Watching your baby grow is full of special moments but when it comes to hair growth, many parents find themselves full of questions. Is my baby’s hair growing normally? Am I using the right products to help nourish their scalp and support healthy hair growth? When I had my first baby, I noticed that her hair was growing in patches and was not a full head of hair yet, as it should be. I remember making a trip to the store to find the right shampoo geared towards growing baby hair. It wasn’t very easy since there are so many shampoos for all hair types, and the fact, that a baby’s scalp is still developing and extra sensitive doesn’t make things easier.

Some babies are born with a full head of hair, while others start off with just a few wisps and that’s completely normal. However, concerns often arise if hair seems to be thinning, patchy, or growing in slowly. This is where using the right products during bath time becomes more important than many people realize. The scalp is the foundation for healthy hair growth, and using a shampoo that’s too harsh can lead to dryness, irritation, or even stunt new hair from coming in properly.

Over the last 3 years, we’ve taken a deep dive into the world of baby shampoos, especially those designed to support healthy hair and scalp development. We’ve worked with real parents and their little ones to find out what actually works—not just for cleaning, but for promoting healthy baby hair growth, too. What we found was consistent: parents want a shampoo that’s gentle, fragrance-free or lightly scented, free of harsh chemicals like parabens, dyes, sulfates, and still effective enough to wash away daily messes without stripping away natural oils essential to hair and scalp health.

The baby care aisle can be intimidating, packed with endless options, all promising to be the best for your child’s hygiene. That’s exactly why we created this guide—for parents who want to make informed choices to support their baby’s hair growth, while still keeping their delicate and sensitive skin in mind. With the right knowledge (and the right shampoo), you can feel confident in your baby’s hair care routine whether they have a full head of curls or are still working on that first fuzzy layer.

Top Baby Shampoos for Hair Growth

Shampoo	Price	Key Ingredients	Benefits for Hair Growth	Notable Features
Johnson’s Baby Shampoo	$5.99	No More Tears®, Coconut Oil Derivatives	Maintains healthy scalp oils	Tear-free, hypoallergenic
Mustela Hair Strengthening Shampoo	$11.50	Avocado Perseose®, Coconut & Palm Oil Derivatives	Strengthens scalp and hair	pH-balanced, sulfate-free
Cetaphil Baby Gentle Growth Shampoo	$7.99	Calendula, Aloe Vera, Vitamin E	Soothes and hydrates scalp	Hypoallergenic, dermatologist-recommended
Burt’s Bees Natural Hair Growth Shampoo	$8.99	Soy Proteins, Coconut Oil, Shea Butter	Nourishes and thickens hair	98.9% natural, pediatrician-tested
California Baby Organic Shampoo	$12.95	Calendula, Lavender, Aloe Vera, Vitamin B5	Soothes and hydrates scalp	Organic, vegan, fragrance-free

Selecting the right shampoo is crucial for promoting healthy hair growth in babies. Below are five highly recommended baby shampoos known for their effectiveness in supporting hair growth. Each product is highlighted with key ingredients, specific benefits for hair growth, and notable features.

1: Johnson’s Baby Shampoo

• Price: $5.99 (13.6 oz)
• Key Ingredients:
  • No More Tears® formula.
  • Mild cleansers derived from coconut oil.
• Benefits for Hair Growth:
  • Gently cleanses without removing natural oils from the scalp, preserving a healthy environment that promotes hair development.
• Notable Features:
  • Tear-free, hypoallergenic, and gentle on the scalp.
  • Dermatologist-tested and trusted by parents for decades.

2: Mustela Hair Strengthening Shampoo for Babies

• Price: $11.50 (6.7 oz)
• Key Ingredients:
  • Avocado Perseose® (patented natural ingredient).
  • Mild surfactants derived from coconut and palm oil.
• Benefits for Hair Growth:
  • Avocado Perseose® preserves the scalp, fortifies the skin barrier, and fosters a favorable environment for hair development.
• Notable Features:
  • pH balanced and free from sulfates, parabens, and phthalates.
  • Clinically tested for sensitive skin and scalp.

