Whether you’re growing your hair out or experiencing a stint of hair loss, hair growth products exist to support you on your journey with the help of their deeply nourishing formulas that often include potent ingredients to revitalize strands, stimulate hair follicles, and create a well-balanced scalp environment for hair growth.
There are a lot of hair growth products out there, so how do you know if they actually work? We put our PEOPLE Tested team up to the task of finding the best hair growth products.
Over a six-week testing period, our team conducted thorough testing of hair growth oils and serums, shampoos for hair growth, hair growth masks and conditioners, and even scalp massagers to get a better idea of which formulas actually work the best at supporting hair growth and stimulating new growth, too. We looked at a whopping 129 formulas across multiple categories to determine which ones are truly the best.
PHOTO: Ulta
After testing 26 hair oils and serums, our top pick for the best hair growth oil is the Mielle Organics Scalp and Hair Strengthening Oil. Enriched with rosemary, mint, and biotin, this formula is designed to provide the scalp with deep nourishment that improves scalp conditions for improved hair health and growth. Plus, it retails for around $10, which is a total steal for a high-quality (and highly effective) hair growth oil.
When testing this hair oil, we were impressed by the gentle formula and loved the cooling and soothing effects of the mint and rosemary. Even though the formula includes mint, it doesn’t provide a tingling sensation, making it an excellent choice for sensitive scalps, too.
Since the formula is an oil-based product, we only tested this out at night, as the formula was a little too heavy for our oily-prone scalp. Nonetheless, we still noticed impressive results while incorporating this into our haircare routine. At the end of the six-week testing period, our roots looked a lot thicker, and we even saw lots of new growth around our hairline.
Size: 4 ounces | Key Ingredients: Rosemary, mint, biotin
Experts Say
“Hair growth products improve a person’s hair density, impacting hair that physically grows from the scalp, and reduce breakage to stop hair snapping at the ends.” —Anabel Kingsley, brand president and consultant trichologist at Philip Kingsley
PHOTO: Sephora
The Vegamour Gro Hair Serum is formulated with curcumin stem cell extract to help protect the scalp against causes of hair loss, red clover to minimize hair thinning, and mung bean for its nourishing properties that strengthen strands and protect against excess shedding. During the testing period, we were impressed by the formula’s lightweight texture — it absorbs super fast, so it’s a great choice for oily hair types.
Since this formula is designed for thickening, it’s less effective at lengthening strands. However, it does keep its promises, helps reduce shedding and thinning, and can even support new growth. At the end of the testing period, we noticed our roots looked a little thicker and saw new growth around our hairline.
Size: 1 ounce | Key Ingredients: Curcumin stem cell extract, red clover, mung bean
PHOTO: Advanced Trichology
Those experiencing hair loss — including hormonal hair loss — might benefit from adding the Advanced Trichology NutraM DHT Blocking Hair Serum to their regimen. While testing this formula, we were immediately impressed by the application process and loved that it comes in a serum bottle with a dropper applicator to deliver the formula directly to the scalp. It’s also fast-drying and doesn’t leave behind a greasy residue, so it’s a formula we actually want to use regularly.
We saw hair growth after about one month of using this formula. Not only did our hair feel thicker, but we also saw some new growth around our hairline. Plus, After three months of regular testing, we still had half a bottle left.
Size: 2 ounces | Key Ingredients: Melatonin
PHOTO: Vegamour
Star Qualities
Thorough and effective cleanse
Our hair grew 1.5-2 inches in length
Doesn’t strip natural oils
Great lather
After testing 23 hair growth shampoos, we can confidently say that the Vegamour GRO+ Advanced Replenishing Shampoo is the best overall formula for thickening hair and improving length. During the testing period, we noticed an increase in hair growth after just a few weeks of use, and by the end of the six weeks, our hair grew between 1.5 and 2 inches. Because of this, our hair also looked a lot more voluminous when styled and even felt healthier, too.
In addition to its hair growth benefits, the shampoo also works well at cleansing the scalp and strands without stripping natural oils. It also boasts an excellent lather that makes it easier to apply all over without needing to go back for more formula.
Size: 8 ounces | Key Ingredients: Cannabidiol
PHOTO: Redken
Star Qualities
Thick and creamy formula
Doesn’t weigh down strands
Promotes overall hair health
Noticeable improvements after 3 weeks
After testing 25 hair growth masks and conditioners, the Redken Extreme Length Conditioner was a clear winner. This nourishing conditioner formula is enriched with amino acids, arginine, and citric acid and is designed to provide hair with the nutrients it needs to grow long and strong without sacrificing hair health.
We love this formula because provides lots of hydration to strands without feeling too heavy or leaving behind a greasy residue. You also don’t need a ton of product to get the desired results — just one dollop will do, even on longer and thicker hair. After just three weeks of use, we noticed about 0.5 inches of growth, and by the end of the six-week testing period, we experienced longer hair that also looked a lot healthier, too.
