Once upon a time, I had a bad hairstyle. I went to a new hairdresser and asked for a trim, but came away with a shockingly cropped cut that didn’t suit my style. I wanted to grow it as quickly as possible, but despite my best efforts, it stopped at my shoulder. To make matters worse, I was having hormonal issues at the time and my hair was visibly thinning. I was in the middle of a hair emergency and was willing to try anything to solve it. I used to massage my scalp every day. I used a gentle shampoo. I also tried taking hair growth supplements. These things may have helped, but it wasn’t until I started using a hair growth serum that I saw a big difference.
The combination of highly effective concentrations of active ingredients and consistent use made my hair grow faster, stronger and thicker. Since then, I’ve become a big believer in hair growth serums and still use them when I feel like adding a little more density and length to my hair.
I have a favorite formula, but I wanted to know which formulas experts and fellow beauty editors swear by, so I asked them. And they answered. Check out these 11 expert-recommended serums that will give you super-fast hair growth.
best hair growth serum
Are hair restorers really effective?
Dr. Candace Spann is a board-certified dermatologist and hair loss specialist. She says, “Hair growth-promoting serums are definitely effective, especially if they improve blood flow to the scalp, calm scalp inflammation, and help prevent hair loss.”
Dr. Brendan Camp, FAAD, MD, a double board certified dermatologist with MDCS Dermatology, says that while hair growth serums are powerful, they have indirect rather than direct effects. In other words, they don’t magically boost hair growth instantly, but they do “set your scalp and hair follicles up for success by providing nutrients and vitamins and promoting scalp and hair cell health.” “Set”.
What is the difference between serum and supplements?
Hair growth serums are topical solutions that are applied to the scalp and hair, while hair growth supplements are taken orally. Camp says there is limited data supporting the effectiveness of scalp serums and supplements. That doesn’t mean it’s not effective. It simply means we need more unbiased research. “Many of the studies published on each product are created by the manufacturer, and the results contain an element of bias,” he says.
On the other hand, Spann says you should use both serums and supplements for best results. “The most effective approaches to hair loss include both an inside-out and outside-in approach.” There are many hair supplements on the market, but some like Span’s own ReTress Supplements ($26) It is important to use products that have been researched, vetted by experts, and ideally prescribed by experts. Contains high doses of biotin, vitamin A, and zinc to support healthy hair growth.
What ingredients should you look for in a hair growth serum?
Hair growth serums contain many active ingredients, but minoxidil is the only one approved by the FDA to treat androgenic alopecia (the most common form of hair loss), Camp says. “Minoxidil is thought to work by increasing blood flow, thereby promoting oxygenation of the hair follicle and the stem cells that reside along the hair follicle,” he says. “Improved circulation and oxygen supply may promote stem cell growth and help hair stay in the later anagen phase of its life cycle.”
Spann supported this, adding that while effective, minoxidil is not without potential side effects. “The main side effects of minoxidil are facial hair growth and scalp irritation. That being said, there are many hair growth serums that can help with hair growth, but they don’t contain minoxidil. Ingredients to look out for Contains anti-inflammatory ingredients like rosemary oil, shea butter, licorice extract, growth peptides, and herbs like apigenin to reduce hair loss. ”
How often should I apply hair growth serum?
“Growth-promoting serums should be applied daily, indefinitely, because hair is always in different stages of its growth cycle,” Spann says. “Because effluvium is a normal part of the growth cycle, it is impossible to treat hair loss for a limited period of time and expect the results to last over many growth cycles.”
Camp agrees, saying it’s important to be consistent when using hair growth serums and give them enough time to “really” take effect. “Know that hair on your scalp typically grows at a rate of about 1 centimeter per month. You haven’t given it enough time to prove its effectiveness. Use the hair growth product for at least 3-4 months before deciding if it’s effective.”
1. Virtue Prosperity Density Booster
virtue
flourish density booster
The first thing experts recommend is Virtue’s Flourish Density Booster. This is a daily scalp serum that uses keratin, peptides, and larch extract to stimulate hair growth and increase hair thickness. “Marketed as a drug-free hair loss treatment, this product contains plant-based nutrients, keratin, and peptides to provide the scalp and hair with the nutrients it needs to maintain healthy hair. ,” says Camp.
Pros: Stimulates hair growth and increases hair thickness
Cons: None
Main ingredients: alpha keratin 60ku clinical protein, biomimetic signal peptide, larch wood extract
Size: 4oz
2. Vegamore Glo Hair Serum
Next, Camp recommends Vegamour’s Gro Hair Serum, which happens to be one of my favorite formulas. (Check out the results after 3 months of use.) “This hair growth serum contains vegan, plant-based botanical actives that soothe the scalp, revitalize hair follicles, and stimulate hair growth. “Improve the appearance of density and thickness,” says Camp.
Pros: Stimulates hair growth, increases thickness and reduces hair fall.
Cons: None
Main ingredients: turmeric, caffeine, red clover, mung bean
Size: 1 oz
3. Briogeo Density Peptide Hair Serum
Briogeo
Density Peptide Hair Serum Schedule
“This lightweight, highly absorbent, unscented hair growth serum contains an energy complex of zinc, biotin, copper peptides, caffeine, CoQ10, and green coffee oil to nourish the scalp and hair follicles. “It provides nutrients and antioxidants to help overcome environmental stressors such as free oxygen radicals that can damage your hair,” says Camp.
