These Hair Growth Shampoos Help Achieve Thicker-Looking Strands, According to Derms
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Has your ponytail felt thinner lately? Or maybe you’ve noticed more hair left in the drain after wash day. If you find yourself experiencing any kind of hair thinning or hair loss, don’t fret. Investing in the best shampoo for hair growth may make patchy areas appear fuller by adding density to sparse strands, and targeting some of the superficial causes of thinning.
Meet the Experts: Marisa Garshick, M.D., board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology; Mona Gohara, M.D., board-certified dermatologist at Dermatology Physicians of Connecticut and member of the Prevention Medical Review Board; Janiene Luke, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist and Associate Professor practicing in Southern CA and member of the Prevention Medical Review Board.
While hair products may make tresses appear thicker, fuller, and generally healthier, it’s important to note that there are no shampoos that have been known to grow hair, says Mona Gohara, M.D., board-certified dermatologist at Dermatology Physicians of Connecticut and member of the Prevention Medical Review Board. Still, certain ingredients can add volume and make hair appear thicker, she explains.
If you’re experiencing hair shedding, “I recommend seeing a dermatologist especially if you are experiencing any scalp or hair issues such as hair loss or hair breakage, since you may need additional testing for proper diagnosis and treatment with prescription medication,” says Janiene Luke, M.D. a board-certified dermatologist, associate professor practicing in Southern CA, and member of the Prevention Medical Review Board. “If your hair/scalp are already healthy and you are looking to optimize your hair health, you can consider the recommendations below,” she says.
Our top picks
Ahead, experts share the best shampoos for hair growth for all types of hair.
Cleanser Shampoo
As a first step in a three-part regimen, this shampoo helps to prepare hair and scalp for a complete hair thickening treatment, says Marisa Garshick, M.D., board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology. “This formula uses different technologies to help thicken the hair, using proteins, amino acids, and antioxidants to strengthen the hair.”
User review: “This stuff always makes the hair loss stop after a couple washings. My hair looks good too! If you are suffering temporary hair loss or dry scalp, get you some of this!!”
Key Ingredients: Peppermint oil, biotin, lecithin
Sulfate-free: No
Size: 16.9 fl oz
Cleanser Shampoo
amazon.com
$30.00
Destined for Density
Another favorite of Dr. Garshick, this pick contains a few key ingredients to help strengthen hair. “Zinc protects and soothes the hair follicles while normalizing sebum production, copper peptides support healthy hair life, biotin nourishes the hair, and the energy complex (caffeine + CoQ10 + green coffee oil) stimulates and delivers antioxidants to the scalp,” she explains.
User review: “Bought both the shampoo and conditioner. Using the products together to try to improve my overall hair health!! I’ve been losing hair and this product was highly recommended by several friends, so I’m giving it a try. So far so good!! Smells great too.”
Key Ingredients: Zinc, copper peptides, caffeine, green coffee oil, biotin
Sulfate-free: Yes
Size: 8 oz
Destined for Density
amazon.com
$32.00
Shampoo
“This shampoo is hydrating and gently cleanses without stripping the hair,” Dr. Luke says. “It is formulated with fruit extracts and hydrolyzed quinoa protein to nourish and strengthen hair. It is also sulfate- and paraben-free which may be helpful for those with sensitive scalps,” she says.
User review: “I am loving this shampoo and I also got the conditioner to go with it. My hair is nice and thick again without the heavy weight to it. There are also little to no tangles, which of course allows me to actually keep my hair 😊. It doesn’t feel dry and cracky. It is really soft and flowy.”
Key Ingredients: Glycerine, glycolipids, hydrolyzed quinoa
Sulfate-free: Yes
Size: 8.1 oz
Shampoo
nutrafol.com
$88.00
Flourish Shampoo for Thinning Hair
Boosting volume while it eliminates excess oil and build up, this shampoo is a great option for those who have thinning hair, says Dr. Garshick. “Containing alpha and gamma keratin proteins, this shampoo helps to strengthen and support the hairs,” she explains. It also contains rice-based humectants and plant extracts, to nourish the hair and scalp and prevent irritation, making it ideal for sensitive skin, she says.
User review: “Within a week of starting this shampoo and conditioner I began receiving compliments from my coworkers. I keep hearing, ‘Wow, your hair looks great!!’ or ‘What are you doing with your hair, it looks wonderful!’”
Key Ingredients: Alpha and gamma keratin proteins, rice-based humectants, active plant extracts
Sulfate-free: Yes
Size: 8 oz
Flourish Shampoo for Thinning Hair
amazon.com
$42.00
Densifique Densité Shampoo
Another rec from Dr. Garshick, incorporating hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and gluco peptide, “This shampoo works to cleanse while also strengthening the hair,” Dr. Garshick notes.
