18 best hair-loss shampoos to promote growth, tested by 700 people

Score: 91/100

Proving some good things come in big packages is TRESemme’s affordable strengthening shampoo (available with a matching conditioner), which lasted over a month for some of our testers and costs less than £5. Though low on price, this shampoo delivers on performance, with nearly all our panellists noticing less breakage and fallout after use. They also said their hair felt “stronger, shiner and smoother”.

It has a creamy texture that leaves hair softer, without any of the added weight or dull finish you often get from silicone heavy products. Testers also praised the deep clean it gave and the “fresh, exotic fragrance”. We think it’s worthing making space on your shelf for this strengthening duo.

Score: 86/100

As one of the top scorers for anti-breakage, most testers noted less fallout after using this shampoo and conditioner and many said their hair felt noticeably stronger.

Hair also felt softer, making it easier to detangle and style, while those with natural curls saw a reduction in flyaways. Almost everyone said they would continue using these products after the trial.

Score: 86/100

If you’re after that squeaky clean feeling, this shampoo was voted best for lather and texture. Testers said their scalps felt refreshed, while the matching conditioner nourished damaged ends.

Adding volume as well as tackling breakage, the majority of our panel noticed a reduction in hair loss by the end of the trial, with many saying their hair felt stronger.

Score: 82/100

Our testers were impressed by how little shampoo was needed to create a satisfying lather and all agreed that it didn't feel harsh on their hair.

They noted thicker, healthier-looking hair after using it alongside the conditioner, with most commenting on how hydrated their ends felt. Testers with fine hair noticed an impressive amount of added volume and an improvement in broken hair follicles.

Score: 80/100

This Pantene shampoo, along with its matching conditioner, is infused with vitamins, bamboo and biotin ingredients. Our panellists with curls and waves noticed less frizz and breakages during the trial, with more bounce added to their natural texture.

Testers praised how nourishing the products were, leaving them with healthier-feeling, shiny hair and cleansed scalps. Note that some testers said their hair felt greasier more quickly, so it may not be one for finer locks.

Score: 82/100

Blending keratin proteins, hyaluronic acid and glycerin, this shampoo is packed with ingredients to nourish damaged ends. Our testers said it was gentle on hair, with some noting their scalps felt instantly soothed.

Our panellists were impressed by the glossy results too, with one commenting on the shampoo's luxurious moisturising effect. Almost everyone noticed less fallout and hair breakage, with most seeing an improvement in thickness. It didn’t significantly promote hair growth for all testers though.

Score: 81/100

This treatment promises to encourage volume and clarify the scalp. It performed brilliantly in the lab when it came to improving hair density and thickness, and it left our panel's hair looking fuller.

Everyone agreed it provided a thorough clean too, leaving their scalps feeling nourished and not at all itchy. All panellists reported fewer split ends, with most finding their hair loss concerns reduced by the end of the trial.

Score: 80/100

If a faux blow dry effect is what you're after, no shampoo and conditioner duo packed more of a volume punch than this one. Though far from budget-friendly (see Pantene for that), both the shampoo and conditioner come packed with keratin proteins to revitalise tired strands.

Nearly all testers saw fewer breakages, saying their hair looked and felt thicker and fuller after the trial period. The shampoo boosted shine, frizz and smoothness for everybody, with many impressed by how much lift it gave their roots.

Score: 80/100

Years spent frying strands with hair straighteners or using the wrong shampoo can leave locks looking limp and damaged. But this shampoo and conditioner helped deliver healthier-looking hair, with most of our panel reporting improved thickness and strength and everyone seeing fewer split ends.

Testers happily noticed less fallout during the trial, with one delighted by their “softer, thicker and more manageable” hair.

Score: 80/100

If your hair is lacking oomph, give this strengthening shampoo (and matching conditioner) a go; it claims to reduce breakages while gently cleansing from root to tip.

Many testers said their hair felt healthier and looked stronger after use, with less fallout and fewer breakages, as promised. The floral scent was described as calming by one tester, while another said their hair felt “instantly thicker, even when lathering”, leaving it soft and boosting condition.

Score: 79/100

Our panellists were happy with the full-bodied head of hair this shampoo and conditioner provided, with some testers reporting significant hair growth. Overall, they noticed less hair breakage and fallout, with strands looking and feeling softer and thicker.

The scent smelt too sweet for some and if your hair is prone to tangles, the shampoo made it difficult for a few to brush a comb through, but the conditioner seemed to help combat this.

Score: 78/100

No matter its other benefits, a good shampoo must effectively lift built-up dirt and grime to leave your hair feeling clean. And that's exactly what this salon favourite did.

Our testers appreciated its fresh scent and loved how thoroughly it cleansed their scalps. It calmed any inflammation, and many found their hair easier to comb through after washing. Only a few noticed new hair growth, but fewer strands ended up in our lab team’s hairbrush and it helped reduce breakages too.

Score: 77/100

This shampoo (along with its matching conditioner) aims to strengthen strands and prevent breakage with the help of its pH-balancing formulation.

It won testers over with its deep yet gentle cleanse, with many enjoying noticeably more volume and everyone spotting fewer split ends. Our lab test found it did a great job at detangling and reducing breakages, while testers with colour-treated hair appreciated the vibrancy it gave their colour.

Score: 75/100

Originally famous for its hair-growth gummies, Hairburst has since tried to replicate that science in shampoo format.

This set left panellists' hair more hydrated and injected a welcome bit of bounce into their ends. Strands not only felt fresh, but also looked shinier and softer, with fewer breakages when brushing through wet hair. Overall, hair was left looking fuller and more voluminous.

Score: 75/100

This strengthening shampoo from Aveda, which is certified vegan, aced our lab tests for detangling knots and limiting hair breakage and fallout.

Testers felt their strands were stronger and healthier after use, with one noticing a difference after only a single wash. Hair was left more hydrated and it soothed irritated scalps.

Score: 75/100

Collagen has been a holy grail ingredient in the skincare world for a while now, but did you know it can benefit hair, too? The hero protein in this shampoo and its matching conditioner promises to strengthen thinning locks, leaving them thicker and bouncier.

It did just that for our testers, with hair looking healthier, fuller and more hydrated after use. The shampoo’s rich, creamy lather proved a hit, and many said their hair felt more manageable after rinsing. If hair loss is your main issue, most found it helped to nip excess shedding and breakages in the bud.

Score: 74/100

Garnier’s golden shampoo creates a surprisingly luxurious lather and indulgent experience for the price point. Our panellists’ brittle ends were bid adieu and soft, strokable lengths were left in their wake.

Testers were impressed with the rich texture and said their locks looked thicker and shinier after using it for the duration of the trial. At this price, it’s one to stock up on.

Score: 73/100

This cheap and cheerful option contains vitamin B5 and biotin to soothe the scalp and promote strength from root to tip. Its real standout quality for our testers was how well it transformed dry and brittle strands into velvety-smooth tresses.

It didn’t provide a thick lather, but it did deliver a gentle yet effective cleanse at the root. Many testers noticed slight regrowth during the trial, with some saying their hair grew faster, while others were just pleased to see less shedding.