The 8 Best Shampoos for Hair Growth, Tested and Reviewed

Mar. 15, 2025

In This ArticleView AllIn This ArticleOur Top PicksReviewsOur VerdictWhat to KnowBehind The ScenesFAQWhy Trust PEOPLE?What Is PEOPLE Tested?

In This ArticleView All

In This Article

View All

Our Top Picks

Reviews

Our Verdict

What to Know

Behind The Scenes

FAQ

Why Trust PEOPLE?

What Is PEOPLE Tested?

Photo: People/Alyssa Brascia

Whether you’re growing out your haircut or want to revitalize strands after experiencing hair loss, taking care of the hairandthe 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

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 meanplenty— 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.

Best Overall:Vegamour GRO+ Advanced Replenishing Shampoo at Vegamour.com$47Jump to Review

Best Overall:Vegamour GRO+ Advanced Replenishing Shampoo at Vegamour.com$47

Best Overall:

Best Budget:Marc Anthony Grow Long Shampoo at Amazon$16Jump to Review

Best Budget:Marc Anthony Grow Long Shampoo at Amazon$16

Best Budget:

Best Strengthening:Grande Cosmetics GrandeHAIR Peptide Shampoo at Amazon$25Jump to Review

Best Strengthening:Grande Cosmetics GrandeHAIR Peptide Shampoo at Amazon$25

Best Strengthening:

Best Lengthening:Évolis Professional Promote Shampoo at Amazon$20Jump to Review

Best Lengthening:Évolis Professional Promote Shampoo at Amazon$20

Best Lengthening:

Best for Natural Hair:Luseta Beauty Jamaican Black Castor Oil Shampoo at Amazon$16Jump to Review

Best for Natural Hair:Luseta Beauty Jamaican Black Castor Oil Shampoo at Amazon$16

Best for Natural Hair:

Best Soothing:DS Laboratories Antioxidant Hair Density CBD Shampoo at Dslaboratories.comJump to Review

Best Soothing:DS Laboratories Antioxidant Hair Density CBD Shampoo at Dslaboratories.com

Best Soothing:

Best Thickening:Miriam Quevedo Black Baccara Shampoo at Nordstrom$50Jump to Review

Best Thickening:Miriam Quevedo Black Baccara Shampoo at Nordstrom$50

Best Thickening:

Best OverallVegamour GRO+ Advanced Replenishing ShampooPHOTO: Vegamour$47 at Vegamour.com

Best OverallVegamour GRO+ Advanced Replenishing Shampoo

Best Overall

Vegamour GRO+ Advanced Replenishing Shampoo

PHOTO: Vegamour

$47 at Vegamour.com

Star QualitiesRestores natural wavePromotes hair growthProvides a deep yet hydrating cleansRed FlagsExpensive

Star QualitiesRestores natural wavePromotes hair growthProvides a deep yet hydrating cleans

Restores natural wave

Promotes hair growth

Provides a deep yet hydrating cleans

Red FlagsExpensive

Expensive

Size:8 ounces |Key Ingredients:Cannabidiol, Karmatin™ |Hair Type:All, especially those with dry, flaky scalps

PHOTO: People / Roselynn LemmPHOTO: People / Roselynn Lemm

The More You KnowDr. 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.

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.

Best BudgetMarc Anthony Grow Long ShampooPHOTO: Amazon$16$14 at Amazon$21 at WalmartView on IHerb

Best BudgetMarc Anthony Grow Long Shampoo

Best Budget

Marc Anthony Grow Long Shampoo

PHOTO: Amazon

$16$14 at Amazon$21 at WalmartView on IHerb

Improves hair health

Gentle formula with lasting nourishment

Red FlagsDoesn’t provide the deepest cleanse (for a clarifying shampoo)

Doesn’t provide the deepest cleanse (for a clarifying shampoo)

If you’re looking for the best shampoo for hair growth and want something alittle(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.