User review: “I have used the Kerastase line for 10 years, but the Densifique Densité shampoo and conditioner are the only ones that don’t weigh down my hair, moisturize just enough and make my hair bouncy with shine.”
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, ceramides, gluco peptides
Sulfate-free: No
Size: 8.5 oz
Densifique Densité Shampoo
amazon.com
$40.00
Original Gold Label Anti-Thinning Biotin Shampoo
This shampoo has been clinically tested to reduce hair thinning due to breakage and increase the volume and strength of the hair, says Dr. Garshick. “This incorporates a blend of biotin, pumpkin seed, and black cumin seed oil which work together to increase volume and thicken hair,” she adds.
User review: “The shampoo lathers so nicely, I love the way it smells, my hair is growing thicker and longer, it has genuinely improved my quality of life ❤️.”
Key Ingredients: Biotin, pumpkin seed, black cumin seed oil, nettle, tea tree oil
Sulfate-free: Yes
Size: 16 oz
Original Gold Label Anti-Thinning Biotin Shampoo
amazon.com
$29.99
Lambdapil Hair Loss Shampoo
Using Serenoa serrulata fruit extract, zinc, D-biotin, B-vitamins, this shampoo helps the hair and scalp look and feel healthy and nourished, without leaving a greasy residue behind, says Dr. Garshick.
User review: “I went through a significant hair loss last year due to a chemical hair treatment. My dermatologist recommended this shampoo and my hair is significantly fuller and stronger due to consistently using the shampoo.”
Key Ingredients: Serenoa serrulata fruit extract, zinc, D-biotin, B-vitamins
Sulfate-free: No
Size: 6.7 oz
Lambdapil Hair Loss Shampoo
amazon.com
$49.00
Rosemary Mint Strengthening Shampoo
“This shampoo is specifically formulated for natural/textured hair. It contains peppermint, rosemary, and castor oils, as well as biotin and other nutrients to strengthen the hair,” says Dr. Luke. Dr. Garshick, also recommends this shampoo as it contains rosemary, “which has been proven to have a similar effect to Minoxidil (a.k.a. Rogaine) when it comes to hair growth.” It gently cleanses the scalp with no harsh or potentially thinning ingredients while adding volume, she adds.
User review: “Coming from a girl with super thin hair that had a ponytail that was very thin, this product has made my hair so much thicker and I can see so much new growth of hair in between my regular hair. This stuff is magical!”
Key Ingredients: Rosemary oil, peppermint oil, castor oil, coconut oil, biotin
Sulfate-free: Yes
Size: 12 oz
Rosemary Mint Strengthening Shampoo
amazon.com
$9.47
GRO Revitalizing Shampoo
Dr. Luke recommends this shampoo as it’s “formulated with curcumin extract, red clover, and mung bean to support scalp and hair health, as well as Karmatin (a vegan alternative to keratin and silicone) to fortify hair and enhance shine. It can be used in all hair types/textures and is safe for color-treated hair,” she notes.
User review: “If your hair needs a little extra love (and who doesn’t?), this shampoo is like a citrus-scented dance party for your locks. Say hello to hair that’s not just clean but ready to conquer the world!”
Key Ingredients: Karmatin, phytoactives, b-silk protein
Sulfate-free: Yes
Size: 12 oz
GRO Revitalizing Shampoo
amazon.com
$48.00
Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
Using ketoconazole 1%, Dr. Garshick says this shampoo can be used at least two times per week to help address flaking, scaling, and itching. “This offers additional benefits as it may help to address hair loss as well which is thought to be related to an effect on DHT,” she adds. For best results, it should be used at least two to three times per week, Dr. Garshick notes.
User review: “I have been using it for just two weeks and I am already seeing an improvement in the hair thinning/falling out.”
Key Ingredients: Ketoconazole, hydrochloric acid
Sulfate-free: No
Size: 7 oz
Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
amazon.com
$15.88
Jamaican Black Castor Oil Extreme Hydrating Shampoo
This gentle yet effective formula is enriched with humectants and conditioning agents to instantly add volume, strength, and shine to otherwise dry and dull hair, per the brand. This hydrating formula is designed with all types and textures of curls and coils in mind, leaving your tresses silky, soft, and manageable.
User review: “My hair is now full and voluminous and both of our hair is soft and manageable. Will continue to buy for life!”
