help with hair growth by strengthening the hair shaft, reducing breakage, and cleaning the scalp," Holden tells buuk.top, noting that maintaining a healthy scalp is crucial.

To prevent breakage, Holden recommends formulas infused with protein, such as hydrolyzed keratin2and wheat protein, along with conditioning ingredients like glycerin and coconut oil.3"In terms of cleaning the scalp from buildup," she says, "ingredients such as salicylic acid, glycolic acid, and lactic acid can be beneficial, as they are chemical exfoliants that remove dead skin cells."

We conducted extensive research and tested top-rated products to find the best strengthening, breakage-fighting, and scalp-supporting shampoos. We considered dozens of brands, evaluating each formulas ingredient list and ability to strengthen, thicken, and reduce damage. After consulting with trichologists for their expert recommendations, we landed on the following best in show.

Best Overall

Kérastase Densifique Bain Densité Shampoo

Sephora

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I Reviewed Kerastase’s Bain Densité Shampoo, and It Was Transformative

Brittle hair? You can count on Kérastase Densifique to take your locks back from the brink. Thanks to a blend of wheat protein,4 ceramides,5

and gluco-peptides, this strengthening shampoo fortifies, plumps, and protects fragile hair.

• Hair Type: Fine, damaged, thinning
• Sulfate-Free:No
• Size: 8.5 ounces
• Cruelty-Free: No

Best Overall, Runner-Up

Vegamour GRO Revitalizing Shampoo

Sephora

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Yes, this product is expensive, but Vegamour undergoes rigorous clinical trials on its products, including this one, which was shown to increase the appearance of hair density by up to 52%, which is pretty impressive. Its also color safe, great for reversing hair shedding, and adding volume to thinning hair. The formula contains proprietary Karmatin (a 100% vegan keratin alternative) which not only restores hair health, but also leaves it silky smooth.

• Hair Type: All
• Sulfate-Free: Yes
• Size: 8 ounces
• Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best Budget

Marc Anthony Grow Long Super Fast Strength Shampoo

Amazon

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Marc Anthony Grow Long will only run you a few bucks, but its no slouch when it comes to promoting lustrous hair. Infused with ginseng6 and caffeine,7this shampoo stimulates the scalp while giving brittle hair new life.

• Hair Type: All
• Sulfate-Free: Yes
• Size: 8.4 ounces
• Cruelty-Free: No

Best Drugstore

Garnier Fructis Grow Strong Shampoo

Amazon

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Garniers Grow Strong Shampoo Revived My Damaged Hair in Just One Use

Were big fans of Garniers Grow Strong, which youll find in most drugstore aisles. This affordable shampoo contains fruit-derived proteins to fortify the hair shaft so it can grow long and healthy.

• Hair Type: All
• Sulfate-Free:No
• Size: 22 ounces, 33.8 ounces
• Cruelty-Free: Yes

What Our Testers Say

"My hair felt different immediately after my first use. My roots felt fresher, it air-dried better, and my clean hair lasted one to two days longer before inevitably looking oily from all the sweat. After using this shampoo three times in just a week and a half, I noticed a softer, healthier feel to my hair." — Ashley Rubell, Product Tester

18 Best Drugstore Shampoos We Love That Rival the Fanciest Brands

Best Exfoliating

Nanogen 7-in-1 Hair Thickening Shampoo

Nanogen

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"Nanogen 7-in-1 Shampoo contains salicylic acid, glycerin, and hydrolyzed keratin," says Holden. In other words, it checks all the boxes for boosting hair growth—exfoliating the scalp while strengthening the hair shaft.

In addition to cleansing and clearing away dead skin cells, this in-shower treatment works to moisturize, condition, and thicken your hair. Whats more, Nanogen calls on beta-glucan and plant-based antioxidants to fortify each strand and prevent shedding.8

• Hair Type:Fine, thinning
• Sulfate-Free: No
• Size: 8.1 ounces
• Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best for Thinning Hair

PURA DOR Hair Thinning Therapy Shampoo

Walmart

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Pura D’ors Thinning Therapy Shampoo Helped My Postpartum Hair Woes

This impressive shampoo cleanses and purifies your scalp while promoting resilience with a dose of hair-health-boosting all-stars like biotin, niacin,9 and argan oil.4The result? Less breakage and better scalp health.