Size:8.4 ounces |Key Ingredients:Caffeine, ginseng, vitamin E |Hair Type:All, especially those prone to breakage

PHOTO: People / Kat LewisPHOTO: People / Kat Lewis

Vegamour GRO Revitalizing Shampoo

PHOTO: Sephora

$48 at Amazon$14 at Sephora$14 at Vegamour.com

Star QualitiesFormulated with a vegan keratin alternativeAvailable in travel sizeRemoves buildupRed FlagsA bit pricey

Star QualitiesFormulated with a vegan keratin alternativeAvailable in travel sizeRemoves buildup

Formulated with a vegan keratin alternative

Available in travel size

Removes buildup

Red FlagsA bit pricey

A bit pricey

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

PHOTO: People / Alyssa BrasciaPHOTO: People / Alyssa Brascia

“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

Best StrengtheningGrande Cosmetics GrandeHAIR Peptide ShampooPHOTO: Grande Cosmetics$25 at AmazonView on Grandecosmetics.com

Best StrengtheningGrande Cosmetics GrandeHAIR Peptide Shampoo

Best Strengthening

Grande Cosmetics GrandeHAIR Peptide Shampoo

PHOTO: Grande Cosmetics

$25 at AmazonView on Grandecosmetics.com

Formulated with Hexapeptide-11 to reduce hair shedding

Scent-free formula

Red FlagsDoesn’t target scalp health as much

Doesn’t target scalp health as much

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, andthis 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

PHOTO: People / Taylor CaltaPHOTO: People / Taylor Calta

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 thecauseof 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.

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 thecauseof 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.

Best LengtheningÉvolis Professional Promote ShampooPHOTO: Evolis$20 at Amazon$22 at WalmartView on Evolisproducts.com

Best LengtheningÉvolis Professional Promote Shampoo

Best Lengthening

Évolis Professional Promote Shampoo

PHOTO: Evolis

$20 at Amazon$22 at WalmartView on Evolisproducts.com

Star QualitiesSupports hair growth after two weeks of useGreat for growing out a short haircutDoesn’t irritate the scalpSafe for sensitive scalpsRed FlagsDoesn’t have thickening benefits

Star QualitiesSupports hair growth after two weeks of useGreat for growing out a short haircutDoesn’t irritate the scalpSafe for sensitive scalps

Supports hair growth after two weeks of use

Great for growing out a short haircut

Doesn’t irritate the scalp

Safe for sensitive scalps

Red FlagsDoesn’t have thickening benefits

Doesn’t have thickening benefits

Size:8.4 oz. |Key Ingredients:Baobab |Hair Type:Dry and damaged hair

PHOTO: People / Melanie FincherPHOTO: People / Melanie Fincher

Best for Natural HairLuseta Beauty Jamaican Black Castor Oil ShampooPHOTO: Luseta Beauty$16 at Amazon$18 at WalmartView on Lusetabeauty.com

Best for Natural HairLuseta Beauty Jamaican Black Castor Oil Shampoo

Best for Natural Hair

Luseta Beauty Jamaican Black Castor Oil Shampoo

PHOTO: Luseta Beauty

$16 at Amazon$18 at WalmartView on Lusetabeauty.com

Star QualitiesImproves shineMakes hair feel more denseFormulated with castor seed oil for hair growthRed FlagsDoesn’t lengthen strands

Star QualitiesImproves shineMakes hair feel more denseFormulated with castor seed oil for hair growth

Improves shine

Makes hair feel more dense

Formulated with castor seed oil for hair growth

Red FlagsDoesn’t lengthen strands

Doesn’t lengthen strands

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.

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

PHOTO: People / Sukhman RekhiPHOTO: People / Sukhman Rekhi

Best SoothingDS Laboratories Antioxidant Hair Density CBD ShampooPHOTO: DS LaboratoriesView on Dslaboratories.comStar QualitiesImproves thin patchesFormulated with soothing broad-spectrum CBDGentle enough for sensitive scalpsRed FlagsNot ideal for oily scalpsAn itchy, irritated scalp is thelastthing 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 ascalp massagerfor 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 thatit 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 scalpsPHOTO: People / Lukas SmithPHOTO: People / Lukas Smith

