Last updated on June 14, 2025
If your hair is looking thinner, shedding more than usual, or just lacking volume, the right shampoo can play a vital role in supporting your scalp and boosting hair health. While shampoos can’t reverse genetic hair loss or hormonal imbalances, they can create an optimal environment for hair growth by cleansing the scalp, improving circulation, and delivering targeted ingredients directly to the follicle roots.
In this guide, we explore the best shampoos for hair growth and thickness available in Australia, and—more importantly—what ingredients you should be looking for to create a healthy hair care routine.
What Makes a Shampoo Good for Hair Growth?
A shampoo that supports hair growth and thickness does more than just wash your hair. The ideal product will:
- Stimulate circulation for a healthy scalp
- Remove buildup that can block follicles
- Nourish the scalp with vitamins, minerals, and amino acids
- Strengthen existing hair and reduce breakage
- Support the hair growth cycle during growth (anagen phase)
Let’s take a look at key ingredients proven to help and which Australian-available shampoos contain them.
Key Ingredients That Support Hair Growth
1. Caffeine
Caffeine is known to stimulate the hair follicle and may help counteract the effects of DHT, a hormone linked to hair thinning. It increases blood flow to the scalp and helps energise follicles to keep hair in its growth phase longer.
Found in:
- Alpecin Caffeine Shampoo – A cult favourite for men, this German-made shampoo is readily available in Australian pharmacies and online.
- Plantur 39 Phyto-Caffeine Shampoo – Formulated for women, especially those experiencing menopause-related thinning.
2. Biotin (Vitamin B7)
Biotin strengthens the keratin structure in hair, making it less prone to breakage. While biotin deficiency is rare, topical application can still benefit fragile strands.
Found in:
- Bondi Boost Hair Growth Shampoo – An Australian-made product packed with biotin, rosemary oil, and saw palmetto.
- OGX Thick & Full Biotin & Collagen Shampoo – A budget-friendly option with a volumising formula.
3. Saw Palmetto
This natural extract is believed to block DHT, similar to medications used for hair loss. Saw palmetto can support healthier hair growth over time when used consistently.
Found in:
- Bondi Boost Hair Growth Shampoo – This shampoo combines saw palmetto with other hair-supportive botanicals.
- Hair Restore Advanced Shampoo by Hair Restoration Laboratories – Often available online in Australia.
4. Niacin (Vitamin B3)
Niacin promotes healthy blood circulation in the scalp, encouraging the delivery of nutrients to hair follicles.
Found in:
- Nioxin Cleanser System 2 Shampoo – Popular in professional salons, especially for thinning hair.
- Kevin Murphy Plumping Wash – Australian brand with a salon-quality formula focused on scalp health and follicle support.
5. Ketoconazole
Originally used in anti-dandruff shampoos, ketoconazole has anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal properties that help keep the scalp healthy. Some studies suggest it also helps reduce DHT at the follicle level.
Found in:
- Nizoral Anti-Dandruff Shampoo – Widely available in Australia, this is often used off-label as a DHT-reducing shampoo.
6. Rosemary Oil
Rosemary oil has been shown in some studies to perform as well as minoxidil in supporting hair growth when used over several months. It stimulates circulation and has antioxidant properties.
Found in:
- Bondi Boost Hair Growth Shampoo – Again, this locally made favourite appears on the list thanks to its strong rosemary content.
- The Body Shop Ginger Scalp Care Shampoo – While not targeted for growth, its soothing and stimulating properties support overall scalp health.
7. Panthenol (Provitamin B5)
Panthenol improves hair elasticity, moisture retention, and shine, making it ideal for strengthening and thickening fragile hair strands.
Found in:
- Pantene Pro-V Blends and other hydrating shampoos available in Australia.
8. Zinc PCA
Zinc helps regulate sebum production and reduces scalp inflammation—two factors that support a healthy scalp environment for hair growth.
Found in:
- Philip Kingsley Flaky/Itchy Scalp Shampoo
- Some formulations in The Ordinary hair care range
While hair growth shampoos can support scalp health and reduce breakage, they won’t treat underlying medical or hormonal causes of hair loss. If you’re experiencing ongoing thinning, patchy hair loss, or no improvement after several months of consistent use, it’s time to book a consultation with a doctor-led hair loss clinic like Hair Doctors for a proper diagnosis and tailored treatment plan.
