20 Scalp Serums That Are Worth Adding to Your Haircare Routine, Vetted By Editors and Experts
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We take pride in perfecting our wash routine (which includes using the best shampoo and conditioner for our hair), but have you ever thought about your scalp regimen? Believe it or not, your hair can't reach it's full potential without taking scalp health into consideration. Whether you’re on the dry or oily side, adding a scalp serum is key to maintaining strong, hydrated and healthy locks. We asked a panel of experts to share everything they know about scalp serums and how to best use one in your routine.
The Best Scalp Serums at a Glance
Meet the Experts
How We Chose the Best Scalp Serums
We asked editors to share their favorite scalp serums, while including the benefits (and downsides) of each product they recommended. We also chatted with dermatologists, hairstylists and trichologists, who provided their top picks. From there, we looked closely at key ingredients, before categorizing each serum based on scalp concerns and hair types. Here are the 20 best scalp serums for all hair types and needs.
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1. dpHUE Apple Cider Vinegar Daily Scalp Serum
With over 500 5-star reviews, this lightweight serum promises to soothe and nourish the scalp. The key ingredient—apple cider vinegar—boosts hydration and protects against inflammation, while also promoting healthy hair growth. Plus, the formula helps control sebum production and balance the scalp’s pH.
"I got turned on to dpHUE ACV Daily Scalp Serum when I was getting my hair done. The combination of getting highlights and applying chemicals on my head—plus, the overall winter dryness was irritating my scalp. I use this a few times a week on my sensitive scalp to help rebalance things and get rid of itchiness and flakiness," says Dana Dickey, senior editor at PureWow. "I also massage in a few drops before bed, which helps relax me and stimulates my hair’s pH and growth cycle. I’m just so happy it doesn’t smell like vinegar, but still contains those cleansing properties."
2. Straand The Crown Fix Scalp Serum
Dealing with flakes and irritation? This scalp serum is for you. Its nourishing formula features lactic acid, which helps relieve and hydrate an itchy scalp. Plus, the dropper lets you target areas to keep your scalp fresh and calm for the rest of the day. "During postpartum, my scalp got really itchy—which is apparently a thing—and a combination of Head & Shoulders shampoo and this serum post-shower made a world of a difference in relieving the itch. My scalp is no longer dry and I only needed to use it once every few days to see results," says Candace Davison, VP of editorial at PureWow.
3. Vegamour GRO Scalp Detoxifying Serum
This hair serum takes a holistic approach to hair thinning and shedding. Its vegan formula (consisting of phyto-actives, silk proteins and minerals) is designed to soothe the scalp, remove buildup and increase your hair density (by up to 58 percent, per the brand). The Vegamour pick is also loved by many of our editors. As Commerce Editor Olivia Dubyak shares, "My scalp gets oily very quickly. After a few days of build up, the Vegamour GRO Scalp Detoxifying Serum is great for really cleaning my scalp. I also usually have a very dry scalp right out of the shower with freshly washed hair. But when I use this once a week, I've noticed it's less itchy and dry—it just feels clean."
4. Philip B Scalp Booster
Philip B recommends this treatment before shampooing to prep your scalp for a thorough cleanse. The self-heating mixture stimulates blood flow and reduces thinning. The key ingredient—rednesyl—is proven to thicken locks in the long run. Just let it sit on your scalp for five to 20 minutes (depending on your sensitivity) before rinsing and continuing with your haircare routine as usual.
5. Goldie Locks Scalp Serum
We'll save you the whole spiel, because the ingredients speak for themselves. This scalp serum has capixyl (a peptide and red clover extract blend) known to target hair loss and encourage hair growth. The formula also includes bakuchiol, gingseng root, niacinamide and probiotics to improve overall scalp and hair health. For Associate SEO Editor Marissa Wu, she has slowly started seeing a difference in her hair after implementing the product in her routine for a few months. "I have very fine hair, so if something is oily, it shows [up on my scalp]. But, with this [serum] it doesn't at all! I use it in tandem with other hair-stimulating products and I have noticed a lot of baby hairs spring up, so I guess it's working," she says.
6. Virtue Refresh Scalp Supplement
This Virtue serum gets a stamp of approval from our experts. Formulated with peptides, ceramides and keratin, along with plant and water-based ingredients like watercress and Indian cress extract, it's praised for improving scalp and hair health overtime. “I recommend this lightweight serum because it’s great for nightly use and is filled with peptides and hyaluronic acid to lock in moisture at the scalp without clogging the follicles,” explains Godbee.
