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 starts to fall out again." -Évolis
"Ingredients are very important to be when I look at a product,” says Dr. Gohara, who further advises that customers "avoid hair oils that contain primarily silicones if you want more than just an instant fix." Instead, for longer term results, she recommends natural ingredients such as castor oil, which is featured heavily in this silicone-free formula by Grow Gorgeous. The formula also contains caffeine for an added boost. And for less than 20 dollars per bottle, your scalp and your savings account alike will be thanking you.
Pros: uses natural ingredients like castor oil; contains caffeine to stimulate hair growth; free of parabens, silicones, phthalates, and sulfates
Cons: strong smell
Customer Review: "I started using this product as I was experiencing hair loss from a medication ( plus stress from a change in eating habits). I was really depressed about the hair loss but this product made me feel better about myself when I started to notice regrowth around my edges and temples." -Dermstore
Best Hair Growth Supplements
Sometimes, hydration and a healthy diet simply don't get you all the nutrients you need for the hair growth you desire. Be sure to check with your doctor before taking any supplements, and if you get the OK, consider these options that use nutrition to get you glowing hair, starting from within.
I swear by these vitamins, and so does Dr. Nichols. "Nutrafol supplements target key factors of thinning hair such as nutrition, stress and lifestyle with natural, medical grade ingredients," she explains. "This clinically effective supplement improves hair growth and visible thickness." I started taking these vitamins after a nasty bout of Covid, and they helped tremendously with reducing shedding and fostering the growth of thick, healthy hair in the spots where I'd noticed thinning. They also don't leave any nasty taste or aftertaste.
Pros: clinically-tested; editor-approved; no aftertaste; expert-approved; editor-approved
Cons: expensive; only comes with a 30-day supply; some users may not like the four-pills-per-day regimen
Customer Review: "You don’t take one capsule and wake up as Rapunzel the next day—although, I did notice results within the first month." -Who What Wear
Celebrity hairstylist and founder and CEO of VIP Luxury Hair Care Ashanti Lation says, "My go-to collagen powder is from a company called Vital Proteins. It’s a collagen peptide formula, so the ingredients have been hydrolyzed for better absorption. It’s completely unflavored and doesn’t clump up in liquid, so it’s super easy to mix." She recommends mixing the formula in coffee or in smoothies as an easy way of incorporating it into your daily routine. Plus, reviewers write that it digests easily and doesn’t cause any stomach upset or radical changes in appetite.
Pros: no aftertaste; dissolves well; gentle on stomach; affordable
Cons: has a noticeable smell
Customer Review: "I tried a few flavors of this but this ones my favorite. I've been using this for a while makes me feel great makes my skin look good too." -Walmart
In order for your hair to grow thick and strong, you need to be well-nourished. This includes the well-publicized hair vitamins like collagen, biotin, and Vitamin B, of course, but it also includes protein. Indeed, the International Journal of Trichology points out that because hair is comprised almost entirely of protein, a high-protein diet is absolutely essential in growing healthy hair. This powder from BUBS Naturals is a favorite of mine, as it contains both collagen and protein. I like to mix it in my smoothies or in my coffee, and find that it dissolves easily and doesn't lend my beverages that dreaded chemical taste.
Pros: editor-approved; dissolves well; contains both protein and collagen
Cons: expensive
Customer Review: "This is my favorite collagen supplement to date! I've tried a bunch of different brands and this one blends seamlessly, no lumps at all, no flavor or aftertaste." -BUBS Naturals
When I started seeing the trichologists at Philip Kingsley, I described my symptoms and lifestyle, and one of the culprits for my hair shedding ended up being an iron deficiency. These vitamins, which are among several that the brand offers online, are designed to bring iron levels back up to where they should be in order for hair growth to be at its best. Plus, they're cruelty-free and have been rigorously tested by trichologists before going on the market, so I feel confident that they contain safe, effective ingredients.