3: Cetaphil Baby Gentle Growth Shampoo

• Price: $7.99 (7.8 oz)
• Key Ingredients:
  • Organic calendula extract.
  • Aloe vera and Vitamin E.
• Benefits for Hair Growth:
  • Moisturizes and stimulates blood flow in the scalp, fostering the ideal conditions for hair growth.
• Notable Features:
  • Hypoallergenic and recommended by dermatologists.
  • Tear-free formula, safe for everyday use.

4: Burt’s Bees Natural Hair Growth Shampoo

• Price: $8.99 (12 oz)
• Key Ingredients:
  • Soy proteins.
  • Coconut oil and shea butter.
• Benefits for Hair Growth:
  • Soy proteins nourish hair and help it grow stronger and thicker.
  • Shea butter and coconut oil intensively hydrate the scalp, preventing dryness and encouraging strong hair growth.
• Notable Features:
  • 98.9% natural ingredients, including essential oils.
  • Pediatrician-tested and safe for delicate baby skin.

5: California Baby Organic Baby Shampoo

• Price: $12.95 (8.5 oz)
• Key Ingredients:
  • Organic calendula and lavender.
  • Aloe vera and Vitamin B5.
• Benefits for Hair Growth:
  • Organic botanicals like calendula and lavender soothe the scalp and promote healthy hair growth.
  • Aloe vera and Vitamin B5 keep the scalp hydrated and reduce irritation.
• Notable Features:
  • Certified organic and vegan.
  • Free from synthetic fragrances, sulfates, and parabens.

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing Baby Shampoos for Hair Growth

When selecting the best shampoo for promoting hair growth in babies, several key factors must be considered to ensure the product is safe and effective. These factors include ingredients, pH balance, hypoallergenic properties, moisturizing and conditioning benefits, and the brand’s reputation.

Ingredients

Natural vs. Synthetic Ingredients: Choosing shampoos with natural ingredients is crucial for babies’ sensitive skin. Natural components such as plant extracts are kinder to the scalp and less likely to irritate. On the other hand, the harsh chemicals in synthetic substances can strip the natural oils from the scalp, leading to dryness and even hair loss.

Importance of Vitamins and Plant Extracts: Vitamin E and B5 are essential for hair growth and scalp health. While vitamin B5 (panthenol) helps thicken hair and encourage moisture retention, vitamin E is an antioxidant that guards against damage to hair follicles. Aloe vera and other plant extracts are well-known for their calming and moisturizing qualities, which help promote hair growth by maintaining a healthy and hydrated scalp.

Avoiding Harmful Chemicals: Shampoos containing harmful chemicals such as sulfates, parabens, and artificial fragrances should be avoided. Sulfates can be too harsh for a baby’s delicate scalp, leading to dryness and irritation. Parabens, a type of preservative, have been linked to health issues, and synthetic perfumes can irritate skin and trigger allergic reactions. Choosing a shampoo without these ingredients lowers your baby’s chance of irritation and guarantees a safer product.

pH Balance

Importance of a Balanced pH for Sensitive Baby Scalp: A balanced pH is crucial in maintaining the health of a baby’s scalp. The scalp’s natural pH is slightly acidic, typically between 4.5 and 5.5. Using a shampoo that matches this pH helps to protect the scalp’s natural barrier, preventing dryness, irritation, and potential hair loss.

How pH Affects Hair and Scalp Health: Shampoos with an excessively high pH (alkaline) might upset the scalp’s natural acidity, making it more prone to irritation and dryness. Conversely, a shampoo with a balanced pH helps maintain the scalp’s protective barrier, supporting a healthy environment for hair growth.

Hypoallergenic Properties

Necessity for Hypoallergenic Formulas: Babies have susceptible skin, so choosing hypoallergenic shampoos to minimize the risk of allergic reactions is essential. Hypoallergenic shampoos are made with the scalp in mind, lessening the chance of irritation and guaranteeing that the product is suitable for frequent use.

