If you're looking to add length while nourishing your scalp, using one of the best shampoos for hair growth is a good starting point. Although a fortified shampoo is just one step on the path to healthier hair, experts say the right formula can make a real difference in length retention, density and hair thickness.
"A good shampoo is designed to remove excess sebum and product buildup without stripping hair of its natural oils," says trichologist Kerry E. Yates. A cleanser that is both gentle and effective, and contains a combination of conditioning and humectant agents, is extremely beneficial for hair elasticity and flexibility. "This combination is difficult to find because many shampoos focused on fine hair can be drying, leaving lengths and ends vulnerable to damage," Yates adds.
The good news is that there are several effective formulas that professionals like Yates, along with professional colourist Priscilla Choi and Bazaar editors, can endorse. These are the ten best shampoos for hair growth that help optimise virtually all hair types and textures.
Yates notes that the blend of surfactants—that is, the ingredients that create the cleansing lather—in Living Proof's volumising shampoo "gently cleanses without potential irritation," and adds that the formula is also colour-safe and contains natural humectants and moisturisers that support scalp health.
Sisley Paris's revitalising volumising shampoo is somewhat more expensive compared to other cleansers on the list, but according to Yates, it's worth it. The gentle shampoo is "infused with a blend of vitamins and minerals to help 'feed' the scalp and support proper follicle health," she explains. Plus, its scent is simply incredible: almost like relaxing in a Parisian spa.
Bazaar editors are big fans of Korean beauty products, so it's no surprise that this thickening shampoo from Dr. Groot made it to our list of cleansing favourites. It uses biotin, rosemary, prebiotics and caffeine to stimulate hair growth while minimising loss and breakage.
Yates notes that this formula from Jennifer Aniston's hair care line "has a good combination of scalp cleansers, natural emollients and ingredients that help support hair elasticity and softness," and says it's "a good general shampoo for all hair types." However, she notes that it contains a surfactant, cocamidopropyl betaine, which she frequently avoids because it can sometimes irritate.
Infused with keratin proteins, this shampoo helps give the appearance of fuller hair. According to Yates, this basic shampoo "cleanses the scalp whilst also targeting the hair, lifting each individual strand to camouflage the appearance of fine hair," she explains.
According to Yates, this lightweight and effective shampoo is "designed to gently exfoliate and renew the scalp and support follicles." The salicylic acid derived from wintergreen helps remove excess oil and residue without drying out the scalp—plus, it's free from sulfates, silicones and synthetic fragrances.
With pure rosemary oil, five ceramides and plant proteins, Yates says this rosemary-infused shampoo "contains a good combination of ingredients to support scalp and hair health." Like LolaVie's restorative shampoo, the expert notes that this one also includes cocamidopropyl betaine.
The name of this viral Amika shampoo says it all. With a combination of hyaluronic acid, squalane and biofermented coconut water, the cleanser helps hair maintain hydration for up to 72 hours, thanks to its rich lather that targets dryness and damage simultaneously to stimulate growth.
A hair growth shampoo that uses Japanese rice water, an ingredient said to help strengthen hair and enhance its shine. The shampoo also "helps reduce hair breakage and improves density, elasticity and length retention," according to Choi.
Rosemary and peppermint are two ingredients recommended by professionals, and they take centre stage in this bestselling formula from Mielle. It's suitable for all hair types, but especially designed for curly hair, as it's ultra-moisturising and sulfate-free.
Professionals assure that using the right shampoo formulas is beneficial for hair growth, but using these cleansers alone is not enough to improve length retention. "While shampoos are crucial for maintaining scalp health and cleanliness, they alone cannot stimulate new hair growth," explains Yates. "True support for hair growth comes from nourishing the body's internal balance through a healthy diet and lifestyle." There are also other recommended practices you can begin: "Daily scalp massages promote blood circulation, which helps loosen the scalp and potentially stimulate hair follicles," says the trichologist.
She also emphasises that regular hair washing is essential. "Neglecting proper hair care routines and allowing days to pass without washing can disrupt the natural scalp balance, potentially hindering the conditions necessary for healthy hair growth," Yates notes.