Watching your baby grow is filled with precious milestones, and for many parents, hair growth is one of the most noticeable (and sometimes worrisome) changes. You might find yourself wondering: Is my baby’s hair developing normally? Am I using the best baby shampoo to promote healthy hair growth?
When I had my first child, I noticed uneven hair growth—some areas were patchy, while other spots were fuller. Like many new parents, I took a trip to the baby aisle in search of a shampoo designed to encourage baby hair growth. But choosing the right product wasn’t simple. With shelves lined with shampoos for different textures, scents, and ingredients, finding a gentle, hair-friendly formula for a baby’s delicate scalp felt overwhelming.
Best 6 Natural Baby Hair Growth Shampoos
| Shampoo | Key Ingredients | Best For | Hair Growth Benefits | Free From | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mustela Foam Shampoo for Newborns | Avocado extract, salicylic acid | Cradle cap & sensitive scalps | Gently exfoliates, supports healthy scalp & reduces flakes | Parabens, phthalates, phenoxyethanol | $12–$15 |
| SheaMoisture Baby Wash & Shampoo | Raw shea butter, chamomile, argan oil | Dry, curly, or textured hair | Hydrates scalp, softens hair, supports growth | Sulfates, parabens, mineral oil | $7–$10 |
| Pipette Baby Shampoo + Wash | Sugarcane-derived squalane, glycerin | Daily use for sensitive skin | Maintains scalp moisture, supports natural barrier | Fragrance, sulfates, phthalates | $10–$12 |
| Cetaphil Baby Wash & Shampoo | Calendula, aloe vera | Babies with dry skin or mild eczema | Soothes scalp, prevents dryness, gentle enough for daily use | Parabens, mineral oil, colorants | $5–$8 |
| The Honest Company Shampoo + Body Wash | Coconut oil, chamomile, aloe | All hair types and skin tones | Gentle cleanse, adds moisture, encourages soft hair | Sulfates, synthetic fragrances, parabens | $9–$12 |
| California Baby Calendula Shampoo | Calendula, clary sage, aloe | Babies with sensitive or irritated scalps | Soothes irritation, promotes hair-friendly scalp health | Fragrance, gluten, soy, dairy | $13–$16 |
🍼 1. Mustela Foam Shampoo for Newborns
Best For: Cradle cap, sensitive scalps, and newborn hair support
Hair Growth Benefits: Gently exfoliates the scalp and removes flakes that may block hair follicles, creating a healthier environment for new hair to grow.
Key Ingredients: Avocado extract, salicylic acid, mild surfactants
👩🍼 Parent Review:
“My baby had cradle cap and uneven hair growth. After using this shampoo for a week, the flakes were gone, and her hair started looking fuller!” — Melissa, mom of 1
✅ Pros:
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Lightweight foam for newborns
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Great for cradle cap
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Mild scent and tear-free
❌ Cons:
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More effective for scalp care than deep cleansing
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Slightly higher price point for smaller bottle
💡 Pro Tip:
Use this with a soft-bristled baby brush after application to gently lift flakes and stimulate circulation on the scalp.
🌿 2. SheaMoisture Baby Wash & Shampoo
Best For: Curly, textured hair and dry scalps
Hair Growth Benefits: Deep hydration supports follicle health and elasticity, which can reduce breakage and encourage stronger, fuller hair.
Key Ingredients: Raw shea butter, chamomile, argan oil
👩🏾 Parent Review:
“My baby’s curls started coming in dry and patchy, but after switching to this, her hair became soft, shiny, and fuller within a few weeks.” — Jasmine, mom of 2
✅ Pros:
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Rich in natural oils for moisturizing scalp
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Strengthens curly hair textures
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No sulfates or parabens
❌ Cons:
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May feel too heavy for very fine or straight baby hair
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Slightly thicker formula takes longer to rinse
💡 Pro Tip:
Leave the shampoo on for 1–2 minutes during bath time to allow the oils to soak in and deeply nourish the scalp.
🌱 3. Pipette Baby Shampoo + Wash
Best For: Daily use for sensitive or allergy-prone skin
Hair Growth Benefits: Helps maintain scalp hydration, which prevents flaking and promotes a calm, balanced scalp that supports natural hair growth.
Key Ingredients: Sugarcane-derived squalane, glycerin
👶 Parent Review:
“We use this every night and my baby’s scalp has never been dry or irritated. Hair came in soft and evenly all around.” — Elena, first-time mom
✅ Pros:
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Hypoallergenic and fragrance-free
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Non-stripping and pH balanced
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Ideal for everyday use
❌ Cons:
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Doesn’t foam much, which some parents don’t prefer
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Bottle pump may be too gentle to dispense quickly
💡 Pro Tip:
Pair with a lightweight baby hair oil for scalp massages after bath time to lock in moisture and encourage growth.
🌼 4. Cetaphil Baby Wash & Shampoo with Calendula
Best For: Dry, flaky scalps and babies with mild eczema
Hair Growth Benefits: Soothes irritation and protects the scalp barrier to reduce inflammation, which can otherwise hinder hair growth.