Pros: contains iron, Vitamin C, and other diet-balancing ingredients; no aftertaste; editor-approved; clinically tested
Cons: expensive
Best Scalp Treatments for Hair Growth
Your hair can't grow if your scalp isn't healthy! Buildup from pollution, hard water, and leftover hair products can clog the pores and follicles on your scalp, hindering healthy hair growth and increasing shedding. An over-oily or dry, flaky scalp can also make your scalp and inhospitable place for your hair to grow, which is why it's imperative that, if you're looking to grow your hair, you take care of your scalp health first, Below, treatments that will soothe your scalp and foster hair growth from the root.
Dr. Young reminds us that the only FDA-approved treatment for both male and female pattern hair loss is minoxidil. "Minoxidil is an over-the-counter topical medication that comes in two percent and five percent concentrations," he says, adding that it comes in either foam- or solution-form. Rogaine is the leading, and perhaps the most popular and well-known, producer of minoxidil products, with solutions that are made for women and men alike. Application is also exceptionally easy: Just apply to areas of the scalp where you’d like to see increased growth, and be sure to wash your hands thoroughly when you’re done.
Pros: FDA-approved; clinically tested; lightweight
Cons: some users find it sticky
Customer Review: "I've tried other products and serums for hair growth on the top corners of my hairline with barely any growth. This product has grown more noticeable hair fuller and faster than anything imagined. It's great and works!" -Rogaine
This formula, which is infused with natural ingredients like essential oils and skin-softening Indian Senna, comes highly recommended by experts. "This is a restorative serum powered by active ingredients, like apple stem cells and hydrolyzed protein from the plant sweet white lupine," attests hair stylist Cortney Crace. "You can use this daily or as often as you shampoo.” More specifically, you can apply this product right after washing your hair by massaging droplets into your scalp. I like to part my hair and apply my scalp serum at one inch intervals along the top of my head—which is where hair tends to grow thinnest.
Pros: natural; certified organic; cruelty-free; color-safe
Cons: some find it to be costly
Customer Review: "It makes my hair stay cleaner longer (I can easily go three days without washing and it still looks good), gives my curls more body, and has helped to resolve some itching and scabbing on my scalp." -Dermstore
This scalp toner tonic from Philip Kingsley is part of the same hair growth-supporting line as the brand’s previously mentioned density drops, so it’s made to encourage hair growth through stimulating strands at the root. This formula, in particular, has a lasting cooling effect that reviewers say feels especially soothing on irritated, dandruff-ridden skin. The formula is safe enough to be used daily on all hair and skin types, and works all day (it’s best used in the morning) in order to balance the scalp and rid it of excess oil.
Pros: developed by trichologists; soothing; great for irritation; works on all skin types; easy to use
Cons: expensive; tingling feeling may not be for all users
Customer Review: "Smells lovely and my hair feels better already and only using it a few weeks." -Philip Kingsley
Like the experts said, it’s important to keep your scalp clean and free of excess oil, dead skin, and buildup if you want a healthy environment for hair to grow. Thus, you may want to consider incorporating a scalp scrub into your haircare routine, whether you’re plagued by sweat in the summer of dandruff in the winter. This option from cult favorite brand Ceremonia is perfect for just that, and it formulated with clean botanical ingredients safe for even the most sensitive skin.
Pros: clean; Latinx owned brand; good for all skin and hair types
Cons: not suited for someone who has abrasions on their scalp
Customer Review: "Love this stuff. I have thick, oily hair, and this leaves my hair and scalp feeling so clean. I use it once a week and have noticed a significant difference in my hair. Smells amazing too!" -Sephora
Meet the Experts
Dr. Dendy Engelman is a board certified dermatologic surgeon at Shafer Clinic Fifth Avenue. She has also been appointed Director of Dermatologic Surgery at New York Medical College and is a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology, American Society of Dermatologic Surgery, and American College of Mohs Surgery.
