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 healthy. 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, 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 (opens in new tab)
- Best Hair Growth Oil: Natucain Hair Growth Serum (opens in new tab)
- Best Hair Growth Scalp Treatment: Women's Rogaine 5% Minoxidil Foam for Hair Thinning and Loss (opens in new tab)
- Best Hair Growth Vitamin: Nutrafol Women Hair Growth Supplement for Thicker, Stronger Hair (opens in new tab)
- Best Collagen Powder for Hair Growth: Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides Powder Supplement (opens in new tab)
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 regimen, you'll always need to wash your hair, so why not turn your normal rinse into a an opportunity for hair growth? Scroll on for some of our experts' favorite hair growth shampoos.
This shampoo 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 at Shafer Clinic Fifth Avenue, attests, "Tea tree oil helps to clear the blockages in the pores, and helps to prevent dryness and itching."
Pros: soothing; clarifying; contains tea tree oil; affordable
Cons: contains sulfates
"In terms of anti-inflammatory and strengthening shampoos, I recommend OGX, which is sulfate-free and less drying than many shampoos," says dermatologist Rachel Nazarian, M.D. "The keratin proteins and argan oil strengthen the cuticle for stronger hair."
Pros: moisturizing; sulfate-free; contains biotin and collagen; affordable
Cons: people with thin/oily hair may find it too rich
I love this hair cleanser, and so does celebrity hairstylist Lacy Redway (opens in new tab). "I hadn’t tried cold-pressed shampoo until this one, which gently cleanses and refreshes your hair," she says. "It also helps balance the pH levels in your hair and leaves it feeling shiny and healthy."
Pros: great, subtle smell; controls frizz; enhances shine; cold-pressed
Cons: not very clarifying
Master trichologist and colorist Bridgette Hill loves this dermatologist-formulated, no-nonsense shampoo for its nourishing and cleansing capabilities. "It's designed to support the extension of the anagen [active growth] phase of the hair cycle," she describes. "Essential oils also work to soothe and purify the scalp."
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.
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."
Pros: affordable; great for curly hair (works on all curl patterns); made with natural hair in mind; refugee-owned brand; charitable brand
Cons: not as suited for straight hair; thick, so may not be as suitable for thin or oily hair
Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Peter Young (opens in new tab) 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.
Pros: silicone-free; protein-infused; clinically tested
Cons: expensive
"Nioxin is fantastic for slowing temporary hair loss due to stress, environmental factors, and certain health issues," raves hairstylist Michael Dueñas (opens in new tab). This conditioner is part of Nioxin's two-step hair growth regimen and is preceded by the brand's signature shampoo (opens in new tab).
Pros: supports scalp health; increases volume; relatively quick results
Cons: some reviewers find the peppermint smell off-putting
Dr. Kim Nichols, a board-certified dermatologist and expert for Nutrafol (opens in new tab), 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 post-wash shedding and breakage.
Pros: clinically-tested; editor approved; vegan; protein-infused
Cons: small bottle
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 an active member of The American Academy of Dermatology and The American Society For Dermatologic Surgery. "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
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, explaining, "Caffeine reverses the effects of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), the main hormone involved in hair loss."
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
"Ingredients are very important to be when I look at a product, says Dr. Gohara, who further advises, "Avoid hair oils that that contain primarily silicones if you want more than just an instant fix." Instead, she recommends natural ingredients such as castor oil, which is featured heavily in this silicone-free formula by Grow Gorgeous.
Pros: uses natural ingredients like castor oil; contains caffeine to stimulate hair growth; free of parabens, silicones, phthalates, and sulfates
Cons: strong smell
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."
Pros: clinically-tested; editor-approved; no aftertaste
Cons: expensive; only comes with a 30-day supply; some users may not like the four-pills-per-day regimen
Celebrity hairstylist and founder/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.
Pros: no aftertaste; dissolves well; gentle on stomach; affordable
Cons: has a noticeable smell
Best Scalp Treatments for Hair Growth
Your hair can't grow if your scalp isn't healthy! See below for treatments that will soothe your scalp and foster hair growth from the root.
"This is a restorative serum powered by active ingredients, like apple stem cells and hydrolyzed protein from the plant sweet white lupine," attests hairstylist Cortney Crace. "You can use this daily or as often as you shampoo.”
Pros: natural; certified organic; cruelty-free; color-safe
Cons: some find it to be costly
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 2 percent and 5 percent concentrations," he says, adding that it comes in either foam- or solution-form.
Pros: FDA-approved; clinically tested; lightweight
Cons: some users find it sticky