For better or worse, the journey toward envy-inducing, waist-length mermaid hair takes much more than regular washing with your go-to shampoo and conditioner. Growing thick, healthy hair that lasts also involves treating your hair gently, taking care of your scalp, hydrating, and eating healthily. However, if the locks of your dreams still aren't coming to fruition, you may be in the market for hair growth products such as hair growth shampoos, hair growth oils, hair vitamins, collagen powders, and more.
However, the world of hair growth products is daunting and unexpectedly large, filled with scientific-sounding ingredients you may never have seen or heard of before. For that reason, we've tapped dermatologists, trichologists, and hairstylists to simplify the world of hair growth and recommend the best products, hands down, for overall hair growth. Your dream mane is no more than a tap away.
- Best Hair Growth Shampoo: CR Lab Hair Loss Prevention Shampoo
- Best Hair Growth Conditioner: Nioxin System 2 Scalp Therapy Conditioner
- Best Hair Growth Oil: Natucain Hair Growth Serum
- Best Hair Growth Scalp Treatment: Women's Rogaine 5% Minoxidil Foam for Hair Thinning and Loss
- Best Hair Growth Vitamin: Nutrafol Women Hair Growth Supplement for Thicker, Stronger Hair
- Best Collagen Powder for Hair Growth: Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides Powder Supplement
Best Hair Growth Shampoos
It can be difficult to incorporate a new step into your haircare routine when it isn't already a habit. But no matter how simple or elaborate your regimen, you'll always need to wash your hair, so why not turn your normal rinse into an opportunity for hair growth? Scroll on for some of our experts' favorite hair growth shampoos.
OGX has long been one of my go-to affordable brands. This shampoo, which is infused with biotin, vitamin B7, and hydrolyzed wheat protein, promises to strengthen hair and support follicular health for the longest, strongest hair possible. And I’m not alone in my love for this shampoo. Board-certified dermatologist Rachel Nazarian, M.D. says, "In terms of anti-inflammatory and strengthening shampoos, I recommend OGX, which is sulfate-free and less drying than many shampoos. The keratin proteins and argan oil strengthen the cuticle for stronger hair."
Pros: moisturizing; free of sulfates and parabens; contains biotin and collagen; affordable
Cons: people with thin/oily hair may find it too rich
Customer Review: "I started using this product and oh my gosh, the difference it made...I went from thin wispy strands in September to fuller, voluminous hair by summer!" -Ulta
This shampoo’s formula heavily incorporates tea tree oil, which is fabulous for clearing scalp buildup and creating an optimal environment for hair growth. Dr. Dendy Engelman, a board-certified dermatologic surgeon at the Shafer Clinic Fifth Avenue in New York City, attests, "Tea tree oil helps to clear the blockages in the pores, and helps to prevent dryness and itching." All of these advantages make for the best possible environment for your hair to grow thick, long, and, of course, healthy.
Pros: soothing; clarifying; contains tea tree oil; affordable
Cons: contains sulfates
Customer Review: "Love the product—minty feel and fresh, clean hair with no residue feel!" -Ulta
I love this hair cleanser, which is cold-pressed to ensure that its fortifying ingredients remain as potent (read: beneficial) as possible. And celebrity hairstylist Lacy Redway backs me up, lauding this process by writing, "I hadn’t tried cold-pressed shampoo until this one, which gently cleanses and refreshes your hair. It also helps balance the pH levels in your hair and leaves it feeling shiny and healthy." When I started using the cleanser, I noticed a significant reduction in dryness and frizz. Plus, the scent is subtle and never clashes with my perfume.
Pros: great, subtle smell; controls frizz; enhances shine; cold-pressed; editor-approved
Cons: not very clarifying
Customer Review: "Smells amazing and has helped my hair not shed as much as it used to. This product is the bomb!!!" -Revolve
Master trichologist and colorist Bridgette Hill loves this dermatologist-formulated, no-nonsense shampoo for its nourishing yet cleansing capabilities. "It's designed to support the extension of the anagen [active growth] phase of the hair cycle," she explains. "Essential oils also work to soothe and purify the scalp." It’s also formulated for all skin types—from oily to dry—so whether you’re dealing with dryness, dandruff, flakes, scabbing, or acne on your scalp, you can rest assured that this formula will help you resolve your most frustrating scalp woes.
Pros: formulated by dermatologists; works on all hair and skin types
Cons: comes in a small container
Best Hair Growth Conditioners
Having soft, hydrated hair not only makes for smoother-looking hair, but it also reduces breakage, helping you retain length. Below, some of the very best hair growth conditioners money can buy.
You may have heard of Nioxin before for its hair growth-centered products. The brand focuses on scalp and follicular health health as a means of supporting healhty hair growth, but do their products actually work? According to hairstylist Michael Dueñas, they absolutely do. He says, "Nioxin is fantastic for slowing temporary hair loss due to stress, environmental factors, and certain health issues.” This conditioner is part of Nioxin's two-step hair growth regimen and is preceded by the brand's signature shampoo.
