*I bought every item besides two items that were initially gifted and later purchased by me

Sian Victoria © - Mousy brown natural root re-growth, blonde hair grown out

Best effective hair loss products to encourage hair growth

Hair loss is a common concern shared by many, it’s something I've experienced myself in recent years. In my previous post, I shared a hair loss guide on how to naturally encourage hair growth explaining in depth the many reasons why you may be experiencing excessive hair fall, thinning, balding, and the most likely causes of hair loss. I also shared a list of the best natural hair oils, the benefits of herbal teas, healthy foods to consume, and the dietary supplements your body may be lacking that are essential for growing thick and strong hair.

However, not everyone has time to apply a mixture of hair oils for several hours 2 – 3 times a week. Therefore, I’ve put together a list of tried and tested hair growth shampoos, DHT blocking shampoos and treatments to use that are a lot more convenient to do.

But it's important to know that feeding the scalp from the inside and out with beneficial natural ingredients is one of the most effective ways to promote healthy hair and scalp. So, with this in mind using just a hair growth shampoo by itself isn't going to be a miracle cure for hair loss since a shampoo doesn’t spend enough time on the scalp and the effective ingredients it contains are diluted with other ingredients and therefore won't reap the same results as applying the ingredient in its full 100% concentrated form – like a scalp treatment offers or in a food or supplement form.

So, for this reason, I recommend using one of the shampoos or topical treatments on this list alongside a supplement that contains all the key nutrients your body needs to feed the scalp from within and if possible, add one or a few suggestions from my hair loss guide to start noticing real results.

Because as I’ve experienced myself relying on just shampoo to grow your hair back to its former glory isn’t going to work, you need to use a combination of ingredients that benefit the hair and scalp inside and out – and more importantly, you need to find out the reason why it is falling out so that you can tailor your hair loss treatment to the cause of it.

For example, my hair loss was caused due to high cortisol and testosterone levels and a lack of melatonin. Once I figured that out and took the necessary action needed my hair finally started growing back quickly. So, in the years before that relying on shampoo to be the miracle cure and not seeing results were wasted and I lost more hair because of it. As the root cause of it was left untreated for years and using shampoo was not going to fix my hormone and lack of sleep and daylight problem.

Also, don’t fall for the ridiculous claims that some brands make regarding the effectiveness of their hair growth product, because you’ll only be disappointed. A Minoxidil solution from brands like Regaine are the only FDA-approved product that works for hair loss as mentioned in my 12,000-word hair loss guide. Using a hair growth shampoo will certainly help to create a healthier scalp but it should be the first of many steps you take to prevent hair loss – and the first step should be finding out why it’s happening.

So, continue reading to discover the hair growth products you may want to consider adding to your hair loss prevention regime. But first, here are a few tips I recommend on ways to prevent hair loss, these could be everyday things you’re doing or health problems that you didn’t know were causing your hair to fall out.

