15 Actually Effective Products for Hair Growth, According to MDs and Amazon Reviews
The allure of super-long locks to frame our favorite looks is a natural temptation. The only hitch? The important process of actually getting that ultra-long length. For many of us, growing out our strands can seem impossible—what with annoying factors like split ends, abuse from our favorite styling tools, scalp buildup, genetics, and basically anything else that poses a vendetta against all of our long-hair goals. Luckily, there are some effective solutions to help remedy the situation.
Getting regular trims and regularly treating your hair to some hard-earned TLC goes a long way, but sometimes extra help from hair growth–promoting products and supplements can do the trick too. We've heard from countless readers and co-workers that Amazon has an impressive secret stash of products for hair growth, so we decided to dig around and comb through reviews to find out which of said products Amazon reviewers love most. So in the name of longer, stronger hair this season, keep reading for 15 of the best products for hair growth, according to the nitpicky standards of Amazon's toughest beauty-shopping critics.
The Best Hair Growth Products, Listed
- Overall Best Hair Growth Product: Sports Research Collagen Peptides Powder
- Best Vitamin for Hair Growth: Nature's Bounty Extra-Strength Hair, Skin, & Nails Supplement
- Best Gummy Vitamin for Hair Growth: SugarBearPro Hair Vitamins
- Best Tool for Hair Growth: Maxsoft Hair Scalp Massager Shampoo Brush
- Best Supplement for Hair Growth: Zhou Hairfluence Premium Hair Growth Formula
- Best Biotin Supplement for Hair Growth: Sports Research Biotin Infused With Organic Virgin Coconut Oil
- Best DHT-Blocking Supplement for Hair Growth: Propidren by HairGenics DHT Blocker & Hair Growth Supplement
- Best Castor Oil for Hair Growth: Kate Blanc Cosmetics Certified Organic Castor Oil
- Best Oil Blend for Hair Growth: EssyNaturals Hair Growth Oil
- Best Shampoo For Hair Growth: Maple Holistics Biotin Shampoo Hair Growth B-Complex Formula
- Best Hair Mask for Hair Growth: The Roots Naturelle Virgin Hair Fertilizer Conditioning Treatment
- Best Hair Growth Serum: Vegamour Gro Hair Serum
- Viviscal Extra Strength Hair Growth Supplement
- Hum Nutrition Hair Strong Gummies
- Nutrafol Women's Hair Growth Supplement for Thicker, Stronger Hair
Overall Best Hair-Growth Product: Sports Research Collagen Peptides Powder
Number of customer reviews: 131,985
Customer review: "This Collagen is so easy to take. I pour the measuring cup full of it into my morning coffee & stir it up. There is NO taste. To work well, it needs to be Hydrolyzed Type I & III, which this brand is! To get full benefits from it, you need to take it twice a day which I am now doing! I am happy with this product."
Average rating: 4.6/5
Serving size: 1 scoop
Collagen supplements have been making waves in the wellness world for a while now, and according to nutritionists, they can play a role in hair and skin health. Due to collagen's rising popularity, there are tons of formulas on the market, but this powder from Sports Research is the unanimous Amazon fave. "My hair is growing [so] fast. How do I know this? Because I touch up my roots to cover grays, which I needed to do every four weeks (exactly), and now [I] have to do it between two and three weeks. That is INSANE. There is also much more new hair that is now very noticeable," explained one happy reviewer named Gavilan.
Best Vitamin for Hair Growth: Nature's Bounty Extra-Strength Hair, Skin, & Nails Supplement
Number of customer reviews: 54,314
Customer review: "This is the best supplement I've ever used for hair and nails! My hair has definitely less hair loss, and my nails grow with lightning speed and don't chip! It takes several months to see results, but if you have patience, you will be happily satisfied!"
