In order to stimulate hair growth, many hair regrowth shampoos must utilize certain prescription strength chemicals in order to be effective. S ome of these chemicals may not be suitable for individuals with sensitive skin.  However, products manufactured by companies such as Rogaine feature vegan and vegetarian friendly ingredients.  In addition, these ingredients are cruelty free.  For example, Rogaine contains ethanol, propylene glycol and purified water.  The active ingredient in Rogaine is minoxidil.  Minoxidil contains retinoids, which are chemically related to all natural Vitamin A.

Hair regrowth shampoos made by Rogaine such as Rogaine Shampoo and Conditioner and Progaine Volumizing Shampoo, are some of the most effective hair regrowth shampoos on the market.  Nioxin, Folicure and Folica may be effective as well.  These shampoos are typically cruelty-free, and they contain ingredients that are suitable for both vegans and vegetarians.  Natural vegan ingredients runt the gamut from biotin, essential oils, coconut and soy, to saw palmetto, fennel seed, green tea, wasabi extract and grape seed.

These hair regrowth shampoos can be found in beauty supply houses, Ulta, at many drugstores and at salons.  While these shampoos are effective, they are not the only hair regrowth shampoos on the market today.  A number of hair and skin care companies sell vegan and vegetarian friendly “scalp stimulating” or thickening shampoos.  These products are also cruelty free.

The Morocco Method Raw and Vegan Hair Care products are popular, as well as Avalon Organics Biotin Thickening Shampoo, Peter Lamas Chinese Herbs Stimulating Shampoo, CV Natural Soap Bars and Abba Hair Care Products.  These shampoos can be found at quality beauty supply stores, Whole Foods stores and other health food stores.

If you are on a budget, there are a number of hair regrowth shampoo options for you.  You can find more accessible hair regrowth products at CVA, Walgreen’s, Vons, Duane Reade and at many grocery stores.  The Good Housekeeping Institute conducted a study of nearly a dozen shampoo and conditioner combos.  The study used live subjects.  The study ranked the best hair regrowth/hair thickening shampoos, beginning with Pantene Hair Thickening Shampoo and Conditioner at number 1.

Coming in at number 2 was Nexxus Supreme Volume, followed by Bumble & Bumble Thickening, Fat Hair, Paul Mitchell Lemon Sage, Dessert Essence Organics Green Apple & Ginger, Kiehl’s Rice & Wheat Volumizing, Charles Worthington’s Big Hair, Joico Body Luxe Line, Marc Anthony Instantly Thick and Kerastase Specifique.

Hair Loss and Diet

In addition to using the right products and using the right oral or topical treatments, diet is extremely important to hair health.  Most healthy hair foods are suitable for vegans and vegetarians.  According to WebMD, the top 10 healthy foods for hair include salmon (some vegetarians actually do eat fish – they are called “pescetarians” or “pescatarians”), dark green vegetables, beans, nuts, poultry, oysters, eggs, whole grains, low-fat dairy products and carrots.