Best SoothingDS Laboratories Antioxidant Hair Density CBD ShampooPHOTO: DS LaboratoriesView on Dslaboratories.com

Best SoothingDS Laboratories Antioxidant Hair Density CBD Shampoo

Best Soothing

DS Laboratories Antioxidant Hair Density CBD Shampoo

PHOTO: DS Laboratories

View on Dslaboratories.com

Star QualitiesImproves thin patchesFormulated with soothing broad-spectrum CBDGentle enough for sensitive scalpsRed FlagsNot ideal for oily scalps

Star QualitiesImproves thin patchesFormulated with soothing broad-spectrum CBDGentle enough for sensitive scalps

Improves thin patches

Formulated with soothing broad-spectrum CBD

Gentle enough for sensitive scalps

Red FlagsNot ideal for oily scalps

Not ideal for oily scalps

An itchy, irritated scalp is thelastthing 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 ascalp massagerfor 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 thatit 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

PHOTO: People / Lukas SmithPHOTO: People / Lukas Smith

Best ThickeningMiriam Quevedo Black Baccara ShampooPHOTO: Nordstrom$50 at NordstromView on DermstoreView on Bergdorfgoodman.comStar QualitiesThickens strandsFormulated with a multi-bond filter to repair damageWards off hair growth disturbancesRed FlagsDoesn’t lengthen strands as well as othersIf 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 strandsPHOTO: People / Diana WeesnerPHOTO: People / Diana WeesnerPHOTO: People / Diana Weesner

Best ThickeningMiriam Quevedo Black Baccara ShampooPHOTO: Nordstrom$50 at NordstromView on DermstoreView on Bergdorfgoodman.com

Best ThickeningMiriam Quevedo Black Baccara Shampoo

Best Thickening

Miriam Quevedo Black Baccara Shampoo

PHOTO: Nordstrom

$50 at NordstromView on DermstoreView on Bergdorfgoodman.com

Star QualitiesThickens strandsFormulated with a multi-bond filter to repair damageWards off hair growth disturbancesRed FlagsDoesn’t lengthen strands as well as others

Star QualitiesThickens strandsFormulated with a multi-bond filter to repair damageWards off hair growth disturbances

Thickens strands

Formulated with a multi-bond filter to repair damage

Wards off hair growth disturbances

Red FlagsDoesn’t lengthen strands as well as others

Doesn’t lengthen strands as well as others

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

PHOTO: People / Diana WeesnerPHOTO: People / Diana WeesnerPHOTO: People / Diana Weesner

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. TheEvolis Professional Promote Shampoocontinued to be a hair-lengthening standout throughout this extended process and our number one pick. TheVegamour GRO+ Advanced Replenishing Shampoocontinued 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, includingcaffeine, 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,ginsengis 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, theMarc Anthony Grow Long Super Fast Strength Shampoo, is enriched with ginseng and caffeine in its ingredient lineup. TheDS Laboratories Antioxidant Hair Density CBD Shampooalso features caffeine while the best hydrating shampoo, theAlodia 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 willstrengthen the hair follicles and cuticles. “Just as important as growingmorehair is ensuring that the hair you have stays healthy and strong,” she explains. “Ingredients likekeratin and argan oilhelp 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, theVegamour 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.

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.

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

The Vegamour shampoo is on the more expensive side, so if you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, we also recommend theMarc Anthony Grow Long Super Fast Strength Shampoo.

Our Expert PanelDr. Dendy Englemanis a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist and Mohs surgeon at Shafer Clinic in New York City.Dr. Michael I. Jacobsis a board-certified dermatologist and associate professor of dermatology at Weill Cornell Medical College and Medical Technology Director at Cortina.

Our Expert Panel

Dr. Dendy Englemanis a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist and Mohs surgeon at Shafer Clinic in New York City.Dr. Michael I. Jacobsis a board-certified dermatologist and associate professor of dermatology at Weill Cornell Medical College and Medical Technology Director at Cortina.

We created thePEOPLE Tested seal of approvalto 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.

In short, PEOPLE Tested provides recommendations you can trust — every day, every purchase.

source: people.com