Rachel Nazarian, M.D., is a board-certified dermatologist and a Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology. She completed her medical degree at the Tulane University School of Medicine and is currently a faculty member at Mount Sinai Medical Center’s Department of Dermatology and a member of the Schweiger Dermatology Group. She has been published in a number of peer-reviewed medical journals, has contributed to dermatological textbooks, and is an expert in cosmetic treatments, skin cancer, general dermatology and dermatologic surgery.
Lacy Redway is a New York-based hairstylist who has styled the likes of Tessa Thompson, Laura Harrier, Priyanka Chopra, Anne Hathaway, Karlie Kloss, Sarah Paulson, Elizabeth Olsen, Ruth Negga, Gabrielle Union, Diane Kruger, and many more. She has also appeared in a number of magazines, is a celebrity stylist for Nexxus, and has worked with photographers such as Rankin, Gavin Bond, Alexander Neumann, Warwick Saint, Ben Hassett, Michael Schwartz, Alexei Hay, Micaela Rossato, and Erik Madigan Heck.
Lacy Redway is a New York-based hairstylist who has styled the likes of Tessa Thompson, Laura Harrier, Priyanka Chopra, Anne Hathaway, Karlie Kloss, Sarah Paulson, Elizabeth Olsen, Ruth Negga, Gabrielle Union, Diane Kruger, and many more. She has also appeared in a number of magazines, is a celebrity stylist for Nexxus, and has worked with photographers such as Rankin, Gavin Bond, Alexander Neumann, Warwick Saint, Ben Hassett, Michael Schwartz, Alexei Hay, Micaela Rossato, and Erik Madigan Heck.
Dr. Rebecca Marcus is a board-certified dermatologist who specializes in medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology. She has nearly two decades of experience and completed her residency along with a clinical research fellowship at Columbia University. Since then, in addition to practicing dermatology, she has founded her own skincare line, Maei MD.
Dr. Peter Young is a board-certified dermatologist based in Massachusetts. Before working with Facet, he studied medicine at Albany Medical College in Albany, New York and completed a dermatology residency at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, DC. He then served as Chief of Dermatology at Fort Bragg, published a number of medical articles, and has spoken at national medical conferences about teledermatology. Now, in addition to his work with Facet, he is a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology and a member of the Massachusetts Medical Society.
Michael Dueñas is a celebrity hairstylist based in Los Angeles. He has worked with Illana Glazer, Rachel Brosnahan, Noah Cyrus, Padma Lakshmi, Morena Baccarin, Petra Nemcova and Mary Elizabeth Winstead. In addition, he has worked with a number of magazines and fashion houses, having partnered with Michael Kors, Carolina Herrera, Oscar de la Renta, Victoria’s Secret, Alice and Olivia, Betsey Johnson, Trina Turk, Nicole Miller, Charlotte Ronson and more. He is also particularly passionate about and experienced in working with curly and textured hair.
Kim Nichols, MD, FAAD is a board-certified dermatologist who was educated at Harvard University. She has works with a number of celebrities and provides training to fellow dermatologists as well as plastic surgeons on how to administer injectables for natural-looking results.
Dr. Mona Gohara is a board-certified dermatologist who graduate medical school with AOA Honors before training as a dermatologist at Yale. Currently, she is the vice president of the Women’s Dermatologic Society as well as a member of The American Academy of Dermatology and The American Society For Dermatologic Surgery.
Dr. Shapiro is a dermatologist at the New York University School of Medicine who specializes in hair loss and combatting both and female- and male-pattern hair loss. He is particularly committed to finding healthy, nonsurgical methods of fighting hair loss and thinning.
Cortney Crace is a colorist and hair stylist at New York-based salon Suite Caroline.
Ashanti Lation is a Master Hair Stylist with over 20 years experience. In addition to being an expert on hair growth and hair health, she champions the natural hair movement.
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