There’s a moment that everyone with a full head of hair dreads. It’s when you’re washing or brushing your hair and a full chunk of it falls out, seemingly for no reason at all. The bad news is, this can happen to anyone, and it can be for a whole host of reasons, ranging from stress and anxiety to hormonal changes and medical conditions. If you notice your hair beginning to thin, there are in-office options like PRP (platelet rich plasma) or exosomes, but these treatments can be expensive.
Some over-the-counter hair growth options, like shampoos, can help strengthen and fortify your hair. “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,” says Dr. Eric Schweiger of Schweiger Dermatology Group in NYC. Look for strengthening ingredients like zinc, keratin, and biotin, according to Krupa Koestline, cosmetic chemist and founder of KKT Consultants. You can also try rosemary oil, pumpkin seed oil, and rice water.
Keep in mind that there’s no Miracle-Gro for your hair—and none of these ingredients will cause your hairline to magically densify. “[Hair growth shampoos] are not actually making your hair grow, but are creating an environment that may be optimal for your natural hair growth cycle instead,” says Dr. Mona Gohara, a board-certified dermatologist based in Connecticut. Keep reading for the best hair growth shampoos on the market, according to doctors and experts.
Best Sulfate-Free Hair Growth Shampoo
Nutrafol Root Purifier Scalp Microbiome Shampoo
Pros
Hydrates and helps scalp health
Cons
- Some dislike the bottle design
Filled with active ingredients like prebiotics and vegan protein, this shampoo formula stimulates the scalp to encourage hair growth. The hydrating formula helps balance your scalp and keeps hair healthy.
Hair type: All
Key ingredients: Prebiotics, vegan protein
Size: 8.1 fl. oz.
Sulfate-free: Yes
Amazon rating: 4.3/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “I’ve been using the Nutrafol Shampoo for a while now, and I'm impressed with the results. It’s great for thinning hair, improving volume, strength, and texture noticeably. Plus, it smells amazing! It’s color-safe and sulfate-free, which is a bonus for my treated hair. ”
Pros
- Affordable
Cons
- May not be suitable for dry hair
According to this Amazon bestseller’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. Thanks to a few stimulating oils, this product is also a fantastic option for brittle, dehydrated hair.
Hair type: Dry, thinning
Key ingredients: Jojoba seed oil, tea tree oil, rosemary oil, niacinamide, argan oil, biotin, coconut oil
Size: 8 fl. oz.
Sulfate-free: Yes
Amazon rating: 4.3/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “After a few months of consistent use, the transformation was astonishing. My hair, which had once been thin and lifeless, was now thick, full, and vibrant. Friends and family began to notice the difference, often commenting on how much healthier and more voluminous my hair looked. Jokingly, they said I looked like a bear with my thick mane, and I couldn’t have been happier with the comparison.”
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Pros
- Caffeine and biotin help encourage growth
Cons
- Pricey
Vegamour’s entire line of products is dedicated to reducing shedding, encouraging hair growth, and adding fullness. This shampoo is the first step to getting started since it’s packed with hair-boosting ingredients like biotin and caffeine. As an added bonus, this shampoo also smells beautiful.
Amazon rating: 4.4/5 stars
Hair type: Thin, flat
Key ingredients: Keratin, silk protein, biotin, caffeine, ceramides
Size: 8 fl. oz.
Sulfate-free: Yes
An Amazon reviewer says: “I noticed a thickness in my hair after the first use. I could not believe my eyes. I would pay double the price for this shampoo, it is that good. And it will create some volume and thickness for your hair. Best ever!”
Pros
- Comes as a set
Cons
- Can cause build-up
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.
Hair type: Curly, chemically-treated, damaged
Key ingredients: Castor oil, coconut oil, peppermint oil, vitamin E
Size: 16 fl. oz./13 fl. oz.
Sulfate-free: Yes
Amazon rating: 4.5/5 stars
Our expert reviewer says: “Growing up, I would spend summers in the Caribbean. My grandmother would use castor oil to give me hot oil treatments to help strengthen my strands. This shampoo and conditioner combo is a less messy and time-consuming way to cleanse and strengthen your hair, but still delivers all the benefits of castor oil. My curls always pop and I feel I have less shedding when I use this product.”—Danielle James, beauty expert
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Best Dermatologist-Recommended Hair Growth Shampoo
Nioxin Scalp + Hair Thickening System 1
Pros
- Comes with complete set
Cons
- Involves multiple steps
“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.
Hair type: Thin
Key ingredients: Biotin, caffeine
Size: 10.1 fl. oz./10.1 fl. oz./3.4 fl. oz.
Sulfate-free: No
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.”
Best Hair Growth Shampoo For Thin Hair
Biolage Full Density Thickening Shampoo
Now 50% Off
Pros
- Effective
Cons
- An investment
Some Amazon reviewers have found a magic potion in this shampoo that boasts biotin and zinc to help strengthen hair. Unlike some options which require a lot of time and dedication to see results, users note that their hair began feeling thicker after just one wash.
Amazon rating: 4.5/5 stars
Hair type: Thin, fine
Key ingredients: Biotin, zinc
Size: 13.5 fl. oz.
