Whether you’re growing out your haircut or want to revitalize strands after experiencing hair loss, taking care of the hair and the scalp can help you achieve your goals. Just like our complexions, a healthy scalp and strands all start with cleanliness, and shampoo for hair growth is where the magic happens.
Experts Say
“While other factors may come into play like medications, treatments, diet, and health conditions, the way that you take care of your hair is key to its growth and health. Hair growth shampoos contain ingredients that are designed to support and stimulate hair growth, which can make a considerable difference in the rate of hair growth.”—Dr. Dendy Engleman, a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist and Mohs surgeon at Shafer Clinic
Since hair growth is a popular goal, there are plenty — and we mean plenty — of hair growth shampoos available at our favorite beauty shopping destinations. So, how do you know which ones work best and will actually give you your desired results? The answer lies in trial and error, which is exactly what we did: Our PEOPLE Tested team researched and washed their hair with nearly two dozen formulas, carefully considering the ingredients, efficacy, and results to determine which hair growth shampoo formulas are worth buying.
After much deliberation, we narrowed it down to the eight best shampoos for hair growth.
After six weeks of testing, we were blown away by our results with the Vegamour GRO+ Advanced Replenishing Shampoo. This formula is specifically designed to enhance hair growth and features numerous ingredients to help support scalp health and invigorate follicles, including Karmatin™, which is a vegan keratin alternative that effectively supports strand strength and can help fill in damaged areas. Additionally, this hair growth shampoo contains cannabidiol (a.k.a. CBD) to support scalp health, boost the growth cycle, and pause the hair loss effects of DHT, a testosterone-based hormone that can shrink hair follicles at high levels.
Throughout the testing period, we were impressed by how well this formula cleansed our scalps and how quickly we saw re-growth. After just a few weeks, we tester noticed some improvement and, once the six weeks were complete, we measured around 1.5 inches of hair growth. We found that while this formula works best for boosting hair growth, it’s most effective on those with thinning or fine hair as well as those who experience dry, flaky scalps as the CBD can help soothe the side effects of this common scalp woe.
Size: 8 ounces | Key Ingredients: Cannabidiol, Karmatin™ | Hair Type: All, especially those with dry, flaky scalps
The More You Know
Dr. Engleman explains that healthy hair is closely linked to a healthy scalp, hair care techniques, and products, which is why if you want to support hair growth, utilizing a shampoo for hair growth can help up the ante on your efforts.
If you’re looking for the best shampoo for hair growth and want something a little (okay, a lot) more budget-friendly, we found that the Marc Anthony Grow Long Super Fast Strength Shampoo is worth trying. This drugstore formula — which you can score on Amazon — is enriched with hair growth-supporting ingredients including caffeine, ginseng, and vitamin E. And, despite its cheaper price tag, it works really well at supporting hair growth.
Our tester typically experiences a healthy amount of hair growth from month to month, however, they noted that their hair has never looked or felt as healthy as when using the Marc Anthony hair growth shampoo. Additionally, they noticed that their baby hairs saw a major improvement with 1 inch of regrowth at the end of the testing period.
Size: 8.4 ounces | Key Ingredients: Caffeine, ginseng, vitamin E | Hair Type: All, especially those prone to breakage
Our editors are also obsessed with the Vegamour Gro Revitalizing Shampoo, which is formulated with lots of nourishing and hair growth-supporting ingredients, including Biomimetic peptides, caffeine, and biotin. Additionally, the formula features Karmatin™, which is the brand’s own vegan keratin alternative that strengthens strands while also promoting a gorgeous glossy shine.
We love this formula because it promotes some serious hair growth — we saw four inches in five months — so it’s great for growing out a shorter hair style (or those bangs you accidentally chopped too short). It’s also super effective at getting rid of buildup, which is essential for scalp health and supporting longer and thicker locks.
Size: 8 ounces | Key Ingredients: Biomimetic peptides, Karmatin™ (a vegan keratin alternative), caffeine, biotin | Hair Type: All hair types, including color-treated and especially thin or fine strands
Editors Say
“I started using this shampoo around the time that I cut my hair into a bob, which admittedly terrified me because I loved my short style and knew that Vegamour products mean business — so once I started using this, the locks would start growing. And grow, they did: This helped my hair sprout nearly four inches in five months.”—Alyssa Brascia, shopping writer
For a color-safe option, we love the Grande Cosmetics GrandeHair Peptide Shampoo, which is formulated with Hexapeptide-11 to reduce hair shedding and improve overall strength.
Prior to testing some of us been noticing hair thinning along the sides of our heads, and this formula helped improve the volume of hair near our temples. While we wished that we saw some growth on our overall scalp area, we were impressed that our hairlines looked much thicker and that the thinner, wispier pieces appeared stronger, too. In addition to its performance, we loved that this shampoo formula didn’t have a scent (a trait that is fantastic for those with sensitive noses and scalps).
Size: 8 oz. | Key Ingredients: Hexapeptide-11 | Hair Type: All
Pro Tip!