Average rating: 4.5/5
Serving size: 3 softgels
Combining pivotal ingredients like a whopping 5000 MCG of biotin with helpful side hustlers like vitamin C and other B vitamins, these coated caplets from Nature's Bounty are a slam dunk for expedited hair growth. "I have Systemic Lupus Erythematosus," one Amazon reviewer disclosed. "Because of this disease, I have some hair loss, plus, thanks to all the biologic drugs I have to take, I had massive bald spots. My hair was falling out in the handfuls, so I was referred by a friend to take these vitamins. I started taking them, and within two months, I had lots of new growth in my bald spots. I have continued to take the vitamins, and my hair is full and beautiful."
Best Gummy Vitamin for Hair Growth: SugarBearPro Hair Vitamins
Number of customer reviews: 48,419
Customer review: "I am on my third bottle, and I must say these work. My hair is usually slow to grow, and before taking these, it would seem like my hair would reach a certain point then I'd have to trim it. With the gummies, I have gained healthy length [and thickness] faster."
Average rating: 4.4/5
Serving size: 1 gummy
Despite our initial eye- oll over gummy vitamins, these are some of the best supplements for hair growth, according to the overwhelming surplus of positive Amazon reviews. They're vegan, cruelty-free, and strategically formulated with essential nutrients starved strands crave, like biotin, folic acid, and vitamin D. "My hair was falling out in clumps and getting super thin in the front," explained one reviewer, Cyferguson. On the recommendation of my hairstylist, I ordered these gummies and now have tons of new hair growth. I'm so pleased, and they taste amazing. I have trouble limiting myself to the recommended dose!"
Best Tool for Hair Growth: Maxsoft Hair Scalp Massager Shampoo Brush
Number of customer reviews: 88,924
Customer review: "I love this thing! My scalp gets so dry and flakes. I have thick curly hair, and I feel like I have to shampoo a lot more to get rid of the flakes. I used this to wash my hair the other night, and it felt so good on my scalp. Highly recommend."
Average rating: 4.6/5
Almost every dermatologist I've ever chatted with about hair health has told me that scalp massage is one of the best things you can do to stimulate hair follicles for increased growth. This adorable, ultra-soft massaging shampoo brush is just the antidote you need. Reviewers say it also helps heal flakes, itchiness, tangles, and stress.
Best Supplement for Hair Growth: Zhou Hairfluence Premium Hair Support Formula
Number of customer reviews: 16,306
Customer review: "So I am almost finished with my 2nd bottle of Hairfluence, and I must say that my hair is growing like a weed! I normally color my hair black because I am naturally gray, but I have not retouched with color because I am so shocked by how much my hair has grown. I want to see the process without coloring my hair. I'd say it's grown between 1 inch. to 1.5 inches."
Average rating: 4.1/5
Serving size: 2 capsules
Thanks to the team of hair experts at Hairfluence, this well-reviewed hair growth product contains not only superstar ingredient biotin but also a complete synergistic blend boasting a variety of essential vitamins, minerals, and amino acids that work together to ensure faster-growing and healthier hair. "I finished my first bottle, and I'm ordering another one!" satisfied reviewer KristinaM confesses. "The most noticeable effect I noticed during the first month is not the hair growth but the reduction of hair loss. I lose about half the hair I used to lose in the shower since taking Hairfluence."
Best Biotin Supplement for Hair Growth: Sports Research Biotin Infused With Organic Virgin Coconut Oil
Number of customer reviews: 56,026
Customer review: "I bought this because a friend of mine swore by it, and I am so glad I took her recommendation! I had gotten my hair cut short, and it was about two inches shorter than I wanted it to be, and my hair texture is wavy/curly and coarse, so I started taking these vitamins. My hair has grown much faster, and I can't even begin to tell you about my nails!"
Average rating: 4.5/5
Serving size: 1 softgel
Biotin and coconut oil are two of the most infamous ingredients when it comes to hair health. Thus, when the two come together in this epic hair growth product from Sports Research, it's no surprise the results (and reviews!) are impressive. "I started to see a difference in as little as two weeks!" exclaims Antoinette Castillo on Amazon. "My hair was no longer falling out as much in the shower, and I began to see baby hairs growing in where my hair was thinning. I'm glad to have found a product that actually works. Even other people are noticing that my hair is growing back, which definitely gives me a confidence boost."
