Top 10 Best Shampoos for Hair Growth - Tested and Reviewed

If you are experiencing hair thinning, chances are you are quite disturbed by this. But if it’s any consolation, almost every adult has hair thinning to some degree. According to Dr. Dr. Hootan Zandifar, MD, FACS a board-certified hair loss specialist, if you’ve noticed increased shedding than normal or a significant change in your hair thickness, it’s time to look for solutions.. Often, switching to a high-quality, high-performing shampoo specifically designed to promote hair thickness, and reduce hair shedding and keep your hair and scalp healthy, restored, nourished and alive is a great start! 

Thinning hair can be caused by various factors, including stress, lifestyle, nutrition, aging hormonal changes, pollution and illnesses. While consulting a specialist is the best way to get answers, starting with a shampoo that contains clinically-researched ingredients that help in hair growth, strength, and thickness is a solid first step.

To assist you in finding the best option, we consulted experts and tested 26 popular shampoos. Each product was assessed based on factors like ease of use, effectiveness, cleansing ability, price, user experience, fragrance and overall performance. Here are our top recommendations.

To enhance the length, thickness, and strength of your hair, look for ingredients like Anantmool, neem, amla, ginger, vitamin B, keratin, collagen, onion extract, and wheat germ oil. These ingredients nourish the scalp, improve blood circulation, and promote hair growth while strengthening the hair shaft and adding volume.

On the other hand, steer clear of harsh ingredients such as sulfates, parabens, phthalates, and drying alcohols. These can strip your hair of its natural oils, causing dryness, brittleness, and breakage, which can exacerbate thinning and overall hair damage. Choosing the right ingredients is key to maintaining healthy, resilient hair.

• Anantmool: Known for its cooling properties, it helps to soothe the scalp and maintain a balanced environment essential for hair growth.
• Neem: Offers antibacterial and antifungal benefits, ensuring a clean, healthy scalp while preventing dandruff and other scalp issues.
• Amla: Rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, amla strengthens hair follicles, reduces hair loss, and promotes the growth of strong, healthy hair.
• Keratin: Strengthens the hair shaft, making it more resilient and less prone to breakage.
• Collagen: Enhances the hair's strength and elasticity, helping to prevent breakage and promote thicker, fuller hair.
• Wheat Germ: Packed with essential nutrients, including vitamins A, D, and E, it deeply nourishes the hair and scalp, helping to repair damage and promote healthy hair growth.
• Vitamin B Complex: Supports overall hair health by improving the hair’s structure, boosting shine, and promoting faster growth.

This shampoo is highly favored for its gentle yet effective approach to improving hair thickness and health, Moreover, it’s versatility for both oily and normal scalp, for both curly and straight hair and working on all three elements of the hair - root, scalp and hair make it the best overall pick for our testers.

Why We Recommend It: HairSmart Root Scalp Hair Therapy Shampoo is recommended for its comprehensive approach to addressing thinning hair. Its natural formulation and focus on scalp health make it a standout product in the market.

This shampoo is a top choice for those who frequently use heat styling tools, as it helps to repair and protect the hair, keeping it healthy and strong.

Why We Recommend It: Vegamour GRO Revitalizing Shampoo is recommended for individuals who frequently use heat styling tools. Its ability to repair and protect while promoting hair thickness makes it a great choice for maintaining healthy, resilient hair.

This shampoo is ideal for those experiencing significant hair thinning, as it targets the root causes of hair loss while providing a gentle yet effective cleanse.

Why We Recommend It: Nutrafol Root Purifier Shampoo is recommended for its targeted approach to hair thinning. By addressing the scalp’s health and protecting against environmental damage, it offers a comprehensive solution for those dealing with hair loss.

This shampoo is highly favoured as the best shampoo for hair growth and for fortifying hair strands, making it an excellent choice for anyone struggling with hair loss.

Why We Recommend It: OGX Thick & Full Biotin & Collagen Shampoo is recommended for its ability to add volume and thickness to thin hair. Its affordable price and widespread availability make it an accessible and effective option for those looking to enhance their hair’s fullness and strength.

This shampoo is perfect for those who want a product tailored to their specific hair type and concerns, ensuring the best possible results.

Why We Recommend It: Prose Custom Shampoo is recommended for those seeking a personalized solution to hair thinning. Its tailored approach ensures that you get exactly what your hair needs, making it a unique and effective option.

This shampoo is ideal for those looking to improve both hair and scalp health, creating the perfect foundation for thicker, healthier hair.

Why We Recommend It: Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Scalp Care Anti-Thinning Shampoo is recommended for its focus on scalp health. Its invigorating formula helps reduce thinning and promotes a healthy environment for hair growth.

This shampoo is a must-have for anyone with color-treated hair, ensuring your color stays vibrant while maintaining healthy, strong hair.

Why We Recommend It: Kérastase Chroma Absolu Shampoo is recommended for its ability to protect and enhance color-treated hair. Its nourishing formula ensures that your hair remains vibrant, shiny, and healthy.