How to prevent hair loss tips

Sian Victoria © - Intense hair growth, hair loss treatments

Avoid dry shampoo in aerosol form - The small particles can block and weaken the hair follicles, which over time increases the rate of hair thinning and hair loss. Additionally, the build-up of the product on the scalp can block the follicles and inhibit growth.
Maintain a healthy lifestyle and physical exercise – Excess alcohol drinking can dry out the hair follicles and eventually lead to hair thinning. Also, smoking habits reduce the blood flow to the scalp, in turn promoting hair loss, and not getting enough physical exercise daily can contribute to hair fall too.
Maintain a varied diet – A diet that is full of whole foods and fruit and vegetables will support your vitamin intake and make sure nutrients such as vitamins A, B, and C are ingested; these are commonly linked to promoting hair growth. Additionally, consuming natural and not overly processed non-nutritional food will help as certain additives in highly processed foods have been linked to hair loss. My post on pantry foods with health and beauty benefits may help you to consider adding more natural foods to your diet.
Reduce the use of hair heat styling tools – Heat damage is a major cause of hair loss and breakage as it breaks and weakens the bonds. You should also avoid wearing tight hairstyles that pull the hair, as this damages the follicles. If your hair loss is caused by weak hair bonds due to styling and colouring my post on how to repair hair with bonding treatments may help.
Don’t brush wet hair in the shower - Hair is most sensitive when hot and wet because follicles are open. You should dry your hair with medium to low heat and gently wash it with lukewarm water and finish with cold water to ensure you don’t encourage breakage or heat damage to the follicles. It’s also a common misconception that allowing hair to dry naturally will help prevent heat damage, but this isn’t true as it’s allowing your hair and follicles to be vulnerable for longer. So, avoid air-drying and use low heat and gently dry it instead so that the follicles close sooner.
Gentle fabrics to use when drying and consider a soft silk pillow – Silk and satin pillowcases are known to reduce breakage, as unlike cotton pillowcases, they don’t absorb essential oils in the hair. Gentle fabrics will lock in moisture to reduce the possibility of hair thinning and loss while being gentler to your hair strands while your hair is being rubbed across the pillow throughout the night while you sleep.
Look at your medication, is it the cause? – Many medications, such as blood thinners, antidepressants, and beta-blockers, have hair loss and thinning as a side effect; it might be worth looking into this.
Are you taking too many supplements? - Too many vitamins can have the opposite effect. Too much selenium and Vitamin A, among other essential nutrients you may be supplementing, can cause the body to attack the hair follicles and block its health benefits, in turn causing hair loss. So, look at the foods you generally consume each day and the supplements you take and see if you’re consuming too much of something. I believe in the benefits of vitamin A, but excessive intake can be toxic and lead to hair loss. As a result, I've stopped taking supplements and focused on getting vitamin A from foods, which is the best approach. If you're interested in learning more, this journal on vitamin A for hair growth will be helpful.
What’s your sleep pattern like? – Sleep deprivation has been linked to hair loss and thinning. Additionally, not getting enough natural daylight can cause a deficiency in melatonin and vitamin D, which can encourage hair thinning. This was one of the main causes of my hair loss as I had suffered from insomnia for most of my life, to improve this I began supplementing with melatonin and along with my other hair loss treatments quickly experienced my hair growing back.
Are you stressed? – If you’re stressed, you may have high cortisol levels; this is linked to hair loss, as this reduces blood flow to the scalp and prevents essential nutrients from being delivered to the follicles. To find out if you do you can take an at-home cortisol test.
Do you have PCOS? Are you consuming foods high in testosterone? – Too much testosterone has been linked to increasing the rate of hair loss. PCOS is a hormone imbalance causing an overproduction of testosterone; high levels of this hormone increase DHT levels, which shrink and damage the hair follicle, in turn causing thinning and brittle hair. An at-home testosterone kit can also be taken to establish if this could be the cause of your hair loss.
Scalp massage – Regular manual or electronic scalp massagers can stimulate the hair follicles and strengthen them as the blood flow to the scalp increases, in turn encouraging the growth of thicker, healthier hair.

Best hair loss scalp treatments to stimulate new hair growth

With hair loss being a common concern for many of us, it’s no wonder that there are plenty of hair loss and scalp treatments hitting the market claiming to resolve this problem. To help make this choice easier for you, I’ve compiled the best hair loss treatments that I’ve tried and tested and recommend for improving your hair loss concerns, bearing in mind what I said above don’t expect these to be magical cures to hair loss and don’t rely solely on a product – you need to resolve why it’s happening first.

1. Neals Yard Remedies Rosemary & Cedarwood Hair Treatment

Sian Victoria © - Neals Yard Remedies Rosemary & Cedarwood Hair Treatment

Neal’s Yard Remedies is a trusted natural cosmetics brand, and their Rosemary & Cedarwood Hair Treatment highlights their reputation in the health and beauty industry. Suitable for all hair types, this treatment promises to bring life back into your hair while containing natural plant-based ingredients that encourage new hair growth.

Formulated with essential rosemary and cedarwood extract, the product harnesses the stimulating properties of these ingredients to make sure this treatment increases blood flow to the scalp and encourages the follicles to get to work growing new, stronger hair.

Essential nourishment remains imperative to this treatment, with coconut oil and lavender promoting hydration and vitality, giving your locks a lustrous sheen as well as thicker growth. As a pre-wash conditioning treatment, this product is massaged through the lengths and into the scalp before being washed out after sitting for 30 minutes or even overnight. Since it contains lavender oil, I always do tend to leave it on overnight as a bonus to promote a better night’s sleep too.

Retailing for £8, this natural intense hair conditioning treatment is a great option if you're on a budget but still want to transform the condition of your hair.

2. The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Serum for Hair Density

Sian Victoria © - The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Serum for Hair Density

Formulating hard-working, high-quality cosmetic products, it’s no wonder that The Ordinary’s Multi-Peptide Serum for Hair Density is a holy grail for many. If you’ve read my anti-aging and acne skincare post you’ll know I’ve been a big fan of the affordable cruelty-free and vegan skincare brand, The Ordinary for over five years. So it is no surprise that I had to test out their haircare range too, especially when it comes to a hair growth treatment.