• Hair Type: Thinning, damaged, fine, balanced
• Sulfate-Free:Yes
• Size: 16 ounces
• Cruelty-Free: Yes

What Our Testers Say

“This shampoo will help plump your strands, expedite growth, increase shine, invigorate the scalp, and decrease breakage. Even if you have thick hair already, I think this shampoo is worth keeping in your weekly rotation to keep your hair in its healthiest state.” — Ashley Rubell, Product Tester

The 14 Best Shampoos for Thinning Hair and Hair Loss, Tested and Dermatologist Approved

Best for Dandruff

Avlon KeraCare Dry & Itchy Scalp Anti-Dandruff Moisturizing Shampoo

Amazon

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Using a shampoo that treats scalp issues is an excellent first step toward preventing hair loss and promoting growth. Free of sulfates and parabens, KeraCare fights dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis to eliminate itchiness and flaking. Natural ingredients like apple, green tea, and lemon peel extracts wont dry out your scalp, which is especially important during colder months.

• Hair Type: All types
• Sulfate-Free:No
• Size: 8 ounces - 32 ounces
• Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best Luxury

Miriam Quevedo Black Baccara Hair Multiplying Shampoo

Nordstrom

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Black Baccara contains a blend of vegetable-based keratin,2 stem cells,10 and hair growth factors.11Its formulated to fortify each strand from the inside out while strengthening weakened bonds and leaving your hair lusciously soft.

• Hair Type: Fine, thinning, damaged
• Sulfate-Free: No
• Size: 8.5 ounces
• Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best for Natural Hair

Vernon Francois Re-Vamp Shampoo

Sally Beauty

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Natural hair? Reach for Vernon François RE~VAMP. This shampoo contains keratin,2mafura oil, castor oil, and glycerin12to strengthen damaged hair while replenishing lost moisture and conditioning each strand.

• Hair Type: Damaged, dry, fine, textured, curly
• Sulfate-Free: Yes
• Size: 8.4 ounces
• Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best for 4C Hair

SheaMoisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen & Restore Shampoo

Amazon

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If you have 4C hair, you probably know that if you dont use the right products to keep your curls hydrated, you can experience significant hair breakage and loss. This sulfate-free formula cleanses the scalp with natural ingredients like apple cider vinegar, and a nourishing blend of shea butter and Jamaican Black Castor Oil moisturizes hair without leaving buildup behind.

• Hair Type: Fine, uncolored
• Sulfate-Free: No
• Size:13 ounces - 33.8 ounces
• Cruelty-Free: No

Best for Progressed Thinning

Nioxin System 2 Cleanser Shampoo for Natural Hair with Progressed Thinning

Amazon

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Nioxin offers six "kits" formulated to stimulate hair growth. This shampoo from the brands System 2 kit contains detoxifying cleansers, light conditioning agents, and refreshing peppermint oil to soothe the scalp. Its ideal for use on fine hair that hasnt been color-treated or chemically processed.

• Hair Type: Fine, uncolored
• Sulfate-Free: No
• Size: 3.38 ounces - 33.8 ounces
• Cruelty-Free: No

Best Splurge

Oribe Serene Scalp Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

Amazon

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If youre dealing with stunted hair growth due to a flaky scalp, Holden recommends a salicylic acid shampoo like ORIBEs splurge-worthy Serene Scalp. In addition to gently removing buildup,13it soothes irritation and calls on keratin to strengthen brittle hair.2

• Hair Type: Dandruff-prone, color-treated, thinning, dry
• Sulfate-Free: Yes
• Size: 8.5 ounces, 33.8 ounces
• Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best Natural

Klorane Strengthening Shampoo with Quinine and Edelweiss

Klorane

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We also like Kloranes Strengthening Shampoo. Formulated for thinning hair, it invigorates the scalp with caffeine,7fortifies with vitamins, and calls on quinine bark extract, which the brand claims can help promote new growth.

