These Are the Only Hair-Growth Shampoos That Work, According to Dermatologists

There are plenty of hair growth shampoos, but only a select few are recommended by dermatologists—like this bb. Dermatologist Ife Rodney, MD, recommends this shampoo to her patients experiencing hair loss. Why? Because it’s filled with niacinamide and zinc, both of which are anti-inflammatory and “help improve skin barrier function, which can potentially reduce the inflammation that can lead to hair loss.”

• Key ingredient: Niacinamide, zinc, hydrolyzed soy protein
• Sulfate free: No
• Hair type: Normal, oily
• Size: 6.7 oz

One Cosmo editor says: “I ordered this shampoo the minute she told me about it, and it’s become my new go-to for my oily scalp. It contains sulfates, fyi, which could be drying for some, but it gives my hair a super-deep clean once a week. If you have drier hair, I’d limit to once a month as a ‘reset’ wash, then follow with a moisturizing deep conditioner.”—BETH GILLETTE, BEAUTY EDITOR

I love this color-safe, sulfate-free clarifying shampoo formula from K18 to help get rid of the gunk and product buildup on my scalp (which, FYI, can lead to inflammation that can potentially stunt hair growth). “Clarifying your scalp and removing product buildup can go a long way toward supporting healthy hair growth,” says dermatologist Geeta Yadav. It uses a mix of salicylic acid and charcoal powder to chemically and physically exfoliate away dead skin and oils that are prone to clogging the scalp.

• Key ingredients: Salicylic acid, charcoal powder
• Sulfate free: Yes* (*but contains other strong surfactants)
• Hair type? All* (*but might be drying if used too often on dry hair)
• Size: 8.5 oz

One Cosmo editor says: “I started incorporating it into my routine once a week for the last six months, and I’ve experienced the fastest hair growth of my entire life. What was once a chin-length bob is now a grown-out lob—and while I’m annoyed about needing to make another haircut appointment, I’m thrilled with how healthy my hair feels.” —BG

People spend thousands trying to restore their hairline. If you don’t have unlimited funds, try this affordable fave. I’ve used this salicylic acid-based shampoo for years to help treat my hairline and scalp acne, but it also has the added bonus of keeping my follicles exfoliated and happy. As a reminder, “congested hair follicles will struggle to produce more hair growth,” says Dr. Yadav.

• Key ingredients: Salicylic acid
• Sulfate free: Yes* (*but contains some other strong surfactants)
• Hair type: Oily
• Size: 4.5 oz

One Cosmo editor says: “I use this shampoo once a week on my very-oily roots to break down the product buildup, grease, and oils that can lead to an angry scalp. I don’t need much moisture in my hair, but I always tell my friends to pair this with an ultra-hydrating conditioner to avoid dryness.”—BG

If you’ve got curly hair (or a thing for DIY beauty), you’re probably no stranger to castor oil and its hair-growth claims. And while there’s no real scientific evidence to support the hype, that doesn’t mean it’s not still a worthwhile ingredient to use in your shampoo, especially if you’ve got dry or coarse hair. Why? Because castor oil is one of the richest and thickest oils, making it great for reducing moisture loss that could lead to dry scalp and hair—and possibly hinder hair growth down the line. This one from Shea Moisture is beloved on Amazon (hi, 24,000 five-star reviews) because it incorporates shea butter to add hella moisture to your hair as it cleanses the day away.

• Key ingredients: Jamaican black castor oil, shea butter
• Sulfate free: Yes
• Hair type: Very dry, dry, normal
• Size: 13 oz

One shopper says: “I just want to share with everyone my experience with this product—I completely recommend it to those having thinning hair. Don’t expect quick result, but with continued use you will notice baby hairs growing. Just try it.”

A burning, itching scalp is no way to embark on a hair-growth journey, which I learned after a gnarly scalp sunburn (I’m now someone that spritzes spray sunscreen on my part constantly). While in the depths of sunburn hell, Amazon led me to this highly rated shampoo from Pura D’or that’s filled with soothing aloe vera and lactobacillus ferment, a probiotic known for calming inflammation, which help reduce irritation from dry scalp or dandruff. Plus, it’s got antibacterial tea tree oil to help tackle some of the itch and flaking.