Size: 1, 10.1, 16.9, 33.8 ounces | Key Ingredients: Amino acids, arginine, citric acid
PHOTO: hers
Star Qualities
Foam tip applicator is easy to use
A little formula goes a long way
Improves growth after one month
Minoxidil is an over-the-counter medication used to treat hair loss, and formulas such as this foam from Hers work exceptionally well at improving growth. The foam is enriched with five percent minoxidil and is an FDA-approved treatment for hair loss, and we can confirm that it’s just as effective as it claims to be.
We love that it has a foam tip applicator, which is super easy to use and helps you get the right dose every time. The product works best at targeting loss around the hairline, and after just one month of use, we noticed hairline growth and experienced longer and stronger strands. The only downside to this formula is that it leaves behind a slight residue on the scalp. Since you have to use it daily, this can make your hair look greasier, so it’s not ideal for oily scalps.
Size: 2.11 ounces | Key Ingredients: Minoxidil
PHOTO: Virtue Labs
Star Qualities
Comes with three products
Treatment applicator is easy to use
A little formula goes a long way
Improves hair health and growth in one month
The Virtue Hair Growth Treatment isn’t just one formula; it’s an entire routine consisting of the brand’s amazing shampoo and conditioner for thinning hair, plus a Minoxidil formula to target and treat hair loss. The formulas are safe for color-treated hair and can also revive dry, damaged strands with deep conditioning ingredients such as alpha and gamma keratin.
This system is easy to apply to the scalp, absorbs quickly, and doesn’t leave roots and strands feeling super greasy. You also only need to use around one pump to cover the scalp, so a little goes a long way. After four weeks of use, we saw some regrowth, and our hair looked and felt thicker and a lot healthier.
Size: 2 ounces (shampoo), 2 ounces (conditioner), 2.11 ounces (minoxidil) | Key Ingredients: Minoxidil, alpha keratin, gamma keratin
PHOTO: Sephora
In addition to hair growth conditioners, we also tested several hair mask formulas to find the best ones for deep replenishment while also promoting growth. Our top pick for the best hair mask for hair growth is the Briogeo Avocado + Kiwi Mega Moisture Superfood Mask. Formulated with avocado for its fatty acids, kiwi for its high vitamin C content, and spinach for its flavonoids and antioxidants, this formula is designed to provide a potent dose of moisture while also strengthening and repairing strands.
While testing this formula out, it exceeded our expectations. We love its rich, creamy consistency, which makes it easy to apply all over and achieve even coverage. In addition to delivering on the nourishment front, it also works well at promoting hair growth, too. At the end of the six-week testing period, our hair not only looked a lot healthier but was a lot longer, too.
Size: 8 ounces | Key Ingredients: Avocado, kiwi, spinach
PHOTO: Amazon
Star Qualities
Long brush bristles
Great for all hair types
Ergonomic handle
This scalp brush features super soft bristles that don’t pull on the hair and are long enough to reach the scalp, even when thick hair adds more of a barrier. The ergonomic handle also makes the application process a lot easier and more comfortable on the wrists, so you don’t get tired while working shampoo formulas into your scalp.
Since the bristles help lift away dirt, debris, and product buildup on the scalp, conditioning formulas penetrate the scalp even better when using this massager. With regular use, we noticed our scalp environment improved and our hair had an overall shinier finish.
Materials: Silicone, plastic | Hair Types: All hair types
People / Allie Merriam
PHOTO: Amazon
For a cheaper scalp massager that still works wonders, we recommend the Maxsoft Hair Scalp Massager. This massager features ultra-gentle yet firm bristles that allow you to achieve a good massage without pulling or tugging on strands of hair.
When using this scalp massager, we not only noticed some of the more common benefits — like a cleaner and more ideal scalp environment and better product absorption — but we also saw a difference in our actual hair health. With regular use, our hair looked a lot smoother and had fewer tangles, too.
Materials: Silicone, plastic | Hair Types: All hair types, especially fine to medium-thick hair
PHOTO: People / Maria Rowella
PHOTO: People / Maria Rowella
Add to Cart
Ready to add a hair growth product to your cart? Consider including one of these standout PEOPLE-Tested products, which have undergone thorough testing by our editors and independent testers and have been deemed the best of the best in each of their categories.
What to Know About Hair Growth Products
Ingredient List
Formula ingredients are important in hair growth products, especially the key ingredients. It’s best to use formulas that incorporate ingredients that have been clinically proven to provide hair growth benefits. Dr. Peter Young, M.D., a medical director at Keeps, says to look for plant-based, organic, and science-backed ingredients to “support hair growth and give the appearance of thicker, healthier-looking hair.” Here are some ingredients to consider in hair growth products:
Biotin: Biotin is a popular hair growth booster and can actually increase keratin production. Caffeine: Similar to biotin, caffeine also boosts hair growth by stimulating the follicles. Green Tea: Some hair growth products include green tea, which, similar to caffeine, also stimulates the follicles. Argan Oil: Rich in beneficial antioxidants, argan oil has a nourishing effect that is essential for optimal scalp and hair health. Hyaluronic Acid: Scalp and hair health also play a role in hair growth, so ingredients like hyaluronic acid for lightweight hydration can also elevate hair growth efforts.
