This round-up of the best hair growth shampoos was updated in April to reflect the most up to date prices and discounts.
A good hair day can boost your mood like nothing else. Equally, dealing hair loss or thinning can have a real impact on your confidence. If you start to notice your hair thinning or falling out at a faster rate, it could be down to a number of reasons, from damage caused by heat styling to hormones, but, thankfully, there are haircare products out there that can help.
At the Good Housekeeping Institute, we've tested the best shampoos and conditioners for thinning hair to find the ones that will help reduce breakage, add volume and stimulate the root and scalp to promote healthy hair growth.
These are our experts' top picks for thicker, healthier tresses at a glance, but read on for everything you need to know about hair thinning, along with our detailed reviews.
Best for detangling
Monpure Strengthening Silk Protein Shampoo
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Best for a deep clean
L'Oréal Professionnel Serié Expert Pro Longer Shampoo
Read more
Best for fine hair
Charles Worthington Grow Strong Activating Shampoo
Read more
Best for promoting hair growth
L’Oréal Professionnel Serioxyl Clarifying & Densifying Shampoo
Read more
Best for adding volume
Virtue Flourish Shampoo for Thinning Hair
Read more
Best for damaged hair
Percy & Reed Give Me Strength Strengthening Shampoo
Read more
Best for avoiding breakages
Kérastase Genesis Bain Hydra-Fortifiant and Genesis Fondant Renforcateur
Read more
What causes female hair loss?
Shedding hair is normal and usually nothing to worry about — according to the NHS, we can lose between 50 and 100 hairs a day on average. In women, more excessive hair loss can be caused by a range of factors, including hormonal changes (such as when you’re pregnant or going through the menopause), ageing, a diet lacking in nutrients, stress, iron deficiency or as a side effect to an illness or treatment.
Being overzealous with heating tools and years of bleaching can also play a part in hair loss, especially around the hairline. Both contribute to breakage by making hair dry and brittle, eventually leading to hair fallout.
Can shampoos really regrow hair?
Technically, shampoos can’t regrow any missing patches of hair. However, what they can do is create the right environment to encourage healthy hair growth.
Keeping your scalp clean and healthy is key to achieving a fuller head of hair. Ingredients to look out for range from caffeine to peppermint oil, which can help boost circulation, while proteins and keratin will help strengthen hair and give it more resilience.
Hair loss shampoos and conditioners are formulated to target the common causes of hair loss. these are the main types.
- Anti-breakage shampoos and conditioners: these reinforce the structure of the hair strand, aiming to prevent breakages and splitting.
- Hair-thickening shampoos and conditioners: these focus on making hair appear (and sometimes feel) thicker, by creating more body and lift.
- Root- or scalp-stimulating shampoos and conditioners: these aim to clear away root or scalp build-up and stimulate the hair follicles to encourage healthy hair growth.
How we test
We gave 700 testers — all with self-diagnosed mild to extreme hair loss or thinning — a shampoo and conditioner set to trial for between one and two months.
The products aimed to correct one of the three main causes of hair loss: anti-breakage, hair-thickening and root- or scalp-stimulation. Testers made a note of any differences they saw to their scalp and hair condition over the trial period, as well as how hair felt after each wash. The panel included women with a range of hair types, from straight to afro hair.
In the GHI lab, we also assessed anti-breakage shampoos by combing through hair switches that were treated with the product(s) and comparing them to untreated ones. The easier the treated switches were to comb, the less risk of hair breakages and fall out in real life.
We also conducted a lab test for thickening and root-stimulating shampoos, using a Hair Metrix machine to analyse the effect each shampoo had on hair density and thickness.
NOTE: These products are not designed to treat those with medically related conditions such as alopecia or male/female pattern baldness. Please seek a medical professional for advice on handling these conditions.
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Score: 91/100
Proving some good things come in big packages is TRESemme’s affordable strengthening shampoo (available with a matching conditioner), which lasted over a month for some of our testers and costs less than a fiver. Though low on price, this shampoo delivers on performance, with nearly all our panellists noticing less breakage and fallout after use. They also said their hair felt “stronger, shiner and smoother”.
It has a creamy texture that leaves hair softer, without any of the added weight or dull finish you often get from silicone heavy products. Testers also praised the deep clean it gave and the “fresh, exotic fragrance”. We think it’s worthing making space on your shelf for this strengthening duo.