Best DHT-Blocking Supplement for Hair Growth: Propidren by HairGenics DHT Blocker & Hair Growth Supplement
Number of customer reviews: 7,617
Customer review: "I am a breast cancer survivor in remission. I am thrilled to add this to my regimen for the regrowth of my hair. Thank you so much for this working formula! Glad to see my results."
Average rating: 4.3/5
Serving size: 2 capsules
According to the experts at Propidren, one of the main factors in terms of hair loss is the production of dihydrotestosterone or DHT (and our research backed this up!). Thus, the brand set out to launch a product containing clinically proven DHT blockers that synergistically stop hair loss while encouraging regrowth and enhanced hair thickness.
Best Castor Oil for Hair Growth: Kate Blanc Cosmetics Certified Organic Castor Oil
Number of customer reviews: 109,615
Customer review: "I have used this for three days. While it's too soon for new eyebrows, I have noticed a big change in my eyelashes. The skin around my eyes looks so much brighter and healthier, and my mascara seems so much more impactful. My lashes seem plumper and seem to draw the mascara in. It's not flaky and crusty at the end of the day. My lashes look thick, healthy, and quite luxurious."
Average rating: 4.5/5
Size: 2 ounces
Many experts we've talked to recommend castor oil to aid lash and eyebrow growth, but the word on Amazon is that the special oil can also work hair growth wonders on top of the scalp. (We also love that this formula is USDA-certified organic and cold-pressed!)
"I am now a fan of castor oil!" one Amazon reviewer practically shouts. "I've always read that castor oil was great for hair growth, so I decided to give it a try. I've been using it on my eyebrows, lashes, and hair (my hair is natural, extremely curly, and colored), and in a month, I can already see a difference. My eyebrows seem much thicker, and my hair is so soft, thick, and healthy. My lashes are looking thicker and longer. I also use this on my skin."
Best Oil Blend for Hair Growth: EssyNaturals Hair Growth Oil
Number of customer reviews: 2,655
Customer review: "I have been wearing my hair natural for a year now. I trust Aroamas products, but when I find something that is exceptional, I have to rave about it. I started using this oil about three weeks ago. Since then, I have been religiously using it every night. I can tell the difference in the health of my scalp. It feels nourished and healthy, and it is evidenced in the rapid growth of my hair. This is a definite keeper in my arsenal of products for natural hair."
Average rating: 4.3/5
Size: 1.7 ounces
With all-natural and pure ingredients, this is one of the most beloved growth-promoting hair products on Amazon's market. The formula includes castor oil, caffeine, rosemary oil, and biotin to infuse both scalp and strands with essential omega-6 fatty acids, minerals, proteins, and vitamin E.
Best Shampoo for Hair Growth: Biotin Shampoo Hair Growth B-Complex Formula
Number of customer reviews: 51,743
Customer review: "This product works great on my hair! After the first few washes, there was no fallout left in the bottom of the shower. My hair grew thicker and stronger with every wash! It was not only a confidence boost but also a lifesaver for my stressed hair!"
Average rating: 4.3/5
Size: 8 ounces
If you're not into poppable supplements, a high-quality shampoo or topical formula can also do the trick. This one is maximum strength and contains TLC-gifting ingredients like biotin, provitamin B5, zinc, coconut oil, and other hair-healthy botanicals. "Love this! I have thinning hair due to genetics and bariatric surgery—a huge amount of hair fall. Since using this shampoo, the hair fall has significantly decreased, and I can feel stubble (is that a word?) on top of my head," a reviewer named Carol says.
