16 Hair Growth Shampoos for Rapunzel-esque Tresses

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Hair loss, like finding your first gray hair, is likely to make anyone scream. Sure, you can analyze your diet or increase your workout frequency to find the culprit; lest we forget, genetics, excessive heat styling, and plain old stress are also triggers. However, sometimes, the real enemy of progress could be the products sitting in your wash-day collection. Luckily, shampoos can do a lot more than just cleanse away oil and build-up—they can encourage hair health and growth, too.

Whether you opt for supplements like hair growth vitamins, high-tech hair loss devices, or weekly hair growth treatment oils, hair loss shampoos and conditioners are often used to re-grow patchy areas (edges included!), add density to thin hair, and prevent thinning in the first place.

When it comes to hair growth shampoo, you have two options: prescriptions or over-the-counter treatments. Prescription shampoos like ketoconazole are “anti-androgenetic,” which means they prevent two hormones associated with triggering hair loss from activating—testosterone and dihydrotestosterone (DHT)—by “targeting hair growth at the site of the follicle and helping to interrupt the hormone cycle locally that causes thinning,” explains Dr. Eric Schweiger of Schweiger Dermatology Group in NYC. Meanwhile, “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,” Schweiger adds.

According to Krupa Koestline, cosmetic chemist and founder of KKT Consultants, there are some ingredients to look for that have proven benefits in hair growth stimulation: zinc, keratin, procyanidin B2, biotin, ginseng, caffeine, peppermint, arginine, amino acids like cysteine and tyrosine, vegetable proteins from wheat or soy, and tri-copper peptides. Additionally, natural remedies like rosemary oil, pumpkin seed oil, and rice water have all been shown to help with hair growth as well.

Schwieger also backs these ingredients as effective and cautions against using shampoo with parabens, sulfates, and fragrances, which can irritate hair and reduce moisture. Additionally, cosmetic chemist Ron Robinson of BeautyStat says to look into ingredients like salicylic acid, which exfoliates the scalp and improves blood flow, and biotin, which nourishes the hair follicles, can also be beneficial in a hair growth shampoo.

Depending on what’s causing your hair loss, consulting with a doctor, trichologist, or dermatologist is always a good first step. To find the best drugstore shampoos that can improve hair growth and density, we consulted some of the best minds in the industry—including the above experts as well as board-certified hair loss expert and surgeon Dr. William Yates and Dr. Nava Greenfield of Schweiger Dermatology Group. Ahead, shop the 16 best hair growth shampoos available, according to experts and customer reviews.

Refresh & So Clean Dry Gel Shampoo

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.

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.”—Nerisha Penrose, ELLE.com beauty commerce editor

Hair type: Natural, textured

Key ingredients: Bamboo, biotin, basil, avocado, peppermint

Size: 4 fl. oz.

Sulfate-free: Yes

Thick & Full Biotin & Collagen Shampoo

Found in your local drugstore aisle, OGX’s Thick and Full shampoo is here to rebuild and repair the structure of your follicles thanks to a blend of biotin, collagen, and hydrolyzed wheat protein. Plus, it’s sulfate-free, so it won’t cause further damage to already brittle strands.

Ulta rating: 4.4/5 stars

An Ulta reviewer says: “I have been struggling with very damagef hair and some hair loss and this shampoo and condition has help with growth and repair of my hair.”

Hair type: Fine

Key ingredients: Collagen, biotin, wheat protein

Size: 13 fl. oz

Sulfate-free: Yes

Biotin Shampoo for Hair Growth B-Complex Formula

According to this Amazon top seller’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 blend of stimulating oils, this product is also a fantastic option for brittle, dehydrated hair.

Amazon rating: 4.3/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer says: “Tried this on a whim after seeing some rave reviews online. Since going through chemo and losing my hair, I didn’t want to wash my hair with chemicals, and this shampoo fit the bill. It cleans my hair well, including my scalp, and doesn’t weigh it down! My head isn’t itchy from [the] residue, and it’s cost-effective too. Highly recommend it!”

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

Growth Stimulating & Anti Hair Loss Shampoo

Filled with active ingredients like biotin and keratin, this shampoo formula stimulates the cells responsible for hair follicle development. It also contains hydrating coconut oil and soothing green tea extract that keep the scalp feeling great.

Amazon rating: 4.2/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer says: “When I used this product, my hair did not fall out at the rate that it had previously. Since my hair was already so thin due to age and other medical conditions, I was able to really spread out the use of the one bottle, because I didn't need to use so much. I definitely think that continued, long-term use will improve the quality and quantity of my hair.”

Hair type: All

Key ingredients: Biotin, green tea extract, rosemary oil, keratin amino acids, coconut oil

Size: 8 fl. oz.

Sulfate-free: No

System 1 Hair Care Kit

“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.

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.”

Hair type: Thin

Key ingredients: Biotin, caffeine

Size: 10 fl. oz./10 fl. oz./3 fl. oz.

Sulfate-free: No

Scalp Stimulating Shampoo

As a preventative option before hair breaks and sheds, try this nutrient-rich cleansing treatment. The formula contains a keratin complex that strengthens hair to avoid breakage or loss due to heat or damaging products.

