"The Top 10 Hair Growth Shampoos of 2023"

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Dealing with hair loss can be a daunting task, especially when it occurs at any age. The root of hair loss can be attributed to various factors such as genetics, hormone fluctuations, illnesses, or other causes, making it challenging to find a suitable solution. Fortunately, many hair growth products can help stimulate hair follicles and promote growth from the root. 

Our team has researched and interviewed multiple dermatologists to find the best shampoos for hair growth. In this article, we have compiled a list of some of the most recommended shampoos that can assist in hair regrowth.

Nioxin is a trusted brand that offers many quality hair loss products. Their Scalp Cleansing Shampoo is safe for color-treated hair and works effectively to strengthen and fortify hair strands. According to Corey L. Hartman, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Skin Wellness Dermatology in Birmingham, AL, keeping the existing hair healthy is essential to prevent hair loss, especially when working with a physician to aid in hair regrowth. 

“Shampoos that are part of larger treatment systems that include a treatment product with minoxidil can work well,” he explains. “Minoxidil is the only ingredient proven to be effective in regrowing hair in both men and women.”

This shampoo prepares the scalp for ultimate growth as part of the Nioxin three-step system. The conditioner is the second step, and the scalp and hair treatment with minoxidil is the third and final step. 

A few cons of this product are that it is best used as part of the system for full efficacy, and it's relatively expensive, costing $43 per bottle. 

Size: 1 liter | Key Ingredients: Salicylic acid, peppermint oil | Sulfate-Free: No

For those experiencing hair breakage, preventing the hair from gaining length, the budget-friendly Marc Anthony Grow Long Super-Fast Strength Shampoo could be the solution. It contains caffeine, ginseng, and vitamin E to activate hair follicles and promote hair growth while nourishing hair strands. 

At $8 per bottle, this shampoo could help prevent hair loss and breakage in the long run, but it does not have minoxidil, so it may not lead to insanely fast hair growth results. 

Size: 8.4 fl oz. | Key Ingredients: Caffeine, ginseng, vitamin E | Sulfate-Free: Yes

The Davines Energizing Shampoo is a great pick for those experiencing thinning hair. This gentle formula stimulates the scalp and adds shine to hair, and Jeannette Graf, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai School of Medicine, often recommends this product to her patients experiencing hair loss. 

“It contains natural ingredients that can help stimulate the scalp and promote blood flow to hair follicles, like caffeine, rosemary, sage, and lemon. It is free of sulfates or parabens, making it a good option for regular use,” says Dr. Graf.

The downside is that it costs $36 per bottle and is not readily available as compared to other brands. 

Size: 8.45 fl oz. | Key Ingredients: Caffeine, rosemary, sage, lemon | Sulfate-Free: Yes

If dandruff is causing your hair loss or hindering your hair growth, then the Nizoral A-D Anti-Dandruff Shampoo could be the solution for you. This shampoo treats dandruff at the root and gets rid of flakes and build-up. “Tackling dandruff is a great step to promote hair growth and prevent thinning,” explains Dr. Graf. “This gentle formula contains ketoconazole to treat dandruff and helps soothe an itchy or irritated scalp.”

This formula is available at most drugstores nationwide and online retailers, and while strong and effective, it may irritate and dry out some scalps. It's important to note that if you don't have dandruff, this product may not be the best option for you.

Size: 7 fl oz. | Key Ingredients: Ketoconazole | Sulfate-Free: No

If you are looking for a shampoo that makes your hair appear more voluminous and contains biotin to promote hair growth, consider Hairtamin's Healthy Hair Growth Shampoo.

According to Dr. Graf, the Hairtamin Biotin Shampoo is a favorite formula amongst her patients. She claims that it has a gentle formula, which works to protect hair from damage. Moreover, the shampoo contains natural ingredients like argan oil, chamomile, rosemary, and other essential oils, which promote hair growth.

However, the scent might be off-putting for some, but it works wonders for people with healthy hair. The product is available in a 7 fluid ounce size and costs $27. It is also sulfate-free.