Significance of Dermatologically Tested Products: Clinical testing has been done on dermatologically tested products to guarantee their safety and efficacy when used on sensitive skin. Choosing a shampoo dermatologist has tested assures that the product is safe for your baby’s scalp and hair.

Moisturizing and Conditioning

Role of Moisturizing Ingredients in Preventing Dryness and Promoting Hair Growth: Moisturizing elements support hair development and preserve scalp health. A dry scalp can impede healthy hair development, causing irritation, flakiness, and breakage. Glycerin, shea butter, and coconut oil are a few ingredients well-known for their superior moisturizing capabilities, which support the maintenance of a hydrated and nourished scalp.

Coconut Oil, Shea Butter, and Glycerin Benefits:

• Coconut Oil: It contains a high fatty acid content and profoundly moisturizes hair while halting protein loss.
• Shea Butter: A hair conditioner that naturally softens and smooths hair and hydrates the scalp.
• Glycerin: Humectants attract and retain moisture from the surrounding air to maintain healthy, hydrated hair and scalp.

Brand Reputation and Reviews

Importance of Trusting Trusted Brands: Reputable brands are likelier to employ premium ingredients and follow tight safety regulations. Additionally, they have a history of satisfied customers, which can ease parents’ minds.

Analyzing Customer Reviews for Effectiveness in Hair Growth: Customer reviews are vital when choosing a baby shampoo. Reviews frequently reveal how well a product works, significantly boosting hair growth and maintaining scalp health. Look for shampoos that have consistently positive feedback regarding hair growth and are highly rated by other parents.

Shampoo Hair Growth Testing and Analysis

When you’re trying to support healthy hair growth for your baby, choosing the right shampoo isn’t just about getting their hair clean—it’s about protecting their delicate scalp and creating the ideal environment for strong, healthy strands to grow. Through extensive testing, we’ve lathered, rinsed, and reviewed a wide range of baby shampoos to see which ones truly help—not harm—baby hair growth.

Hair Health & Ingredient Safety

The health of your baby’s scalp plays a critical role in their hair growth. That’s why we took a deep dive into shampoo formulas to evaluate not only how well they cleaned, but whether they contained harsh ingredients that could irritate your baby’s scalp or even hinder hair development. Chemicals like sulfates, artificial fragrances, and certain preservatives may lead to dryness, flaking, or inflammation—all things that can disrupt natural growth cycles.

We prioritized shampoos that were gentle, hypoallergenic, and fragrance-free, using naturally derived ingredients like coconut-based cleansers, aloe, and oat extract. One standout is Babo Botanicals Sensitive Baby Shampoo & Wash, which is EWG-verified and free from ingredients known to disrupt the skin barrier or cause allergic reactions. These types of products are especially important if your baby is experiencing slow hair growth, cradle cap, or scalp sensitivity.

Ease of Use for Busy Parents

Let’s be real—washing your baby’s hair while keeping one hand on their slippery, squirming little body is no small task. That’s why we also factored in ease of use, especially for caregivers trying to juggle bath time safely. Pump dispensers—like those found on Honest Truly Calming Shampoo and Wash or Aquaphor Baby Wash and Shampoo—make one-handed application simple, allowing you to focus on gently massaging your baby’s scalp and distributing shampoo without fumbling.

Shampoos with flip-top caps, like Weleda Baby 2-in-1, require two hands and can be a bit trickier to manage mid-bath, especially with younger babies. Older kids may also over-squeeze these bottles without supervision, wasting product and causing mess.

Eco-Health & Transparency

One of the top concerns we hear from parents is: What’s actually in this bottle? Rightfully so—babies have developing systems, and continuous exposure to potentially toxic chemicals through everyday products is a real concern. We highly encourage parents to check ingredient safety using resources like the Environmental Working Group, which scores products based on known or suspected health risks.

