What to Buy Haircare Products The 10 Best Shampoos for Hair Growth, Tested and Approved by Our Editors These formulas also leave hair shiny, strong, and supple. By Alexandra Frost and Kayla Blanton Kayla Blanton Kayla is a freelance writer who covers health, nutrition, and lifestyle for Prevention, Everyday Health, People, and more. She's always open to conversations about fueling up with flavorful dishes, busting beauty standards, and finding new, gentle ways to care for our bodies. She thinks therapy is for everyone, and earned a bachelor's degree in journalism from Ohio University with specializations in women, gender, and sexuality studies and public health. She's a born-and-raised midwesterner living in Cincinnati, Ohio with her husband and ornery tabby cat. health's editorial guidelines Updated on April 22, 2024 Medically reviewed by Susan Bard, MD Medically reviewed by Susan Bard, MD Susan Bard, MD, is a board-certified general and procedural dermatologist with the American Board of Dermatology and a Fellow of the American College of Mohs Surgery. learn more We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Health / Roselynn Lemm Approximately four out of five men and half of women experience hair growth-related issues by middle age. The key to preventing hair loss is maintaining good scalp health, and a hair growth shampoo can help with that. Ben Behnam, a dermatologist and co-founder of Happy Head, says using the right shampoo leads to better scalp health and improved hair growth. That being said, the “right” shampoo isn’t universal and varies based on hair and skin type. For example, people with thin, fine hair may want to use a lightweight shampoo that doesn’t weigh down their strands. In contrast, those who are prone to dandruff can benefit from a medicated formula to avoid inflammation and prevent shedding. With those factors in mind, we tested over 20 formulas and narrowed down the best hair growth shampoo for every type of consumer. These shampoos topped our list due to their effective ingredients, cleansing ability, and performance. Next, we had a dermatologist from our Medical Expert Board review this list for medical and scientific accuracy. What to Know About Hair Growth Shampoos Ingredients to look for: According to Dr. Behnam, biotin is an important ingredient since it stimulates keratin production and strengthens hair. Other beneficial ingredients include collagen, which increases the body's hair-building proteins, resulting in longer and thicker hair; keratin for protection and shine; and argan oil, which moisturizes the hair and scalp and protects it from everyday damage. Ingredients to avoid: Steer clear from sulfates, parabens, synthetic fragrances, formaldehyde, and silicones. Effectiveness: Hair growth shampoos work by improving the health of your scalp and stimulating hair follicles, according to dermatologist Brendan Camp, MD, from MDCS Dermatology. They don’t help your hair grow faster, he adds, but instead restore it to its normal growth rate. They also help by preventing conditions that can inhibit hair growth. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Vegamour GRO+ Advanced Replenishing Shampoo Best Budget: Garnier Fructis Grow Strong Shampoo Best Thickening: Redken Extreme Length Shampoo with Biotin Best Natural: Kitsch Rice Water Shampoo Bar for Hair Growth Best for Thinning Hair: DS Laboratories Revita Antioxidant Hair Density CBD Shampoo Best for Curly Hair: Luseta Beauty Jamaican Black Castor Oil Shampoo Best for Oily Scalp: Marc Anthony Grow Long Super Fast Strength Shampoo Best for Dry Scalp: Alodia Nourish & Hydrate Creme Shampoo Best for Dandruff: Évolis Professional Promote Shampoo Best for Volume: The Mane Choice Manetabolism Rejuvenation Solution Extra Healthy Shampoo Best Overall: Vegamour GRO+ Advanced Replenishing Shampoo Vegamour Buy on Vegamour.com $58 Why We Like It After six weeks of sudsing up with Vegamour GRO+ Advanced Replenishing Shampoo every two to three days, we noticed fuller, softer, shinier hair that was less weighed down. The shampoo even gave our hair’s natural waves some added definition. The hormone-free, vegan formula uses natural protein and hydrators to strengthen hair and prevent shedding. It left our scalp feeling calm and clean. Vegamour’s formula is also clinically tested. During the study, 52% of participants experienced improved hair density, and up to 76% experienced less hair shedding. At the trial’s end, our hair was approximately ½ inch longer than it was before the testing period. It’s Worth Noting We found that the formula doesn’t lather a ton, and its scent fades quickly. Product Details Size: 8 fluid ouncesActive Ingredients: CBD, vegan keratinHair Type: AllSulfate-free: YesColor-safe: Yes Health / Roselynn Lemm Health / Roselynn Lemm Health / Roselynn Lemm Health / Roselynn Lemm Best Budget: Garnier Fructis Grow Strong Shampoo Amazon Buy on Amazon $8 Buy on Target $6 Buy on Walmart $4 Why We Like It From the delicious apple scent to its strengthening abilities, we were pleasantly surprised by Garnier Fructis Grow Strong Shampoo, especially considering it’s an inexpensive drugstore shampoo. We noticed fewer hairs in the drain after