Pros: supports scalp health; increases volume; relatively quick results; expert-approved
Cons: some reviewers find the peppermint smell off-putting
Customer Review: "I've been using this product for two weeks and use the complete system for natural thinning hair. I've noticed little to no hair loss and my daughter says that the problem areas are really improving." -Ulta
Board-certified dermatologist and MaeiMD founder Dr. Rebecca Marcus says that the prostaglandin PGD2 "has been shown to be increased in those with hair loss, and castor oil is known to inhibit PGD2. While we are still unsure whether or not these actions cause hair to grow faster, at the very least it may help prevent breakage, contributing to overall length of the hair." Thus, it’s worthwhile to check out castor oil-infused products like this one from refugee-owned, charitable brand As I Am. It’s detangling, effective, and made with curly hair in mind.
Pros: affordable; great for curly hair (works on all curl patterns); made with natural hair in mind; refugee-owned brand; charitable brand; detangling
Cons: not as suited for straight hair; thick, so may not be as suitable for thin or oily hair
Customer Review: "Smells very good. It gives me good slip in the shower and detangling is somewhat easy. I have very thick curly hair so detangling is a struggle sometimes." -As I Am
Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Peter Young recommends using protein-infused formulas when looking for the best hair growth products, saying that this ingredient has the power to "strengthen and thicken each hair strand." This conditioner from Vegamour is a favorite among verified customers, and has been subject to rigorous clinical testing. I’ve used it myself, and can attest that it reduces shedding and effectively hydrates my lengths and ends with weighing down my type 3 curls or making my thin strands feel greasy.
Pros: silicone-free; protein-infused; clinically tested
Cons: expensive
Customer Review: "This conditioner is so good if you have dry and damaged hair. It has made my hair so much smoother and nourished, and just feels so much better overall! I love the smell of it as well." -Vegamour
Dr. Kim Nichols, a board-certified dermatologist and expert for Nutrafol, stands by the brand because its product reinforce the production of natural proteins, such as keratin, in users' hair. This conditioner is formulated with 100 percent vegan proteins. I've also used it, and have noticed a decrease in post-wash shedding and breakage. It's especially helpful when used in tandem with the brand's other offerings, like its shampoo, scalp drops, vitamins, and powder—each of which contains nutrients that support strong hair and a well-nourished scalp.
Pros: clinically-tested; editor approved; vegan; protein-infused
Cons: small bottle
Customer Review: "This conditioner works wonders. Firstly, the refreshing scent is to die for and I love that it’s lightweight. Perfect for my fine hair! Secondly, I’ve noticed a significant improvements in my hair texture and appearance using this product, versus other conditioners I’ve used." -Sephora
Best Hair Growth Oils
Hair growth oils, which are most often applied directly to the scalp, can be a game-changer when introduced to your normal haircare routine. Check below for a few dermatologist recommended favorites.
Dr. Mona Gohara is a dermatologist who serves as Vice President of the Women’s Dermatologic Society at Yale University. She's also an active member of The American Academy of Dermatology and The American Society For Dermatologic Surgery. And, being that she’s equipped with these impressive credentials, I find her product recommendations particularly noteworthy—including her love for this formula by Natucain. "The Natucain Hair Activator is my go-to hair serum," she gushes. Specifically, she praises the formula's "patented MKMS24 plant-based technology that supports the appearance of stronger and fuller-looking hair."
Pros: plant-based; clinically tested
Cons: expensive
Customer Review: "Hair loss is an emotional subject and despite the cost this worked for me. I started using it in March, 60 percent of the protocol was followed, but I also went days and weeks without using it and the hair growth held." -Victoria Health
Dr. Jerry Shapiro, a dermatologist at the New York University School of Medicine who specializes in hair loss, highly recommends formulas like this one that utilize caffeine. He explains, "Caffeine reverses the effects of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), the main hormone involved in hair loss." The formula also utilizes castor oil, a natural ingredient that aids in healthy hair growth; biotin, which improves the strength of hair follicles; and rosemary oil, which has also gained popularity in recent months for its ability to support hair growth and retention.
Pros: contains natural ingredients; contains caffeine; contains castor oil
Cons: thick, so users with thin hair may find it greasy
Dr. Gohara also recommends "hair oils that contain citrus oils [and] rosemary oil," and this formula features both. It also promises to lengthen hair by a whopping 20 percent.
Pros: developed by hair biologists; top-rated on Amazon; clinically tested
Cons: expensive for a relatively small bottle; requires consistent, long-term use
Customer Review: "I notice after a good 30 days of using the serum with the shampoo and conditioner, my hair grew back even thicker than before. I do notice though if I stop using the products, my hair start