The 25 Best Hair Growth Shampoos of 2023, According to Experts

"A classic standby and the OG shampoo for hair growth is Nioxin’s Shampoo," Kendall Dorsey, stylist to the stars (think: Teyana Taylor, Cardi B., Bella Hadid), confirms. "When you use it, you’ll feel a refreshing tingle, letting you know it’s working. It’s packed with vitamins, botanicals, SPF, and amino acids to help protect hair and promote healthy new growth." Stylist Michael Dueñas (opens in new tab) agrees, saying "Nioxin is fantastic for slowing temporary hair loss due to stress, environmental factors, and certain health issues."

And just in case you needed another expert's stamp of approval, hairstylist Kat Thompson also backs Nioxin, pointing out that customers can select a shampoo system based on the severity of their hair loss: "I’ve had many clients say they’ve noticed quick results when using it."

Pros: cleans thoroughly; removes buildup; supports scalp health

Cons: can be drying; contains sulfates

Tea tree, the star ingredient in this shampoo, is an ideal buildup buster. "Tea tree oil helps to clear the blockages in the pores, and helps to prevent dryness and itching," board-certified dermatologist Dr. Dendy Engelman explains.

Pros: soothing; clarifying; contains tea tree oil

Cons: contains sulfates

"This is a fabulous option for those with scalp damage," says Dr. Engelman. "The shampoo combines keratin, bamboo plant stem cells, argan oil, and prickly pear oil. And together, they protect from environmental damage, extend the anagen [active growth] phase of the cycle and condition, reducing frizz and fortifying healthy strands."

Pros: supports soft hair; frizz-fighting; sulfate-free; paraben-free; vegan

Cons: comes in a small container; very strong (can be drying)

Celebrity hairstylist Lacy Redway (opens in new tab) recommends this purifying shampoo as a cost-friendly lifeline for dull and limp strands. "It revives your scalp and allows for a clear passageway for your hair to flourish," she explains.

Pros: clarifying; lightweight

Cons: not recommended for people with scalp irritation

This drugstore favorite's active ingredient, caffeine, is designed to invigorate hair growth. "Caffeine stimulates hair growth and also counteracts the negative effects of androgens on the hair follicles," Dr. Tosti tells us. She also advises that antioxidants—which ginseng provides—"neutralize free radicals, which are unstable molecules produced in response to environmental triggers, such as sunlight, cigarette smoke, inflammatory scalp conditions, and pollution. Free radicals cause sebaceous gland hyperplasia and promote activity of alpha reductase enzymes and DHT formation. Antioxidants are very important to prevent scalp and hair aging and to maintain healthy hair."

Pros: affordable; pollution-fighting; contains caffeine

Cons: can be drying

Celebrity stylist Nikki Nelms, who works with Zoë Kravitz, Janelle Monae, Yara Shahidi, and more, is a fan of this drugstore gem for a good reason. Nelms is also a huge proponent of a healthy, hydrated scalp for optimal hair growth. "Use a shampoo like Maui Moisture's Detoxifying + Volcanic Ash Shampoo because it has essential ingredients like ginger extract and aloe, which refresh the scalp and add hydration so that your hair will grow to its healthiest potential.

Pros: uses aloe; clarifying; good for oily hair

Cons: can be drying for those with already parched hair

Celebrity stylist Takisha Sturdivant-Drew swears by this inexpensive option, which results in hair that looks thick and full. "The biotin and collagen pump up the volume on fine hair and leaves all textures with a beautiful shine," she says. "Most of all, its ingredients bring brittle hair back to life with new growth." 

Dermatologist Rachel Nazarian, M.D., also recommends this shampoo to her clients. "In terms of anti-inflammatory and strengthening shampoos, I recommend OGX, which is sulfate-free and less drying than many shampoos," she attests. "The keratin proteins and argan oil strengthen the cuticle for stronger hair." 

Pros: sulfate-free; moisturizing; contains biotin and collagen; affordable

Cons: can be too moisturizing for oily hair

"Mielle Organics Pomegranate Honey Shampoo purifies your hair without stripping it of its natural oils," says Redway. "This one is great for my girls in the type-four hair range. I also like to supplement Mielle Organics Healthy Hair Vitamin with Biotin in addition to the other vitamins I take daily. The biotin leads to healthy hair, nails, and skin."

Pros: detangling; designed for curly hair; hydrating; made with natural hair in mind; sulfate-free

Cons: not designed for straight hair

Dry hair = dull hair = unhealthy hair. The more moisture, the better for the long locks of your dreams. "This shampoo contains honey, which is a rich antioxidant that can prevent damage and keep your scalp healthy," says Taylor. "Additionally, honey is great to seal moisture into your hair, keeping it conditioned and preventing breakage, which slows hair growth."