• Key ingredients: Tea tree oil, aloe vera, lactobacillus ferment
• Sulfate free: Yes
• Hair type: All
• Size: 16 oz

One shopper says: “I was very skeptical about this product, and frankly I had lost hope. After the first month, I was ready to pitch it into the garbage. But I decided to keep using it as directed—keeping it on for two minutes and then rinsing it off. On my third month of use, I have had more than one person ask me if I’m on Rogaine because they see more hair growth on my scalp.”

If you’re hoping to grow longer, thicker, fuller hair, look for a shampoo filled with ingredients that’ll soothe an irritated scalp (because, again: hair growth cannot start with angry hair follicles). One of my favorites? This shampoo from Grow Gorgeous that contains caffeine and niacinamide, two ingredients with anti-inflammatory properties to help reduce irritation that can lead to flakes and clogged follicles. Caffeine also helps make your hair strands look a little plumper, so they actually appear thicker. Plus, it’s spiked with a bit of moisturizing arginine and urea to mitigate dryness.

• Key ingredients: Caffeine, niacinamide
• Sulfate free: Yes
• Hair type: All
• Size: 8.4 oz

One shopper says: “This is my go-to shampoo that I’ll buy over & over again. Does it say what it says it does?! Yes 100%. My hair has been much thicker since using this product and have noticed a lot of re-growth from thinning patches. It’s an all around fantastic product and I will continue to rave about it to friends/family/anyone who listens.”

While, yes, this shampoo is a splurge, the entire Cosmo team recommends this for those who want a luscious, voluminous head of hair. (I mean, it did win a Holy Grail Award!) Oribe developed this with a board-certified trichologist to ensure it helps your scalp and hair. Beyond creating the perfect environment for hair growth, this also plumps each individual strand for overall fuller-looking hair after a single wash.

• Key ingredients: Red clover extract, biomimetic peptide, pea sprout extract
• Sulfate free: Yes
• Hair type: All
• Size: 8.5 oz

One Cosmo editor says: “I have been testing this entire line for months and can honestly say I’ve seen a difference. It smells amazing and it leaves my hair feeling so soft. But the best part is that it really does work. When I blow-dry my hair or try to part it differently, there are little baby hairs all over the place. I’ve also noticed a significant decrease in hair shedding in the shower. My part is still pretty wide, but I’m impressed at the improvement I’ve seen given the natural ingredients in this formula.”—VERONICA LOPEZ, SEX AND RELATIONSHIPS EDITOR

Since I started using this shampoo a month ago, I’ve gotten so many compliments on how full my fine hair looks. It’s packed with antioxidant-rich caffeine, which can help stimulate blood flow to your scalp, according to Dr. Rodney. I just massage it through my scalp with a silicone scalp massager and then rinse out. As my hair dries, my roots feel lighter and more lifted, and I don’t feel like I need to add as many volumizing products to my routine to get a ~tousled~ look. I haven’t noticed any significant hair growth—and tbh, I don’t expect to—but I’ll take thicker-looking hair any day.

• Key ingredients: Coffee seed oil, biotin
• Sulfate free? Yes* (*but still contains some strong surfactants)
• Hair type? Dry, normal
• Size: 8 oz

One Cosmo editor says: “I have a ton of hair, but it’s very fine. This means it falls flat and can look limp a day after washing. This makes a world of a difference. I use this once a week and my mane immediately looks fuller and healthier.” —MARY HONKUS, CONTRIBUTING BEAUTY EDITOR

If you’re experiencing hair thinning from color or chemical damage, try this protein-packed shampoo from Vegamour. It uses vegan biotin to strengthen your hair, along with peptides, aloe, caffeine, and mannitol (a humectant that helps attract and maintain moisture, according to Dr. Rodney), to moisturize your scalp and help reduce breakage from dryness. We’ve found that this shampoo works best when paired with Vegamour’s Gro Serum, to fill out thinning hair lines and help strands grow like weeds.

