In today’s day and age, shampoo is a non-negotiable step of your hair care routine.
Besides cleaning your hair, what are the rest of the ingredients doing?
Advancement in modern science has pushed hair care products to new heights to achieve the results you need but based on your hair type.
Whether it’s a temporary issue due to hormonal imbalance, or it's genetics or any other ailment, thinning or loss of hair can be devastating.
The good news is, despite the setback with how you look or feel, there are ways to increase and stimulate your hair to grow healthier and better.
Depending on the severity of your problem, selecting a specific shampoo that contains ingredients to stimulate hair growth will help to improve overall hair health with consistent use.
Table of contents:
- Ingredients To Look for in a Hair Growth Shampoo
- Moroccan Argan Oil
- Coconut Oil
- Nettle Leaf
- Saw Palmetto
- Almond Oil
- Aloe Vera
- Apple Cider Vinegar
- Ingredients To Avoid
- Parabens
- Sulfates
- Formaldehyde
- Isopropyl Alcohol
- Understanding and purchasing of the perfect shampoo
Ingredients To Look for in a Hair Growth Shampoo
We know that you already learned how clarifying shampoo works and how to tell if you have a product build-up on your scalp.
But, looking for the perfect shampoo that will aid in hair growth for your hair type requires some understanding of ingredients. First and foremost, if you suffer from thinning hair or hair loss, the root of the problem is exactly that, the root. As hair growth is dependent upon a healthy and clean scalp, stimulating the root is essential to reach your hair goals.
Look out for these key ingredients in your shampoo for hair growth:
Moroccan Argan Oil
The literal gold standard in hair care, Moroccan argan oil is a prized ingredient known for its restorative powers. Made from the fruit of the Argan tree, its many health benefits can be found in numerous beauty products from the skin to hair. This Vitamin E-rich formula provides much-needed hydration to your strands and hair follicles, restoring its strength to reduce the breakage, thinning hair and hair loss.
The fatty acids work to fortify your hair, providing an extra layer of protection from free radicals produced by the sun. This powerful moisturizer is a highly sought-after hair care ingredient, and rightfully so. That’s why it's recommended to use formulated Moroccan Argan Oil Shampoo to repair, nourish, strengthen your strands and promote hair growth.
Coconut Oil
This multitasking ingredient has benefits beyond cooking. This fatty acid-rich oil is the epitome of nourishment. Coconut’s high concentration of lauric acid is the component that sets it apart from other oils, as it mimics the scalps' naturally producing oil, sebum.
Not just great as an ingredient in shampoo, coconut oil also works very well as a hot oil treatment, providing much-needed moisture and protection for the hair, and healthier environment for new hair growth. For example, there is a WOW Skin Science’s Coconut Milk Shampoo and Conditioner combo who is created to do just that!
Nettle Leaf
Used as an herbal remedy for thousands of years, the prickly leafed nettle plant can be found in North America, Africa and Europe. Stinging Nettle, usually skin-irritating plant is effective in helping with hair growth, thanks to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Assisting in simultaneously healing and protecting the scalp, nettle leaf extract works wonders with hair thinning by nourishing your hair follicles and creating a healthy environment for hair growth.
Saw Palmetto
A natural alternative to combat hair loss, this berry-bearing plant has been used by Native Americans as medicine and food for hundreds of years. Known as a healing palm plant, it has anti-inflammatory properties that help soothe irritated scalps, which is why you can find it in most shampoos.
Rich in moisture-retaining and hair-strengthening silica, saw palmetto can help to combat hair loss and hair thinning by creating a healthy environment for hair growth!
Almond Oil
While almonds make delicious snacks, the oil derived from this tree nut has benefits beyond the simple presentation. Like other oils used in beauty, almond oil provides strengthening nourishment for your strands. The Vitamin E and Omega 3 fatty acid-rich formula will boost shine for that healthy hair look, even if you have damaged hair!
Aloe Vera
Well-known in the world of first aid, aloe vera has healing properties commonly used for soothing burns, cuts and wounds. The same soothing properties work wonders for hair and scalp. If you have dry or inflamed scalp, aloe vera will calm any irritation before you know it. Not to sound like a broken record, but hair growth is heavily dependent on scalp health. Healing your scalp and hair follicles will promote growth!
Apple Cider Vinegar
While it may sound like an odd ingredient for shampoo, this wonder ingredient is the star of WOW Skin Science’s Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo. The naturally pH balanced formula neutralizes free radicals, which damage hair cells, DNA, proteins, and cell membranes that lead to weaker, thinner hair. By helping to heal weak strands and hair follicles, you can restore your locks to a healthier state for proper hair growth to occur.

Ingredients To Avoid
Just like the ingredients to look for, there are just as many harmful ingredients to be mindful of. It can be counterproductive to increasing the growth and overall health of your locks if you’re using harsh chemicals on your hair. Taking the time to fully understand which ones to avoid and why, can help you reach your hair goals!
Parabens
This preservative is commonly found in hair care products and can be easily absorbed into the skin and scalp. They come in numerous types, which ultimately pose harm to users. The risks of exposure to parabens include scalp irritation, drying, color fading, and possibly hair loss.
Sulfates
Used as a binding and cleansing agent, sulfates are chemicals often used in beauty products to create a lathering effect. While they are widely used, it does not necessarily mean that they should be. Studies have been conducted to determine their effectiveness and potential harm with somewhat inconclusive results, but what has been found is that people with sensitive skin should avoid sulfates altogether.
Formaldehyde
You have likely heard of formaldehyde (yes, the same formaldehyde that is used for preserving corpses), so why in the world is it an additive in hair products? Unfortunately, it is a by-product of certain preservatives used and a well-known carcinogen that causes irritation, and sensitivity of all of your skin layers.
Isopropyl Alcohol
Isopropyl alcohol can be found in numerous cosmetics, and while it isn’t harmful in those instances, the use of it in shampoo can be more damaging than good. The issue lies with how much it dries out the strands when applied to your hair. Shampooing already strips moisture during the cleansing process, so the added isopropyl alcohol only worsens this issue. This will result in dry scalp, frizzy strands, and ultimately an unhealthy environment for hair growth.
Understanding and purchasing of the perfect shampoo
With your newfound knowledge of which ingredients to look for and avoid, you can narrow down your routine to promote healthy hair growth. If you’re curious, take our quiz to find the perfect products for your hair needs!
Understanding how to spot quality ingredients and what those ingredients do allows you to make the most informed decision when it comes to choosing the right shampoo for your specific hair growth needs. It's no surprise that newer products are harnessing the power of nature to find the best botanicals for keeping hair gorgeous and healthy. Sticking to tried and true natural ingredients will provide the best results in the healthiest way possible.
And, if you’re looking for a solution, WOW Skin Science’s well-researched and developed hair care products feature only the best natural ingredients with the ultimate restorative and strengthening properties.
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