We give extra credit to companies that are transparent about their formulations and environmental values. The Honest Company, for example, provides accessible information about their ingredients and maintains an “Honest Standard” to guide their product development. On the other hand, we noticed that Aquaphor’s Baby Shampoo & Wash didn’t disclose whether it’s free of phthalates, a group of chemicals linked to developmental and hormonal concerns in children. For parents prioritizing long-term scalp health and hair growth, transparency matters.

Fragrance-Free is Best for Baby Hair Growth

Fragrance might smell nice, but it’s not doing your baby’s scalp any favors. In fact, added scents—whether synthetic or from essential oils—are among the most common causes of scalp irritation in babies. And unfortunately, the term “fragrance” can mask hundreds of different ingredients due to loose FDA regulations. For babies with sensitive skin or parents concerned about allergic reactions, we strongly recommend fragrance-free shampoos to keep the scalp healthy and receptive to new hair growth.

Fragrance-free standouts in our review include Babo Botanicals Sensitive Baby Shampoo & Wash and Aquaphor Baby Wash and Shampoo. If you prefer a light scent, options like Weleda Baby 2-in-1 or Honest Truly Calming Lavender might work for you—but avoid heavily perfumed products like Johnson’s Baby Shampoo if you or your baby are scent-sensitive.

Benefits of Using Specific Baby Shampoos for Hair Growth

Selecting the correct baby shampoo goes beyond just cleaning your baby’s hair; it significantly promotes hair growth and maintains scalp health. Here are the key benefits of using specialized baby shampoos designed for hair growth:

Enhanced Hair Growth

How Specific Ingredients Stimulate Hair Follicles:

Ingredients like biotin, aloe vera, and vitamins (such as Vitamin E and B5) stimulate hair follicles. Biotin strengthens hair follicles and encourages the growth of healthy, strong hair. Vitamin E and aloe vera increase scalp blood circulation, which is essential for feeding nutrients to hair follicles and encouraging development.

Long-term Benefits of Consistent Use: Regular use of these shampoos helps maintain a healthy scalp environment, which is essential for continuous hair growth. Over time, consistent use can lead to visibly thicker and fuller hair, as the scalp remains nourished and free from irritants that can stunt hair growth.

Improved Scalp Health

Prevention of Scalp Issues Like Dryness and Dandruff: Many infant shampoos for hair growth contain glycerin, coconut oil, and shea butter, among other hydrating ingredients. These ingredients help prevent dryness and dandruff, common scalp issues that impede hair growth. A well-moisturized scalp is less likely to experience flakiness or irritation, creating an optimal environment for hair growth.

Role of Moisturizing Agents in Maintaining Scalp Health: Moisturizing agents in these shampoos keep the scalp hydrated, which prevents dryness and associated scalp conditions. A hydrated scalp is also less prone to inflammation, which can negatively impact hair follicles and inhibit growth.

Protection Against Hair Loss

How the Right Shampoo Can Reduce Hair Breakage: A good shampoo helps prevent hair breakage by strengthening hair strands from the root. Ingredients like soy protein and keratin fortify the hair shaft, making it more resilient to everyday wear and tear, crucial in preventing hair loss.

Benefits of Strengthening Ingredients: Strengthening ingredients like keratin and soy proteins helps build hair’s natural resilience. These substances lower the chance of hair loss and thinning by penetrating the hair shaft and strengthening and restoring its structure.

Overall Hair and Scalp Nourishment

How Balanced Formulas Nourish Both Hair and Scalp: Balanced formulas that combine vitamins, natural oils, and plant extracts provide comprehensive nourishment to hair and scalp. This nourishment is essential for maintaining healthy hair growth cycles and ensuring the hair remains strong and lustrous.

Contribution to Thicker, Shinier Hair: These shampoos’ nourishing properties contribute to thicker and shinier hair by ensuring that the hair receives all the necessary nutrients to thrive. Regular use of such shampoos results in hair that is not only stronger but also more vibrant and full of life.

Shampoo Hair Growth Ingredients to Keep in Mind

If you’ve walked through the baby care aisle recently, you’ve probably noticed just how many hair care products are out there—bright packaging, fun names, and fruity scents designed to catch your eye. But when it comes to supporting your baby’s hair growth, many of these products fall short of what’s truly needed for a baby’s delicate scalp and developing hair follicles.