Dr. Michael I. Jacobs, a board-certified dermatologist and associate professor of dermatology at Weill Cornell Medical College and Medical Technology Director at Cortina, says it’s worth considering the cause of your hair loss. “Many external factors such as stress, medication, and hormones can cause hair loss,” he explains. If you experience hair loss persistently, Dr. Jacobs recommends seeking advice from a medical professional, as hair growth shampoos might not be enough to reverse the effects.
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Supports hair growth after two weeks of use
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Great for growing out a short haircut
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Doesn’t irritate the scalp
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Safe for sensitive scalps
The Évolis Professional Promote Shampoo is enriched with baobab, which provides deep hydration while also protecting strands from heat and damage caused by environmental aggressors as well as styling tools.
Even more so than its moisturizing properties, we were highly impressed by this formula’s hair-growing abilities. After just two weeks of washing with this shampoo, we noticed a significant improvement in our overall hair length. Although we didn’t necessarily experience a thickening effect when using this shampoo, those of us testing this product wanted to grow our hair out and were impressed by the amount of growth that we experienced in a short period of time.
We continued to test the product for two months to see what, if anything, would change — and by the end of the testing period, we saw a steady continuation of what we experienced before. Our hair continued to grow like a weed, yet didn’t seem to increase in volume, which proves that this shampoo is nothing if not consistent. However, we’re not judging this shampoo too harshly for its lack of thickening agents — the goal was growth, and this product surely achieved it.
Size: 8.4 oz. | Key Ingredients: Baobab | Hair Type: Dry and damaged hair
The best shampoo for natural hair is the Luseta Beauty Jamaican Black Castor Oil Shampoo. As its name suggests, this shampoo is enriched with castor seed oil, which is known for its ability to enhance hair growth and deep-condition strands.
During the six-week testing period, we didn’t experience growth length-wise but found that our hair looked more dense. The shampoo also improved the health of their scalp and hair significantly — which is essential for boosting future hair growth — and promoted an overall shinier look. Designed with thin and dry hair in mind, this shampoo can create a fuller, thicker look while also strengthening weak, brittle strands caused by color damage.
One downside that we noted is that we didn’t love the thick consistency of the formula and found that we had to really work the product into our hands in order to get a substantial lather and feel as though our hair was being properly cleansed. However, despite its thickness, it did not leave a residue on the hair whatsoever once it was rinsed out.
Size: 16.9 oz., 33.8 oz. | Key Ingredients: Castor seed oil | Hair Type: Natural
An itchy, irritated scalp is the last thing you want to experience when trying to rev up hair growth. For a fantastic soothing shampoo option, we recommend the DS Laboratories Antioxidant Hair Density CBD Shampoo. This formula is enriched with broad-spectrum CBD, which provides nourishing and soothing benefits while keeping inflammation at bay. Try it with a scalp massager for even more soothing relief.
In terms of its hair growth prowess, this shampoo also features caffeine to support hair growth and taurine for combatting hair loss. When using this formula for three weeks, one of our male testers with a shaved head found that it helped encourage growth on some of the thin patches on his scalp, most notably the top and front of his head where he had significant thinning. He also appreciated that the formula was easy to spread and left his scalp feeling especially clean without drying out his skin.
Size: 7 oz. | Key Ingredients: Broad spectrum CBD, caffeine, taurine | Hair Type: All, especially those with sensitive scalps
If you experience thinning hair due to damage, the Miriam Quevedo Black Baccara Hair Multiplying Shampoo is our top pick. This formula features rose stem cells to ward off hair growth disturbances (such as environmental aggressors or everyday styling damage) as well as the brand’s multi-bond filler to repair damaged strands and prevent breakage.
While we didn’t notice a big change in their overall hair length, we saw less hair fall and breakage throughout the testing period, which helped preserve the strands we already had. We did, however, notice more growth along the scalp and hairline which created a thicker, fuller look all around. In addition to thickening the hair, the shampoo also helped hydrate and nourish our strands and made our hairstyles look shinier with less frizz, too.
Size: 8.4 oz. | Key Ingredients: Black Baccara Rose Youth Concentrate, fresh rose stem cells | Hair Type: All, especially those with damaged strands
Our Verdict
Since we first published this story, we continued to test the winning products for two additional months to get a good grasp on the performance of these shampoos long-term. The Evolis Professional Promote Shampoo continued to be a hair-lengthening standout throughout this extended process and our number one pick. The Vegamour GRO+ Advanced Replenishing Shampoo continued to be a tester favorite — so much so that our tester called it “one of the best shampoos” she had ever used and purchased the accompanying conditioner herself. As we continue this journey towards hair growth, we will continue to test new products and update this story accordingly.
What to Know About Shampoo for Hair Growth
Hair Growth Ingredients
When shopping for an effective shampoo for hair growth, Dr. Engelman says to first consider the ingredients, especially those that can support a healthy scalp and hair growth. “Look for ingredients that are known to stimulate hair growth, including caffeine, peppermint, green tea, and biotin,” she explains. “These ingredients will allow the shampoo to do its job of helping your hair grow faster and more healthily.” In addition to these ingredients, ginseng is a popular hair growth shampoo ingredient that can reduce inflammation and extend the growing phase for longer, stronger strands.