Key specifications
Volume | 680ml |
---|---|
Paraben free | Yes |
Silicone free | Yes |
Sulphate free | No |
Score: 86/100
As one of the top scorers for anti-breakage, most testers noted less hair fallout and many said hair felt noticeably stronger after using this shampoo and conditioner.
Hair also felt softer, making it easier to detangle and style, while those with natural curls saw a reduction in flyaways. Almost everyone said they would continue to use these products after the trial.
Key specifications
Volume | Shampoo, 250ml; conditioner, 200ml |
---|---|
Paraben free | Yes |
Silicone free | Yes |
Sulphate free | Yes |
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Best for a deep clean
L'Oréal Professionnel Serié Expert Pro Longer Shampoo
Score: 86/100
If you’re after that squeaky clean feeling, this shampoo was voted best for lather and texture. Testers said their scalps felt refreshed, while the conditioner nourished damaged ends.
Adding volume as well as tackling breakage, the majority of our panel noticed a reduction in hair loss by the end of the trial, with many saying hair felt stronger.
Key specifications
Volume | Shampoo, 300ml; conditioner, 200ml |
---|---|
Paraben free | No |
Silicone free | No |
Sulphate free | No |
Best for fine hair
Charles Worthington Grow Strong Activating Shampoo
Score: 82/100
Our testers were impressed by how little shampoo was needed to create a satisfying lather and all agreed that it didn't feel harsh on their hair.
They noted thicker, healthier-looking hair after using alongside the conditioner, with most commenting on how hydrated their ends felt. Testers with fine hair noticed an impressive amount of added volume and an improvement in broken hair follicles.
Key specifications
Volume | Shampoo, 250ml; conditioner, 250ml |
---|---|
Paraben free | No |
Silicone free | No |
Sulphate free | No |
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Score: 80/100
This Pantene shampoo, along with its matching conditioner, is infused with vitamins, bamboo and biotin ingredients. Those with curls and waves noticed less frizz and breakages after use, with more bounce added to their natural texture.
Testers praised how nourishing the products were, leaving hair feeling smoother and instantly more shiny, with scalps feeling cleansed. Those with fine hair may find this product heavy, as some testers reported hair feeling greasier more quickly.
Key specifications
Volume | Shampoo, 400ml; conditioner, 275ml |
---|---|
Paraben free | Yes |
Silicone free | No |
Sulphate free | No |
Score: 82/100
Blending keratin proteins, hyaluronic acid and glycerin, this shampoo is packed with ingredients to nourish damaged ends. Our testers said it was gentle on hair, with some noting their scalps felt instantly calmer.
Our panel was impressed by the glossy results too, with one tester loving the luxurious moisturising effect it provided. Almost everyone noticed less fallout and hair breakage, with most seeing an improvement in thickness. It didn’t significantly promote hair growth for all testers though.
Key specifications
Volume | 240ml |
---|---|
Paraben free | Yes |
Silicone free | Yes |
Sulphate free | Yes |
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Best for promoting hair growth
L’Oréal Professionnel Serioxyl Clarifying & Densifying Shampoo
Score: 81/100
This treatment option promises to encourage volume and clarify scalps. It sounded too good to be true, but its lab results for improving hair density and thickness were superb, and it left our panel's hair looking fuller.
Everyone agreed the shampoo provided a thorough clean, leaving their scalps feeling nourished and not at all itchy. Once dry, all testers reported fewer split ends, with most finding their hair loss concerns reduced by the end of the trial.
Key specifications
Volume | Shampoo, 250ml |
---|---|
Paraben free | Yes |
Silicone free | Yes |
Sulphate free | Yes |
Best for adding volume
Virtue Flourish Shampoo for Thinning Hair
Score: 80/100
If a faux blow dry effect is what you're after, no duo packed more of a volume punch than this. Though far from budget-friendly (see Pantene for that), both the shampoo and conditioner come packed with keratin proteins to revitalise tired strands.
Nearly all testers saw fewer breakages, saying their hair looked and felt thicker and fuller after the trial period. The shampoo boosted shine, frizz and smoothness for everybody, with many impressed by how much lift it gave their roots.