One of the most common concerns parents have is whether the shampoo they’re using is helping or hindering their baby’s hair growth. It’s a valid worry. Harsh ingredients like sulfates, synthetic fragrances, and even some essential oils can actually irritate your baby’s scalp, causing dryness or flaking that can interfere with healthy hair development. According to pediatric dermatologists, many shampoos marketed to kids aren’t actually formulated with their sensitive skin—or scalp—in mind.

The reality is, baby hair and scalp health go hand-in-hand. A dry or inflamed scalp can lead to hair thinning, patchy spots, or slower growth. That’s why experts like Dr. Maguiness recommend sticking with gentle, hypoallergenic, and fragrance-free shampoos for as long as possible—even into the elementary years—especially if your child is prone to dry skin, cradle cap, or eczema.

So what should you look for in a shampoo that supports baby hair growth? Gentle, plant-based ingredients like coconut-derived cleansers, oat extract, aloe vera, and shea butter are all great choices. These ingredients help clean the scalp and hair without stripping away the natural oils that are so important for nourishing new hair as it grows.

And here’s what to avoid:

• Harsh surfactants like sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), ammonium lauryl sulfate, and cocamidopropyl betaine—they’re powerful foaming agents, but they can dry out and irritate your baby’s scalp.

• Fragrances and essential oils—even ones that sound gentle, like lavender or calendula, can cause allergic reactions or irritation in babies.

• Preservatives like parabens, triclosan, or phenoxyethanol—these may not always be harmful in small doses, but many parents prefer to avoid them out of caution.

It’s completely normal to have questions and concerns about your baby’s hair growth—every baby develops at their own pace. But giving their scalp the healthiest foundation possible can make a big difference. Choosing the right shampoo is a small decision that plays a big role in protecting that sweet little head and encouraging soft, strong, and healthy hair as they grow.

Why Your Child’s Hair Type Matters

When it comes to supporting healthy baby hair growth, one of the most overlooked but important factors is your baby’s hair type. Whether your little one has fine straight strands, soft waves, tight curls, or a mix of textures, choosing the right shampoo can make a noticeable difference in how their hair grows and how healthy their scalp remains.

Hair type matters more than many parents realize, especially in the early months and years when your baby’s hair is still developing. Products that are too heavy or drying can weigh hair down or cause buildup that clogs follicles, while the wrong ingredients can lead to scalp irritation or dryness two common issues that may slow down healthy hair growth.

Here’s how to think about shampoo based on your baby’s hair type:

• Straight hair: Look for gentle, volumizing, or hydrating formulas depending on whether the hair is thin and needs more body or dry and needs extra moisture.
• Wavy hair: A lightweight shampoo that offers balanced moisture is ideal too much hydration can weigh it down, while too little may lead to dryness.
• Curly or textured hair: These hair types tend to struggle with moisture retention, so opt for hydrating or smoothing shampoos that help soften and strengthen the hair without stripping natural oils, which are crucial for curl definition and growth.

Regardless of hair type, babies have incredibly sensitive skin and scalps, and many parents worry about reactions or flare-ups. If your baby is prone to dryness, eczema, or irritation, it’s best to stick with fragrance-free, hypoallergenic shampoos to help maintain a healthy scalp environment that supports new hair growth.

Some parents also notice issues like cradle cap, which can create flaky, scaly patches on the scalp and even block new hair from emerging. In mild cases, a baby-safe shampoo with low levels of zinc pyrithione can help gently loosen and clear the patches over time, making room for healthier hair to grow through. These don’t need to be used daily—just a couple of times a week can be enough to make a difference.

And while less common in babies than in older kids, if you ever suspect lice, don’t worry there are safe treatment options available. Always check with your pediatrician before using any lice shampoos, though, to ensure they’re appropriate for your baby’s age and hair type.