7. Arey To The Root Serum
Packed with antioxidants, extracts and peptides, this Arey pick promises to target aging hair and work with early stages of gray hair. According to Small, it's a product he relies on for his hair and his beard: "I'm about 15 percent gray and I don’t want to use hair dye to maintain my natural hair color. I apply this serum to both my scalp and my beard area and since using I have noticed less gray hair growth and a more vibrant color."
He continues, "I have been using this serum for a little over two years and I have fewer grays now, while constantly getting comments about the fullness of my hair. For a person soon to turn 40 I will take all the hair compliments I can get!"
8. Matrix Total Results Instacure Scalp Serum
If I'm rocking a protective style or wearing a super tight hairstyle, I use this scalp serum to relieve any tension and refresh my scalp whenever I need it. The soothing formula features biotin, avocado oil and liquid proteins, so it moisturizes and calms any irritation. The nozzle applicator also makes it easy to apply the product directly to my scalp and don't get me started on the cooling sensation it leaves behind.
9. Dove Scalp + Hair Therapy Fullness Restore Scalp Serum
Developed by dermatologists, this Dove serum vows to restore the scalp and revive strands. As Dr. Gohara explains, "The clinically-proven ingredients strengthen the scalp and boost hair density [after] about three months with regular use. It has active ingredients such as niacinamide (B3), peptides and zinc to provide nourishment. Plus, glycerin to support a healthy scalp and protect strands from future breakage."
And if you’re looking for a wallet-friendly option, this one falls just under $15. "Another reason I love this serum is that you can use it in the morning before styling, or at night before going to bed. It gives the flexibility to your haircare routine to figure out what works best for you," adds Dr. Gohara.
10. Aveda Overnight Scalp Serum
Yates recommends this Aveda overnight serum that contains probiotics, amino acids (like ectoin) and hyaluronic acid to improve scalp health overtime. "It maintains [a] healthy microbiome, soothes scalp irritation and helps maintain proper moisture balance," she says. "It's suitable for all hair types and I love that this formula has been reviewed by a dermatologist."
11. Augustinus Bader The Scalp Treatment
This treatment plays the long game in improving and supporting your scalp health. Powered by Augustinus Bader's TFC8 technology (which contains a blend of amino acids, vitamins and peptides), the treatment has been shown to stimulate the scalp, reduce hair loss and encourage healthy hair growth. On that note, the serum promises to thicken strands, while simultaneously conditioning and smoothing your hair. "It supports follicle health and helps maintain moisture balance on the scalp. Plus, it really takes care of the scalp," says Yates.
12. Fable & Mane SahaScalp Amla Soothing Serum
The last thing you need is for a serum to feel heavy on your scalp. This one promises to soothe itching, while hydrating without making things greasy. It’s rich in amia (an Indian super berry), bakuchi and aloe to rejuvenate sensitive scalps. One reviewer shares, “I’ve used this twice and both times I could tell a noticeable difference in my scalp. It was very clean and [I] felt like my head could breathe. Incorporating a scalp serum to your hair routine is key!! [Though] I did feel like I needed more than one syringe, as directed, to cover the area evenly.”
13. Bread Beauty Supply Scalp Serum
This gentle serum refreshes and soothes any troubled areas with mandelic acid, chinaberry extract and eucalyptol. The anti-itch treatment also acts as an exfoliator to keep your scalp clean and flake-free before your next wash day. “I have an easily irritated, super sensitive scalp [and have to be careful] when it comes to products that state they're supposed to ‘cool/refresh’ the scalp. This [serum] does not cause any flare ups or irritation for me at all! Love that it's a very gentle cooling sensation—not like someone dumped a whole bottle of peppermint oil on your head,” shares one Sephora shopper.
14. Moroccanoil Dry Scalp Treatment
This serum features a blend of salicylic acid and geranium oil to reduce product build up, clear up flakes and soothe the scalp. The pre-treatment also has argan oil and vitamin E that adds shine and moisture to your strands. A helpful tip: Add three drops to your dry scalp (and dull strands), let sit for a few minutes and rinse before continuing with your wash routine.
One shopper shares, “I have had the worst scalp since I was a child... I'm in my 40s now. I have tried a lot of things like [changing my] diet, dermatologist treatments, etc. I added this to my already ridiculous routine. (I also have a mixed afro that is crazy dry and fine but thick, so it's already a lot of work.) I'm finding this treatment is a really big help. I wash my hair once a week. My scalp is now less flaky, and itchy, and the build-up is way less.”