Boasting a formula that has only the most necessary and effective ingredients, this serum should be applied to a dry scalp at night as a leave-in treatment. Utilising the hair-loving benefits of science-led formulas Redensyl, Procapil, and Capixyl peptide complex, these compounds increase blood flow to the scalp, reduce inflammation and penetrate and nourish the hair follicles to promote the growth of thicker, healthier locks.

Additionally, caffeine in the serum inhibits DHT production to ensure these essential nutrients are delivered to the scalp. With so many effective ingredients, this £19.30 serum promises to deliver fuller, thicker hair after consistent use. You should consider trying out this hardworking formula for yourself, especially if a build-up of DHT on your scalp due to PCOS and high testosterone levels is the cause of your excessive hair fall.

Best hair loss shampoo products for hair growth

If you don’t want to invest in a time-consuming hair growth treatment just yet why not opt for something easier to incorporate into your hair care routine to stimulate new hair growth once you’ve discovered the cause? Below, I’ve listed the tried and tested products that I have found to be the most beneficial shampoos I’ve used over the past few years specifically designed to tackle hair loss and promote faster hair growth – have a read and see what products take your fancy.

It’s important to note it can take up to 3 months to notice any new hair growth after consistently using a new product so don’t give up if you’re not suddenly noticing any change, ensure you finish the bottle at least first.

3. Andalou Naturals Argan Stem Cell Age Defying Shampoo

Sian Victoria © - Andalou Naturals Argan Stem Cell Age Defying Shampoo

Upgrade your haircare regimen by investing in the Andalou Naturals Argan Stem Cell Age Defying Shampoo. Retailing for an affordable £10, you can make efforts to reduce hair loss and hair fall with this wonderful cruelty-free and vegan haircare product that won't break the bank.

Harnessing the benefits of plant stem cells, the shampoo’s formula targets the hair follicles and stimulates them as well as promoting vitality. In turn, the rate of thicker, healthier hair growth will be increased. Conditioning properties are also integral to the formula, meaning while the shampoo gets to work stimulating the hair follicles, the argan oil in the formula will nourish and hydrate the hair and ensure the new growth is as shiny, smooth, and luxurious as possible.

Containing a variety of hair-loving vitamin B ingredients such as Biotin which is well-known for its healthy hair and scalp benefits this 99% nature-derived shampoo is also beneficial for aging and thinning hair.

With the ability to enjoy stronger, thicker, and voluminous hair when incorporating this shampoo into your hair routine, why not give it a go? There is also a 3-step Andalou Naturals Argan Stem Cell kit available consisting of a shampoo, conditioner, and intense scalp treatment.

4. Avalon Organics Peppermint Strengthening Shampoo

Sian Victoria © - Avalon Organics Peppermint Strengthening Shampoo

Enjoy strengthened, thicker hair and make brittle locks a thing of the past with this highly approved transformational Avalon Organics Peppermint Strengthening Shampoo.

Designed with weak, damaged hair in mind, this shampoo boasts an essential formula of peppermint and babassu oil, quinoa protein, aloe, and Vitamin E to tackle these causes of hair loss. The blood flow to the scalp is improved with the peppermint and babassu extract, in turn stimulating the follicles, while the amino acid content of the protein strengthens the new hair growth and essentially nourishes the scalp.

Plus, the strengthening properties of Vitamin E and aloe will support hair elasticity, preventing the possibility of breakage. I recommended the benefits of aloe vera and vitamin E in my pantry food essentials with health and beauty benefits post. So, it’s certainly worthwhile adding these nutrient-rich ingredients to your haircare regime as well as eating foods rich in them to improve hair quality inside and out.

For only £7.95, you can purchase this top-rated shampoo and turn your brittle, weak, and thinning hair into potentially healthier, longer, and thicker locks.

5. Dr. Organic Hemp Oil Rescue & Restore Hair & Scalp Treatment & Shampoo

Sian Victoria © - Dr. Organic Hemp Oil Rescue & Restore Hair & Scalp Shampoo

Utilising the powerful benefits of naturally-sourced ingredients, the Dr. Organic Hemp Oil Rescue & Restore treatment and shampoo tackles the problem of hair loss and encourages new hair growth with its intense, organic formula.

Hemp oil is becoming increasingly recognised for its benefits in the health and beauty industry, and this product channels its effectiveness with hemp oil being an active ingredient. Rich in omega-3s and fatty acids, the oil stimulates new growth with increased circulation to the scalp, while nourishing the follicles and scalp with vitamins and minerals to prevent breakage. The benefits of hemp oil are combined with panthenol, and plant compounds designed to support the hair growth process while sealing the cuticles to add shine to the hair and prevent split ends and further breakage.

