11 Hair-Growth Shampoos That Actually Do Something

When the amount of hair swirling around the shower drain becomes noticeably more robust, panic inevitably follows — which never helps the issue, considering surging stress levels can be a key factor in hair loss. (Joy.) But there are plenty of things you can do to help stop the shedding before you even step out of the shower — as long as you know what's causing it in the first place.

According to Anabel Kingsley, trichologist and president of Philip Kingsley Trichological Clinics, there are typically a few factors contributing to thinning hair, including stress, poor diet, and physiological changes. For women, that includes a weakening of the connective tissue on the scalp (the stuff responsible for anchoring new hair growth), which happens naturally with age. Hormonal changes also come into play: Temporary hair loss is common after childbirth, for example, while perimenopause and Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) can mean an increase in androgens, like testosterone, which our bodies naturally convert to dihydrotestoserone (DHT). The hangup? DHT can damage and shrink hair follicles, resulting in the growth of finer and shorter hair, says Kerry E. Yates, trichologist and founder of Colour Collective.

While tackling an ongoing issue with a doctor is the best way to fix whichever root cause it might be, there are things you can do immediately and from home to help. For one, shampoos stocked with circulation boosters and DHT blockers can optimize scalp health, protect weakening hair follicles, and build the illusion of having grown more hair while you work out the issue. “'Hair growth' shampoos that contain bodybuilding ingredients like protein can help to add immediate thickness and volume to strands,” Kingsley says. “However, they simply give the illusion of fuller hair and do not trigger new growth or stop hair loss.”

Ahead, the best shampoos for supporting hair growth, plus expert tips for maintaining thick and healthy strands, ahead.