These Cult-Favorite Hair Growth Shampoos Transformed My Thin Texture and Stopped Shedding In Its Tracks
Rapunzel status, coming right up.
I've been on a hair growth journey for the past three years. In 2021, I lost roughly a third of my hair (possibly due to COVID-19, possibly due to hormonal changes), taking my hair from thick and strong to fine and brittle. The unwanted transformation sparked a very intense commitment to getting my "old hair" back. I had my own blood injected into my scalp (a process known as PRP, and proven to stimulate hair growth), I tried hair growth vitamins, hair growth oils, and of course, the best hair growth shampoos.
I know firsthand that the right hair growth shampoo can be a game-changer. For me, it was the missing piece in restoring my hair's health. Hair growth shampoos create the ideal scalp environment for stronger, healthier strands. They’re formulated with ingredients such as caffeine, biotin, peptides, and rosemary oil, all known for stimulating follicles and supporting growth (even if anecdotal evidence outweighs the scientific, but hey, I’ll take it).
That said, with hundreds of hair growth shampoos on the market, all claiming to strengthen and lengthen strands, finding the right one can feel overwhelming. That’s where I come in. With years of experience testing these formulas firsthand—along with insight into what works for others—I'm here to help you cut through the noise and find the best of the best.
Ahead, discover our carefully curated guide to the ten best hair growth shampoos, complete with recommendations from hairstylists and dermatologists. Whether you’re growing out a short cut or tackling hair loss, I'm confident you’ll find a formula designed to help you reach your hair goals. But first, let's get into the expert guidance that informed our shampoo picks.
What To Look For in a Hair Growth Shampoo
Board-certified dermatologist Jerry Shapiro, MD, recommends natural ingredients like vitamin B3 and castor oil. He also encourages buyers to find formulas that incorporate caffeine and niacinamide. "Caffeine reverses the effects of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), the main hormone involved in hair loss. It is also known to increase blood circulation to the scalp and extend the anagen phase," he explains. "Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3, an essential nutrient that supports many cellular processes. It also plays an essential role in preventing inflammation."
Meanwhile, fellow dermatologist Shani Francis, MD, recommends avoiding hair growth shampoos with harmful sulfates that can strip your hair of the natural and essential oils that it needs. Sulfate-free shampoos cleanse without lathering, so they're gentle on hair. Other ingredients to avoid? Parabens, silicones, and phthalates.
All three chemicals are commonly found in haircare products—and can send your hair growth journey in the wrong direction. "Parabens are preservatives that have been proven to mimic estrogen and disrupt the delicate hormonal balance," explains Dr. Shapiro. "Sulfates usually dry or irritate the scalp and skin. Methylisothiazolinone (MI) is a preservative to avoid bacterial growth, but is a potent allergen. Phthalates are hidden in fragrances, but they are endocrine disruptors."
Professor of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery at the University of Miami, Antonella Tosti, MD, also emphasizes the importance of taking care of your scalp and hair follicles. She warns to steer clear of the preservative MCI/MI (Methylchloroisothiazolinone/Methylisothiazolinone), "which can cause scalp inflammation and hair loss." She also advises avoiding UV filters, including titanium dioxide nanoparticles and oxybenzone/benzophenone.
The Best Hair Growth Shampoos
- Best Hair Growth Shampoo Overall: Nutrafol Scalp Microbiome Shampoo
- Best Hair Growth Shampoo for Hormonal Hair Loss: Evolis Promote Shampoo
- Best Hair Growth Shampoo for Thin Hair: Vegamour GRO Revitalizing Shampoo for Thinning Hair
Nutrafol’s hair supplements have long held cult-favorite status, but its Root Purifier Shampoo deserves just as much attention. A healthy scalp is the foundation for strong, thriving hair, and this physician-formulated shampoo is designed to reset yours when things feel off. It lifts away excess oil and product buildup with gentle yet effective cleansers, calms inflammation with prebiotics, and balances scalp pH with citric acid.
Sulfate-free: Yes
Color-safe: Yes
Who It's For: Nutrafol Root Purifier Shampoo is best for those dealing with scalp issues that may interfere with hair growth, such as buildup, inflammation, and an unbalanced pH, among other potential causes.