• Hair Type: Thinning, fine, damaged
• Sulfate-Free: Yes
• Size: 13.5 ounces
• Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best for Dry Hair

Davines NaturalTech Nourishing Shampoo

Amazon

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Many products that clean the scalp also dry out your hair. The Davines Nourishing shampoo conditions while it works, leaving even damaged hair soft, shiny, and voluminous even if you use it daily. Phytoceuticals—antioxidant plant compounds extracted from grapes—protect hair from environmental damage. The creamy texture is a plus, but the scent might be overpowering for some.

• Hair Type: All
• Sulfate-Free: Yes
• Size: 8.45 ounces
• Cruelty-Free: No

The 17 Best Shampoos and Conditioners for Dry Hair of 2023

Best for Fine Hair

Philip Kingsley Body Building Weightless Shampoo

Amazon

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"I often recommend Philip Kingsley Body Building Shampoo for people with fine hair that is prone to breakage," offers Holden. "Its a great volumizing shampoo and contains hydrolyzed protein to strengthen the hair shaft."

• Hair Type: Fine
• Sulfate-Free: No
• Size: 2.5 ounces, 33.8 ounces
• Cruelty-Free: Yes

The 14 Best Shampoos for Fine Hair of 2023 For An Instant Boost

Best Anti-Shedding

The Mane Choice Peach Black Tea Vitamin Fusion Shampoo

Amazon

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If youre experiencing an unusual amount of shedding, The Mane Choice might be your best bet. Containing a fusion of biotin and caffeine-rich black tea,7the formula dissolves buildup, stimulates the scalp, and helps prevent hair loss by boosting the integrity of each strand.

• Hair Type:Fine, medium, straight, curly, natural, thinning
• Sulfate-Free: No
• Size: 8 ounces
• Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best K-Beauty

Vitabrid C12 Scalp+ Shampoo

Amazon

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Vitabrid C12 checks a lot of Holdens boxes for hair-growth shampoo. Were talking anti-flake salicylic acid,13strengthening hydrolyzed soy protein,4and conditioning glycerin, plus biotin, ceramides, and vitamin C, to boot.

• Hair Type: Dandruff-prone, thinning, fine, damaged
• Sulfate-Free: Yes
• Size: 10.1 ounces
• Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best Sulfate-Free

Briogeo Blossom & Bloom Ginseng + Biotin Volumizing Shampoo

Amazon

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Prefer sulfate-free formulas? Briogeos Blossom & Bloom Shampoo wont let you down. The strengthening formula instantly thickens limp hair while also stimulating the scalp with ginseng.6

• Hair Type: Fine, thinning, damaged
• Sulfate-Free: Yes
• Size: 8 ounces, 33.8 ounces
• Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best Dry Shampoo

BeautyBio Healthy Scalp Dry Shampoo

Amazon

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While you might think dry shampoo only contributes to scalp buildup, BeatyBio does the opposite. It dissolves buildup with rosebay extract14while absorbing excess oil and promoting healthy hair growth with the brands signature FolliGRO complex.

• Hair Type: All
• Sulfate-Free: Yes
• Size: 4 ounces
• Cruelty-Free: Yes

We Tested More Than 20 Dry Shampoos In Our Lab—These 6 Performed Best

Best for Breakage

Redken Extreme Length Shampoo with Biotin

Amazon

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This formula is great to cleanse, strengthen, and restore damaged, brittle hair with a high concentration of biotin, which is critical for repairing hair at the root and shaft. Reviewers note that the formula is thick and a little goes a long way to producing a nice, sudsy lather.

• Hair Type: All
• Sulfate-Free: Yes
• Size:33.8 ounces
• Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best Shampoo and Conditioner Set

SheaMoisture Strengthen, Grow, & Restore Shampoo and Conditioner Set

Amazon

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A blend of Jamaican black castor oil, peppermint oil, and apple cider vinegar help to cleanse and purify the scalp to create a healthy environment for growth, while the addition of shea butter adds moisture, leaving hair soft and silky. We love how these products work in sync to deliver an infusion of hydration while also providing clarifying benefits.

