Hair growth products come in to save the day, of which there are lots across the market right now. After all, hair is one of, if not the most important aspect of our appearance, so it's only natural that we worry if we spot a touch of hair thinning at some point in our lives.
There are lots to choose from though, which sometimes proves difficult to navigate, especially when you aren't sure exactly what it is you are looking for. Hair growth shampoo is a great option if you have thicker hair. However, if you have thinner hair, it may not have the same effect that you are looking for.
Best hair growth products at a glance:
• Best hair growth product overall: The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Serum - Buy now on LookFantastic
• Best hair growth serum: Vegamour GRO Hair Serum - Buy now on Vegamour
• Best hair growth shampoo: Waterman's Grow Me Hair Growth Shampoo and Conditioner - Buynow on Amazon UK
• Best hair growth scalp massager: Freatech Scalp Massager Shampoo Brush - Buy now on Amazon UK
There are also specific types of hair loss caused by a variety of different factors which need to be considered. For instance, hair loss can be caused by hair shaft abnormalities or conditions such as Androgenetic Alopecia. And while there are some of the best hair growth serums on the market, they may not be appropriate for every form of hair loss.
So, to help you tackle hair loss and help regrow your thinning hair, we spoke to globally renowned Dr Abdulaziz Balwi leading hair surgeon at Elithair Clinic, the world’s biggest hair loss clinic. We have also searched high and low for the best hair growth products available on the high street to buy right now that might help improve the thickness and appearance of your hair.
Do any hair growth products actually work?
“Yes, some hair growth products genuinely do work - but it’s important to understand that only a few have strong scientific evidence behind them," Dr Balwi explains. "The most effective over-the-counter option is minoxidil. This is a topical solution or foam that’s been clinically proven to stimulate hair growth and slow down hair loss. It’s used by both men and women and does increase blood flow to the hair follicles, helping them stay in the growth phase longer.
“But its primary mechanism of action is thought to be more complex. It's believed to prolong the anagen (growth) phase of the hair cycle and enlarge miniaturized follicles. Increased blood flow is a contributing factor, but not the sole or primary mechanism.
“For men, another proven treatment is finasteride, which is taken as a pill. It works by blocking the hormone DHT, which plays a key role in male pattern baldness. However, it’s not suitable for women due to its hormonal effects.
“The main concern with these medications, however, is that they must be taken indefinitely for the effects to continue. As soon as you stop taking them, the effects also cease. This, naturally, means that the cost of these solutions can become quite high over time.
“There are also medical treatments like PRP therapy - that’s platelet-rich plasma - where your own blood is used to boost hair follicle activity. It’s becoming more popular and promises good results, especially for early hair thinning. Other products like biotin or caffeine-based shampoos can support hair health, but they usually don’t regrow hair on their own.”
What is the best product for female hair growth?
“For women, the go-to solution is minoxidil, specifically the 2% or 5% version, depending on how your scalp reacts. It’s the only FDA-approved topical product for female pattern hair loss and has a long track record of helping women slow shedding and boost regrowth, especially on the crown area.
“Some women also benefit from using hair serums that contain ingredients like peptides or caffeine. While these aren’t as powerful as minoxidil, they can improve the health of the scalp and reduce inflammation, which creates a better environment for hair to grow.
Supplements like Nutrafol or Viviscal can also be helpful, particularly if your hair loss is linked to stress, hormones, or nutritional gaps. But before trying anything, it’s important to consult with a doctor. Many women lose hair due to underlying causes like iron deficiency or thyroid problems, and treating those can make a huge difference.”
The best hair growth products to buy
Dr Balwi is answering more of your questions at the bottom of this article, including what to look for when buying any hair growth product. It's important to not what he said about talking to a doctor to address any underlying problems first before trying any products. However, if you do want to try products to encourage hair growth, some of these may help.
Best hair growth product overall
www.lookfantastic.com
An excellent form of scalp care for hair regrowth, this Ordinary serum contains peptides and technologies such as Procapil™ Peptide Complex and REDENSYL™ Complex. It promotes thicker, denser and healthier-looking hair - all the while being cruelty-free.
Customer review: "I have been using this for a while now and I can definitely tell that my hair is growing strong and fuller from the foot."
Pros
- Specifically designed for hair reformation
- It contains an array of trichologist-approved formulas
Cons
- Some reviewers say there is a strong smell to the product
- Dropper applicator
- Thin serum easy to apply
- Trichologist approved
Best hair growth shampoo
This shampoo and conditioner set by Watermans are made to revitalise dull, fine and brittle hair, formulated with a hair growth stimulating protein to address issues like excessive hair fallout. Your hair follicles will strengthen due to boosted scalp circulation.
Customer review: "I have been using this product for almost two months now and it has made so much difference to my hair it's growing better getting thicker and even shinier. Even my hairdresser has noticed the improvement."
Pros
- Vegan friendly
- Made with trichologists
Cons
- Hair may need to be washed more often with product build-up
- No parabens or sulfates
- Contains Niacinamide
- Neutral PH for your scalp
Best for convenience
www.lookfantastic.com
An easy-to-use, foolproof product made to nourish dry hair and promote hair growth for any hair type. Kérastase Resistance Shampoo's specific formula is made to cleanse, and condition damaged hair and uses Vita-Ciment Complex, a high-performance technology that effectively mends split ends and allows for natural hair growth.
Customer review: "After dying my hair dark from bleach blonde, I needed some good hair repair products. Kerastase is always my go-to haircare but I never used this product until I read all the amazing reviews on here! I definitely noticed after using the shampoo after a few weeks, my hair was a lot softer, less breakage and felt a lot stronger."
