Have you ever taken a good look in the shampoo section of your local grocery store? We're bombarded with labels which promise 'instantly thicker hair', 'regrowth within 7 washes' and 'stop hair loss'. And I'm sure you've seen the hair growth shampoo ads. Any of these look familiar?

But can these shampoos actually stop hair loss in its tracks and regrow your hair?

What are hair growth shampoos?

There are a lot of different hair growth shampoos and hair thickening shampoos out there. Some rely on more natural ingredients, such as Biotin, Niacin and Saw Palmetto. Others, use more robust chemicals such as Ketoconazole or Caffeine. These ingreidents are shown to be beneficial in promoting healthy hair growth. However, they're not clinically proven to grow back your hair or reverse alopecia symptoms.

There are also medicated hair loss shampoos, such as Nioxin® and Actiiv® Hair Science, which contain ingredients like Minoxidil, a hair loss medication which can help ease hair loss for 1 in 5 people.

Will hair growth shampoos grow back your hair?

If your hair loss is due to a build up of dandruff or scalp condition like dermatitis or psoriasis, then these hair growth shampoos could really work for you. Their hair-loving ingredients can really help in strengthening your hair and encouraging healthy grow.

But, if your hair loss is due to a genetic condition or illness, hair growth shampoos are usually not the solution. The ingredients used in hair loss shampoos just aren't strong enough to fight our genetic hair loss. Even medicated hair loss shampoos aren't always effective in regrowing hair. And people who do see results report that difference is minimal.

But these hair growth companies are super good at spinning the results of their product. Most people grow hair. Even people with Androgenic Alopecia or female pattern hair loss still grow their own hair. So it's super easy for these companies to put 'Support Hair Growth' in their ads. Did their clients hair grow? Yes. Was it because of their product? Unlikely.

Are hair growth shampoos safe to use?

Yes and no. Most of the time hair growth shampoos are completely fine (as long as you're not allergic to any of the ingredients). And they can be great for the health of your hair (even if it doesn't stop your hair loss).

However, there have been some stories in the hair loss community of certain shampoos actually causing more hair loss. Make sure to check with your doctor before using any hair growth shampoos and definitely do some research on the product you're choosing.

How much do hair growth shampoos cost?

Generally, hair loss shampoos are between $10-$50 depending on the ingredients and bottle size.

Kim's Experience

Kim used a medicated hair loss shampoo for over 9 months. She used the shampoo and conditioner every time she washed her hair, plus used a scalp serum which was sold by the same brand. Several hairdressers had reccommended it to her and she was sure that was going to be her way out of hair loss. It felt all tingly on her head and tingle = growing, right?

After 9 months, Kim's hair was even thinner. Probably not because of the shampoos, but because her androgenic alopecia was progressing.

Kim also used (and still sometimes does use) the Kevin Murphy plumping range. It hasn't helped grow her back, but it does make the hair she does have feel super soft!