Key Ingredients: Organic calendula, aloe vera
👩👧 Parent Review:
“My son had dry patches on his scalp and barely any hair at 6 months. This shampoo helped soothe the redness and now his hair is coming in steadily.” — Rebecca, mom of 3
✅ Pros:
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Ultra-gentle for eczema-prone skin
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Calming floral scent
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Available in most drugstores
❌ Cons:
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Not fragrance-free (may irritate very sensitive babies)
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Doesn’t add volume or shine to hair
💡 Pro Tip:
Use lukewarm water and only shampoo 2–3 times a week if your baby has eczema to avoid over-drying the scalp.
🧴 5. The Honest Company Shampoo + Body Wash
Best For: All skin and hair types, especially for daily family use
Hair Growth Benefits: Aloe and coconut-based cleansing supports scalp moisture balance, promoting long-term follicle health and hair softness.
Key Ingredients: Coconut oil, chamomile, aloe
👪 Parent Review:
“This is our whole family’s favorite shampoo. It’s gentle enough for my baby but still makes his hair soft and fluffy. Love the light scent too.” — Bryan, dad of 2
✅ Pros:
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Multi-use for body and hair
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Light and natural scent options
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Safe for everyday washing
❌ Cons:
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Not specifically targeted for hair growth
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Some scents may be too strong for newborns
💡 Pro Tip:
If your baby’s hair is fine or thin, use this as a rinse-only shampoo every other day to avoid product buildup while maintaining scalp health.
🌸 6. California Baby Calendula Shampoo and Bodywash
Best For: Babies with highly sensitive skin or scalp irritation
Hair Growth Benefits: Calendula helps reduce inflammation and supports scalp recovery, creating a healthy foundation for new hair growth.
Key Ingredients: Calendula extract, aloe vera, clary sage
👶 Parent Review:
“My baby was reacting to everything until we found this shampoo. Her scalp cleared up, and we finally started seeing baby hairs come in!” — Nina, mom of a preemie
✅ Pros:
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Allergy-tested and fragrance-free
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Excellent for sensitive or reactive skin
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Gluten-free and vegan
❌ Cons:
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Higher price point
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Pump dispenser can be hard to control with wet hands
💡 Pro Tip:
Use a damp washcloth to apply and rinse to minimize product waste and help distribute shampoo evenly across the scalp.
🍼 Is It Normal for Baby Hair to Grow Slowly or in Patches?
Absolutely. Some babies are born with thick locks, while others arrive with just a few fine strands. In the first few months, it’s normal for a baby’s hair to shed or grow unevenly. Factors like genetics, friction from sleeping positions, and hormonal changes all play a role. However, if your baby’s hair seems excessively thin, brittle, or if the scalp appears irritated, it might be time to evaluate the products you’re using.
🧴 Why the Right Baby Shampoo Matters for Hair Growth
Your baby’s scalp is the foundation of healthy hair. Harsh shampoos can strip away natural oils, cause dryness, or lead to irritation that slows down hair development. That’s why using a mild, nourishing shampoo specifically formulated for baby hair growth can make a real difference.
Over the past few years, we’ve tested and reviewed shampoos that do more than just cleanse. We’ve focused on products that:
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Are free from sulfates, parabens, and artificial dyes
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Use scalp-nourishing ingredients like coconut oil, calendula, or vitamin B5
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Offer gentle cleansing without stripping moisture
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Are safe for daily or frequent use on sensitive skin
👩👧 Real Parent Experience: Finding What Works
From my experience (and dozens of other parents we’ve spoken to), the best baby shampoos for hair growth are gentle, hydrating, and packed with clean ingredients. Fragrance-free or naturally scented options are often best, especially if your baby has a sensitive scalp or eczema-prone skin.
One mom shared:
“My baby had very thin hair at 8 months, and I switched to a botanical-based shampoo with coconut and chamomile. Within weeks, her scalp looked healthier, and we started to notice new hair growth—especially around the edges.”
Another dad added:
“We tried a shampoo with biotin and oat extract after dealing with cradle cap. Not only did it clear up the flakes, but we saw fuller hair by month two.”
🛁 What to Look for in a Baby Shampoo for Hair Growth
When shopping for the best baby shampoo to support healthy hair, look for:
✅ Key Ingredients
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Colloidal oatmeal – Soothes and moisturizes the scalp
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Calendula – Calms irritation and promotes healthy skin
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Biotin and Vitamin B5 – Support hair structure and growth
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Coconut oil or avocado oil – Add moisture and nourishment
✅ Formula Benefits
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Tear-free and hypoallergenic
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Dermatologist-tested for sensitive skin
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pH-balanced for developing scalps
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Free from sulfates, parabens, dyes, and synthetic fragrance
🌿 Clean Hair, Healthy Growth: Making the Right Choice
With so many options in the baby care aisle, it’s easy to feel unsure about which bottle to trust. That’s why we created this guide—to help you make an informed choice for your baby’s delicate scalp and developing hair.
Whether your baby is rocking a head full of curls or still waiting for those wispy strands to come in, the right shampoo can help nurture the scalp, retain essential moisture, and support a healthy environment for hair to grow.
✨ Final Tip for Parents
Consistency is key. Incorporate a gentle scalp massage during bath time to stimulate circulation and support hair follicle health. Pair that with the right baby shampoo for hair growth, and you’ll be giving your baby the best start to a healthy hair journey—one wash at a time.