15. Briogeo Scalp Revival Charcoal + Tea Tree Scalp Treatment
This serum is ready to balance your oily scalp once and for all. Loaded with charcoal, tea tree oil and witch hazel, it helps unclog pores, reduce irritation and control oil production. Apply a few drops and let the serum get to work on clearing away any build up. Oh, and the peppermint provides a nice cooling sensation for a moment of Zen in your shower.
“It gets rid of any dandruff I have and does not make my hair look greasy or different in any way! I just use it after washing and while my hair is still damp. I have been using a lot of different scalp scrubs lately cause my dandruff took a turn for the worse, but this stuff still works better,” says one Sephora customer.
16. The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Serum
This multi-peptide serum promises to improve hair density, especially for people with thinning hair. It's formulated with redensyl, procapil and baicapil to encourage growth, nourish strands and improve the overall appearance of your locks. It’s recommended to apply the product daily on a dry scalp to see the best results.
For one customer, they noticed a difference after consistently using the serum. “If you stick with this it will do wonders! After a couple weeks, I didn’t notice much. But after a month of using this every day…oh my gosh! Amazing! I’ve had a horrible hair line for years from always wearing my hair in a tight high ponytail. I had a ‘dancer hairline’ always pulled back gelled down and tight. I now see growth in areas I was insecure about [and it] even helped my eyebrows!”
17. Act + Acre Cold Processed Stem Cell Serum
A perk of using scalp serums are new hair growth. This one does exactly that and it helps improve fullness and reduces shedding to boot. The key ingredient—apple stem cell—hydrates the scalp, protects against thinning and promotes more voluminous locks. The serum also has aloe vera bamboo extract and pea sprout extract to soothe and smooth strands. “I bought this serum to help my hair grow thicker. It isn’t oily at all and blends in nicely into the scalp. I have been using it consistently daily and definitely feel like my hair is growing with resilience,” says one Sephora reviewer.
18. Pattern Beauty Scalp Serum
Whether you’re sporting your natural curls or rocking a protective style, this scalp serum is dedicated to boosting natural hair. It’s loaded with aloe juice, glycerin and castor oil to restore and refresh dry scalps. Plus, it's rich in peppermint and lavender oil, which offers a calming sensation to relieve any tension and inflammation.
“It does a great job of cooling [down] irritated spots and does not drip down all over my face. I apply it at night before wrapping up my hair. The problem is if you apply too much product it does cause buildup that can also cause dirt and more irritation,” says one Ulta shopper.
19. Ouai Scalp Serum
Whether you’re dealing with dryness, flakes or shedding, this scalp serum can help. With a blend of adaptogens and hyaluronic acid, it offers a boost of hydration. There’s also red clover flower extract that soothes and protects your strands against styling. The finishing touch? Peptides to encourage fuller, thicker hair.
For one Sephora shopper, this scalp serum has rescued her dry, flat locks: “I’ve only been using this product for a few days, but I’m already in love! I was worried it would be oily and leave my hair greasy, but it’s so lightweight that you can apply quite a bit and you can’t even tell! It also gives your hair a nice lift, making it look more voluminous. I also have dry, flaky scalp and I think this helps soothe and hydrate it. I’m excited to see the hair growth results! I know this is a pricier item, but I think it’s worth the splurge.”
20. Sunday II Sunday Soothe Me Daily Scalp Serum
Whether you’re on-the-go or need an instant fix, this scalp serum has your back. It promises itch and tension relief in about 15 minutes. Made with alternsis botantics and peppermint oil, the serum minimizes any inflammation and irritation upon application. Plus, the nozzle tip makes it easy to apply directly on the scalp, especially if you’re rocking a tight hairstyle (i.e, ponytails, high buns or braids). “I have a sensitive scalp that is prone to flares of itching and flaking. I use this product when I have braids or any other protective style and it is the only thing that constantly soothes my scalp,” says one Sephora reviewer.
What to Consider When Buying a Scalp Serum
Your scalp type plays a large role in finding the right serum that addresses your hair needs. Here’s what our experts have to say:
What is a Scalp Detox and Do I Actually Need One?
Why You Should Trust Us
PureWow's editors and writers have spent more than a decade shopping online, digging through sales and putting our home goods, beauty finds, wellness picks and more through the wringer—all to help you determine which are actually worth your hard-earned cash. From our PureWow100 series (where we rank items on a 100-point scale) to our painstakingly curated lists of fashion, beauty, cooking, home and family picks, you can trust that our recommendations have been thoroughly vetted for function, aesthetics and innovation. Whether you're looking for travel-size hair dryers you can take on-the-go or women’s walking shoes that won’t hurt your feet, we’ve got you covered.
