Dermatologist Picks for the 5 Best Hair Growth Shampoos. Hair thinning and hair loss are common concerns that can affect both men and women, often impacting confidence and overall well-being. While many factors such as genetics, stress, hormonal imbalances, and scalp health play a role, choosing the right shampoo can help support healthier, stronger hair growth. Dermatologists often recommend shampoos formulated with clinically proven ingredients that nourish the scalp, reduce breakage, and stimulate follicles.
These shampoos typically contain key actives such as biotin, caffeine, ketoconazole, saw palmetto, or natural botanical extracts known for improving scalp circulation and minimizing shedding. The right choice not only cleanses effectively but also strengthens the hair shaft, balances oil production, and maintains scalp health—laying the foundation for optimal growth. Below, we’ve rounded up some of the best dermatologist-recommended hair growth shampoos designed to promote fuller, thicker hair while being gentle enough for everyday use.
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Nioxin
A professional haircare brand widely recommended by dermatologists and stylists for thinning hair.
Target Use:
- Designed for natural hair with progressed thinning (meaning noticeable hair loss, not just mild thinning).
- Cleanses the scalp, removes buildup, and promotes a healthier environment for hair to grow stronger and denser.
Key Features:
- Scalp Care + Hair Thickening → Improves scalp condition and gives the hair a thicker appearance.
- Peppermint scent → Leaves a refreshing, cooling effect on the scalp (also stimulates blood flow).
Active Ingredients & Their Benefits
- Niacinamide (Vitamin B3)
- Boosts circulation to the scalp.
- Strengthens the scalp barrier → keeps it healthy for better hair anchoring.
- Helps improve hair density over time.
- Biotin (Vitamin B7)
- Known as the “hair vitamin.”
- Strengthens strands, reduces breakage.
- Supports keratin production → contributes to thicker, fuller hair.
- Salicylic Acid
- A gentle exfoliant (BHA).
- Removes dead skin cells, oil, and product buildup from the scalp.
- Prevents clogged follicles → allowing new hair to grow freely.
- Often recommended for people with dandruff, flaky scalp, or sebum buildup.
- Clear scalp buildup
- Create an optimal environment for hair growth
- Make hair feel thicker and denser
- Refresh the scalp with peppermint
Kérastase Densifique
A luxury French haircare brand, known for salon-quality formulas targeting different scalp & hair concerns.
Target Use:
- Fine or thinning hair → helps add body, strength, and density.
- Works for all hair types, especially if hair feels weak, limp, or lacks volume.
Item Form: Liquid (standard shampoo texture).
Scent: Light floral fragrance (signature Kérastase scent, elegant but not overpowering).
Age Range: Adults.
Key Ingredients & Benefits
- Hyaluronic Acid
- A powerful hydrating molecule (can hold 1,000x its weight in water).
- Plumps and hydrates hair fibers, making them look thicker and fuller.
- Adds softness and shine while reducing brittleness.
- Gluco-Peptides (in the Densifique range)
- Repair and strengthen weak strands.
- Improve hair’s surface quality → smoother, shinier look.
- Ceramides
- Strengthen the hair cuticle (outer layer).
- Protect against breakage and environmental stress.
- Safer Chemicals → Made without harmful ingredients for human health or the environment.
- Worker Well-being → Produced in facilities that protect workers’ health and rights.
- Sustainable Manufacturing → Processes are designed to minimize pollution, waste, and environmental damage.
SEEN Shampoo
A dermatologist-developed brand focused on sensitive, eczema-prone, and acne-prone scalps.
Target Use:
- Gentle enough for sensitive skin and scalp issues.
- Helps promote healthy hair growth while minimizing irritation.
- Suitable for color-treated and keratin-treated hair.
Form: Liquid shampoo with a luxurious lather that rinses easily without leaving residue.
Key Benefits
For Hair:
Reduces frizz and breakage
- Strengthens strands, leaving hair smooth and healthy-looking
- Color-safe and keratin-safe
For Skin/Scalp:
- Safe for sensitive, acne-prone, and eczema-prone skin
- Non-comedogenic → won’t clog pores
- Non-irritating and gentle
Ingredients
- Bisabolol
- Naturally-derived from chamomile
- Soothes and calms irritated scalp
- Anti-inflammatory and anti-redness
- Hemisqualane
- Plant sugar-derived alternative to silicone
- Smooths hair and reduces frizz without coating or weighing down hair
- Provides shine and softness
Nécessaire Rosemary
Known for clean, high-performance haircare
Vegan, cruelty-free, formulated without harsh chemicals
Target Use:
Specifically for fine or thinning hair
Designed to increase hair thickness, volume, and density
Item Form: Liquid shampoo
Hair Type: Thin hair (ideal for hair that lacks volume or appears sparse)
Scent: Vanilla Sandalwood (mild, pleasant fragrance)
Age Range: Adults
Key Ingredients & Benefits
Caffeine
Stimulates scalp circulation → promotes healthier hair follicles
Can help reduce hair shedding and encourage new growth
Biotin (Vitamin B7)
Strengthens hair strands → reduces breakage
Supports keratin production → makes hair appear thicker
Peptide Complex
Fortifies hair structure
Strengthens strands from root to tip → improves overall density
Sulfates, parabens, silicones (clean formula)
Vegan and cruelty-free → ethical product for conscious consumers
Hair Benefits
Boosts hair thickness, density, and volume
Strengthens fragile, thinning strands
Gently cleanses without stripping
Leaves hair soft, smooth, and manageable
Briogeo
Focuses on clean, high-performance haircare with ethical and sustainable practices.
Target Use:
Designed for thinning or fragile hair, for both men and women.
Suitable for all hair types and textures.
Color-safe, gentle, and non-stripping.
Item Form: Liquid (gentle gel-cream texture).
Scent: Rosemary with subtle notes of mandarin, jasmine, and cedar (signature fragrance).
Age Range: Adults
Key Ingredients & Benefits
Capixyl (Hair Peptide)
A peptide-based ingredient that stimulates hair follicles and strengthens hair roots.
Helps reduce shedding and promote hair density.
Pure Essential Rosemary Oil
Stimulates scalp circulation → encourages healthy hair growth.
Naturally antimicrobial → keeps scalp clean and refreshed.
Plant Proteins
Strengthen the hair shaft → reduce breakage and frizz.
Improve elasticity and resilience of hair strands.
Essential Ceramides
Restore hair’s protective barrier
Lock in moisture, strengthen strands, and improve smoothness