Key Ingredients: 100% Jamaican black castor oil, panthenol, hydrolyzed wheat protein
Sulfate-free: Yes
Size: 10 oz
Jamaican Black Castor Oil Extreme Hydrating Shampoo
amazon.com
$11.99
Sweet Potato Pie Extra Creamy Moisturizing Shampoo
Donna’s Recipe’s moisturizing shampoo is great for those looking to add more oomph to their strands. The ingredient list boasts cinnamon, which the brand claims to help remove build-up, allowing for a clean, healthy scalp.
User review: “The absolute best moisturizing shampoo I’ve ever used! It feels luxurious and rich. This truly is a great product.”
Key Ingredients: Sweet potato, cinnamon, avocado oil, vitamin E, shea butter, aloe vera
Sulfate-free: Yes
Size: 8 oz
Sweet Potato Pie Extra Creamy Moisturizing Shampoo
ulta.com
$15.00
Full Density Thickening Shampoo
If your already-thin hair is thinning even more, this formula helps build hair resiliency from root to tip with infused biotin, per the brand. It also cleanses hair and promotes scalp health, per the brand.
User review: “My mind is blown by the difference this shampoo and conditioner has made! My hair is thick and full until the next wash. I will never go back to the previous products I have used!”
Key Ingredients: Biotin, zinc PCA
Sulfate-free: No
Size: 33.8 oz
Full Density Thickening Shampoo
amazon.com
$38.00
Shampoo and Conditioner Set
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, the brand claims. Plus, the conditioner nourishes the hair, leaving a silky smooth feeling after washing.
User review: “The results are amazing, just in second-time usage, I see my hair already looks and feels so much softer, also my hair fall was lesser than usual while washing.”
Key Ingredients: Apple cider vinegar, Jamaican black castor oil, shea butter, peppermint
Sulfate-free: Yes
Size: 16 oz
Shampoo and Conditioner Set
amazon.com
$24.92
Argan Stem Cell Age Defying Shampoo
This nourishing shampoo works to unblock follicles, address the build-up of excess sebum, as well as reduce inflammation and bacteria that contribute to hair loss, the brand says. This affordable pick also features apple stem cells, which have been shown to promote and extend the hair’s natural growth phase while soothing and hydrating the scalp.
User review: “I have been suffering from hair loss for the past 12 months, and my hairstylist recommended this product. I have been using it for about two weeks now, and I have noticed a considerable decrease in the amount of hair that is on my hands after washing and applying conditioner. I have also noticed that my hair looks and feels fuller!”
Key Ingredients: Aloe vera leaf juice, fruit stem cells, argan oil, biotin, rice protein, jojoba oil
Sulfate-free: Yes
Size: 11.5 oz
Argan Stem Cell Age Defying Shampoo
amazon.com
$9.79
Hair Thickening Shampoo
This multi-functioning shampoo was designed to keep the follicles clean, while strengthening them to promote thicker-looking strands. It contains biotin, green tea, caffeine, and saw palmetto that the brand claims strengthens every strand, promotes keratin, and blocks DHT to improve growth and for healthier-looking hair.
User review: “I have noticed that my hair has become stronger and thicker since I started using this shampoo. It also feels softer and more manageable, which is a huge plus!”
Key Ingredients: Saw palmetto, biotin, caffeine, green tea
Sulfate-free: No
Size: 8 oz
Hair Thickening Shampoo
amazon.com
$24.49
AmazonHow to choose the best hair growth shampoo for you
Look for key ingredients: Some ingredients that may be found in hair growth shampoos include but are not limited to peptides, caffeine, keratin, biotin, and various oils such as rosemary oil or castor oil, says Dr. Garshick. “These ingredients work to strengthen and support the hair, help to resist breakage, protect the hair, and may also help to boost circulation to stimulate follicles to grow,” she says. Ketoconazole, an antifungal ingredient found in anti-dandruff shampoos, may also have a role in preventing hair loss and supporting hair growth, she adds.
Consider your hair type: Depending on whether your hair is straight, wavy, curly, or coily, you’ll want to use products that are designed to work for your specific hair type and texture. “Those with naturally curly or textured hair tend to have drier hair at baseline (because the sebum does not travel as far down the hair shaft of curly hair compared to straight hair) so they should look for more moisturizing formulations that are sulfate-free to help remove dirt and product build-up but not strip the scalp,” explains Dr. Luke.
Try it out: You may have to do some trial and error to find the shampoo that works best for your unique hair. Keep in mind that you should test one product at a time to truly assess which formula works best.
Consult an expert: A shampoo can work well in combination with other treatments including other topical or oral medications as well as in office procedures, says Dr. Garshick. “It is also important to identify the cause of hair loss to determine the best treatment options so if you are unsure, it is important to see a board-certified dermatologist for evaluation.”