Pros: Stimulates hair growth and increases hair thickness
Cons: May be too heavy for fine or oily hair types.
Main Ingredients: Zinc, Caffeine, CoQ10, Green Coffee Oil, Biotin, Copper Peptide
Size: 1.5 oz
4. Act+Acre Cold Process Stem Cell Serum
act+acre
Cold-processed stem cell serum
Camp also recommends this internet-famous scalp serum that uses high-tech apple stem cells to work some serious hair magic. “This hair growth serum contains a unique blend of ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, plant-based ingredients from bamboo and pea shoots, to improve hair density, thickness, and strength. ,” says Camp.
Pros: Increases thickness and promotes scalp health.
Cons: May be too heavy for fine or oily hair types.
Main ingredients: stem cells, bamboo buds, pea buds, hyaluronic acid
Size: 2.2oz
5. Virtue Flourish Nightly Intensive Hair Growth Treatment Kit
virtue
Flourish Nightly Intensive Hair Growth Treatment Kit
The camp recommends this growth-promoting kit, which includes shampoo, conditioner, and two bottles of minoxidil solution. “Minoxidil is prescribed as an oral medication to treat high blood pressure, and one of its side effects has been found to be hair growth,” Camp says. “Topical minoxidil takes advantage of this side effect to promote hair growth on the scalp and prevent further hair loss.”
Pros: Comes with a shampoo and conditioner that stimulates hair growth, increases thickness, and promotes growth.
Cons: Expensive
Main ingredient: minoxidil
Size: 2 2 oz bottles of minoxidil
6. Retress Serum
This growth-promoting serum can be purchased alone or as part of the ReTress Hair Rejuvenation Kit ($93). Developed by Span to target and correct thinning and hair loss in women. “The ReTress system uses both an inside-out and outside-in approach,” Spann says. “ReTress shampoos, conditioners, and hair growth serums contain modified biotin tripeptides to improve blood flow to the scalp, licorice extract to soothe scalp inflammation, and an herb called apigenin to reduce hair loss.The ReTress system contains , rosemary oil, shea oil, sage, peppermint, and geranium.”
It’s also free of parabens, sulfates, phthalates, and synthetic fragrances, making it safe and effective for all hair types. “The ReTress system also includes vitamin supplements that improve follicle nutrition,” Spann says. “By utilizing this comprehensive inside-out and outside-in approach, the ReTress system safely and effectively promotes hair growth regardless of age, race, hair type, or cause of hair thinning. In consumer trials, 88% of women reported thicker hair growth by 8 weeks. ”
Pros: Stimulates hair growth and increases hair thickness. Developed by dermatologists.
Cons: None
Main ingredients: biotin tripeptide, licorice extract, apigenin
Size: 1.40oz
7. Camille Rose Cocoa Nibs & Honey Ultimate Growth Serum
camille rose
Cocoa Nibs & Honey Ultimate Growth Serum
Recommended by Maya Thomas, associate editor of Who What Wear, this hair growth serum is actually a natural oil blend. With ingredients like cocoa, honey, and amla oil, it’s formulated to prevent hair thinning and breakage for longer, stronger, and healthier-looking hair.
Pros: Stimulates hair growth, increases thickness, and is very moisturizing.
Cons: Oil-based formulas can be too heavy for fine/oily hair types.
Main ingredients: amla oil, sesame oil, coconut oil, jojoba oil, olive oil, macadamia oil, cocoa, honey, biotin, tea tree oil
Size: 8oz
8. Divi Scalp Serum
Another editor favorite, this non-greasy scalp serum not only stimulates hair growth and thickens it, but also hydrates and soothes your scalp with hyaluronic acid and tea tree oil. The latter is partly responsible for its fresh, refreshing aroma. The peppermint and tea tree scent is so nice and spa-like.
Pros: Stimulates hair growth, increases thickness and moisturizes.
Cons: None
Main Ingredients: Copper Tripeptide 1, Caffeine, Rosemary
Size: 1 oz
9. Necessea The Scalp Serum
what you need
scalp serum
Jamie Schneider, senior beauty editor at Who What Wear, recommends this scalp serum to promote hair growth. It’s super lightweight and has a watery texture, so it won’t weigh down even fine hair types. Plus, thanks to 1% hyaluronic acid, it soothes and moisturizes the scalp.
Pros: Stimulates hair growth, increases thickness and moisturizes.
Cons: None
Main Ingredients: 5% Capixyl, 1% Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin B3, Vitamin B5
Size: 1 oz
10. Ouai Scalp Serum
If your scalp is stressed and inflamed like I am, you’ll love Ouai’s Scalp Serum. Contains adaptogens to strengthen the scalp barrier, hyaluronic acid to moisturize, and peptides to promote thicker, fuller, healthier-looking hair.
Pros: Thickens, soothes irritation and balances the scalp.
Cons: None
Main ingredients: adaptogen, hyaluronic acid, red clover flower extract, peptides
Size: 2oz
11. Regular multipeptide serum
ordinary
multi-peptide serum
Another budget-friendly option, The Ordinary’s Multi-Peptide Serum contains multiple peptides to stimulate hair growth, increase thickness, and strengthen (you guessed it) hair.
Pros: Stimulates hair growth, increases thickness and strengthens hair strands.
Cons: Results may take longer to appear compared to other serums.
Main ingredient: peptide
Size: 2oz
