The Best Hair Growth Serums That Actually Work

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There once was a time when prescription-grade treatments were the only way to effectively treat hair loss. These days, though, combating shedding and thinning at home has never been easier thanks to hair growth serums. Similar to scalp treatments, these formulas contain hair-loving ingredients that help nourish and soothe the scalp, which can help foster healthy follicle growth.

According to Anabel Kingsley, Philip Kingsley Consult Trichologist & Brand President, hair growth serums can help or manage the two most common types of hair loss: androgenetic alopecia, which is a genetically predetermined disorder, and telogen effluvium, which is excessive daily shedding typically caused by internal factors (nutritional deficiencies, stress, hormonal or thyroid imbalances, or illness).

While drops can help support regrowth and healthy growth cycling, Anabel notes "you can’t just rely on them to fix the problem" entirely. Using them in tandem with good shampoo, scalp massager, or even hair growth device may be beneficial additional treatment options to keep in mind. Ahead, the best hair loss serums for longer, stronger, and luscious strands.

GRO Hair Serum

Powered by plant active ingredients like red clover and mung bean, this hair growth serum is clinically proven to increase hair density by over 50% and reduce signs of shedding/fallout by nearly 80% in less than four months.

One reviewer writes: "I am only a bottle and a half in (roughly 1.5 months) and my hair dresser said she sees growth. I never even told her I was using this and she mentioned it without any prompting. My hair feels thicker as well. Can’t wait to see more results as the months go on."

Key Ingredients: Curcumin Stem Cell Extract, Red Clover, Mung Bean

Hair Type: Thinning, lackluster hair

Size: 30 ml / 1 fl oz

Density Preserving Scalp Drops for Hair Loss

To help reduce excessive shedding, Anabel says serums containing biomimetic ingredients—as in, synthetic ingredients created to mimic our body's natural function—can be effective. The Philip Kingsley serum contains biomimetic peptides which are clinically proven to slow hair loss and shedding drastically.

One reviewer says: "I am very happy how this product is helping my hair return to its natural healthy appearance as well as making me feel less self conscious about its appearance and condition."

Key Ingredients: Azelaic Acid, Pyridoxine HCL and Zinc PCA, Saw Palmetto, Caffeine

Hair Type: Thinning Hair

Size: 85 ml / 2.87 fl oz

The Scalp Serum

Nécessaire's scalp-loving elixir is also formulated with biomimetic peptides to promote thicker, denser, and healthier tresses in just three months. Other key ingredients include ApiScalp, which is a special formula that comforts a dry, itchy scalp, and hyaluronic acid which pumps up the hydration.

One reviewer says: "I love this product. It is non greasy and it is working. I have a lot of new small baby hair around my hair line. Highly recommend it. Am very hopeful I have found my solution!!"

Key Ingredients: 5% Biomimetic Peptide, Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin B

Hair Type: Thinning, Aging Scalp

Size: 60 ml / 2 fl oz

2% Stem Cell H2-Grow Complex™ Scalp Serum for Hair Growth

This serum does more than just address excessive fallout and signs of pre-mature aging of hair follicles. It also contains aloe vera which calms discomfort and irritation and intensely nourishes the scalp to fight flakiness.

One shopper raves: "This is the best scalp treatment I have ever used! Along with seeing new hair growth, I feel Iike there’s a reduction of hair loss when shampooing or brushing my hair. Plus the density of my hair has seen significant improvement!!"

Key Ingredients: Apple Stem Cells 2%, Bamboo and Pea Extracts, Aloe Vera

Hair Type: Thinning, Dry Scalp

Size: 2.2 oz / 65 ml

Rosemary Mint Scalp & Hair Strengthening Oil

If you're active on TikTok, odds are you've seen someone raving about Mielle's rosemary extract-infused formula. The superpower ingredient is known for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties the help improve hair growth, support scalp health, and boost hydration.

One Amazon reviewer raves: "I've been using this for the past year or two as I lost a lot of hair post-pregnancy and this works wonders! I have a lot of noticeable regrowth and in the last few months of not using it I've noticed my scalp is not as healthy as it used to be while using it! I suggest pairing it with the hair mask as I did for best results!"

Key Ingredients: Rosemary, Biotin, Essential Oils

Hair Type: All

Size: 2 fl oz / 59 ml

The Scalp Treatment

Augustinus Bader's proprietary TFC8® complex, which is present in most of his skincare products, also takes centerstage in his hair growth serum. Lightweight and ultra-hydrating, the luxurious formula helps slow down shedding and loss, increase density, and rejuvenate the scalp for happier, healthier head of hair.

One reviewer writes: "I am on my second order of the scalp treatment. I definitely notice a difference in the thickness and texture of my hair. My hair looks healthier and not as fine. I will continue to use it."