Key Ingredients: Biosurfactants (gentle cleansers); Vegan protein (moisturizing); Prebiotics (soothing); Citric acid (pH-balancing)
What I Love: Sulfate-free; Fast results (in as little as two weeks); Free of synthetic fragrances
What I Don't: Doesn't directly stimulate hair growth
Review for MC: "I’ve known Nutrafol as an It Girl in the hair-growth world since my early days as a beauty editor. (Hairstylists, dermatologists, and friends alike have sworn by it for years.) But it wasn’t until recently that I felt compelled to try it myself. Pregnancy has seemingly made my scalp oilier than ever (love that for me, thanks hormones!) and left my hair feeling thinner, despite seemingly everyone else’s pregnancy-induced Rapunzel moment. After incorporating Nutrafol’s Root Purifier Shampoo into my routine, I’ve noticed my hair looks denser both immediately after use and in the two weeks since (right on schedule with the brand’s timeline for potential visible results)." — Marisa Petrarca, Contributing Beauty Writer
Contributing beauty writer Marisa Petrarca uses Nutrafol Shampoo
Some research suggests a relationship between hormones and the production of FGF-5—i.e., a protein that plays a crucial role in regulating hair growth and is most commonly associated with hair length. In short, if there is an overgrowth of this protein, the hair growth cycle can be shortened. The formulation of Promote Shampoo from Évolis contains sanguisorba officinalis, a root extract that has been shown in studies to inhibit FGF-5. The result? A prolonged anagen stage, which means a longer time spent in the active growth stage of a hair follicle. And in simpler terms, by using this shampoo, you can potentially have longer, thicker hair.
Sulfate-free: Yes
Color-safe: Yes
Who It's For: Those with hormone-related hair loss that could be from a hormonal imbalance, post-partum, or menopause.
Key Ingredients: Sanguisorba officinalis (blocks hair growth inhibitors); Rosemary (encourages hair growth); Hydrolyzed keratin (strengthening)
What I Love: Contains antioxidants and extracts studied to reduce hair loss; Soothes scalp irritation
What I Don't: More studies are needed to fully connect FGF-5 to hormonal hair loss
Review for MC: I deal with androgenetic alopecia—which is due to a combination of genetics and hormones—and it pushed me on a research journey to find ingredients that can potentially help my case without going overboard on actives and harsh treatments. (I also have a very sensitive scalp.) It led me to the discovery of sanguisorba officinalis, and, eventually, this shampoo. I've been using it for a few months now, and though it's subtle, I do see a difference in my thickness." — Samantha Holender, Senior Beauty Editor
Samantha Holender uses Evolis Promote Shampoo.
Vegamour is a vegan and cruelty-free haircare brand known for tackling specific hair concerns, including shedding and thinning. The GRO Revitalizing Shampoo is one of the hero products in the collection, formulated with caffeine to stimulate the scalp, biotin to strengthen strands, and Karmatin (a vegan keratin alternative that strengthens and smooths without buildup). It’s best for fine, thin hair, thanks to its lightweight formula that won’t weigh strands down—unless you overdo it, of course.
Sulfate-free: Yes
Color-safe: Yes
Who It's For: The Vegamour GRO Revitalizing Shampoo helps strengthen thinning strands across all hair types, but the brand deems it particularly helpful for those with fine or thin hair.
Key Ingredients: Karmatin (strengthening and smoothing); Biotin (strengthening); Biomimetic Peptides and caffeine (scalp-stimulating)
What I Love: Vegan and cruelty-free; Subscribe and save option available; Travel-size version available
What I Don't: Some shoppers found that it left their hair feeling greasy
Review for MC: "Once my scalp was back in shape, I got a big haircut to chop off all my dead ends and start fresh. Going from super long hair to hair that landed just around my armpit was a bit of a culture shock, but thanks to this Vegamour shampoo, my length grew back pretty quickly. While it doesn't weigh down my fine hair, I will say that I definitely like to add a dry texturizer in after my blowout to add back a little grit." — Samantha Holender, Senior Beauty Editor
Samantha Holender before and after using Vegamour shampoo.