Pros
- Easy and convenient to use
- Gives hair a silky-smooth finish
Cons
- Not specifically made to address hair loss
- Vita-Ciment Complex technologies
- Protects hair from heat styling
- Fixes split ends
Best for whole body maintenance
www.hollandandbarrett.com
Specifically made with Biotin, these hair growth supplements are perfect if you want help to maintain and promote hair appearance and growth. They support the maintenance of normal skin, hair and mucus membranes.
Customer review: "I've been using this for about a year now and seen great results. I was sceptical at first because I have black Afro hair and I shaved it all off in 2019 after it had been falling out due to stress and PCOS. I now have a luscious full head of hair with no signs of previous alopecia."
Pros
- Easy to keep track of, take one tablet a day
- Helps maintain the health of the nervous system as well as hair
Cons
- May take longer to see a difference as with any supplements
Best on a budget
This bright pink scalp massager made with flexible silicon bristles is ideal for encouraging hair growth. Use it when you shampoo your hair to cleanse and exfoliate your scalp or when you fancy treating yourself to a head massage after a long day at the office.
Customer review: "My hair stopped falling out. I'm in my 41 with thinning hair and had so much hair fall after kids due to stress I switched to herbal natural soap shampoo at the same time I purchased this brush and literally my hair is getting so much thicker because it doesn't fall out at all! I go in the shower and bend over to use it to support the circulation/massage even more and after I do my entire scalp I rinse and that's it. It feels so good and it's definitely working."
Pros
- Works well to exfoliate scalp
- Available in a range of colours
Cons
- A smaller brush
Best massager for dry scalps
We all know and trust Tangle Teezer for getting to the root of the knots in our hair - without the worry of damaging the hair. This scalp exfoliator is designed to detoxify and clear the scalp of any product build-up whilst providing a relaxing scalp massage that will encourage hair growth and promote healthier hair. It can be used on wet or dry hair to intensify a shampoo or treatment or gently massage and exfoliate once the hair is dry.
Customer review: "This is a great massager for the head, but also it deals nicely with my split, damaged hair ends. It can be used on wet or dry hair. It looks well-made and sturdy. Easy to clean, as can be washed under the running water and dries very fast. Well, now I will have to buy more brushes as all my family members like it very much and want one. I can happily recommend this brush. Would I buy it again? I - Yes, of course!"
Pros
- Curved shape
- Easy to hold
Cons
- Wings instead of a handle
Best hair growth scalp brush
Boar bristle brushes, like this paddle brush from Bsisme, help to distribute your scalp's natural oils from root to tip so your strands always look healthy instead of dry and dull. It's also gentle enough for everyday use, which is good since using it can increase blood flow to the scalp to encourage hair to grow longer and thicker, as well as prevent hair loss.
Customer review: "I've been looking for a brush that is easy to hold, is gentle on my fragile hair, and makes my hair shine. Well, I've found it. This brush is really nice to use. I enjoy brushing my long hair for the first time ever. Other brushes I've used tend to electrify and break my hair and even get stuck at times. I would recommend this brush to everyone. I've just ordered one for my granddaughter as her long hair is a nightmare and involves chasing her around the house before she gives in. I know she'll love it too."
Pros
- Massages scalp and stimulates blood flow
- Prevents oil build-up
Cons
- Bristles may be hard to clean
Hair growth FAQ's
What can help hair grow faster?
“Hair typically grows a little over one centimetre per month, and there’s no magic product that will suddenly double that," Dr Balwi tells us. "But what you can do is create the best possible conditions for healthy growth.
That starts with looking after your scalp - using products that keep it clean and well-nourished, like gentle shampoos with ingredients such as caffeine or niacinamide. If you’re dealing with hair loss, using minoxidil can help encourage follicles to stay active longer.
“What you eat matters too. Hair needs protein, iron, zinc, vitamin D, and biotin to grow properly, so a healthy diet plays a big role. Beyond that, it’s about avoiding damage - limit heat styling, bleaching and dyeing, and tight hairstyles that stress the roots. And while trimming your hair doesn’t make it grow faster, it does stop split ends from working their way up, which helps your hair look healthier and fuller over time.”
What hair growth products are the best - or what should I look for when buying?
“When shopping for hair growth products, look past the flashy marketing and focus on what actually works. The most important thing is the ingredients. Minoxidil is the gold standard - if a product contains it, and it's approved for use in your region, that’s a strong sign it’s worth trying, Dr Balwi says.
"If you’re looking at supplements, make sure they include things like biotin, zinc, iron, and vitamin D, and that the company is transparent about dosage and sourcing.
“If you're considering shampoos or serums, look for those with added caffeine, peptides, or ingredients that support scalp health. These won’t regrow hair the way minoxidil might, but they can certainly improve the environment for growth. You should also pay attention to the brand’s reputation - ideally, choose products that are dermatologist-recommended or backed by clinical studies.
“What you want to avoid are so-called miracle cures or products with no clear ingredients listed. If something promises instant results or “permanent regrowth in days,” it’s probably too good to be true. Hair growth is a gradual process, and any product that’s effective will take consistency and patience.
“If you're unsure where to start, especially if you're noticing thinning or excessive shedding, it’s always a good idea to speak to a doctor, a dermatologist, or a hair restoration specialist. The earlier you take action, the better your chances of protecting your hair and possibly even regrowing some of it.”
Emma Richardson is a Beauty & Fashion Products Writer for Yours. She covers shopping, lifestyle, celebs and anything trending.
Dr Abdulaziz Balwi is a leading hair surgeon at Elithair Clinic, the world’s biggest hair loss clinic. With a career spanning decades and over 100,000 successful treatments worldwide, Dr. Balwi has transformed lives through his expertise and innovative techniques.