Key specifications
Volume | Shampoo, 240ml; conditioner, 200ml |
---|---|
Paraben free | Yes |
Silicone free | Yes |
Sulphate free | Yes |
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Best for damaged hair
Percy & Reed Give Me Strength Strengthening Shampoo
Now 25% Off
Score: 80/100
Years spent frying strands with hair straighteners or using the wrong shampoo can leave locks looking limp and damaged. But this shampoo and conditioner helped deliver healthier-looking hair, with most of our panel reporting improved thickness and strength and everyone seeing fewer split ends.
Testers happily noticed less fallout during the trial, with one delighted by their “softer, thicker and more manageable” hair.
Key specifications
Volume | Both 250ml |
---|---|
Paraben free | Yes |
Silicone free | Yes |
Sulphate free | Yes |
Best for avoiding breakages
Kérastase Genesis Bain Hydra-Fortifiant and Genesis Fondant Renforcateur
Now 25% Off
Score: 80/100
If your hair is lacking oomph, give this strengthening shampoo (and matching conditioner) a go; it claims to reduce breakages while gently cleansing from root to tip.
Many testers said their hair felt healthier and looked stronger after use, with less fallout and fewer breakages, as promised. The floral scent was described as calming by one tester, while another said their hair felt “instantly thicker, even when lathering”, leaving it soft and boosting condition.
Key specifications
Volume | Shampoo, 250ml; conditioner, 200ml |
---|---|
Paraben free | Yes |
Silicone free | Yes |
Sulphate free | Yes |
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Best root-stimulating shampoo
Umberto Giannini Grow Long Root Stimulating Shampoo & Conditioner
Now 33% Off
Score: 79/100
Our panel was happy with the full-bodied head of hair this duo provided, with some testers reporting significant hair growth. Overall, they reported less hair breakage and fallout, with strands looking and feeling softer and thicker.
The scent smelt too sweet for some and if your hair is prone to tangles, the shampoo made it difficult for a few to brush a comb through, but the conditioner seemed to combat this problem.
Key specifications
Volume | Shampoo, 250ml; conditioner |
---|---|
Paraben free | Yes |
Silicone free | Yes |
Sulphate free | No |
Best for a deep clean
Bumble and Bumble Full Potential Shampoo
Score: 78/100
No matter its other benefits, a good shampoo must effectively lift built-up dirt and grime to leave your hair feeling clean. Enter this salon favourite.
Our testers appreciated its fresh scent and loved how thoroughly it cleansed their scalps. Used with conditioner, it calmed any inflammation, and many found their hair easier to comb through after washing. Only a few noticed new hair growth, but fewer strands ended up in our lab team’s hairbrush and it helped to reduce breakages too.
Key specifications
Volume | Shampoo, 250ml; conditioner, 200ml |
---|---|
Paraben free | Yes |
Silicone free | Yes |
Sulphate free | Yes |
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Score: 77/100
This shampoo (which has a matching conditioner) aims to strengthen strands and prevent breakages with the help of its pH-balancing formulation.
It won testers over with its deep yet gentle cleanse, with many enjoying noticeably more volume and everyone spotting fewer split ends. Our lab test found it did a great job at detangling and reducing breakages, while testers with colour-treated hair appreciated the vibrancy boost it gave their colour.
Key specifications
Volume | Both 300ml |
---|---|
Paraben free | Yes |
Silicone free | Yes |
Sulphate free | No |
Best for adding bounce
Hairburst Longer Stronger Hair Shampoo & Conditioner
Now 20% Off
Score: 75/100
Originally famous for its hair-growing gummies, Hairburst has since tried to replicate that science in shampoo format.
This set left our panel’s hair more hydrated and injected a welcome bit of bounce into their ends. Strands not only felt fresh, but also looked shinier and softer, with fewer breakages when brushing through wet hair. Overall, hair was left looking fuller and more voluminous.
Key specifications
Volume | Both 350ml |
---|---|
Paraben free | Yes |
Silicone free | Yes |
Sulphate free | Yes |
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Best vegan formula
Aveda Botanical Repair Strengthening Shampoo
Score: 75/100
This offering from Aveda, which is certified vegan and comes with a matching conditioner, aced our lab tests for detangling knots and limiting hair breakages and fallout.
Testers saw added strength and health brought to their strands, with one noticing a difference after only a single wash. Hair was left more hydrated and irritated scalps comfortably soothed for all.