Simply wash the hair with the Dr. Organic Hemp Oil Rescue & Restore shampoo and then apply the treatment through the lengths of the hair and leave it in, before styling as you wish. Delivering thicker, luscious healthy hair, the £15 price tag of this worthwhile product is certainly worth considering to add to your hair loss prevention routine.

6. Sukin Natural Balance Shampoo

Sian Victoria © - Sukin Natural Balance Shampoo

The vegan and cruelty-free Sukin Natural Balance Shampoo skips out harmful chemicals and uses only the most effective, naturally sourced organic ingredients to create an effective product to fight against hair loss.

Formulated with hair-loving, natural ingredients this shampoo couldn’t be gentler on hair, meaning it's great for all hair types. The nourishing properties of burdock, nettle, and horsetail are well known for their hair growth and DHT-blocking benefits and are therefore incorporated into the formula.

While baobab oil and aloe vera increase vitality by enriching the hair with vitamins and fatty acids, and also reducing inflammation to ensure scalp health remains a priority. Additional elements of Vitamin E and lavender extract increase blood flow to the scalp, in turn stimulating the follicles to promote new growth.

For only £6.95, there's no better way to get beautifully lustrous, healthy, strong hair. With so many incredibly beneficial, organically sourced ingredients, this shampoo will be a great addition to your hair care routine when seeking one of many steps on how to prevent hair loss.

7. Phyto Phytocyane Densifying Treatment Shampoo

Sian Victoria © - Phytokeratine repairing shampoo

The Phyto Phytocyane Densifying Treatment Shampoo may be your answer to thicker, fuller hair with consistent and ongoing use once you’ve discovered the reasons why your hair may be falling out.

This botanical-inspired Phyto Paris product boasts a formula designed to improve the look of thinning hair and create a healthy scalp environment. The shampoo utilises the benefits of the active ingredients ginkgo biloba and cinchona bark extract.

The incredible antioxidant properties of ginkgo biloba increase blood flow to the scalp and stimulate the follicles, while the essential vitamins and minerals in this plant extract nourish the follicles and ensure new growth is as healthy and strong as possible.

While cinchona bark extract protects from free radicals damaging the hair and continues to nourish the strands. This powerful formula ensures thicker, healthier hair after incorporating this shampoo into your haircare regimen.

This French beauty brand is certainly worth considering adding to your haircare regime, I’ve been using them ever since I was invited to try out their Phyto damaged and coloured haircare range and have been a big fan of their botanical science-led formulas ever since.

8. Nizoral Anti-dandruff Shampoo

Sian Victoria © - Nizoral Anti-dandruff Shampoo

Although the Nizoral Anti-Dandruff Shampoo is designed to target dandruff and scalp inflammation, this product is surprisingly effective in targeting hair loss.

Following recent studies, the active ingredient Ketoconazole within the shampoo’s formula has been found to reduce DHT production levels. With DHT shrinking and weakening the hair follicles, causing brittle, weaker hair, it’s a common cause of pattern baldness and major hair loss.

Therefore, when using this shampoo at least once a week, the formula will inhibit DHT production and slow the rate of hair loss. I don’t like using this medicated shampoo more than once a week as I find it to be very drying, but it should be considered and used at least 2 – 4 times a week to deeply clean the scalp and remove any DHT-blocking the surface of your scalp.

When using a medicated treatment like this to actively work on removing build-up on your scalp, your natural hair growth shampoos that are much nicer to use will then be a lot more effective and so will the hair treatments you apply as they’ll be able to get to work a lot easier to penetrate healthy scalp loving vitamins to your follicles more freely and won’t be stopped by the stubborn DHT build-up.

So, think of this Ketoconazole shampoo as a scalp exfoliator helping to remove dry skin and impurities from your scalp so that botanical oils, shampoos, and treatments will be more effective. Invest in this £7.49 shampoo and tackle two haircare concerns at once – ensure your scalp’s health and reduce the possibility of dandruff while also fighting against hair loss with this medicated product.

Best beauty supplements for hair growth

Why not consider looking into beauty supplements specifically designed to inhibit the causes of hair loss and encourage new healthy hair growth? Have a read to see what the best hair growth supplements on the market are, with plenty of cruelty-free and vegan supplement brands to suit whatever your budget may be.

But remember supplements are only necessary if your body is lacking them and if you’re struggling to get them from food. And if lacking vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants or a specific one such as not getting enough iron or b12 is what’s causing your hair loss. Rather than taking a complete multivitamin, you may only need a supplement that has just one or a few vitamins to ensure you’re getting the daily recommended allowance of that nutrient.

