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7 best hair growth products – from anti-hair loss shampoos to collagen supplements
Three trichologists weigh in...
While a hair growth shampoo can stimulate the production of more follicles, haircare spans a number of different products; From LED devices to scalp serums, who's to say your hair growth routine can't be extended? Spoiler: No one! Because we're on hand with all the recommendations you could ever need...
But before we get to the product recommendations, first, it's important we acknowledge that hair growth (and loss) is affected by many different factors, including genetics, hormones and vitamin deficiencies. To understand more, we spoke to a number of qualified trichologists who shared their tips on optimising hair growth, ingredients to look out for and the dos and don'ts when it comes to growing your strands.
Hair growth tips
First things first, we need to make sure we're taking proper care of our scalps because poor scalp health can have a negative impact on our strands. For example, "A build-up of dead skin cells caused by product and oil can clog the follicles, impacting the quality of hairs that grow from it and can produce brittle hairs that are then prone to breakage," Anabel Kingsley, consultant trichologist and Brand President at Philip Kingsley, explains.
Ingredients are a big factor when it comes to hair growth, and in certain haircare products, there are certain active ingredients that are beneficial. "Ingredients like peppermint and caffeine help the blood flow increase to the scalp, which allows the follicles to receive healthy nutrients and oxygen, in turn, promoting faster hair growth," trichologist and clinic founder Hannah Gaboardi shares. But wait, because there's more! "Ketoconazole is an antifungal and keeps the scalp clean, removing inflammation or dandruff on the scalp," Hannah says, recommending the ingredient. "It also has DHT blocking properties, which is the main hormone which causes female and male pattern hair loss."
When it comes to strengthening strands, Hannah says keratin is also beneficial; "this helps strengthen the hair shaft, reducing breakage and leaving a thicker feel to your hair shaft."
Trichologist and founder of haircare brand Act+Acre, Helen Reavey, tells Cosmopolitan that antioxidants like Vitamin E, Vitamin C, and Beta Carotene also help boost circulation and protect the scalp from oxidative stress. "This creates the right conditions for healthy growth and less breakage." She agrees that peppermint is great for increasing blood flow and adds that rosemary oil, lavender, and basil leaf extract are also great stimulating botanicals and "can encourage stronger strands over time."
"Stem cells, especially from Swiss apples, are one of the most powerful ingredients for protecting the follicle from ageing and oxidative damage," Helen also explains. "I use them in both our shampoo and scalp serum [see below] to help create the ideal environment for thicker, fuller-looking hair."
Notes = taken!
So, now that we're all up to date with the dos and don'ts of hair growth – as recommended by trichologists – let's shop their favourite products to implement all of the above!
Side note: If you’re experiencing significant thinning or hair loss (as in, more than a few strands in the plughole), it’s important to get to the root of the issue first. Unfortunately, a bottle of shampoo or scalp serum won't fix all of your problems – yes, a clever, trichologist-developed formula can help, but it's best to find solace in a doctor's appointment.
Best hair growth products
In terms of caring for your scalp and making sure there's no build-up that is clogging follicles and impacting hair growth, Anabel advises "using a clarifying shampoo such as the Philip Kingsley Flaky/Itchy Shampoo to clear product, oil and dead skin build up."
If you’re experiencing hair shedding or you simply want to support your hair growth cycle, Anabel recommends using scalp drops. "Our Density Preserving Scalp Drops are clinically proven to reduce hair fall and slow hair loss. If you have female or male pattern hair loss, topical scalp drops containing Minoxidil are very effective. Our prescription-only Clinic drops contain Minoxidil, as well as hair-supportive hormones."
Helen also advises using a scalp serum, saying that it's her "number one recommended treatment for anyone noticing shedding or early thinning."
Her favourite? The Act+Acre Cold Processed Stem Cell Serum, which she says is "powered by Swiss Apple Stem Cells, which help support follicle health, alongside Bamboo and Pea Sprout Extract to improve scalp elasticity."