This shampoo is a favorite among those with natural curls, offering a gentle cleanse while enhancing the health and appearance of curly hair.

Why We Recommend It: Mielle Rosemary Mint Strengthening Shampoo is recommended for its effectiveness in maintaining and enhancing natural curls. Its strengthening formula helps reduce breakage and promotes healthier, stronger hair.

This shampoo is ideal for those who struggle with frizz and dryness, offering a solution that leaves hair smooth, shiny, and manageable.

Why We Recommend It: Fable & Mane HoliRoots Hydrating Shampoo is recommended for its ability to tame frizz and deeply hydrate the hair. Its natural, nourishing ingredients make it a great choice for those looking to achieve smooth, healthy-looking hair.

This shampoo is perfect for those who need a deep cleanse without stripping their hair of essential moisture, making it a great option for oily hair types.

Why We Recommend It: Nexxus Clean & Pure Clarifying Shampoo is recommended for its deep cleansing capabilities and ability to balance oil production. It’s a top choice for those with oily hair and scalp who need a shampoo that keeps their hair fresh and clean.

To identify the best shampoos for thinning hair, we conducted an eight-week testing period involving 26 different shampoos. Throughout the process, we closely monitored changes in our hair and scalp, documenting our experiences from the very first wash. Here's how we narrowed down our top choices:

• Ease of Use: We assessed how well the shampoo lathered, how easily it spread through the hair, and how effortlessly it rinsed out, checking for any residue left behind.
• Effectiveness: We observed whether our hair appeared thicker and fuller by the end of the testing period. Additionally, we took note of other benefits, such as increased shine, smoothness, reduced frizz, or added volume. We also evaluated whether the shampoo caused any irritation or dryness.
• Cleansing Ability: We paid attention to how clean our hair and scalp felt after the first use. We noted if double cleansing was necessary and whether the shampoo stripped our hair of its natural oils.
• Scent: Since some scents can be off-putting, we recorded the fragrance of each shampoo, our personal preferences, and whether the scent was too strong.
• Price: We evaluated whether the shampoo offered good value for its price, considering the overall quality and performance in relation to its cost.
• User Experience: We gathered feedback from a variety of users with different hair types and conditions to ensure our results were comprehensive. We also considered ease of integration into daily routines and overall satisfaction with the product.
• Overall Results: We compared our hair’s condition at the beginning and end of the testing period, determining if each shampoo delivered on its promises and how quickly results were noticeable. We also looked out for any negative effects, such as faded color-treated hair or hair that felt weighed down.

Thinning hair can be frustrating and worrying. Understanding the causes can help you manage and improve your hair health. Common reasons for thinning hair include:

• Genetics: If your family has a history of thinning hair, you might experience it too. This is known as hereditary hair loss or androgenetic alopecia.
• Hormonal Changes: Hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy, menopause, or conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can affect hair. Thyroid gland changes can also lead to thinning hair.
• Stress: High levels of stress can push hair follicles into a resting phase, causing hair to fall out more easily.
• Poor Diet: A lack of essential nutrients like iron, vitamin D, and biotin can weaken hair, leading to thinning.
• Medical Conditions: Conditions like alopecia areata, where the immune system attacks hair follicles, or scalp infections, can cause thinning hair.
• Medications: Some medications, such as those for cancer, arthritis, depression, and high blood pressure, can cause hair thinning as a side effect.
• Overstyling: Excessive use of styling products or tools, like hair dryers, straighteners, or tight hairstyles, can damage hair, leading to thinning.
• Aging: As we age, hair naturally becomes thinner. Hair growth slows down, and strands become finer and less dense.

Using a shampoo specifically designed for thinning hair can promote growth and improve hair health. How often you should use it depends on the shampoo's ingredients, your hair type, and your scalp condition. Here are some general guidelines for shampoos for hair growth:

1. Follow Product Instructions: Most shampoos for thinning hair come with specific usage instructions. Typically, manufacturers recommend using these shampoos 2-3 times per week.

2. Consider Your Hair Type:

• Oily Hair: You may need to shampoo more frequently, possibly every other day, to control excess oil and deliver active ingredients.
• Dry Hair: Shampooing 2-3 times a week is usually sufficient. Over-washing can strip natural oils, leading to dryness and damage.
• Curly/straight hair: Tailor the frequency to your specific hair texture and needs.

3. Pay Attention to Scalp Condition:

• Healthy Scalp: Follow the product's recommended frequency.
• Sensitive/Irritated Scalp: Start with less frequent use (once or twice a week) and increase gradually if tolerated.

4. Use a Gentle, Nourishing Conditioner: Pair your thinning hair shampoo with a gentle conditioner to maintain moisture and improve hair texture without weighing it down.

5. Monitor Your Hair’s Response: Adjust the frequency based on how your hair and scalp respond. If you notice dryness, irritation, or excessive oiliness, tweak your routine accordingly.