We love that this formula is packed with DHT-inhibiting ingredients, making it a solid entry-level option for both men and women dealing with hormonal or genetic hair thinning by targeting DHT, the hormone responsible for hair loss. Of course, it won’t deliver the same regrowth results as an FDA-approved treatment like minoxidil, but it could be a gentler, low-maintenance alternative to try before committing to a medicated solution.
Sulfate-free: Yes
Color-safe: Yes
Who It's For: Bondiboost HG Shampoo is best for those looking to improve hair growth across the board, but its DHT inhibitors might be especially helpful to those dealing with hormonal or genetic hair thinning.
Key Ingredients: Saw palmetto fruit extract (DHT-inhibiting); Rosemary extract (antioxidant and soothing); Hydrolyzed proteins (strengthening); Green tea leaf extract (antioxidant and DHT inhibitor)
What I Love: Works for both men and women; Australia-made; Contains cooling peppermint that makes the scalp tingle
What I Don't: Reviewers reported that it's difficult to lather
Customer Review: "I love this shampoo! A little goes a long way, although it’s a bit pricey. I swear, one bottle lasted me about six months and my hair looks great. I deal with hair loss and this is the best shampoo that I’ve found that actually helps with growth." — Amazon
If the endless sea of hair growth shampoos has you wishing someone would just whip up a formula tailored to your needs, let me introduce you to Prose. If you haven’t met, here’s the gist: you take a quick quiz that covers everything from your hair texture and concerns to your age and environment, and Prose delivers a custom-to-you formulation designed to tackle it all—including hair thinning.
Sulfate-free: Yes
Color-safe: Yes* (*if you indicate you have color-treated hair when customizing your formula)
Who It's For: Prose’s custom shampoo is best for those who want a made-for-you formula that checks every box. It’s especially great if you’re dealing with shedding alongside other concerns like a flaky scalp or excess oil, as the brand tailors each bottle to address all of your specific needs.
Key Ingredients: Custom based on your quiz responses
What I Love: Formula is custom-made for your hair's unique needs; You can choose whether it's fragrance or non-fragranced; Color-safe
What I Don't: Only available via the Prose website
You're looking at another drugstore staple with a loyal following. Its standout ingredient is caffeine, a buzzy (ha) addition to hair-growth formulas thanks to its potential scalp-stimulating benefits (though, to be fair, more research is needed). It teams up with hydrating and strengthening ingredients to help reduce breakage and improve overall hair health. That said, its lack of DHT inhibitors (the ingredients that help slow hair thinning) makes it less of a go-to for those dealing with more advanced hair loss.
Sulfate-free: Yes
Color-safe: Yes
Who It's For: Marc Anthony’s Grow Long Caffeine Ginseng Shampoo is a great entry-level hair growth shampoo for those dealing with mild thinning or breakage and looking to strengthen their strands.
Key Ingredients: Caffeine (boosts scalp circulation); Ginseng root extract and biotin (strengthening); Vitamin E (protective and promotes circulation); Glycerin (hydrating)
What I Love: Under $10; Strengthens hair for fewer split ends; Makes hair feel silky
What I Don't: Contains dyes, which might be irritating for those with sensitive scalps
Customer Review: "For the first time in years, I have notable growth in the length of my hair. It is softer and more manageable. I do color my hair (and flat iron almost daily), so finding something that really helps to keep it looking healthy while growing it out is important. In fact, I am flat ironing less often due to this product." — Amazon
Nioxin is one of those “unsexy” hair products that might not rack up shelfie points, but it works. The brand is best known for its three-step systems, which include a scalp-focused shampoo, a strengthening conditioner, and a leave-in treatment. Each kit is packed with scalp stimulators, follicle-strengtheners, hair thickeners, and protective botanicals to create the ideal environment for hair growth.
The version we’ve linked is for progressed hair thinning, but Nioxin also offers kits for light thinning, as well as options tailored to color-treated hair at various stages of hair loss.
Sulfate-free: No* (*this is a more intense formula for those whose main concern is hair loss)
Color-safe: No* (*choose the color-safe system instead)
Who It's For: Nioxin System Kit 2 is best for those experiencing noticeable hair thinning who have natural, untreated hair.
