“Hair loss is quite frequent among women,” says UK-based trichologist Kate Holden, AIT. Whether you’re battling with stress-induced shedding, postpartum thinning, hormonal hair loss, or hair that just won’t grow, an over-the-counter treatment—specifically, shampoo—might offer some relief.
“Shampoos can aid with hair development by strengthening the hair shaft, preventing breakage, and cleansing the scalp,” Holden tells Byrdie, emphasizing the importance of keeping a healthy scalp.
GET TO KNOW THE EXPERT
Kate Holden AIT is a trichologist consultant and associate member of the Institute of Trichologists headquartered in Manchester, United Kingdom.
She provides professional diagnosis, therapy advice, referrals, and treatments for a variety of hair and scalp issues, including as hair loss and thinning.
Holden advises formulations rich with protein, such as hydrolyzed keratin2 and wheat protein, as well as conditioning elements like glycerin and coconut oil, to prevent breaking.
“In terms of clearing the scalp from buildup,” she explains, “chemical exfoliants such as salicylic acid, glycolic acid, and lactic acid might be good, since they remove dead skin cells.”
We tested some of the highest-rated shampoos to determine the finest strengthening, breakage-fighting, and scalp-supporting shampoos to help increase hair development.
Our testers gave each solution a rating based on its component list and capacity to strengthen, thicken, and minimize damage. We then merged these findings with our own research and professional advice to create our list.
Scroll down to find the finest hair-growth shampoos available.
1. The best exfoliating shampoo is Nanogen 7-in-1 Hair Thickening Shampoo.
According to Holden, “Nanogen 7-in-1 Shampoo includes salicylic acid, glycerin, and hydrolyzed keratin.” In other words, it ticks all the boxes when it comes to promoting hair development, exfoliating the scalp, and strengthening the hair shaft.
This in-shower treatment moisturizes, conditions, and thickens your hair while washing and removing dead skin cells. In addition, Nanogen uses beta-glucan and plant-based antioxidants to strengthen each strand and reduce shedding.
What We Like
Trichologist-recommended
Salicylic acid and keratin are present.
Assists in preventing shedding
What We Don’t Like
Expensive
2. Marc Anthony Grow Long Super Fast Strength Shampoo is the best value for money.
Marc Anthony Develop Long is inexpensive, but it’s no slouch when it comes to creating luscious hair. This shampoo, infused with ginseng6 and caffeine7, stimulates the scalp while revitalizing fragile hair.
What We Like
Budget-friendly
It stimulates the scalp.
Assists in preventing breaking
What We Don’t Like
It does not lather well.
3. ORIBE Serene Scalp Anti-Dandruff Shampoo is the best splurge.
Holden advises a salicylic acid shampoo like ORIBE’s splurge-worthy Serene Scalp if you have hindered hair development owing to a dry scalp. It not only gently removes debris, but it also calms irritation and uses keratin to strengthen weak hair.
What We Like
It contains salicylic acid and keratin, which helps to soothe inflammation.
What We Don’t Like
Expensive
4. Overall winner: Kérastase Densifique Shampoo with Density
Hair that is brittle? You may rely on Kérastase Densifique to restore your hair’s health. This strengthening shampoo fortifies, plumps, and protects brittle hair with a mix of wheat protein,4 ceramides,5, and gluco-peptides.
What We Like
Wheat protein is present.
Strengthens and thickens damaged hair
What We Don’t Like
Expensive
5. Garnier Fructis Grow Strong Shampoo is the best drugstore shampoo.
From the drugstore, we recommend Garnier’s Grow Strong. This low-cost shampoo contains fruit-derived proteins that strengthen the hair shaft, allowing it to grow long and healthy.
What We Like
Budget-friendly and protein-rich
Lovely aroma
What We Don’t Like
The outcomes aren’t spectacular.
6. PURA D’OR Hair Thinning Therapy Shampoo is the best for thinning hair.
With a dose of hair-health-boosting all-stars including biotin, niacin,12, and argan oil, this amazing shampoo cleanses and purifies your scalp while fostering resistance.
The end result? Less breakage and improved scalp health
This shampoo will help plump your strands, speed up growth, boost luster, energize the scalp, and reduce breakage. Even if you already have thick hair, this shampoo is worth maintaining in your weekly rotation to keep your hair in the best condition.
What We Like
Improves scalp health
Reduces breakage and increases shine
What We Don’t Like
It does not lather well.
7. Philip Kingsley Body Building Weightless Shampoo is ideal for fine hair.
“I frequently prescribe Philip Kingsley Body Building Shampoo to clients with fine, prone-to-breakage hair,” says Holden. “It’s an excellent volumizing shampoo with hydrolyzed protein to help strengthen the hair shaft.”