• Key ingredients: Biomimetic peptides, caffeine, biotin
• Sulfate free? Yes
• Hair type? All
• Size: 8 oz

One shopper says: “I’ve used this for over two months every couple days with extremely fine-medium hair. I’ve noticed so much growth on my scalp, and the edges of my hair have fully grown out.”

Korean skincare is known for its all-in-one formulas that turn your complexion to glass. Consider this shampoo the hair equivalent. This multi-tasking shampoo removes buildup, deeply moisturizes scalp, increases circulation, and encourages hair growth. (Truthfully, there’s not much this can’t do.)

• Key ingredients: Biotin, prebiotics, rosemary oil
• Sulfate free: Yes
• Hair type: All
• Size: 8.1 oz

One Cosmo editor says: “As much as I dread having to trim my bob and bangs, I’m willing to encourage hair growth for the sake of my ends looking thicker and fuller. Two months ago, I started using this twice a week, and I’ve trimmed my bangs not once, but TWICE since because they’re growing so fast. I also just love how it helps get rid of grease on my scalp without making my hair feel like straw.”—BG

Nutrafol’s supplements have gone viral 10 times over, but the shampoo is a true sleeper hit. It works up to the most luxurious lather—sans sulfates, no small feat—and floods hair with prebiotics, proteins, and antioxidants to repair and strengthen strands from the inside out. Continued use can boost density and help hair become more resistant against external aggressors, like heat styling and color damage.

• Key ingredients: Prebiotics, vegan protein, biosurfactant
• Sulfate free: Yes
• Hair type: All
• Size: 8.1 oz

One shopper says: “I started using the shampoo and conditioner about a month and a half ago. I had tried so many other products with no results. I am excited to say that Nutrafol works. My hair has stopped thinning and I have new growth coming in.“

Remember when the Mielle Organics Rosemary Oil went viral and sold out, thanks to its incredible ability to encourage hair growth? Well, when you pair that serum with this shampoo, you’ll be able to multiply your progress. The nourishing shampoo contains a blend of rosemary oil and biotin, which helps heal brittle hair and stimulate the scalp to create the best environment for your hair to thrive. Actually, of all the oils that promise hair growth, derms say rosemary has the most research behind it.

• Key ingredients: Coconut oil, rosemary oil, biotin
• Sulfate free: Yes
• Hair type: All
• Size: 12 oz

One shopper says: “This has made a remarkable difference in my hairs’ growth this year, which I’m so thrilled about. Beyond its effectiveness, I particularly love that it leaves my hair feeling clean and non-oily, unlike some other products I’ve tried, and it also has a truly delightful scent.“

Shampoo alone can’t help your hair grow faster, unfortunately. The only factors that actually impact hair growth or prevent hair loss are genetics, hormones, health, and age, as trichologist Bridgette Hill previously told Cosmo—not a cleanser you massage into your scalp and immediately rinse off. Still, that doesn’t mean hair-growth shampoos are totally worthless. Hair growth does require a 360 approach, and the right shampoo can help improve the health of your scalp by moisturizing and reducing inflammation and irritation, which makes a solid foundation for hair growth.

No ingredients in shampoo will technically make your hair grow, per se. “The only topical ingredient that can help is minoxidil, i.e., the active ingredient in treatments like Rogaine,” says Dr. Yadav. “But it must be used daily, often for the rest of your life, to deliver and maintain results,” she adds. But you can look for a few different ingredients to potentially boost your hair and scalp health to encourage growth. Dr. Yadav points to anti-inflammatory ingredients, like niacinamide, zinc, and caffeine, which can help soothe irritation (something that can stunt hair growth). She also recommends moisturizers, like hyaluronic acid, squalane, and panthenol, to hydrate your scalp and hair without weighing it down.

Shampoos with saliyclic acid are also a great option for once a week use to exfoliate dead skin. And if you’ve got dandruff or itchy scalp, def look for a medicated shampoo with pyrithione zinc or selenium sulfide, which help reduce irritation and placques.