Pros: Black-led brand; affordable; made with natural hair in mind; sulfate-free

Cons: strong scent

Dr. Engelman recommends opting for a cleanser that works to simultaneously deliver nutrients while detoxing the scalp and follicle of harmful buildup. "This one isn’t technically a shampoo but can be used as a replacement for those that wash too often. I do it myself once a week, to mitigate flakes, balance pH levels and soften the scalp," says Engelman. "While removing oil from your skin, apple cider vinegar also helps to balance pH and keep your scalp and hair from becoming too oily or dry by balancing the production of sebum." The anti-inflammatory and acetic properties also help hairs grow out more easily, she explains.

Pros: vegan; color-safe; phthalate-free and sulfate-free

Cons: smells like apple cider vinegar

"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," recommends Redway.

Pros: great smell; controls frizz; enhances shine

Cons: not very clarifying

Taylor suggests incorporating this shampoo into your wash routine because it strengthens and restores the hair with the one-star ingredient. She says, "Jamaican Black Castor Oil increases blood flow to the scalp, supplying nutrients to hair follicles, which speeds up hair growth."

Pros: contains castor oil; affordable; color-safe; sulfate-free

Cons: strong smell

"I am a big fan of Briogeo's Don't Despair, Repair line," Giovanni Vaccaro (opens in new tab), celebrity hairstylist and artistic director of Glamsquad, says. "It's cruelty-free, and 95 percent of the formula is naturally derived. The shampoo and conditioner have algae extract and biotin, which promote hair strength and elasticity. It also has a lovely feel that won't weigh your hair down."

Pros: gluten-free; climate positive; works on all hair types

Cons: some reviews say it doesn't lather; not great for greasy or sensitive scalps

This formula contains two ingredients that Dr. Shapiro highly recommends: Niacinamide and caffeine, both of which encourage hair growth while reducing thinning and loss. Plus, scores of reviewers swear by this formula for its quick yet lasting results. 

Pros: gluten-free; vegan; free of phthalates, sulfates, and silicones

Cons: comes in a small container

Doctors Tosti and Shapiro specifically recommend this shampoo for its antioxidant ingredients, like apple polyphenol, ketoconazole, and zinc pyrithione. "Ketoconazole has antifungal properties and is clinically proven to fight the conversion of Testosterone to DHT," says Dr. Shapiro.

Pros: contains antioxidants; antifungal; supports scalp health

Cons: high price point for a small container

Another Revita shampoo that both Dr. Tosti and Dr. Shapiro recommend is this CBD-infused formula. "Broad Spectrum CBD is one of the most novel antioxidants," says Dr. Shapiro. "This non-psychotropic extract of the cannabis plant inhibits inflammation, sebum production, and DHT."

Pros: CBD-infused; soothing; formulated by dermatologists

Cons: strong smell

Bosley MD is known for their hair growth remedies, so it’s no surprise that their shampoo is a favorite amongst experts and users for hair growth. Certified trichologist Gretchen Friese says, “The Bosley shampoos and conditioners are formulated with biotin, niacin, and panthenol to help nourish and strengthen hair and encourage growth. It protects against thinning by removing build-up from the scalp surface, while cleansing hair of product build-up and pollution.”

Pros: removes buildup; trichologist-recommended; contains biotin

Cons: strong peppermint smell can irritate some

Celebrity hairstylist and Virtue Labs creative director Adir Abergel cautions against using hot tools if your goal is growth. If your thinning hair is preventing growth, he recommends this clinically tested and nourishing shampoo. “A healthy scalp is the start point for hair growth. Virtue Flourish is a brand new approach to address female hair loss that creates a more fertile ground for hair to grow by restoring the scalp, clearing the follicles, and improving microcirculation,” says Abergel. He also adds that, while it seems counter-intuitive, trimming your hair helps the growth process. “If you wait too long between trims," he explains, "your split ends will work themselves up and more breakage will occur.”

Pros: volumizing; vegan; cruelty-free

Cons: more suited for straight hair than curly

Another recommendation from Friese: The salon-favorite lengthening shampoo from Redken. “It is pH-balanced and provides biotin for length-fortifying protection,” says Friese. Ideal for damaged hair, this shampoo is the first step in a routine that will strengthen and moisturize hair while also cleaning it at the root.

Pros: vegan; contains biotin and soy protein

Cons: contains propylene glycol

For blondes out there, celebrity stylist Christine Symonds recommends the iconic Shimmer Lights Purple Shampoo from Clairol. You might be tempted to re-bleach brassy hair, but this shampoo helps with brassiness and avoids the damage of more bleach treatments. “The key factor in growing your hair out is refraining from causing any damaging factors." There are so many things you can do to prevent damage. Weekly masks and refreshing your color without invasive methods are a great start. She also says that this shampoo "is a great way to refresh and maintain your color without having to add more bleach and damage."