In addition to haircare ingredients, Dr. Young says hair growth medications are also worth considering (though it is recommended that you consult a professional first). “Minoxidil is an over-the-counter medication that comes in liquid or foam form and is available in two strengths,” he notes. “Minoxidil helps to shorten the telogen phase of the hair cycle (the shedding phase, which results in excessive daily hair fall), which becomes longer in male or female pattern hair loss and prolongs the time follicles spend actively growing,” Kinglsey adds, noting that it’s the only FDA-approved topical medication for hair growth at the moment.
Scalp Serum
When shopping for hair growth products, Kingsley recommends investing in a scalp serum “to maintain (an) optimal scalp environment, stimulate follicle health, and reduce hair shedding.” Scalp serums come in a variety of formulas, and the ones designed for hair growth can sometimes lead to longer hair but can also target other concerns like hair density, breakage, and overall health.
For a scalp serum designed to trigger hair growth, consider the Vegamour GRO Hair Serum, which is formulated with turmeric to help protect the scalp against causes of hair loss, red clover to minimize hair thinning, and mung bean for its nourishing properties that promote stronger strands and less shedding.
Another good scalp serum for hair growth is the Mielle Organics Scalp and Hair Strengthening Oil, which is enriched with rosemary, mint, and biotin and designed to help thicken hair and promote new growth, especially around the hairline.
Hydration Ability
According to Kingsley, hydration is key when treating hair for improved growth and density. “Healthy hair will stretch up to a third of its length when wet; however, dry, damaged hair will snap under very little tension, causing breaking and inhibiting hair from growing longer and stronger,” she explains. With this in mind, hydrating ingredients and formulas can put the stretch and elasticity back into strands and result in stronger, less breakage-prone hair.
People / Emma Phelps
Behind the Scenes
Our PEOPLE Tested team is no stranger to hair growth products and has collectively tested 129 formulas across multiple categories to narrow down the best hair growth shampoos, masks, conditioners, oils, and serums, as well as the best scalp massagers (which can support your hair growth journey). When trying out these formulas, we conducted a mix of lab and real-world testing, carefully considering everything from formulation to application to, of course, efficacy.
Formulation: We first considered the formulations and looked for key ingredients. Depending on the product type, that includes hyaluronic acid, caffeine, green tea, argan oil, biotin, and minoxidil. Application: We also looked at the application, including the packaging and overall process, and considered how easy each formula applies to the scalp and trends, how well they absorb, and if they leave behind a residue. Efficacy: After testing the formulas, we made note of the overall efficacy and considered whether or not we experienced any growth or improvement to our hair and if the product results matched their claims.
To find the best hair growth products overall, our PEOPLE Tested team spent hundreds of hours with the formulas. After experiencing the formulas firsthand, we then compiled our notes together and chose the best of the best formulas for this list of our favorite hair growth products.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do hair growth products actually work?
“It widely varies on the formulation, product type, and brand,” says Kingsley. When in doubt, she recommends looking at ingredients and formulas that undergo clinical trials with proven results. If you experience excessive hair loss, it’s recommended to seek the advice of a professional, who can provide further insight on the cause of your hair loss and might prescribe additional measures such as minoxidil.
Can thinning hair grow back?
While hair thinning might feel alarming, experts assure that thinning hair can grow back, especially when taking good care of your hair with clinically proven ingredients and formulas and, in more severe cases, using over-the-counter medications such as minoxidil. With that said, Dr. Young says it’s also important to address health habits that can compound the issue of thinning hair.
“Taking care of yourself with a healthy, well-balanced diet, getting plenty of sleep, and eliminating stressors in your life will help maintain proper functions of your body, including hair growth,” he explains. He recommends consulting with your healthcare provider, who might order a blood test to check for vitamin and nutrient levels. “Taking certain vitamins could curb that extra hair shedding if your levels are low.”
What oil is best for hair growth?
According to Dr. Young, there is not just one oil that is best for hair growth; there are several. “There is one study that shows that coconut oil assisted with decreasing how much protein the hair lost, which basically means it prevented the hair from getting weaker,” he notes. Additionally, Dr. Young recommends high-monounsaturated fat oils such as argan oil, almond oil, and olive oil for hair loss, since these can provide the scalp and hair with deep nourishment and protect against oxidative stress.
Why Trust PEOPLE?
Jessie Quinn is a contributing commerce writer for PEOPLE and has written for publications such as Byrdie, InStyle, The Spruce, NYLON, and more. With a decade of beauty writing under her belt, Jessie is no stranger to hair growth efforts and has spent many years testing hair growth products as well as interviewing top haircare experts to learn more about how to promote hair growth and the benefits of hair growth products. When researching the best hair growth products, Jessie included several formulas she has personally tried and loved as well as top-recommended products from PEOPLE testers and customers. She also interviewed hair growth experts to learn more about the benefits of hair growth products and what to look for when shopping for formulas.
What Is PEOPLE Tested?
We created the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval to 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.
But we don’t stop there: We also regularly re-review the categories in which we’ve awarded the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval — because the best product of today might not be the best of tomorrow. And by the way, companies can never buy our recommendation: Their products must earn it, fair and square.
In short, PEOPLE Tested provides recommendations you can trust — every day, every purchase.