Best Hair Mask for Hair Growth: The Roots Naturelle Virgin Hair Fertilizer Conditioning Treatment
Number of customer reviews: 2,746
Customer review: "100% works!! Warning, it does feel like an Icy-Hot on your scalp. The first time it was kind of a shock, but it hasn't bothered me since, and it has definitely helped my hair grow double what it normally would. I usually use it every other day, and I'll leave it on for about five minutes in the shower. It has definitely helped to heal the damage in my hair."
Average rating: 4.4/5
Size: 16 ounces
Any product that reads "hair fertilizer" immediately piques our interest. Ideal for African American hair types, this deep conditioner is meant to heal hair that's been damaged due to braiding, heat, and chemicals. Essentially, it utilizes key power players like proteins, vitamins, olive oil, shea butter, and oils from peppermint and sweet almond to treat and restore weak and brittle strands. Just look at the happy review for proof.
Best Hair Growth Serum: Vegamour Gro Hair Serum
Number of customer reviews: 3,794
Customer review: "I am in my early 40’s. My 'temple' area on both sides has really stated to thin, different reasons, becoming almost embarrassing if I wear a ponytail up or my hair pulled back in a bun. I have tried so many different products. Topical. Oral. This looks s the only product that actually works. I actually have had my hair start to grow back in the desired areas, which have been my two main areas of focus."
Average rating: 4/5
Size: 1 ounce
This hair growth serum is beloved among the editor and derm crowd. Two words: It works. It's especially great for more precise areas of thinning, like the temples or hairline, as the pipette disperses just enough product to massage into those targeted areas. Not for nothing, it smells great, and it's very lightweight, so you can use it morning and night without worrying about oily roots.
3 More Editor-Approved Hair Growth Products
Number of customer reviews: 26,247
Customer review: "I've been taking these for a couple of months. I see A HUGE difference. My hair is extremely soft. I don't shed nearly as much, and my hair has grown faster than it ever has. My hair typically grows very slowly. Super impressed and will keep purchasing this. Highly recommend. This product works!"
Average rating: 4.3/5
Serving size: 1 tablet
Whenever someone asks me about hair growth supplements, these tablets from Viviscal are the first to pop out of my mouth. I've talked to scores of hairstylists who recommend them (and whose A-list clients use them on the reg), and they helped rehab my hair after I struggled with an eating disorder in high school.
Number of customer reviews: 4,278
Customer review: "It's been almost a month since I started taking these, and I'm already noticing a difference in how healthy my hair looks and a difference in how much hair is coming off in my brush. As for hair growth, I definitely can see a little improvement, but it's going take a few more bottles to see a drastic change."
Average rating: 4.3/5
Serving size: 2 gummies
I love and swear by countless products from Hum Nutrition (specifically Flatter Me, $26, and Beauty Zzzz, $12), but these hair-boosting gummies are by far my fave, and I swear on my life to anyone who will listen that they've completely transformed my hair in the past year since I've started taking them. They taste great (but I recommend eating them with food because they contain zinc), and my hair has never looked so thick or grown so fast.
Number of customer reviews: 16,907
Customer review: "After four months, I can really see and feel a difference. I'm not sure if my hair has filled in where it thinned, however, it looks and feels thicker all over. That is exactly the claim they make on the bottle, and it is 100% true for me. I'm Interested to see where I go from here. Again, it's only been four months."
Average rating: 4.2/5
Serving size: 4 capsules
By addressing multiple causes for thinning strands and poor hair health, Nutrafol has basically designed the holy-grail hair supplement that scientifically works to boost thickness, length, and overall hair happiness. Powered by plants and a bounty of nature's best hair healers, the impressive ingredient list includes things like ashwagandha, saw palmetto, hydrolyzed collagen, tocotrienols (vitamin E), a special form of curcumin extracted from turmeric, among other antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.
Ingredients to Look for
To further help you on your search, we consulted board-certified dermatologists Neera Nathan, MD, and Dhaval Bhanusali, MD, on how to choose a hair growth product. We should note: Everyone's bodies are different. But when it comes to capsules and powders, Nathan recommends leaning on antioxidants. "I suggest looking for supplements that contain antioxidants like vitamin C or vitamin E, as well as natural DHT blockers like turmeric, saw palmetto or pumpkin seed oil," she says.