Sulfate-free: No
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.”
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Best Hair Growth Shampoo for Brittle Hair
Mielle Organics Rosemary Mint Strengthening Shampoo
Pros
- Provides visible results
Cons
- May not be scented enough for some
Everyone knows that the Mielle Rosemary Oil quickly went viral and sold out, thanks to its incredible ability to encourage hair growth. To keep up with that progress, this shampoo will allow you to get even more of rosemary’s benefits. It contains a blend of rosemary oil and biotin, which helps heal brittle hair and stimulate the scalp.
Hair type: Brittle, curly
Key ingredients: Rosemary oil, peppermint oil, biotin, castor oil
Size: 12 fl. oz.
Sulfate-free: Yes
Amazon rating: 4.5/5 stars
Our expert reviewer says: “There’s a reason the rosemary oil went viral—it works! So, of course, I wanted to use the accompanying shampoo. After three washes over the course of one month, I can say I love the smell and how well it lathers. Plus, it leaves your hair feeling clean, soft, and smooth. I highly recommend!”—Danielle James
Pros
- Adds volume
Cons
- May take time to see results
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.
Hair type: All
Key ingredients: Aloe vera leaf juice, tea tree oil, argan oil, biotin, rosemary oil, pumpkin seed oil, vitamin E
Size: 16 fl. oz
Sulfate-free: Yes
Amazon rating: 4.3/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “I have very thin, very oily hair. I started using this shampoo back in December 2023. I faithfully use it daily and leave it in for a full two minutes or longer. My hair has grown so long so [quickly]. My hairstylist said she can see lots of new growth. I’ve tried many different hair growth shampoos, and this one is the best I’ve found”
Best Hair Growth Shampoo for Scalp Health
Oribe Serene Scalp Densifying Shampoo
Pros
- Helps nourish scalp
Cons
- Pricey
Leave it to Oribe to come up with a hair growth formula that focuses specifically on the roots. This shampoo zeroes in on scalp health and creating an optimal environment for hair to grow. It’s made with a proprietary ingredient called Capixyl, a biomimetic peptide with red clover extract, that helps nourish and fortify your scalp.
Hair type: All
Key ingredients: Capixyl, pea sprout extract
Size: 8.5 fl. oz.
Sulfate-free: Yes
Amazon rating: 4.3/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “This shampoo feels luxurious! It smells amazing, and you only need a small amount to get a good lather. My hair feels soft and nourished after using it. I’m still waiting to see results on the densifying claims, but so far, I’m impressed. Plus, the bottle looks gorgeous on my shelf!”
Pros
- Removes buildup with one use
Cons
- Smaller bottle
Scalp care is the key to growing healthy hair—Taliah Waajid knows this all too well. This Dry Gel Shampoo is designed to be applied directly on the scalp—perfect for box braids or cornrows under a wig—and wiped clean with a damp washcloth. The mixture delivers a tingling sensation, courtesy of peppermint, basil, bamboo, and more.
Hair type: Natural, textured
Key ingredients: Bamboo, biotin, basil, avocado, peppermint
Size: 4 fl. oz.
Sulfate-free: Yes
Amazon rating: 4.6/5 stars
An ELLE editor says: “After a few weeks or so in my braids, this is my favorite product to give my scalp a refresh. During protective styles, I opt for lots of creams and oils to keep my hair nourished. The Dry Gel Shampoo is easy to use and leaves a minty feel on my scalp for stimulation. I use this shampoo about every week on my edges in between styles, and every three weeks when it’s time to wash my entire head. I noticed immediately how much softer and tangle-free my hair was, but also how refreshed and clarified my scalp felt.”—Nerisha Penrose, ELLE.com beauty commerce editor
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Pros
- Pleasant scent
Cons
- May not be suitable for very dry hair
You may have heard that washing your hair with beer can stimulate hair growth and get rid of dandruff. This brand takes German beer yeast, which is bursting with hair-fortifying biotin, and infuses it into a moisturizing shampoo. The formula promotes hair growth and volume, strengthens strands to prevent hair fall, and soothes the scalp to reduce dandruff no matter your hair type.
Hair type: All
Key ingredients: Beer yeast, biotin, lavender bergamo, freesia, peppermint, chamomile, rosemary
Size: 10.15 fl. oz.
Sulfate-free: Yes
Amazon rating: 4.1/5 stars
An ELLE editor says: “I was among the many women who experienced hair loss during the early years of the pandemic. In an effort to help, my mother researched online and purchased this shampoo for me, hoping that it would work wonders. One or two uses in, I began to notice that the clumps that usually came out in the shower had reduced to just a few stray strands, and it became my one and only shampoo for a long time. I used up countless bottles over the course of three years and ended up regaining a lot of my thickness and volume, all thanks to this formula. It also helped treat my flaky scalp, which was a huge bonus.”—Carol Lee, ELLE.com associate beauty e-commerce writer
Best Hair Growth Shampoo For Curly Hair
Carol's Daughter Goddess Strength, Strengthening Shampoo
Pros
- Hydrating
Cons
- May not be suitable for oily hair
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.