The PURA D’OR Original Gold Label Anti-Thinning Biotin Shampoo is perfect for people with dry scalps. Dr. Graf recommends it to her patients because it has gentler ingredients than most hair-thinning products. With natural ingredients like argan oil, biotin, nettle extract, and other seed oils, the shampoo is perfect for people with hair-thinning problems.

The shampoo comes in a 16 fluid ounce bottle and costs $30. It is sulfate-free, but a conditioner must be used after each wash because hair growth shampoos can dry out hair. The only downside is the bug spray-like scent.

The Hers Triple Threat Shampoo is perfect for oily scalps. It contains salicylic acid, biotin, saw palmetto, and pumpkin seed oil, which effectively cleanses the scalp, removes oily residue, and frees hair follicles to promote hair growth. Dr. Hartman recommends it to his patients who experience hair loss.

A 2-pack of this shampoo costs $25. However, some shoppers find the product drying after use, so it's best for people with oily scalps. It is sulfate-free and contains salicylic acid.

If you want a moment of luxury in the shower, try Cucinello Beauty’s shampoo. It contains high-quality ingredients that reduce inflammation on the scalp and promote hair growth. Rice bran oil treats inflammation, while maracuja oil slows down the overproduction of oil. Organic aloe leaf extract promotes hair growth and reduces flakiness and irritation.

The shampoo is only available on the Cucinello Beauty website. However, it smells divine and creates a beautiful lather. The shampoo costs $42 and is not sulfate-free.

Natural ingredients are perfect for stimulating hair growth, and Alodia’s Nourish & Hydrate Creme Shampoo contains aloe vera, argan oil, and shea butter. Dr. Graf recommends this shampoo to her patients as it is gentle and strengthens and hydrates hair when used regularly. It is perfect for natural, textured hair, but can be used on straight, wavy, or curly hair too. It does not foam up, however. The shampoo is sulfate-free, costs $16, and comes in an 8 fluid ounce size.

For aging hair, Better Not Younger’s shampoo is perfect for promoting hair growth and volume. The formula contains caffeine, biotin, sage, and menthyl lactate, which work together to wake up the scalp. The shampoo is lightweight and moisturizing, which isn't often the case with volumizing shampoos that tend to dry out the cuticle to create volume. The shampoo costs $26, is sulfate-free, comes in an 8.4 fluid ounce size, and contains caffeine, biotin, sage. The only downside is its watery and thin consistency and problematic pump.

Dealing with hair loss can be challenging, and finding the right products to help promote hair growth isn’t easy, either. Not only did we use our own experience with using some of these shampoos for hair growth on our strands, but we also interviewed multiple dermatologists (some who specifically focus on hair loss) for the best hair growth shampoos that they recommend to their patients. 

When on the hunt for a great shampoo for hair growth, you want to look out for specific ingredients that might promote growth. “Biotin, niacin, caffeine, keratin, and collagen are all ingredients to look for in a shampoo for hair growth,” explains Dr. Graf. Hairtamin Biotin Shampoo contains biotin and Davines Energizing Shampoo features caffeine. Minoxidil is also the gold standard for growing hair for men and women. Our best overall pick, Nioxin System 1 Scalp Cleansing Shampoo, contains the ingredient. 

According to Dr. Graf, there are some ingredients you might want to avoid when purchasing a shampoo for hair growth. “Alcohol can dry out your hair, leading to breakage and hair loss,” she explains. “Silicones can clog the hair follicles, and formaldehyde can contribute to hair loss and dry out your scalp, too.”

Two other ingredients Dr. Graf suggests trying to avoid are parabens and sulfate. “Parabens should be avoided as they might affect hair loss and have negative effects on the scalp,” she explains. “Sulfates can strip the hair’s natural oils and potentially dry out your hair.” PURA D'OR Original Gold Label Anti-Thinning Biotin Shampoo is sulfate, paraben, and silicone-free.

Daley Quinn is a freelance beauty, lifestyle, and health writer based in New York City. She's a former print magazine editor at Family Circle magazine, and has been published in both print magazines and digital outlets including InStyle, Real Simple, Byrdie, Southern Living, Shape, and more. Daley used her own experience with testing some of these hair growth shampoos.