At the end of the day, a healthy scalp is the foundation for strong, healthy baby hair. Understanding your baby’s unique hair type and any sensitivities they may have can help you choose a shampoo that not only cleanses but supports their hair’s natural growth journey soft, shiny, and thriving.

Tips for Maximizing Hair Growth in Babies

Regular Scalp Massage

Importance of Stimulating Blood Flow: Frequent scalp massages increase blood circulation, which is necessary to supply hair follicles with nutrients and oxygen. This increased blood flow can help accelerate hair growth by ensuring hair follicles receive all the essential nutrients.

Techniques for Gentle Scalp Massage: Use your fingertips to apply light circular pressure to the scalp. This should be done for a few minutes during each shampooing session or daily, as it stimulates hair growth and provides a soothing experience for your baby.

Avoiding Heat and Harsh Chemicals

Risks Associated with Heat and Chemicals: Heat from blow dryers or exposure to harsh chemicals can damage a baby’s delicate hair and scalp. These can lead to dryness, irritation, and even hair loss. It’s essential to avoid such exposures to protect your baby’s hair.

Importance of Natural Drying Methods: Let your baby’s hair naturally air dry. After washing, softly pat the hair with a gentle cloth; do not use heat-based drying techniques, as these might deplete the hair’s natural moisture content and eventually lead to damage.

Balanced Nutrition

Role of Diet in Hair Health: A balanced diet significantly influences hair health. Ensure your baby’s diet includes these nutrients, whether through breast milk, formula, or solid foods as they grow.

Nutrients That Support Hair Growth:

• Vitamin E: Works as an antioxidant that supports a healthy scalp.
• Omega-3 Fatty Acids: They are present in breast milk and formula and help keep the scalp hydrated.
• Iron: It benefits the red blood cells that carry oxygen to hair follicles.

Consistent Hair Care Routine

Establishing a Routine with Regular Washing and Conditioning: A regular hair care regimen that includes conditioning and frequent washing with an appropriate baby shampoo can maintain the scalp’s health and encourage hair growth. It also prevents the buildup of oils and dirt, which can clog hair follicles and hinder growth.

Importance of Using a Soft Brush or Comb: Use a soft-bristled brush or a wide-tooth comb to gently detangle your baby’s hair. This prevents hair breakage and stimulates the scalp, further supporting hair growth. Regular brushing can also help distribute natural oils evenly across the scalp, ensuring the hair remains moisturized and healthy.

FAQs

Can baby shampoos promote hair growth?

While baby shampoos alone may not drastically increase hair growth, certain ingredients can support a healthy scalp and reduce hair breakage, contributing to better hair growth.

What ingredients should I look for in a baby shampoo for hair growth?

Look for natural ingredients like aloe vera. Avoid harmful chemicals such as parabens and artificial fragrances.

Is it safe to use hair growth shampoos on newborns?

Gentle, hypoallergenic shampoos are generally recommended for newborns. Consult your pediatrician before using specialized hair growth products on young babies.

How often should I wash my baby’s hair to promote growth?

Washing your baby’s hair twice to thrice a week with a mild shampoo is usually enough. Overwashing can dry out the scalp and hair.

Can I use adult hair growth shampoos on my baby?

No, adult shampoos may contain harsh ingredients that irritate a baby’s delicate scalp and skin. It’s best to use products specifically formulated for babies.

Choosing the right shampoo may seem like a small decision, but it plays a big role in your baby’s early hair growth journey. From the ingredients inside to how easy it is to use in real-life moments, each factor adds up to make bath time safer, simpler, and more supportive of your baby’s developing hair and scalp. The ideal baby shampoo is essential for fostering good hair development and moisturizing your child’s scalp. By selecting shampoos with natural ingredients, balanced pH levels, and moisturizing properties, you can create an optimal environment for your baby’s hair to thrive. Coupled with a consistent hair care routine, gentle scalp massages, and avoiding harsh chemicals, these shampoos can help ensure your baby’s hair grows strong, thick, and healthy over time. These steps support hair growth and foster overall scalp health, setting the foundation for a lifetime of healthy hair.