• Hair Type: All
• Sulfate-Free: Yes
• Size:16 ounce shampoo; 13 ounce conditioner
• Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best Medicated

Nizoral Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

Amazon

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"For dandruff sufferers, Nizoral shampoo is a good option, as it contains ketoconazole," says Holden. Boasting anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal properties, the clinical ingredient targets the cause of a flaky scalp while removing the dead skin blocking your hair follicles.15

• Hair Type: Dandruff-prone, thinning, balanced
• Sulfate-Free: No
• Size: 4 ounces, 7 ounces
• Cruelty-Free: No

"If you suffer from dandruff, a good ingredient to look out for is ketoconazole. Not only does it fight the cause of dandruff, there is some evidence that ketoconazole may help with hair growth, too." — Kate Holden, AIT, Trichologist

Final Verdict

Our best overall pick, Kérastase Densifique Bain Densité Shampoo, helps to strengthen and protect fragile hair with a blend of humectants and moisturizing ingredients. For a more budget-friendly pick, consider the Marc Anthony Grow Long Super Fast Strength Shampoo, which includes ginseng and caffeine to help stimulate the scalp.

What to Look For in a Hair Growth Shampoo

Scalp Support

When it comes to growth-boosting shampoos, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Dendy Engelman recommends looking for a product that supports overall health of your scalp in addition to your hair cuticle and hair follicle. “The scalp plays an important role in growing and maintaining strong, healthy hair,” she says. Therefore, you want to make sure it’s being properly nourished and treated for optimal hair health and growth.

Stimulating Ingredients

Dr. Engelman also stresses the importance of using a formula that contains stimulating ingredients, such as biotin, zinc, niacin, peppermint, and caffeine. “These stimulate blood flow to the scalp and nutrient delivery to the hair follicle, promoting hair growth,” she says. That said, the more of these ingredients a product contains, the better. We like the Nanogen 7-in-1 Thickening Hair Shampoo, which gently exfoliates the scalp to rebalance its natural microbiome and also Oribes Serene Scalp Anti-Dandruff Shampoo, which tackles flakes with salicylic acid and strengthens with keratin. The Redken Extreme Length formula contains a high concentration of biotin to promote healthy growth.

Conditioning and Moisturizing Ingredients

Hair that’s dry and stripped of its natural oils won’t lead to healthy growth, so Dr. Engelman recommends looking for products—like the Davines Naturaltech Nourishing Shampoo—that also contain conditioning and moisturizing ingredients. “These are key because they keep the strands healthy and strong.” We love the SheaMoisture Restore & Grow formula because it contains a blend of humectants, including raw, organic shea butter as well as clarifying oils to deliver conditioning and moisturizing benefits.

Dr. Engelman recommends people steer clear of shampoos that contain sulfates, which can dry out (and irritate) your scalp.

FAQ

Does hair-growth shampoo work?

According to Dr. Engelman, yes, a quality hair-growth shampoo will work—but dont expect a miracle. "While they wont suddenly make thinning hair long and full, they can boost the hairs volume, speed up growth, and strengthen strands to prevent hair loss and breakage."

How long will it take to see results from using a hair growth shampoo?

If you choose an effective formula, you should see less shedding within a couple of weeks and new hair growth within one to three months. Wondering how often you should use a shampoo for hair growth? Most products are designed to be used a few times a week. Follow the manufacturers recommendations, but try to avoid daily washing, which can dry out your scalp and cause brittle hair or breakage.

Does tea tree shampoo help with hair growth?

Dr. Engelman says that tea tree oil shampoos won’t stimulate hair growth, but they can promote overall hair and scalp health. “Tea tree oil makes hair follicles more accepting of nutrients and promotes healthy, strong hair growth,” she says. “However, there is no evidence that it speeds up hair growth.”

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