What causes hair loss/thinning?
Some causes of hair loss including androgenetic or hereditary hair loss (which can also be associated with hormonal changes), alopecia areata (which is a type of immune-mediated hair loss), or traction alopecia (which can be hair loss as a result of certain hairstyles or practices that pull on the hair), says Dr. Garshick.
Some factors that may contribute to hair shedding include stress-induced hair loss, including physical, emotional or psychological stressors on the body, Dr. Garshick adds. “This can be illness, surgery, hospitalization, weight loss, pregnancy or delivery, change in medications, change in diet, new job, divorce or death of a loved one.” Importantly, the excess hair shedding may not be noticed for a few months after the stressful event, she notes.
Blood abnormalities (low thyroid, b12/folate, vitamin d, iron, higher levels of autoimmune marker) as well as some medications, and hormonal changes could also be the culprit behind your hair loss, adds Dr. Gohara.
Can shampoo help hair growth?
Although there is limited evidence when it comes to how effective hair growth shampoos are, some of the key ingredients work to strengthen, support, and volumize the hair, says Dr. Garshick. “Ketoconazole shampoo, also known as Nizoral, is often recommended by dermatologists as it has been shown to have benefits for hair growth,” she adds.
As for the mechanism behind shampoo in general, Dr. Luke says, “Shampoos are designed to cleanse the hair and scalp and typically contain several ingredients to help remove oil, dirt, dead skin cells, and other impurities. Common cleansing agents such as surfactants act to bind these impurities and create a structure (micelle) that can be rinsed away with water.”
What ingredients should someone look for in shampoos for hair growth?
“Since shampoos tend to be ‘short-contact products’ (are only in contact with the skin for short periods of time and then rinsed away), shampoos may not be the ideal product for those trying to grow their hair and leave-on products (i.e. Rogaine/minoxidil or ISDIN’s Lambdapil Lotion ) or prescription medications (such as higher strength minoxidil, compounded finasteride, spironolactone, etc.) may be better suited for their needs,” explains Dr. Luke.
“That being said, you can look for ingredients such as zinc, vitamins, biotin, and amino acids to help nourish the scalp and follicles and you can also look for ingredients such as keratin or hydrolyzed proteins to help strengthen the hair so it is less susceptible to damage and/or breakage,” she continues. “Other ingredients that may help stimulate follicles include ginseng, caffeine, and rosemary or peppermint oils.”
What’s the difference between regular shampoo and hair growth shampoo?
Hair growth shampoos work to strengthen the hairs and try to boost circulation, says Dr. Garshick. “They consist of additional ingredients that are targeted to stimulate the follicles and nourish the hair,” she explains. More specifically, biotin-infused shampoos fill in the gaps in the hair cuticle, making it thicker and stronger, explains Dr. Gohara, and some volumizing shampoos function in swelling the cuticle, making it appear thicker.
In contrast, regular shampoos are often designed to simply cleanse and clarify the hair and scalp, says Dr. Garshick. “While they also care for the hair, they are not specifically intended to address concerns of hair loss,” she notes.
How long does it take to see results from hair growth shampoo?
While hair may look healthier, more nourished, and stronger after just one use, it can take three to six months to start to see improvement as it takes time for the hair to cycle and grow, says Dr. Garshick.
What stimulates hair growth?
Aside from shampoo, other options to help stimulate hair growth may include things like topicals, such as minoxidil (rogaine), oral medications such as finasteride or spironolactone, supplements such as Nutrafol or Viviscal, and in-office procedures such as platelet rich plasma, says Dr. Garshick. “For those with more immune mediated hair loss like alopecia areata, other treatment options may be available such as an oral JAK inhibitor or intralesional steroid injections,” she says.
In addition to medical interventions, there are some foods that may promote hair growth.
How we chose the best shampoos for hair growth
We consulted Marisa Garshick, M.D., board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology; Mona Gohara, M.D., board-certified dermatologist at Dermatology Physicians of Connecticut and member of the Prevention Medical Review Board; and Janiene Luke, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist and Associate Professor practicing in Southern CA and member of the Prevention Medical Review Board. We also combed through countless ratings, reviews, and product specs to find the best shampoos for hair growth.
Why trust us
For more than 70 years, Prevention has been a leading provider of trustworthy health information, empowering readers with practical strategies to improve their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Our editors interview medical experts to help guide our health-focused product selections. Additionally, Prevention also examines hundreds of reviews—and often conducts personal testing done by our staff—to help you make informed decisions.
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