Key specifications
Volume | Both 200ml |
---|---|
Paraben free | Yes |
Silicone free | Yes |
Sulphate free | Yes |
Best formula with collagen
Absolute Collagen Thickening Collagen Complex Shampoo
Score: 75/100
Collagen has been a holy grail ingredient in the skincare supplement world for a while now, but did you know it can benefit hair, too? The hero protein in this shampoo and conditioner helps to strengthen thinning locks, leaving them thicker and bouncier.
It did just that for our testers, with hair looking healthier, fuller and more hydrated after use. The shampoo’s rich, creamy lather proved a hit, and many said their hair felt more manageable after rinsing. If hair loss is your main issue, most found it helped to nip excess shedding and breakages in the bud.
Key specifications
Volume | Both 250ml |
---|---|
Paraben free | Yes |
Silicone free | Yes |
Sulphate free | Yes |
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Best for strengthening
Garnier Ultimate Blends Honey Strengthening Shampoo 360ml
Score: 74/100
Garnier’s golden Honey Treasures Shampoo creates a surprisingly luxurious lather and indulgent experience for the price point. Our panellists’ brittle ends were bid adieu and soft, strokable lengths were left in their wake.
Testers were impressed with the rich texture and said their locks looked thicker and shinier after using it for the duration of the trial. At this price, it’s one to stock up on.
Key specifications
Volume | 360ml |
---|---|
Paraben free | No |
Silicone free | No |
Sulphate free | No |
Best for softer hair
L'Oreal Elvive Full Resist Fragile Hair Shampoo
Score: 73/100
This cheap and cheerful option contains vitamin B5 and biotin to soothe the scalp and promote strength from root to tip. Its real standout quality for our testers was how well it transformed dry and brittle strands into velvety-smooth tresses.
The shampoo didn’t provide a thick lather, but it did deliver a gentle yet effective cleanse to roots. Many testers noticed slight regrowth during the trial, with some saying their hair grew faster, while others were just pleased to see less shedding.
Key specifications
Volume | 400ml |
---|---|
Paraben free | Yes |
Silicone free | Yes |
Sulphate free | Yes |
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Best lab results for improving thickness and density
Dr. Barbara Sturm Anti Hair-Fall Shampoo
Score: 72/100
The high-end price tag may not be for everyone, but this aced our lab test for improving thickness and density. Testers appreciated its gel-like texture, creamy lather and pleasant scent, all of which made showering feel like a pamper session.
Most importantly, many were delighted with how much healthier and stronger their hair felt after using it.
Key specifications
Volume | Both 250ml |
---|---|
Paraben free | Yes |
Silicone free | Yes |
Sulphate free | Yes |
Score: 71/100
If your scalp is on the sensitive side, this shampoo cleans deeply without foaming up aggressively.
Packed with avocado oil, it left testers' hair looking more nourished and feeling pillowy-soft. It banished any product build-up to leave scalps feeling squeaky-clean for most, without drying out their ends.
Key specifications
Volume | 300ml |
---|---|
Paraben free | Yes |
Silicone free | Yes |
Sulphate free | Yes |
Florence Reeves-White
Senior Beauty Writer
Florence is our Senior Beauty Writer, specialising in expert-tested beauty and grooming reviews — from toothbrushes to the latest skincare launches. She’s committed to sharing recommendations for products that truly work and make people feel confident and healthy. Prior to this she was at Tropic Skincare, where she worked closely with biochemists in the lab, delving into the functions of each fresh, natural ingredient and conveying its efficacy to her audience in easy-to-digest terms.
With over five years’ experience in beauty and health journalism, Florence has written for ELLE, Women’s Fitness, Sister Magazine, National Geographic Traveller and many more, with a strong sustainability angle thread through much of her work.
When she isn’t packing for a trip away, working out, eating out or reading up on retinol serums, you’ll probably find her experimenting with her film camera and building her portfolio of portraits. Florence’s photography can be found at florencereeves-white.com, her Instagram is @florencereeveswhite and her twitter is @floreadsnwrites
Tested byOrla Badger
Senior Beauty and Grooming Tester
Orla is our Senior Beauty and Grooming Tester and has extensive knowledge of skin and hair composition thanks to her first class bachelor's degree in cosmetic science from the Universy of the Arts London. She also spent time as a Formulation Chemist intern at Amelia Knight Cosmetics.