Key Ingredients: Caffeine, peppermint oil, and niacinamide (boost scalp circulation); Biotin (strengthening); Panthenol (hydrating); Nettle-leaf extract (may help inhibit DHT); Salicylic acid (exfoliating)
What I Love: Comes with shampoo, conditioner, and treatment; Comprehensive ingredient list; Includes one-month supply of each product
What I Don't: This specific kit isn't a one-size-fits-all solution
Customer Review: "A PA in the hospital where I work recommended this shampoo. I had mentioned that my scalp had been itching, and my hair was brittle and falling out. I’ve always used good, expensive shampoos, so this one to me was a bargain. It did not disappoint. After the first wash, I could already see the difference. My scalp felt fresh, my hair felt softer. And no,w a month into using it, the itchiness is gone, my hair loss has improved significantly, and my hair is fuller and softer." — Amazon
Repeat after me: You don’t need to empty your savings to get your hands on a hair growth shampoo that works. This one from Garnier uses salicylic acid to exfoliate your scalp and clear away any buildup that could be hindering your hair’s growth. Plus, it’s got niacinamide to stimulate scalp circulation, giving your follicles exactly what they need to grow, along with green tea extract, which may help reduce DHT, the hormone linked to thinning hair.
Sulfate-free: No
Color-safe: Kind of* (*it's not likely to cause fading, but it won't protect)
Who It's For: Garnier Fructis Grow Strong Shampoo is best for those looking for a budget-friendly hair growth shampoo with intentional ingredients to support scalp health and encourage stronger hair growth.
Key Ingredients: Niacinamide (supports scalp circulation); Salicylic acid (exfoliating); Radish root ferment (scalp balancing and anti-microbial); Green tea extract (rich in antioxidants, may help reduce DHT); 2-Oleamido-1,3-Octadecanediol (strengthening)
What I Love: Budget-friendly; Widely available; Comes in multiple size bottle options
What I Don't: Contains added fragrance, which may cause irritation for sensitive scalps
Customer Review: "First, the smell is very nice, and I have to be honest, this shampoo has made my hair grow. At work, people were telling me how long my hair had grown and asking me what I was doing to make it grow. It's the shampoo, and I did purchase the conditioner also. My hair length was just a little passed my shoulders, and now it's half down my back. Don't hesitate, just get it; you won't be sorry." — Amazon
This strengthening, hair-growth-boosting shampoo deserves a spot in your virtual shopping cart if you have thinning, curly hair. It helps remove buildup with apple cider vinegar and uses strengthening ingredients to repair damage from heat styling and coloring. And I'd be remiss not to highlight niacin and peppermint, the heavy-hitting duo in this formula that, with consistent use, should have you double-taking over your noticeable hair growth.
Sulfate-free: Yes
Color-safe: Yes
Who It's For: Sheamoisture Strengthen and Restore Shampoo is best for those with curly hair looking for an affordable hair growth shampoo backed by thousands of five-star ratings.
Key Ingredients: Castor oil, hydrolyzed rice protein, and hydrolyzed keratin (strengthening); Peppermint leaf extract and niacin (promotes hair growth); Aloe vera and organic shea butter (hydrating); Apple cider vinegar (clarifying)
What I Love: Hydrating; Also works wonders on damaged hair; Uses Fair Trade shea butter
What I Don't: Some people reported it takes time to rinse out oftheir hair
Customer Review: "I have 4C, really coarse hair, and this worked wonders on it. It made it all the more thick, absorbent, and moisturized, and the growth in a month was insane. I really recommend!" — Amazon
One of our contributing editors previously named Fable & Mane’s Pre-Wash Hair Treatment Oil her top pick in the hair growth oil category, crediting it for delivering instant root lift and long-term hair health that fans swear by. Equally buzzworthy is the brand’s Volumizing Shampoo, which combines proteins, film-forming agents, and humectants to temporarily plump and thicken strands on contact. Meanwhile, onion bulb extract and fenugreek seed extract work behind the scenes to reduce shedding and support stronger, healthier hair growth over time.
Sulfate-free: Yes
Color-safe: Yes
Who It's For: Fable & Mane's Volumizing Shampoo is best for those with fine to medium hair looking for weightless volume and fullness.
