We all dream of having thick, luxurious locks, but for some of us, it isn't always possible, and that's where hair growth products such as hair growth shampoo come into play. Because if you have naturally thin hair or are losing your hair, it can feel devastating when you notice a change.
Hair expresses personality as well as personal style and has been a part of our individual identities our whole lives. You don't go a single day without thinking about your hair - it's a big deal for all of us.
There are many hair growth shampoos on the market that are perfect if you are looking to strengthen and grow your hair. But some serve different purposes to others, and so you may find it hard to navigate which one is the best for you. Perhaps even a hair growth serum would be a better alternative, depending on your hair thinning issues.
The best hair growth shampoo at a glance:
• Best hair growth shampoo for everyday use: Ultrax Labs Hair Surge - Buy now on Amazon UK
• Best hair growth shampoo bundle: Watermans Hair Growth Shampoo and Conditioner - Buy now on Amazon UK
• Best hair growth shampoo on a budget: Pantene Grow Strong Hair Loss Treatment - Buy now on Amazon UK
To get you started, we've rounded up the best-rated hair growth shampoos on the market with real reviews from real people that help regrow thinning hair. We've also called on some hair experts to give us the lowdown on how they work if they'll work, plus other routes you can try, such as trying a hairbrush for fine hair.
Best hair growth shampoo
Best hair growth shampoo for everyday use
This shampoo is easily the best-rated on Amazon, with over 10,500 reviews at the time of writing. It contains caffeine, ketoconazole and saw palmetto to stimulate the hair follicles and leave your hair feeling thicker and looking healthier. Use Ultrax Labs hair surge five times per week for the best results.
Customer review: "I've been using this shampoo since June and I'm very pleased with the results, as my hair is just starting to look a little thicker. It's not an enormous difference, but I wasn't expecting miracles. Yes the price is a bit outrageous, but I still haven't finished the bottle I purchased in June as I find that one pump is enough to wash my short hair, and the bottle feels like it's got a few weeks left to go before it runs out."
Pros
- Contains caffeine and ketoconazole
- Can be used as much as you like
Cons
- Shampoo doesn't foam up well
Hairburst Original Shampoo and Conditioner Bundlewww.lookfantastic.com
Look no further than the Hairburst Original Shampoo and Conditioner set to encourage hair growth. Made with wheat protein and amino acids, these powerful ingredients nourish and promote growth whilst minimising any frizz and flyaways. This set is ideal for all hair types to maintain hydration and create stronger hair.
Customer review: "I’ve used this shampoo on and off for years and I definitely feel a difference in the strength and health of my hair when I am using it, makes my hair feel so soft and I definitely feel a boost in the rate of growth."
Pros
- Great price point
- Nourishing formula
Cons
- Duo works well together to see results
Best hair growth shampoo bundle
Watermans Grow Me promotes healthy hair growth, shiny hair and a healthier scalp. It's sulphate-free, palm oil-free, PETA-approved, vegan-friendly and paraben-free. Plus, it's formulated only with natural ingredients. For best results, use four to five times per week.Customer review: "This shampoo and conditioner are more expensive than the normal ones in shops, however, I have had a problem with my hair thinning for the last few years due to menopause and that I have cutaneous lupus. I went to my hairdresser and my hairdresser remarked that my hair seems to have stopped falling out. Although I have upped my vitamin supplements, the only other thing that has changed is using this shampoo and conditioner."
Pros
- Vegan friendly
- Promotes hair growth using variety of natural ingredients
Cons
- Results may take longer
Best hair growth shampoo on a budget
This set includes shampoo, conditioner and a hair mask for the ultimate treatment. Pantene claims that this set delivers up to 96 per cent less hair loss, and the reviews tend to agree. All of the products contain biotin and bamboo to help reduce hair loss due to breakage. It's formulated with no nasty ingredients and comes in 100 per cent recyclable bottles.
Customer review: "Love this product, I'm on treatment for cancer, not chemo, but I still get hair loss, not fully losing it, just strands drop off. I'm usually covered in my hair but since using this I'm not getting as much hair loss so I'm really pleased with this product."