Amazon rating: 4.3/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer says: “This is the eighth hair shampoo/ conditioner I have purchased for thinning hair. This product made my hair full sans frizz or flyaways! It’s soft but fuller-looking after the very first time.”

Hair type: Thin, fine

Key ingredients: Keratin, silk amino acids, green tea extract

Size: 8 fl. oz.

Sulfate-free: Yes

Strengthen, Grow & Restore 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. Plus, the conditioner nourishes the hair, leaving a silky smooth feeling behind post-shower.

Amazon rating: 4.5/5 stars

An Amazon 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 beneits of castor oil. My curls always pop and I feel I have less shedding when I use this product.” —Danielle James, ELLE.com beauty director

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

GRO Revitalizing Shampoo

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-thinning ingredients like biotin and caffeine. As an added bonus, this shampoo also smells beautiful.

Amazon rating: 4.4/5 stars

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!”

Hair type: Thin, flat

Key ingredients: Keratin, silk protein, biotin, caffeine, ceramides

Size: 8 fl. oz.

Sulfate-free: Yes

Strengthening Shampoo in Rosemary Mint

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 benefits from your routine. It contains a blend of rosemary oil and biotin, which helps heal brittle hair and stimulate the scalp.

Amazon rating: 4.5/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer says: “There's a reason the rosemary oil went viral—it works! So of course, I wanted to use the accompanying shampoo. I love the smell and it lathers easily. It leaves your hair feeling clean, soft, and smooth. I highly recommend!” —Danielle James

Hair type: Brittle, curly

Key ingredients: Rosemary oil, peppermint oil, biotin, castor oil

Size: 12 fl. oz.

Sulfate-free: Yes

Full Density Thickening Shampoo

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

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.”

Hair type: Thin, fine

Key ingredients: Biotin, zinc

Size: 13.5 fl. oz.

Sulfate-free: No

Biotin Shampoo and Treatment Conditioner

As the name suggests, this best-selling duo is packed with biotin, alongside hydrolyzed keratin, to strengthen weak hair. Safe for sensitive scalps, you can expect to see shinier, thicker strands after a month of use.

Amazon rating: 4.3/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer says: “I have vibrant hair color (pink, blue, purple) and my hair is long and thinning in the upper corners. I also have a spot that has been balding on the side of my head for over a year now. HOWEVER, this does not wash out and fade my hair color, makes it feel super soft and clean AND after two months of using this, I’ve seen my hair grow back longer and thicker. Even little baby hairs have grown in my balding spot.”

Hair type: All

Key ingredients: Keratin, silk, biotin

Size: 16 fl. oz.

Sulfate-free: Yes

Hair Surge Caffeine Hair Recovery Stimulating Shampoo

The caffeine compounds and peppermint oil in this formula work to reduce hair loss by stimulating hair follicles to grow hair. Think of it as a cup of coffee for your scalp and strands. If you prefer to shower in the mornings, this shampoo will give your morning routine the boost it needs.

An Amazon reviewer says: 4/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer says: “After 35 years of self-inflicted hair damage from braid extensions, coloring, perms, and hair weaves, the purchase of Ultrax Lab Hair Surge was the lifeline that evoked change. Once I purchased it, I made an appointment with my hairstylist. During the appointment, the stylist applied the shampoo, and the texture of my brittle menopausal hair was revitalized. It felt so good, I refused a hair conditioner application. This is a great product for African American individuals with kinky hair and women going through menopause.”

Hair type: Fine, thin

Key ingredients: Caffeine, saw palmetto, peppermint oil, mango seed butter

Size: 8 fl. oz.

Sulfate-free: Yes

Original Gold Label Anti-Hair Thinning Shampoo

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.

Amazon rating: 4.4/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer says: “I’ve had this about a month, and I feel like I’ve had less breakage and less hair falling out when I shower or brush my hair. I’ve also changed my diet and added a multivitamin with Biotin. I believe these are all contributing to less hair loss. But what’s been amazing is that my seborrheic dermatitis is completely gone! Great product!”

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

Resistance Length Strengthening Shampoo

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. This luxury shampoo won’t just look pretty in your shower–it also packs a powerful punch.

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.”

Hair type: All

Key ingredients: Castor oil, salicylic acid, amino acids, ceramides

Size: 8.5 fl. oz

Sulfate-free: No

Argan Stem Cell Age Defying Shampoo

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 some 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.

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.”

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

Goddess Strength Fortifying Shampoo

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.

Ulta rating: 4.6/5 stars

An ELLE Editor says: “Carol's Daughter has been a mainstay in my hair care routine from a young age for its strengthening, softening, and moisturizing formulas. My hair hates shampoo that makes it feel stripped bare, a concern I don't have to worry about when using the Goddess Strength. Castor oil and black seed oil impart a good dose of moisture that leaves my hair soft and manageable.”—Nerisha Penrose

Hair type: Curly, damaged

Key ingredients: Castor oil, biotin, ginger root extract, salicylic acid

Size: 11 fl. oz

Sulfate-free: Yes

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?

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.”

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.

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.

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