What We Like
Trichologist-recommended
Keratin content strengthens the hair shaft
What We Don’t Like
Expensive
8. Klorane Strengthening Shampoo with Quinine and Edelweiss is the best natural option.
Klorane’s Strengthening Shampoo is likewise a favorite of ours. It is formulated for thinning hair and contains caffeine,7 vitamins, and quinine bark extract, which the manufacturer claims can help encourage new growth.
What We Like
Natural formulation
It stimulates the scalp.
Assists in preventing breaking
What We Don’t Like
Not as hydrating as other alternatives
9. Nizoral Anti-Dandruff Shampoo is the best for dandruff.
Nizoral shampoo is a helpful alternative for dandruff sufferers since it includes ketoconazole “Holden states The therapeutic component, which has anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal characteristics, treats the source of a flaky scalp while eliminating dead skin that is clogging your hair follicles. 14
Ketoconazole is a helpful component to search for if you have dandruff. Not only does it treat the underlying cause of dandruff, but there is some evidence that it may also aid in hair growth.” — Kate Holden, AIT, a trichologist located in the United Kingdom
What We Like
Includes Ketoconazole targets the fungus that causes dandruff and reduces inflammation.
What We Don’t Like
a little sum
10. The Mane Choice Peach Black Tea & Vitamin Fusion Anti-Shedding & Intense Volume Therapy Shampoo is the best anti-shedding shampoo.
If you’re having excessive shedding, The Mane Choice could be your best choice. The recipe, which contains a biotin and caffeine-rich black tea fusion, removes buildup, stimulates the scalp, and helps prevent hair loss by increasing the integrity of each strand.
What We Like
Removes accumulation
It stimulates the scalp.
Assists in preventing shedding
What We Don’t Like
It might be very heavy for fine hair.
11. Briogeo Blossom & Bloom Ginseng + Biotin Volumizing Shampoo is the best sulfate-free shampoo.
Do you prefer sulfate-free formulations? Briogeo’s Blossom & Bloom Shampoo will not disappoint. The thickening mixture rapidly thickens limp hair while ginseng stimulates the scalp.
What We Like
It stimulates the scalp.
Thickening fortifies damaged hair
What We Don’t Like
Expensive
Final Decision
Overall, Nanogen’s 7-in-1 Hair Thickening Treatment is the greatest hair-growth shampoo. Salicylic acid, glycerin, beta-glucan, and hydrolyzed keratin are all included in this trichologist-approved product.
For something a little less expensive, try the scalp-stimulating Marc Anthony Grow Long Shampoo.
If you’re willing to spend a little more, we recommend Oribe’s Serene Scalp Anti-Dandruff Shampoo, which fights flakes with salicylic acid and strengthens with keratin.
GET TO KNOW THE EXPERT
Dendy Engelman, MD, FACMS, FAAD is a New York-based board-certified dermatologic surgeon. Dr. Engelman has also been highlighted as a consultant in the media and is significantly involved in the MDSC SkinCeuticals skincare line.
What to Look for in a Scalp Support Hair Growth Shampoo
Dr. Dendy Engelman, a board-certified dermatologist, suggests looking for a product that promotes the general health of your scalp as well as your hair cuticle and hair follicle when it comes to growth-boosting shampoos.
“The scalp plays a crucial part in the growth and maintenance of strong, healthy hair,” she explains. As a result, you need ensure that it is adequately nourished and managed for maximum hair health and development.
Ingredients that are stimulating
Dr. Engelman also emphasizes the need of utilizing a formula with stimulating components including biotin, zinc, niacin, peppermint, and caffeine.
“These promote hair development by stimulating blood flow to the scalp and nutrient delivery to the hair follicle,” she explains. However, the higher the concentration of certain chemicals in a product, the better.
Ingredients for conditioning and moisturizing
Dr. Engelman suggests looking for solutions that have conditioning and moisturizing elements if your hair is dry and devoid of its natural oils. “This is important because it keeps the strands healthy and robust.”
FAQ
Is hair-growth shampoo effective?
Yes, hair-growth shampoos work, according to Dr. Engelman, but don’t anticipate a miracle. “While they will not make thinning hair instantly long and thick, they can increase volume, speed up growth, and strengthen strands to avoid hair loss and breakage.”
Is tea tree shampoo beneficial to hair growth?
Tea tree oil shampoos, according to Dr. Engelman, do not encourage hair growth but do boost general hair and scalp health.
“Tea tree oil promotes healthy, robust hair development by making hair follicles more tolerant of nutrition,” she explains. “However, there is no proof that it accelerates hair growth.”
