Honest comparison · Last checked November 2026
Plantur 39 Phyto-Caffeine Shampoo is aimed at women over forty and is positioned by its maker as a product for menopausal hair loss. It is a caffeine shampoo on a sodium laureth sulfate base, with white tea, zinc and niacinamide alongside the caffeine, and Dr Wolff, the company behind it and Alpecin, has published a 140-woman study on its caffeine complex. Plenty of women use it and like the lift it gives fine hair. The two things our customers who have tried it mention are the sulphate wash on a scalp that is already changing, and the fact that one active is carrying the formula.
Plantur 39 ingredients and claims are taken from plantur39.com (UK). Plantur 39 is a trademark of Dr Kurt Wolff GmbH. Watermans has no connection with it.
Why people trust Watermans
PETABusiness FriendSide by side
| Watermans Grow Me® | Plantur 39 Phyto-Caffeine | |
|---|---|---|
| Size and price | 250ml, £14.95 (£12.71 on subscription) | 250ml, sold through Boots and supermarkets |
| Sulphate-free | ✓Yes | ✗No, sodium laureth sulfate is the main cleanser |
| Paraben-free | ✓Yes | ✓Yes |
| Actives | Caffeine, biotin, rosemary, niacinamide, lupine protein, argan oil, allantoin | Caffeine, white tea, zinc, niacinamide, panthenol |
| Made for | Women and men, any age, including menopause and postpartum | Women over 40 |
| Leave on the scalp | 3 to 4 minutes | Activates during washing, per Plantur 39 |
| Consumer results | 122 people, three months: 72% said hair loss had noticeably slowed, 83% said hair looked fuller* | 140-woman study on the caffeine complex, published by the maker |
| Made in | UK, Queen's Award for Enterprise | Germany |
| Money back guarantee | 90 days | ✗None stated |
| Cruelty-free | Listed by PETA | ✗Not stated on product page |
*Independent consumer study, 122 people (104 women, 18 men), three months. Perception results. Details correct at November 2026.
The honest verdict
It is cheaper, it is on the high street, and the maker has published a study specifically on women in menopause. If you want a budget caffeine wash and your scalp is fine with sulphates, it is a reasonable choice.
Menopausal hair is usually drier and the scalp more sensitive than it was, which is exactly when a sulphate wash does the most harm. Grow Me® is sulphate-free and puts seven actives on the scalp for 3 to 4 minutes, including allantoin to calm it. It was tested on 122 people, 104 of them women, for three months. For menopause specifically, most of our customers use the Menopause Hair Care Kit, which pairs Grow Me® with the elixir and the mask. The 90 Day Money Back Guarantee stands behind it.
122 people used unbranded Grow Me® Shampoo four times a week for three months. Here is what they said. See every result.
Every photo below was uploaded by the customer with their verified review. We have trimmed some quotes for length. Results vary from person to person.
50 days inCustomer's own photo“After 50 days I am very pleased. My hair might not feel thicker in a ponytail but it looks thicker and you can't see my scalp through my hair any more. I have ordered my second bottle to carry on for the recommended 3 months.”
7 weeks inCustomer's own photo“I've been using this shampoo and conditioner for about 6 to 7 weeks due to my hair randomly thinning. The improvement I've seen already is amazing. My confidence with my hair is much better and I've since purchased the set again and the hair mask.”
7 months inCustomer's own photo“I've been using this shampoo and conditioner for 6 to 7 months now and the difference in my hair is amazing. The condition of my coloured blonde hair is amazing, no breakage, super soft. I love it that much I bought the salon size in both.”
Long-term userCustomer's own photo“Rapid weight loss after surgery caused dramatic hair loss. I truly thought I was going to go bald. Then I discovered Watermans and won't use any other shampoo and conditioner. My hair is in beautiful condition, it's thicker than ever and I couldn't be happier.”
First weekCustomer's own photo“I haven't been using this product for a week yet and I'm already seeing improvement. My hair is fuller, it's glossy. I also have scalp psoriasis and it hasn't bothered me at all since I've been using this product.”
2 years inCustomer's own photo“I have been using Watermans for over 2 years and the proof is in my photos. I was a tape hair extension person for years so my hair was damaged and short with ratty ends. Now everyone asks me what I use.”
Repeat buyerCustomer's own photo“I had very thin hair before this shampoo. My hair is so healthy and thick now. I don't want to use any other shampoo but Grow Me.”
FAQs
Watermans products are cosmetics. They are not medicines and do not treat medical hair loss. If your hair is falling out suddenly, in patches, or with a sore scalp, see your GP.
Yes. Grow Me® is a cosmetic shampoo and has no effect on any medicine. Keep taking what your doctor prescribed.
No. It is used by women and men. The consumer study included 104 women and 18 men.
No cosmetic can. Both are shampoos, not medicines. Grow Me® makes no medical claims. If hair loss is sudden or patchy, see your GP, and ask about your hormones and iron.
Yes. There is no run-down period. Use Grow Me® 4 to 5 times a week, leave it on for 3 to 4 minutes, and give it a full 90 days before you judge it.
Use Grow Me® as directed for 90 days and if you are not happy, we refund you. The full terms are on the guarantee page.
£53.40£45.39 a delivery · £1.51 a day
The complete hair loss routine, delivered before you run out. Use all three together for optimal results and give it the full 90 days.
*Independent consumer study, 122 people, unbranded Grow Me® Shampoo, four washes a week for three months. Perception results. Watermans products are cosmetics, not medicines. Plantur 39 is a trademark of Dr Kurt Wolff GmbH; Watermans has no connection with it. Details correct at November 2026.