washing and fewer flyaways after air drying. Although it didn’t seem to significantly bolster new growth, the formula certainly prevented breakage. Bonus: It left our scalp feeling clean without irritation, and the formula rinsed out with ease. It’s Worth Noting Washing left our hair feeling the slightest bit dry, but that was easily remedied by a good conditioner. Product Details Size: 34 fluid ouncesActive Ingredients: Niacinamide, apple extractHair Type: Thin, weakSulfate-free: NoColor-safe: No Health / Cathie France Best Thickening: Redken Extreme Length Shampoo with Biotin Amazon Buy on Amazon $26 Buy on Ulta $26 Buy on Walmart $48 Why We Like It Within just two weeks of thrice weekly washes with Redken Extreme Length Shampoo, our editor with thick, curly hair noticed fullness and new growth at the hairline where she tends to struggle with thinning. Biotin and castor oil likely did the job by strengthening the existing hair follicles and preventing breakage, making this shampoo a great choice for anyone who wants to repair damage. It’s Worth Noting Despite the formula being labeled “extreme length,” we didn’t experience growth, length-wise, but we did notice hairline fullness. We found the formula to be drying and frizz-exacerbating, prompting the need for a deep conditioner. Product Details Size: 33.8 fluid ouncesActive Ingredients: Biotin, castor oil, length care complexHair Type: Thin, damagedSulfate-free: NoColor-safe: No Health / Grace Campbell Health / Grace Campbell Health / Grace Campbell Best Natural: Kitsch Rice Water Shampoo Bar for Hair Growth Kitsch Buy on Amazon $13 Buy on Ulta $14 Buy on Walmart $14 Why We Like It You’ve probably heard of rice water as a natural solution for hair loss. Although more studies are warranted, there’s some research to support its efficacy, and the Kitsch Rice Water Shampoo Bar for Hair Growth we tested was highly effective. The aethetically pleasing bar is far more sustainable than a plastic bottle, the lather is surprisingly rich, and one bar lasts along time. We were impressed by its scalp refreshing abilities and generous hydration from root to tip, which caused major improvements in texture and a decrease in frizz. It’s Worth Noting It didn’t directly improve hair growth during the testing period, but definitely transformed the state of our hair in a positive way. Product Details Size: 3.2 ouncesActive Ingredients: Rice protein, glycerin, castor oilHair Type: Dry, frizzySulfate-free: YesColor-safe: Yes Health / Lisa Pezzuto Best for Thinning Hair: DS Laboratories Revita Antioxidant Hair Density CBD Shampoo DS Laboratories Buy on Dslaboratories.com $38 Why We Like It DS Laboratories Antioxidant Hair Density CBD Shampoo is infused with caffeine and CBD to curb the effect of DHT, a testosterone-based hormone that causes hair loss. After around three weeks of use, our editor experienced noticeable density changes in previously thin patches of his ultra-short hair. The formula also left his scalp feeling ultra-clean, and the scent was light and unobtrusive. It’s Worth Noting We hoped to see a bit more dramatic results considering the brand’s claims and the shampoo’s price. Product Details Size: 7 fluid ouncesActive Ingredients: CBD, caffeine, wheat proteinHair Type: ThinningSulfate-free: YesColor-safe: Yes Health / Lukas Smith Health / Lukas Smith Health / Lukas Smith Best for Curly Hair: Luseta Beauty Jamaican Black Castor Oil Shampoo Luseta Beauty Buy on Amazon $16 Buy on Walmart $16 Buy on Lusetabeauty.com $16 Why We Like It Prior to trying Luseta Beauty Jamaican Black Castor Oil Shampoo, our editor with type 3A curly hair experienced COVID-related hair loss in the form of around 8 inches of breakage, along with texture changes. The castor oil and shea butter in this shampoo rehydrated and strengthened weak, dry strands, boosting their potential for growth. The shampoo also helped keep her scalp nourished and ultra clean. It’s Worth Noting Significant regrowth did not occur, but improvement of hair and scalp health did. The formula could lather better. Product Details Size: 16.9 fluid ouncesActive Ingredients: Castor oil, shea butterHair Type: Curly, thinningSulfate-free: YesColor-safe: Yes Health / Sukhman Rekhi Best for Oily Scalp: Marc Anthony Grow Long Super Fast Strength Shampoo Amazon Buy on Amazon $7 Buy on Target $8 Buy on Walmart $8 Why We Like It The caffeine and ginseng in Marc Anthony Grow Long Super Fast Shampoo are ultra-invigorating for the scalp. The shampoo lathers beautifully, leaving behind a clean-feeling, soothed scalp. During our testing, using this shampoo even eliminated the need for a usual second shampoo, and left our strands feeling more smooth and shiny than normal. We also noticed a significant decrease in breakage. It’s Worth Noting The shampoo didn’t seem to cause significant new growth was detected in our test, although it definitely prevented breakage. The shampoo takes some effort to rinse out. Product Details Size: 8.4 fluid ouncesActive Ingredients: Caffeine, ginseng, vitamin EHair Type: Weak, thinSulfate-free: YesColor-safe: Yes Health / Kat Lewis Health / Kat Lewis Best for Dry Scalp: Alodia Nourish & Hydrate Creme Shampoo Alodia Buy on Amazon $16 Buy on Alodiahaircare.com $16 Why We Like It Alodia Nourish and Hydrate Shampoo is a creamy formula leaves hair feeling clean without stripping away its natural oils. It also improves frizz and shine, and our editor with dry, curly hair was impressed with its ability to retain her hair’s moisture without leaving her hair feeling greasy. The shampoo felt great on our scalp, with a mild astringent effect that we loved. Although it didn’t seem to accelerate hair growth, we did notice a significant decrease in hair loss while using this shampoo. It’s Worth Noting The formula is intentionally low-lather, which may take some getting used to if you typically use a sudsy shampoo. Product Details Size: 8 fluid ouncesActive Ingredients: Avocado oil, peppermint oil, glycerin, aloe veraHair Type: Dry, curlySulfate-free: YesColor-safe: Yes Health / Kimberly Souza Health / Kimberly Souza Health / Kimberly Souza Best for Dandruff: Évolis Professional Promote Shampoo Evolis Buy on Amazon $25 Buy on Evolisproducts.com $28 Buy on Macy's $28 Why We Like It Evolis Professional Promote Shampoo definitely contributed to hair growth during our testing period. Additionally, our editor who is prone to dandruff, especially when using medicated or clarifying shampoos, did not experience build-up after using this natural, professional-grade formula for six weeks. We also appreciated the scent, which is pleasant and clean without being overwhelming. It’s Worth Noting We didn’t experience much lather while cleansing, but that could be because the shampoo is free of sulfates. Our hair didn’t feel as soft or shiny afterward as it has with other shampoos. Product Details Size: 8.5 fluid ouncesActive Ingredients: Baobab, keratin, rosemaryHair Type: Dandruff-prone, thinSulfate-free: YesColor-safe: Yes Health / Melanie Fincher Health / Melanie Fincher Best for Volume: The Mane Choice Manetabolism Rejuvenation Solution Extra Healthy Shampoo Walmart Buy on Amazon Buy on Walmart $15 Buy on Sallybeauty.com $15 Why We Like It Unlike other hydrating shampoos, The Mane Choice Manetabolism Rejuvenation Solution Extra Healthy Shampoo did not weigh down straight, thick hair, and it also noticeably improved volume and body at the crown. We loved the light, refreshing scent that didn’t linger, and found the shampoo paired well with other styling products. Our hair felt much fuller, and we noticed a significant increase in volume during the testing period. It’s Worth Noting We didn’t notice any new hair growth while testing this shampoo. Its hydrating ingredients may leave some hair types feeling slightly greasy, depending on natural oil production. Product Details Size: 8 fluid ouncesActive Ingredients: Glycerin, rosemary oil, vitamin CHair Type: Thin, weighed downSulfate-free: N/AColor-safe: Yes Health / Lauren Kane Health / Lauren Kane Health / Lauren Kane Other Hair Growth Shampoos That Didn’t Make Our List Grande Cosmetics GrandeHAIR Peptide Shampoo lathers incredibly well, but we found it didn’t prompt any new hair growth.Oribe Hair Alchemy Resilience Shampoo was gentle on our editor’s sensitive scalp, caused no irritation, and had a nice, fresh scent, but lacked in the hair growth category.Pantene Unbreakable Lengths Shampoo with Rice Water is an affordable pick that we loved for its hydrating ingredients and ample lather, but the results when it came to hair growth were lacking. Health / Kimberly Souza Our Testing Process We collected insights from our editors, who spent about 414 total hours testing a sample of 23 shampoos at home. We used each shampoo at least twice a week. We tested the formulas keeping the following attributes in mind: Ease of use: Shampoos were tested for package functionality and spreadability on the scalp, including lather.Performance/effectiveness: We recorded how our hair felt after each wash, and tracked any thin spots of hair for potential regrowth. Cleansing ability: We documented how clean our scalp felt after each wash.Scent: We recorded our opinions of shampoo fragrance, if there was any, and noted if the scent lingered. Overall results: We determined our overall opinion of the formulas and disclosed whether or not we would recommend their pick to others. Our Experts Ben Behnam, MD, dermatologist and co-founder of Happy Head Gloria Lin, MD, FAAD, board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group in New York City Dr. Brendan Camp from MDCS Dermatology Health / Grace Campbell Who We Are Kayla Blanton is a freelance writer with a bachelor's degree in journalism and a specialization in public health and women, gender, and sexuality studies. She's covered health, nutrition, lifestyle, and beauty at various outlets for six years. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit 3 Sources Health.com uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Most men experience hair loss—but it isn’t inevitable. NYU Langone Health NewsHub. 2016. Hair loss in women: causes, treatment & prevention. Cleveland Clinic. Reviewed 2021. Kim YM, Kwon SJ, Jang H joon, Seo YK. Rice bran mineral extract increases the expression of anagen-related molecules in human dermal papilla through wnt/catenin pathway. Food Nutr Res. 2017;61(1):1412792.