Pros: designed for light hair

Cons: strong smell; not made for brunettes

Vaccaro (opens in new tab) believes that when it comes to repairing hair, it's essential to find a shampoo and conditioner that can penetrate the hair follicle, support strand strength, and add moisture. "Recently, I've been loving Kérastase Resistance Length Strengthening Shampoo and Conditioner. It's built with creatine and taurine, an amino acid that protects the hair fiber and scalp. In turn, your hair will definitely feel stronger and healthier." If you're looking for even more moisture, try the Resistance Length Strengthening Mask. (opens in new tab)

Pros: works on all hair types; made for damaged hair

Cons: high price point; strong smell

Dorsey says this is the very best shampoo for hair growth. Here's why: "It's specially formulated with a blend of actives and antioxidants such as baobab, rosa multiflora, and swertia chirata to block the production of FGF5, a protein that causes hair loss," he explains. "This line was developed by hair biologists and is backed by clinical results—I’ve seen the results for myself on clients, but it's nice to have science to prove it."

Pros: cruelty-free; free of parabens, sulfates, and phthalates

Cons: comes in a small bottle

Cortney Crace, a stylist at New York-based Salon Suite Caroline, can testify to the magic of Davines' Naturaltech line. "The shampoo energizes with balancing properties in it that promotes hair circulation of the scalp," she explains. "Keeping it all in the same line for best results, use the conditioner on the mid-ends of your hair shaft, so the scalp does not get weighed down."

Pros: sustainable packaging; great for wavy hair

Cons: comes in a small container; strong smell

Master trichologist and colorist Bridgette Hill knows the ins and outs of all things scalp health and stresses the importance of keeping a well-balanced hair care regimen and balanced lifestyle. "A single product [like shampoo] plays a small part in an overall regimen for combatting hair loss and thinning," says Hill. She praises CR Lab's Hair Loss Prevention Shampoo for its nourishing and strengthening properties, explaining, "It's designed to support the extension of the anagen [active growth] phase of the hair cycle. Essential oils also work to soothe and purify the scalp."

Pros: formulated by dermatologists

Cons: comes in a small container

Hill suggests this strengthening shampoo to clients struggling with thinning hair; it instantly helps create a thick and luscious appearance. "This shampoo fortifies proteins at the base of the hair fiber to give the illusion of thicker, denser hair," she explains. "It also has active ingredients to support cellular turnover and is enriched with anti-inflammatory oils such as orange, rosemary, and lavender."

Pros: exfoliating; protein-infused

Cons: contains essential oil beads that may feel irritating to some

Celebrity stylist Andrew Fitzsimons, who counts the Kardashian-Jenner sisters as his clients, is partial to this do-it-all shampoo. "There are two factors to consider when it comes to hair growth: the health of your scalp and the health of your strands themselves," he explains. "People with damaged hair tend to see more breakage, which translates to slower hair growth. This is my favorite shampoo to use for color-treated, chemically-processed, heat-damaged, or sun-exposed hair."

Pros: good for scalp itching; color-safe

Cons: strong smell

This all-natural all-star uses apple stem cells to promote hair growth and delay aged hair follicles. According to Cortney Crace, this is the best way to apply the serum for optimal results: "This is a restorative serum powered by active ingredients, like apple stem cells and hydrolyzed protein from the plant sweet white lupine. Part your hair in sections, pinch the dropper, and apply the product through your entire head, focusing on the scalp. Then, run your fingers through your scalp to shake it all in and spread the serum, keeping it at the scalp as a leave-in treatment. You can use this daily or as often as you shampoo. The best hair growth results happen in three to six months.”

Pros: natural, certified organic, cruelty-free

Cons: high price point

Ashley Streicher, a celebrity hairstylist whose clients include Mandy Moore, is a fan of this drugstore gem. "This shampoo and conditioner fortify hair with a powerful dose of active fruit concentrate and ceramides," Streicher says. "The formula goes deep to fortify each strand from core to cuticle and reinforces hair’s natural substance from root to tip."

Pros: affordable; smells good

Cons: contains sulfates

When you hear "Rogaine," you might think "for men," but Dueñas says it's a huge help in creating a thicker and fuller hairline for women—and can stop hair loss and baldness. Dr. Engelman is also a fan of Rogaine and Ketoconazole, another over the counter option. In a study, researchers discovered that 2 percent of Ketoconazole shampoo increased the size and proportion of anagen hair follicles (hair that's in its growth phase).

Pros: clinical strength; easy to use

Cons: shouldn't be used by those who are pregnant or breastfeeding