Key Ingredients: Maca Root, Hazel Leaf, and Watercress and Indian Cress Extracts

Hair Type: Thinning, Aging

Size: 30 ml

Superpower+ Advanced Hair Densifying Scalp Serum

Specifically formulated for aging, thinning tresses, this sumptuous serum contains a potent yet gentle blend of rosemary extract, apple cider vinegar, and other plant actives to deliver stronger follicles and a fuller look.

One reviewer writes: "My hair has always been thin but since I have gotten older, it has become even thinner on the top. I have been using this Scalp Serum for over a year now and it is definitely making a difference. I put it on every night before I go to bad as part of my nightly bedtime routine."

Key Ingredients: Rosemary Extract, Apple Cider Vinegar, Procapil

Hair Type: Aging

Size: 2 fl oz / 60 ml

Hair Serum

Nutrafol makes some of the most effective hair loss treatments around, and its hair serum is no exception. Packed with science-backed ingredients like Irish moss peptides and patent-pending ashwagandha exosomes, this formula is designed to improve volume, reduce breakage, and support growth in as little as 90 days.

Key Ingredients: Ashwagandha Exosomes, Irish Moss Peptides, Pea Sprout Extract

Hair Type: Thinning

Size: 1.7 fl oz / 50 ml

Caffeine Stimulating Scalp Treatment

Scalp-stimulating caffeine is the superhero ingredient in this overnight serum, but redensyl and betain also get a special shoutout for respectively combatting fallout and conditioning hair.

One reviewer writes: "This serum is awesome. I use it nightly and my hair seems much fuller. It’s not greasy and doesn’t weigh my hair down at all. Highly recommend."

Key Ingredients: Caffeine Powder 1%, Redensyl™ 1%, Betaine 1%

Hair Type: Thinning

Size: 5 oz / 150 ml

Follicle Boost Hair Density Serum

The key to happy scalp (and a thick head of hair) lies in exfoliation. Monpure's formulation is packed with a blend of retinol and lactic acid that improves cell turnover, removes dead skin cells, stimulates the scalp, and helps prevent hair loss and thinning. There's also pumpkin seed extract which is scientifically proven to block DHT, a chemical that causes hair loss.

One reviewer writes: "I am in my 60’s and had noticed over a period of time that my hair was looking thinner, and my hair was receding. I felt really low, as my hair is so important to how I feel about myself. I have used the Follicle Boost Hair Density Serum for couple of months now, and I have noticed such an improvement to my hair density, and new hair is growing where my hair was receding, I am absolutely delighted."

Key Ingredients: Pumpkin Seed Extract, Retinol, Lactic Acid

Hair Type: Thinning

Size: 50ml / 1.7 fl oz

Personalized Hair Growth Topical + Hair Loss Test

For a more personalized option, Roots by Genetic Arts offers a groundbreaking DNA-based treatment formulated to your specific haircare needs. Every kit includes an at-home genetic test that allows the brand to analyze your genes, and then a custom clinical solution is created that your body will accept.

One reviewer writes: "The Roots' genetic test for hair loss prevention has been a game-changer for me. It's eliminated the frustration of trying different products with unknown results. With this test, I can now take preventative measures with confidence, saving me time and money in the long run."

Key Ingredients: Dependent on Test Results

Hair Type: Thinning, Hair Loss

Size: 30 ml / 1 fl oz

FoliGROWTH Serum

This recently-launched hair growth serum was created by a certified trichologist—so right off the bat you know it's properly formulated. The topical features vitamin D3, rosemary oil, azelaic acid, and panthenol, which all team up to address DHT blocking while supporting scalp health.

Key Ingredients: Rosemary Essential Oil, Sage Essential Oil, Ylang-Ylang Essential Oil

Hair Type: Thinning

Size: 1 fl oz / 30 ml

Do hair growth serums really work?

Hair growth serums not only prevent further fallout and strengthen thinning strands, but they also nourish dry scalps, which can be beneficial in the growth cycle. Though, it's important to note that you can't entirely rely on these formulas to solve the hair loss problem. For the best course of treatment, speak to an expert who specializes in hair loss.

"It’s best to treat hair loss holistically by looking at all factors that can impact hair growth, such as scalp health, general health, diet, stress levels, and hormone levels," Anabel says. "The effectiveness of scalp drops is reliant on whether the formula is treating the type of hair loss you have, and also making sure you’re optimizing other things that can be impacting your hair growth cycle."

When can I expect to start seeing results?

With consistent use, you can start seeing regrowth or hair thickening between 3 to 6 months. Anabel recommends applying the topicals daily and over the the front and top of the scalp.

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