Our top pick for the best budget shampoo, the Marc Anthony Grow Long Super Fast Strength Shampoo, is enriched with ginseng and caffeine in its ingredient lineup. The DS Laboratories Antioxidant Hair Density CBD Shampoo also features caffeine while the best hydrating shampoo, the Alodia Nourish & Hydrate Creme’ Shampoo ( Low Lather Sulfate Free), has peppermint for stimulation.
Hair Strengthening Ingredients
In addition to hair growth ingredients, Dr. Engelman also says to look for formulas with ingredients that will strengthen the hair follicles and cuticles. “Just as important as growing more hair is ensuring that the hair you have stays healthy and strong,” she explains. “Ingredients like keratin and argan oil help condition and strengthen the hair, making it more resistant to breakage and environmental stress.”
Our top pick for the overall best shampoo for hair growth, the Vegamour GRO+ Advanced Replenishing Shampoo, features Karmatin™ in its ingredient lineup. This is a vegan keratin alternative that is designed to bond hair and support strand strength.
No Harmful Additives
There’s a reason why dermatologists recommend shampoos free from harmful chemicals, such as sulfates, parabens, formaldehyde, phthalates, and even synthetic fragrances. “These ingredients can weaken and damage the hair and actually contribute to hair thinning and loss,” Dr. Engelman notes.
Behind The Scenes
To find the best shampoo for hair growth, our PEOPLE Tested team took 23 formulas out for a spin in the real world. Over the course of six weeks, our testers incorporated the hair growth shampoos into their routine to get a better idea of their performance. Since results can vary and some shampoos can take longer than six weeks to work, our testers focused on how the shampoos transformed overall hair and scalp health and if they at least began to stimulate growth.
- Application: Throughout the testing period, we followed each shampoo’s instructions for recommended use and used the shampoos in our haircare routine at least twice per week.
- Performance: During this time, we took extensive notes about our experiences and how — if at all — the formulas improved hair and scalp health, supported hair growth, and whether or not they held up to their claims.
- Cleansing Ability: Additionally, we considered how well the shampoos cleansed the hair — it is their main purpose, after all — and other important factors like the scent, if they prevented hair color from fading, and how nourishing the formulas felt on the scalp.
After six weeks of testing, our team compared notes and carefully considered each experience before narrowing down our top seven picks for the best shampoos for hair growth.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Do hair growth shampoos actually work?
Dr. Engelman says the results may vary. “In most cases, hair growth shampoos are a great way to promote and support healthy hair growth,” she explains. “They work by supplying the scalp with ingredients that stimulate the hair growth cycle and/or extend the anagen (active) phase of the hair growth cycle.” With this in mind, hair growth shampoos can also work effectively at preventing hair loss by strengthening the strands and cuticle. However, not everyone will see the same amount of growth as there are many nuances responsible for hair loss or stagnant growth.
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How long will it take to see results from a hair growth shampoo?
Just like with shampoos for thinning hair, hair growth conditioners and masks, and other hair growth products, the amount of time it takes to see results from a hair growth shampoo can vary. On average, Dr. Engelmen says it can take approximately four to eight weeks of recommended use to experience results (a.k.a. new growth). With that said, as mentioned previously, it’s important to note that some hair loss might not be fixed by a shampoo alone, so if your hair loss is more persistent, it’s worth seeking advice from a medical professional to learn more about how you can address your specific hair loss situation.
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Which shampoo is best for hair growth and thickness?
Our top pick for the best shampoo for hair growth is the Vegamour GRO+ Advanced Replenishing Shampoo. This shampoo features a keratin alternative and provides plenty of nourishment to restore hair health and even encourage wave patterns for those with wavy hair types. During the six-week testing period, we saw significant improvement in hair growth while using this formula; by the end of it, our tester’s length grew by around 1.5 inches, and their baby hairs appeared thicker, too.
The Vegamour shampoo is on the more expensive side, so if you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, we also recommend the Marc Anthony Grow Long Super Fast Strength Shampoo.
Why Trust PEOPLE?
Jessie Quinn is a contributing commerce writer for PEOPLE and has written for publications such as Byrdie, InStyle, The Spruce, NYLON, and more. When covering the best shampoo for hair growth, Jessie began by extensively reviewing the PEOPLE Tested team’s insights to get an idea of what their experiences were like and how well each shampoo formula performed over six weeks. Additionally, Jessie reached out to top dermatology experts to learn more about the efficacy of hair growth shampoos, what to look for in these formulas, and how long it takes to experience results.
Our Expert Panel
- Dr. Dendy Engleman is a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist and Mohs surgeon at Shafer Clinic in New York City.
- Dr. Michael I. Jacobs is a board-certified dermatologist and associate professor of dermatology at Weill Cornell Medical College and Medical Technology Director at Cortina.
What Is PEOPLE Tested?
We created the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval to help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs.
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In short, PEOPLE Tested provides recommendations you can trust — every day, every purchase.