Hair type: Curly, damaged
Key ingredients: Castor oil, biotin, ginger root extract, salicylic acid
Size: 11 fl. oz
Sulfate-free: Yes
Amazon rating: 4.6/5 stars
An ELLE editor says: “Carol’s Daughter has been a mainstay in my hair care routine for its strengthening, softening, and moisturizing formulas. My hair hates any shampoo that makes it feel stripped bare, a concern I don’t have to worry about when using the Goddess Strength Shampoo. I initially tested this shampoo for about two months before I made it a staple product in my routine, along with the Goddess Strength Scalp Oil. The castor oil and black seed oil included in the formula impart a good dose of moisture that leaves my hair soft and manageable. I incorporate a detangling brush during wash days, and this shampoo ensures the bristles can easily maneuver through my strands with no hitches.”—Nerisha Penrose
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Best Luxury Hair Growth Shampoo
Kerastase Resistance Length Strengthening Shampoo
Pros
- Treats scalp and hair
Cons
- Some may dislike scent
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, and this luxury option won’t just look pretty in your shower–it also packs a powerful punch.
Hair type: All
Key ingredients: Castor oil, salicylic acid, amino acids, ceramides
Size: 8.5 fl. oz
Sulfate-free: No
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.”
Best Antioxidant-Rich Hair Growth Shampoo
Andalou Naturals Argan Stem Cell Age Defying Shampoo
Pros
- Affordable
Cons
- May not be suited for dry hair
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 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.
Hair type: Thin
Key ingredients: Aloe vera leaf juice, fruit stem cells, argan oil, biotin, rice protein, jojoba oil
Size: 11.5 fl. oz
Sulfate-free: Yes
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.”
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Meet the Experts
- Dr. Eric Schweiger is a dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group in NYC.
- Ron Robinson is a cosmetic chemist and CEO of BeautyStat Cosmetics.
- Krupa Koestline is a cosmetic chemist and founder of KKT Consultants, with expertise in clean beauty formulations.
- Dr. William Yates is a board-certified hair loss expert and surgeon based in Chicago.
- Dr. Nava Greenfield is a dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group in NYC.
What causes hair loss?
There can be a host of different reasons for hair loss. According to Dr. Schweiger, causes range from “androgenetic or hormone-related hair loss, stress-related hair loss—also called telogen effluvium—and dandruff. Medications, vitamin deficiencies, thyroid disorders, excess styling, and autoimmune disorders can also cause hair loss and thinning.”
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Does shampoo help hair growth?
Robinson says that shampoos can help to improve hair growth, but not single-handedly. “Because shampoos are rinsed out shortly after they are applied, the ingredients are not staying on the scalp long enough to make a significant impact on their own.” However, Schweiger points out there are other benefits to shampoos, including ingredients like amino acids and antioxidants, that can assist with hair growth in the long run.
Can natural ingredients help grow hair?
Board-certified hair loss expert and surgeon Dr. Yates recommends gentle ingredients that don’t strip the hair and preserve the integrity of the hair shaft to help prevent breakage. “My patients report improved hair growth with natural ingredients like pumpkin seed extract, yucca root extract, saw palmetto, algae, horsetail, and green tea extract,” says Yates. He also notes that biotin and rosemary oil show promise as natural ingredients in hair products to promote hair health and growth. Keep in mind that no ingredient will help grow hair where you don’t have a hair follicle.
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What's the difference between regular shampoo and a hair growth shampoo?
“Hair growth-promoting shampoos are specifically designed with follicle-stimulating actives and antioxidants while maintaining optimal scalp health,” says Koestline. Whereas traditional shampoos are formulated for different hair types and focus more on the hair itself and not the scalp. Remember, hair growth is a slow process, and everyone’s journey is different. Dr. Greenfield recommends that you try a product out for three to four months before determining whether it is effective. “Take before and after photos since the change may be too gradual to notice,” Greenfield adds.
Why Trust ELLE Beauty
As a leading publisher of fashion, lifestyle, and beauty content, ELLE.com is committed to highlighting the best products in various categories by personally testing the latest and most innovative products, interviewing countless experts, and vetting customer-loved items. For this piece, ELLE.com editors spoke with two cosmetic chemists and a dermatologist about the best ingredients to look for in hair growth shampoos and their potential benefits. These authors poured over reviews for dozens of top-rated hair growth shampoos, evaluating each on their ingredients offered and customer feedback. Studies supporting the efficacy of these ingredients are also referenced.
Reviewed byMona A. Gohara, M.D.
Board-Certified Dermatologist
Mona Gohara, M.D. is a Yale-trained, board-certified dermatologist, Oberlin College-bred feminist, medical media expert, and member of the ELLE Beauty Advisory Board. Mona enjoys educating on skin health, skin cancer, skin of color, and sun protection. She has done this through writing, lecturing on the local, national, and international levels, and by engaging popular media. Mona is an active member of the American Academy of Dermatology, where she chaired the social media task force, The Women’s Dermatologic Society where she serves as president, and The American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, where she chairs the DEI Work Group.
