5 best shampoos for hair growth, starting at £18 – as recommended by professional trichologists

Cosmopolitan

5 days ago

There are several reasons why you might be tempted to explore the world of hair-growth shampoos. An ill-advised home haircut (hi, hello new wonky fringe)? Bleach-related breakage (welcome, high-maintenance blonde)? We've all been there.
So, if your Rapunzel locks are on the agenda, a hair-growth shampoo could do the trick. But first, the facts, courtesy of three trichologists, Helen Reavey, Hannah Gaboardi and Steven Goldsworthy.
Side note: If you're experiencing significant thinning or hair loss (as in, more than a few strands in the plughole), it's important to get to the root of the issue first. Unfortunately, a bottle of shampoo won't fix all your problems – yes, a clever, trichologist-developed formula can help, but it's best to find solace in a doctor's appointment.
We've got good news and bad news: "Shampoos can't create hair growth," says Helen Reavy, leading trichologist and founder of Act+Acre, "however, they can absolutely support it.
"So, while no shampoo will give you Rapunzel-like lengths overnight, the very best formulas can help keep your follicles happy and your lengths fortified, which in turn creates optimal conditions for your hair to grow. Think better growth, not faster. "A good shampoo removes build-up and balances the scalp microbiome, creating the ideal conditions for healthy follicles," Helen says, while fellow leading trichologist and founder of The Hannah Gaboardi Clinic, Hannah Gaboardi, adds: "Cleansing the scalp helps reduce any inflammation and clogged pores, which can cause hair loss. Shampoo also helps strengthen your hair shaft; these make the hair appear thicker and fuller but also help reduce breakage."
Helen also notes that it's a myth that frequent washing can be damaging – instead, what matters is how and what you're cleansing with. "I always recommend a double cleanse: the first wash breaks down build-up, the second actually cleans the scalp and allows active ingredients to work," she says.
In certain shampoos, there are active ingredients that are beneficial for hair growth. "Ingredients like peppermint and caffeine help the blood flow increase to the scalp, which allows the follicles to receive healthy nutrients and oxygen, in turn, promoting faster hair growth," Hannah shares.
But wait, because there's more! "Ketoconazole is an antifungal and keeps the scalp clean, removing inflammation or dandruff on the scalp," Hannah says, recommending the ingredient. "It also has DHT blocking properties, which is the main hormone which causes female and male pattern hair-loss."
When it comes to strengthening strands, Hannah says keratin is beneficial; "this helps strengthen the hair shaft, reducing breakage and leaving a thicker feel to your hair shaft."
Adding to this, Steven Goldsworthy, director at Goldsworthy's in Swindon and leading trichologist, breaks down his four ingredient recommendations for promoting hair growth. "Biotin enhances the keratin infrastructure within the hair follicle," he says, while "niacinamide retains moisture in the hair, promoting healthier strands. Amino acids and collagen are also great promoters of hair growth; the former are the building blocks of protein, essential for strengthening hair, and the latter supports hair strength and elasticity."
We've got the ingredients to know down, but what about ingredients to avoid? Well, Helen says to steer clear of sulfates, silicones, or synthetic fragrance. "They tend to disrupt the scalp barrier and weigh hair down," she says.
Hair growth is affected by many different factors like genetics, hormones and vitamin deficiencies. There are many factors to hair growth, but minimising hair loss and hair shedding is key. For this, Hannah says, "It is important to maintain high vitamin and iron levels. Keeping your vitamins within range helps to keep your hair in its natural hair cycle. When your hair growth cycle is disrupted, this leads to the telogen phase, which begins hair shedding," says Hannah.
Not only that, but adopting healthy haircare habits plays a crucial role in retention and growth. "Use high-quality hair products, brush gently to avoid breakage, trim your hair regularly to prevent split ends, and exercise caution when using chemical treatments such as hair colouring or perms," Steven recommends."
In terms of hair growth," she adds, "it is important to seek professional advice once you are aware of hair loss, hair growth can be encouraged by using the correct medication, supplements and diet, which can be advised by a medical professional."
Now you're armed with the knowledge (and realistic expectations), scroll down for the hair-growth shampoos that met our very high standards...