Choosing the Right Shampoo for You
Finding the right shampoo for hair growth and thickness isn’t one-size-fits-all. The most effective formula will depend on your individual hair type, scalp condition, and the nature of your hair loss. Here’s what to consider:
- Scalp Type:
If you have an oily scalp, look for lightweight, clarifying formulas that control sebum without stripping the scalp. For dry or sensitive scalps, choose shampoos with soothing ingredients like aloe vera or chamomile. - Hair Loss Pattern:
Diffuse thinning (all-over loss) may benefit from volumising and nourishing ingredients like biotin and collagen. Patchy or hormone-related loss may respond better to products with DHT blockers such as saw palmetto or caffeine. - Product Quality:
Choose sulphate-free and paraben-free shampoos to avoid irritation and maintain the natural barrier of your scalp. These are gentler and more suitable for long-term use. - Consistency:
Results won’t happen overnight. Most hair growth shampoos need at least 3 to 6 months of regular use to show visible changes. Patience and commitment are key.
It’s Essential to Have Realistic Expectations
While a good shampoo is a helpful tool in your hair growth routine, it’s not a miracle fix—especially for those dealing with hormonal hair loss, genetic thinning, or medical scalp conditions. That’s where expert advice and targeted treatments come in.
At Hair Doctors, we specialise in diagnosing the causes of hair loss and providing proven solutions tailored to your needs. Our clinics in Sydney, Melbourne, and Parramatta offer Hair & Scalp Analysis, Growth Factor Therapy, DHT blocker treatments, exosome therapy, scalp mesotherapy, and hair transplants, guided by a doctor-led team with years of experience. Book your hair growth consultation today.
FAQs
Can shampoo alone stop hair loss?
Shampoos can support scalp health and reduce breakage, but they won’t stop genetic or hormonal hair loss on their own. At Hair Doctors, we combine high-quality shampoos with advanced medical treatments like DHT blockers, Growth Factor Treatment and our exclusive hair growth protocol, tailored to your needs. Our doctor-led clinics in Sydney, Melbourne, and Parramatta offer comprehensive assessments to ensure every solution targets the root cause of your hair concerns.
Do I need a prescription for hair growth shampoos?
Most hair growth shampoos are available over the counter in Australia. However, prescription options may be recommended if your hair loss is more advanced. At Hair Doctors, our doctors can assess your condition through detailed consultations and, where needed, advise on both topical and oral treatments. We offer tailored, doctor-guided care from our luxury clinics in Sydney, Melbourne, and Parramatta.
How long does it take for hair growth shampoo to work?
Hair growth shampoos need time to work—usually 3 to 6 months of consistent use. They help support a healthy scalp and reduce breakage, which may lead to thicker, fuller-looking hair. At Hair Doctors, we track your progress and can recommend additional medical hair growth treatments to accelerate results. Book a consultation at our clinics in Sydney, Melbourne, or Parramatta for a comprehensive, doctor-led approach to hair restoration.
Can I use hair growth shampoo with other treatments?
Yes, and in fact it’s encouraged. Shampoos complement treatments like Growth Factor Therapy, scalp mesotherapy, and exosome therapy. At Hair Doctors, we build holistic treatment plans that combine effective shampoos with medical-grade solutions to restore hair health. Our doctor-led teams in Sydney, Melbourne, and Parramatta will guide you on how to integrate these into your daily routine.
About The Author
Dr. Ossman Ashraf
In 2009, Dr Oz graduated from the University of Dundee, UK with a qualification in Men’s Health and Aesthetic Medicine. He then furthered his qualifications in medical education and is currently the Medical Advisor/Educator for MOSH, Australia’s leading online Men’s Health platform. He is accredited by the London Hair Restoration Academy and specialises in using the most up-to-date micro FUE extraction and DHI implantation techniques for transplant surgery.
Hussein B
After years of research, calling and consulting with different hair transplant surgeons across Sydney, I can definitely say Hair Doctors Australia is the best in the business. If you’re after qualified hair transplant surgeons who actually put their patients best interests first, look no further.
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From the first initial consult, to my first day of surgery I can not highly recommend the team here at the Bondi clinic enough. So professional, and friendly, plus answered every question and worry I had, that was running through my mind. It made the entire process seamless. I’ll be recommending them whole heartedly to anyone who was in a similar situation to me, and wanting a hair transplant.