Thinning hair is generally caused by a combination of factors , says Dr. Rodney. Mostly, it’s hereditary (often referred to as androgenic alopecia, or male or female-pattern baldness). But it can also be caused by:

• Hormonal imbalances from pregnancy, menopause, and conditions like polycystic-ovarian syndrome (PCOS)
• Certain medical conditions like thyroid disorders and autoimmune diseases
• Nutritional deficiencies like low iron, zinc, and other vitamins
• Chronic stress
• Rapid weight fluctuations
• Traumatic events
• Some hairstyling techniques, like excessive heat styling, tight hairstyles, and chemical treatments (relaxers, hair dye, etc.)
• Certain medication side effects

If you’re experiencing thinning, make an appointment with your dermatologist. Once you’ve identified the cause of your hair thinning, you can effectively treat your symptoms. Which brings us to…

The main factors for stimulating hair growth are genetics, health, and hormones—all of which are largely out of our control. But there are some topical treatments and in-office procedures that can potentially help encourage hair growth over time, says Dr. Rodney. Lemme break them down:

• In-office hair-growth treatments

In office, your doctor might prescribe medications like finasteride or spironolactone, which can help potentially reduce hormone-related hair loss. Or they could recommend a prescription-strength minoxidil. Dr. Rodney also suggests platelet-rich plasma (PRP) treatments. During this procedure your dermatologist will draw your blood, spin it in a centrifuge to extract the plasma, and then inject into your scalp. PRP treatments help increase fresh, wound-healing blood flow to your scalp, which could encourage some hair growth after three sessions. (Keep in mind it’s about $1,500 to $3,500 for all three treatments and usually not covered by insurance).

• At-home hair-growth treatments

At home, Dr. Rodney recommends over-the-counter minoxidil to her patients to possibly promote some hair growth and slow down hair loss. Minoxidil works by prolonging the growth phase of your hair follicles so that they have a longer time to grow before entering the rest or shed phase. It takes continued use (think: pretty much the rest of your life) to keep seeing results, but it’s typically available for less than $40 at drugstores, Amazon, and Sephora.

You can also try incorporating regular hair-oil scalp massages into your routine. This won’t make your hair grow necessarily, but can potentially improve blood circulation that creates a healthy environment for growth. (FWIW, I love rosemary oil and jojoba oil for my own scalp massages). Dr. Rodney also promotes following a healthy hair routine. This can set up a good foundation for hair growth. Your regimen should include washing with a shampoo (hi, peep the above list) once a week, as well as limiting heat styling and coloring your hair, which can damage your hair and lead to hair loss over time.

If you want to regrow your thinning hair, the first step is to make an appointment with your dermatologist, says Dr. Rodney. “A doctor can provide an accurate diagnosis, identify the underlying cause, and recommend appropriate treatment options based on your individual needs,” she says. Plus, your derm can suggest a combination of treatments to get the best results for your specific concerns. Here’s a quick rundown of what your doctor might recommend:

• Topical minoxidil to help extend the growth phase of your hair cycle
• Cortisone shots in your scalp to reduce inflammation
• Limiting heat styling and hair dye to reduce breakage and thinning
• Managing stress levels through relaxation techniques, exercise, or talk therapy
• Addressing underlying medical conditions or hormonal imbalances
• Working with a nutritionist to evaluate any deficiencies

• Ife Rodney, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist in Fulton, MD, where she runs her own practice, Eternal Dermatology and Aesthetic Center. She specializes in hair loss and hair growth treatments.
• Geeta Yadav, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and the founder of Facet Dermatology in Toronto, ON, CA. Dr. Yadav is an expert in both medical and cosmetic dermatology, as well as in treating concerns of BIPOC patients.
• Bridgette Hill is a certified trichologist and founder of Root Cause Scalp Analysis, a virtual platform that offers personalized scalp analyses and treatment plans. She was previously interviewed about castor oil for hair growth.