Key Ingredients: Onion bulb extract (improves scalp circulation); Fenugreek Seed Extract (reduces shedding); Green tea extract (may help reduce DHT); Ashwaganda and amla extract (strengthening)
What I Love: Clean at Sephora-approved; Temporary and long-term plumping and thickening benefits; Boosts shine
What I Don't: Divisive scent
Customer Review: "I recently got a bottle of Fable & Mane's Volumizing Shampoo for Fine, Dry, Thinning, and I adore how it smells! It lathers up super thick, and just smells wonderful. It made my hair look twice as thick as usual. Will definitely buy again." — Sephora
How Can I Stimulate Hair Growth?
The best hair growth shampoos may speed up your lengthening process, but they have their limitations and, like everything, take time to see true results.
That said, there are other practices you should consider adopting to stimulate hair growth for longer, healthier hair. Dr. Francis says that supplementing a hair growth shampoo with a diet rich in omega-3s, fiber, sulfur ("our hair has a lot of sulfur in its internal structure"), and protein will really speed up the process. Foods like lean meats, leafy greens, nuts, beans, and fish fit the bill. And most importantly, when it comes to diet, make sure you drink a lot of water. Francis recommends two liters a day if you want to see results.
Now, if you really want to see growth, incorporate other types of haircare formulas that contain ingredients like finasteride or minoxidil—the active ingredient in Rogaine—that are clinically proven to speed up hair growth. And as always, a board-certified dermatologist or trichologist can work with you to create a regimen for your specific hair loss issues, and potentially recommend in-office treatments like corticosteroid injections, laser treatments, or PRP therapy.
Why Isn't My Hair Growing Quickly?
Many factors can contribute to hair not growing as quickly as you'd hope. Most roads lead back to your overall health and habits. Dr. Tosti points out that androgenetic alopecia—the most common cause of hair thinning in young women—"is often precipitated or aggravated by environmental factors that cause increased hair shedding." Those can include everything from systemic disorders to medications and crash diets.
Dr. Shapiro adds that "stress is one of the main causes in young adults, and causes telogen effluvium (large number of follicles in resting phase)." Diets low in iron, zinc, and Vitamin D, or low-calorie or protein-heavy diets, can also be responsible for hair loss, he says. In addition, "medications for acne containing vitamin A, antibiotics, antidepressants, birth control pills, steroids, and weight control pills can also produce hair loss."
Both Dr. Shapiro and Dr. Tosti advise patients to keep an eye on their central part line—if you notice a gradual widening of the line, your hair could be thinning. And if you're thinking of taking supplements to get the necessary nutrients, just don't overdo it. "What some people don’t realize is that most hair, skin, and nail supplements are multivitamins," Dr. Francis explains. "As with anything, balance is key."
Why Trust Marie Claire?
For more than 30 years, Marie Claire has been an internationally recognized destination for news, fashion, and beauty trends, investigative packages, and more. When it comes to the products Marie Claire recommends, we take your faith in us seriously. Every product that we feature comes personally recommended by a Marie Claire writer or editor, or by an expert we’ve spoken to firsthand.
How We Tested
Marie Claire is an expert in skincare and hair growth treatments, covering everything from the causes of thinning, aging hair, to firsthand experiences with treatments such as Alma TED. For this story, we sourced editor favorites and tested over 15 hair growth shampoos. We scoured the Internet for customer reviews to ensure each was rated highly, and consulted with board-certified dermatologists and leading hairstylists. We evaluated each option based on ingredients, overall performance, and more.
Meet the Experts
Dr. Shani Francis is a board-certified dermatologist and medical research executive. She is also a member of DevaCurl’s Expert Curl Council and holds appointments on the American Academy of Dermatology's Advisory Board and Performance Measurement Committee. With a background in biochemical engineering, clinical trial research, and product development, she is especially concerned with inflammatory skin diseases, skin cancer, holistic medicine, hair loss, and health delivery systems.
Dr. Tosti is a Fredric Brandt Endowed Professor of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery at the University of Miami and President of the American Hair Research Society. She received her education at Università de Bologna Facoltà di Medicina e Chirurgia and is currently based in Miami, Florida. She is an expert on hair and nail disorders.
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.