Vitamin D is also a big one to consider: "There is data to suggest that low vitamin D levels are associated with hair loss, so this should be corrected under the supervision of a doctor." That said, always discuss any new supplements with your doctor, she adds, as everyone has different nutritional needs.
Biotin is super well-known but can be tricky: "At high levels, [it] can impede your lab results in other tests," notes Bhanusali. So you might want to assess whether you're low in other nutrients first.
On the topical front, both Nathan and Bhanusali are quick to call out minoxidil (aka, Rogaine). "I recommend using the 5% foam for best results," Nathan says, and Bhanusali notes that oral minoxidil options are becoming more popular. "While I am not against alternative treatments, they should be considered as supplement to standard therapies (not to replace them)," he adds. If you're looking for a natural alternative, caffeine, pumpkin seed oil, and niacinamide do show great promise.
"Topical caffeine was shown in one study to work as well as minoxidil for androgenetic alopecia. It also may help counteract stress-induced hair fall," Nathan says. "Pumpkin seed oil can be applied topically and may help reduce androgenetic alopecia. Niacinamide is great in a serum or shampoo because it is calming and can decrease scalp inflammation."
FAQ
What is the most effective hair growth product?
Short answer? It differs for everyone. Hair loss is complicated, and so are its solutions. "My best advice for anyone with hair loss is to 1) address it as soon as possible ("time is hair"); 2) use a combination approach (multiple treatments that support hair growth rather than relying on any single one); and 3) see a board-certified dermatologist for diagnosis and treatment," Nathan notes.
Our list above is a very good place to start, but ultimately, you'll want to I.D. your scalp and strands with a professional to get to the root of your thinning.
What are the best treatments for hair growth?
"There are actually many treatments that are effective for hair growth, in addition to the ones I mentioned previously," says Nathan. "Prescription treatments like low dose oral minoxidil and finasteride can work really well in some patients. In office injections (like PRP or PRF) have also shown promise. At home dermarollers, when used carefully and in combination with topical products, may also be effective for supporting healthy hair growth. I also recommend low-level laser therapy (LLLT) which is delivered through laser combs (my preference) and caps which can be used a few times per week."
What speeds up hair growth the most?
"The actives mentioned above should all help!" Nathan adds. "One additional tip is to hair oil with coconut oil for about 30 minutes once weekly on wash days before shampooing. Coconut oil may actually help prevent protein loss and can reduce hair breakage." If you're interested in learning more, we do have a full guide to using coconut oil for hair.
Overall, though, patience is key. It's easier said than done, of course, but trust that the right professional won't steer you wrong. Take it from Bhanusali: "In general, slow and steady wins the race, and if you are working with a good dermatologist, they’ll do their best to help."
This article was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
Erin has been writing a mix of beauty and wellness content for Who What Wear for over four years. Prior to that, she spent two and half years writing for Byrdie. She now calls Santa Monica home but grew up in Minnetonka, Minnesota, and studied writing, rhetoric, and communication at University of Wisconsin, La Crosse. She studied abroad in Galway, Ireland, and spent a summer in L.A. interning with the Byrdie and Who What Wear family. After graduating from UW, she spent one year in San Francisco, where she worked as a writer for Pottery Barn Kids and PBteen before moving down to L.A. to begin her career as a beauty editor. She considers her day-to-day beauty aesthetic very low-maintenance and relies on staples like clear brow serum (from Kimiko!), Lawless's Lip Plumping Mask in Cherry Vanilla, and an eyelash curler. For special occasions or days when she's taking more meetings or has an event, she'll wear anything and everything from Charlotte Tilbury (the foundations are game-changing), some shimmer on her lids (Stila and Róen do it best), and a few coats of the best mascara-type product on earth, Surratt's Noir Lash Tint.
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