Pros
- Contains biotin
- Helps reduce hair loss
Cons
- Not suitable for dyed hair
Viviscal With thousands of reviews, the Viviscal Shampoo and Conditioner is one to have on your radar for hair growth. Perfect for everyday use, this set targets dry hair and boosts hair growth by moisturising and strengthening. Made with key ingredients like biotin, keratin and zinc to encourage hair growth and thickness.
Customer review: "I've been using the Viviscal shampoo and conditioner with great results but for some time and change it for others but I started to lose hair. I always come back to Viviscal Great product I recommend."
Best hair growth shampoo for thickness
OGX's Volumising Biotin & Collagen shampoo nourishes and treats hair, leaving it stronger and healthier-looking within a few months. Made with vitamin 57, biotin, collagen and wheat protein - this shampoo is full of must-have ingredients to add nutrients to every hair strand and encourage growth.
Customer review: "Used after a collagen treatment. Enhanced the thickness and helped with the longevity of the treatment. Notice my hair is less fluffy than before and definitely feels thicker."
Pros
- Adds lots of volume to the hair
- Sulphate free
Cons
- Need to buy conditioner separately
Best hair growth shampoo for thin hair
VIRTUEwww.lookfantastic.com
This shampoo and conditioner is ideal for those with thin, fine or fragile hair. The powerful shampoo and conditioner combo is full of proteins and actives to encourage growth and build strength. Both products work together to cleanse and nourish to remove impurities and enhance softness.
Customer review: "I’ve tried this brand years ago but wasn’t a fan. Gave it another chance and love it. Flourish line is best for my thinning hair but I also really like the volume one."
Pros
- Full of active ingredients
- Leaves the hair soft and shiny
Cons
- Some found it a little drying
We asked Gail Waterman, co-founder of Watermans Hair, to answer our burning questions on hair loss and hair growth shampoos.
Hair growth shampoo FAQs
How do hair growth shampoos work?
"Hair growth shampoo works by feeding the hair follicles to revitalise dry and lifeless hair, bringing it back to its former glory."
What makes hair grow faster?
As well as introducing a new shampoo into your life to make your hair grow, you could look into some dietary changes, too.
Gail explains, "It is known that eggs are a great source of protein to help hair growth. Spinach and salmon also help hair growth as they are rich in vitamin A.
"Watermans' hair growth shampoo uses ingredients such as biotin, caffeine, Argan oil, rosemary Extract, allantoin and hydrolyzed lupin protein to promote fuller-looking hair. Vitamins and antioxidants such as H, B7, B3, B6, C and E are known to have beneficial and protective effects on the scalp and to strengthen the hair. Our products do not only contain caffeine, as caffeine alone cannot reduce hair loss or prevent hair loss."
Choosing a supplement like Essy's hair growth oil, £19.99, alongside your shampoo is a great option too, if you're looking to fast-track your hair growth.
When should you start to see results?
Once you've found the product that suits you, "you should start to see results within three months". Results, however, vary from person to person.
What ingredients should I avoid using?
For overall hair health, there are certain things experts recommend that you avoid.
Sulphates - These harsh synthetic surfactants help to get rid of dirt and oil in your hair, but they can cause irritation and inflammation and make your hair dry and dull.
Parabens - These artificial preservatives are used to lengthen the shelf life of products by preventing the growth of bacteria. Some studies have claimed they could cause breast cancer, but according to The Cosmetics, Toiletries and Perfumery Association, "all cosmetic and toiletry products containing parabens may continue to be used safely."
Silicones - Silicones are synthetic polymers which help retain moisture and give your hair that shine. They can build up over time, leading to the hair cuticle becoming clogged.
Jade Moscrop is the Commercial Content Editor for Yours, specialising in lifestyle topics. When she's not writing about affordable homeware, beauty products and gym leggings, she can usually be found a hot girl walk, buying houseplants or listening to female-fronted rock bands.