9. Solgar Saw Palmetto Berries Vegetable Capsules

Sian Victoria © - Solgar Saw Palmetto Berries Vegetable Capsules

If your hair loss is PCOS related, and you’ve taken a testosterone test kit and it’s indicated that you have high levels of the hormone then the Solgar Saw Palmetto Berries Vegetable Capsules could be your solution to reduce testosterone and therefore DHT and hair loss. If you’ve found this to be the case for you, only start taking saw palmetto if you’ve sought approval from your doctor first as it can interfere with other medications.

Saw palmetto is a naturally sourced plant ingredient and has been utilised in medicinal products for years. Although it is most known for aiding prostate and urinary health, its benefits don’t end there. Particularly, this natural plant ingredient is effective in encouraging hair growth as it can prevent the conversion of testosterone into DHT – a major cause of hair loss as it weakens the follicles and causes thinning hair.

Saw palmetto also works by preventing inflammation on the scalp, therefore improving the overall quality of new hair growth. These supplements can be bought for £32.75 for a pack of 100 capsules to be taken once a day, so it’s a relatively affordable option to prevent hair loss if it’s linked to Polycystic Ovary Syndrome or male pattern baldness.

10. Goli Women’s Complete Multi Gummies

Sian Victoria © - Goli Apple Cider Vinegar Summies

Incorporating the Goli Women’s Complete Multi Gummies into your daily routine will allow you to improve your health and well-being if your diet is lacking some of the most vital ingredients to aid in healthy hair growth.

These supplements are packed full of essential nutrients, with 13 vitamins and minerals in each capsule designed to support healthy bodily functions. Boasting Vitamin D for healthy bones, Vitamin B for the immune system, and Vitamin B12 and folic acid for heart health to name just a few of these rewarding nutrients.

You can even take these extraordinary gummies to tackle your hair loss concerns. If you are lacking, Biotin is also an imperative component in these supplements, which is recognised for its effectiveness in assisting keratin production and ensuring the vitality and density of hair and nails. In turn, the supplements can encourage new hair growth, therefore reducing thinning and falling hair.

I’ve been having the Goli Apple Cider Vinegar gummies for some time now, APC is also beneficial for hair loss. However, these gummies do taste delicious, but they sadly do contain sugar. I don’t mind as it prevents craving something sweet that’s likely to contain more sugar, calories, and fat than these so that’s a benefit but of course supplements, with sugar, it may not be ideal for some.

11. Dr. Vegan Hair Saviour supplements

Sian Victoria © - Dr. Vegan Skin Saviour supplements

The Dr. Vegan Hair Saviour Supplements are specifically designed to target dry, damaged, and brittle hair and give your locks the vitality and growth they deserve.

The supplements boast a powerful, scientifically-backed formula to harness the benefits of hair-loving vitamins, minerals, and botanical extracts, with 14 exceptional ingredients. MSM in the capsules encourages the formation of hair bonds, which strengthens the keratin in the hair along with the pea sprout extract AnaGain, which also promotes thicker hair thanks to its nutrient content.

The additional additive of Saw Palmetto blocks DHT to prevent hair loss and breakage, while alfalfa and zinc stimulate the follicles to encourage growth. Ultimately, these beneficial natural ingredients couldn’t be better in combatting weak, thinning hair.

These supplements are also allergen-free and are not genetically modified so may be an effective solution to your hair loss concerns if you are seeking a natural alternative to re-grow hair.

12. Advanced Nutrition Programme Skin Ultimate

Sian Victoria © - Advanced Nutrition Programme Skin Ultimate beauty pods

If your budget can accommodate it, why not consider the award-winning Advanced Nutrition Programme Skin Ultimate supplements? I started taking Advanced Nutrition Supplements in 2017 alongside Environ Skincare products to get rid of hormonal acne and I found them to be highly effective for my skin concern at the time, and my hair was certainly in great condition at the time too so the ingredients in these certainly would have helped.

Coming in the form of a 28-day supply, take 1 pod daily and let the ground-breaking formula get to work. Termed the “anti-aging facial”, the capsules target the hair, skin, and nails to completely restore and transform your health and beauty. Boasting biotin to encourage keratin production and strengthen the quality of the hair, as well as selenium to promote growth and a range of antioxidants to fight free radicals, these capsules are effective.

Incorporating these Advanced Nutrition Supplements into your daily routine will not only allow you to potentially improve the appearance of thinning and prevent the loss of hair but also let you enjoy smoother skin and healthier nails as a bonus.

To conclude

So, there we go, a complete rundown of some of the best hair growth shampoos, treatments, and supplements that I have personally used over the past three years. Don’t forget before rushing to buy any of these products ensure you read my in-depth hair loss guide first.

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