This product has been clinically tested and, with daily use, showed reduced hair shedding by 49% in just six weeks. "I love that it hydrates and soothes the scalp in the short term while creating the ideal environment for thicker, fuller-looking hair over time," Helen adds.
In terms of tools, Helen says, "A dermastamp is one of the most effective at-home tools to support hair growth."
"It works by creating micro-channels in the scalp, which boosts blood flow, stimulates collagen production, and helps topical serums like stem cells penetrate deeper," she explains.
However, do proceed with caution because, unlike a serum or supplement, Helen advises only using this once or twice a week.
Topical care only gets you so far; you also need to support the follicle from within. To do this, Helen recommends vitamins or hair supplements formulated with plant extracts, vitamins, and amino acids that help increase collagen, keratin, and elastin levels in the body. "Also, ingredients high in Vitamin C, Biotin, and amino acids support follicle health and promote stronger strands, making hair less prone to breakage and shedding," she says.
A Cosmopolitan Beauty Team favourite is Viviscal. They're scientifically formulated with the nutrients biotin and zinc to optimise follicle function for fuller, thicker-feeling hair.
Red light therapy is a great add-on for anyone on a regrowth journey, and Helen agrees, saying that "the light penetrates the scalp to boost circulation and stimulate cellular energy (ATP) at the follicle level, which helps support thicker, healthier hair over time."
Although it is super spenny, CurrentBody's Skin LED Hair Growth Helmet is one of the best on the market, not to mention that it's super safe, too. Tried and tested!
While it's a little more pricey than your average shampoo, Hannah recommends the Calecim Professional Advanced Hair System for promoting hair growth. "This treatment is derived from stem cells, which are rich in growth factors and proteins which promote hair growth," she says.
"It not only calms inflammation of the scalp but also strengthens the hair and stimulates dormant follicles. The protein mix in this can promote cell-to-cell communication, which encourages the hair to be in the growth phase.
"By using a derma stamp, this works by creating micro-tears in the scalp, which triggers a wound healing response. This helps boost collagen in the scalp, which helps scalp stimulation. Derma stamps help to promote blood flow to the scalp, which helps with creating stronger and healthier follicles. This can also help activate dormant follicles, stimulating new growth and more density."
Other factors to consider
As the old adage goes, prevention is better than cure, and Anabel says two key preventative measures you can take when it comes to hair loss are prioritising stress management and maintaining a balanced diet. (However, this is dependent on the cause of hair loss and varies from person to person!)
"Stress is inflammatory and can negatively impact your scalp and your hair growth cycle – it can also worsen existing female and male pattern hair loss," she says. So, this is your sign to implement a lil TLC into your life!
"Eating a healthy, balanced, and varied diet is one of the main instigators of hair growth," Anabel adds. You can add supplements to your diet to help boost certain vitamins and minerals. Amino acids, according to Anabel, are essential for this and are especially beneficial for vegan, vegetarian or low-protein diets.
Ingredients to avoid
We've got the ingredients to know down, but what about ingredients to avoid? Well, Helen says to steer clear of sulfates, silicones, or synthetic fragrance. "They tend to disrupt the scalp barrier and weigh hair down," she says.
Lia Mappoura (she/her) is the Beauty Writer at Cosmopolitan UK, with over four years of experience reporting across the brand's print, social, video and digital platforms. Lia covers everything from emerging trend analysis to viral celebrity hair and makeup moments, making her an expert at spotting the season’s next big beauty look (before it takes over social media feeds).
In 2025, she was named The Rising Media Star at the Love Perfume Awards with The Perfume Shop, recognised for her outstanding digital fragrance content and for building genuine authority within the space. She is passionate about challenging outdated beauty stereotypes, championing inclusive representation in beauty, and educating readers on the trends, products and conversations shaping the industry today. Follow her on Instagram or find her on LinkedIn.
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