Dealing with thinning hair can feel isolating. When you notice hair shedding in the shower or on your pillow, it can be disheartening, especially when everyone else seems to have thick, voluminous hair. But you’re not alone—over 50% of women will experience some form of hair loss in their lifetime. Fortunately, there are a variety of treatments available, including the best masks for hair growth, hair growth devices, and, notably, hair growth serums.
Hair growth serums typically contain active ingredients that promote hair thickening and regeneration. One of the most effective ingredients is minoxidil, a topical solution approved by the FDA to stimulate hair growth. According to Dr. Michele Green, a renowned NYC-based cosmetic dermatologist, minoxidil works by increasing hair follicle size and promoting the anagen (growth) phase of the hair cycle. For optimal results, it’s often combined with treatments like platelet-rich plasma injections or oral medications. However, Dr. Green notes that the effectiveness of minoxidil-based serums is enhanced by complementary ingredients.
Other serums use a variety of ingredients like peptides, plant stem cells, and rosemary to boost hair health. These ingredients improve blood circulation in the scalp, provide antioxidant protection, and stimulate the hair follicles. If minoxidil doesn’t suit your needs, these alternatives can still offer promising results.
After consulting with experts, testing formulas, and reviewing customer feedback, we’ve compiled a list of the best hair growth serums to help restore your hair to its natural volume.
1. The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Serum for Hair Density
This affordable and effective serum blends caffeine and peptides to boost circulation and promote healthy hair growth. It also features anti-inflammatory castor oil and arginine, which studies have shown to encourage hair growth when combined with zinc.
Key ingredients: Caffeine, peptides, castor oil, arginine
Hair Type: All
Size: 1–2 fl. oz.
How to Use: Apply a few drops to clean, dry scalp before bed. Massage well.
Ulta Rating: 4.1/5 stars
Review Highlight: “This serum helped restore my hair after a stressful period, visibly thickening my hair and spurring baby hairs,” says Carol Lee, ELLE.com Associate Beauty Writer.
2. SickScience PowerCycle
Exosomes, a buzzword in skincare, are the star ingredient in this serum. These molecules help strengthen and thicken strands, promote volume, and stimulate hair growth. Biotin and rosemary leaf extract enhance its efficacy.
Key ingredients: Garlic vesicles, wheat peptide, rosemary leaf extract, biotin
Hair Type: All
Size: 2.03 fl. oz.
How to Use: Apply to damp or dry scalp daily.
SickScience Rating: 5/5 stars
3. Rogaine Women’s 2% Minoxidil Topical Solution
Rogaine is a trusted name in hair growth, known for its FDA-approved 2% minoxidil solution. It has a long history of clinical success in treating thinning hair, particularly for women.
Key ingredient: Minoxidil
Hair Type: All
Size: 2 fl. oz. (3-pack)
How to Use: Apply 1 ml twice daily to the affected scalp areas.
Amazon Rating: 4.3/5 stars
Review Highlight: “I had severe follicle damage from hair extensions, but after using Rogaine, my hair grew back thicker and faster,” says an Amazon customer.
4. Act + Acre Cold Processed Stem Cell Serum
This serum harnesses the power of Swiss apple stem cells, clinically proven to extend the hair’s natural growth phase. Aloe vera, bamboo, and pea extract also work to protect hair follicles from premature aging.
Key ingredients: Swiss apple stem cells, aloe vera, bamboo, pea extract
Hair Type: All
Size: 2.19 fl. oz.
How to Use: Apply 1–2 pipettes to damp or dry hair along the hairline. Massage in, and don’t rinse.
Act + Acre Rating: 4.7/5 stars
5. Oway Densifying Remedy
Featuring Buddleja Davidii plant stem cells and dynagen, this serum targets hair follicle regeneration and boosts collagen and keratin levels in the hair.
Key ingredients: Buddleja Davidii plant stem cells, dynagen
Hair Type: All
Size: 3.38 fl. oz.
How to Use: Apply to the scalp post-wash.
Holistic Chair Tribe Rating: 5/5 stars
6. Hair Thickness Maximizer Saw Palmetto Serum
Saw palmetto, a plant extract with antiandrogenic properties, is featured in this serum. It helps treat hair loss linked to stress or hormonal imbalances. This oil-based formula also includes rosemary and moringa oils for added hydration.
Key ingredients: Saw palmetto, rosemary oil, moringa oil
Hair Type: Dry, thinning hair
Size: 1 fl. oz.
How to Use: Apply 2–3 drops to affected areas and massage in. Leave overnight or for 30 minutes before rinsing.
Amazon Rating: 4.2/5 stars
7. Vegamour GRO Hair Serum
This vegan formula features turmeric, red leaf clover, and mung bean to block DHT and support healthy hair growth. Clinical studies show a significant increase in hair density and a reduction in shedding.
Key ingredients: Turmeric, red leaf clover, mung bean
Hair Type: All
Size: 1 fl. oz.
How to Use: Massage into scalp and leave on for 5–10 minutes before shampooing.
Vegamour Rating: 4.4/5 stars
8. Pura D’or Hair Thinning Therapy Energizing Scalp Serum
This serum is particularly beneficial for those with curly hair, offering deep hydration with ingredients like argan oil, apple stem cells, and biotin to encourage scalp health and reduce hair thinning.
Key ingredients: Apple stem cells, rosemary oil, biotin, argan oil
Hair Type: All
Size: 4 fl. oz.
How to Use: Apply daily to damp or dry hair and massage into the scalp.
Amazon Rating: 4.2/5 stars
9. Nutrafol Growth Activator Hair Serum
Nutrafol offers a unique formulation with ashwagandha exosomes to protect the scalp and stimulate growth, alongside antioxidant-rich pea sprouts and green tea for added nourishment.
Key ingredients: Ashwagandha exosomes, green tea, pea extract
Hair Type: All
Size: 1.7 fl. oz.
How to Use: Apply directly to the scalp and massage in.
Amazon Rating: 4.1/5 stars
10. SpoiledChild A22 Biotin Boost Hair + Scalp Serum
Packed with biotin, niacinamide, and caffeine, this fast-absorbing serum strengthens hair, promotes growth, and minimizes shedding.
Key ingredients: Biotin, niacinamide, caffeine
Hair Type: All
Size: 1.7 fl. oz.
How to Use: Apply 6–8 sprays to damp or wet scalp, then massage in.
SpoiledChild Rating: 4.4/5 stars
Causes of Hair Loss
Hair loss can result from numerous factors, including age, stress, diet, hormonal changes, or illness. It’s crucial to identify the type of hair loss you’re experiencing to choose the most effective treatment.
Types of Hair Loss
Androgenetic Alopecia: Genetic hair loss, most common in men and women.
Telogen Effluvium: Temporary hair loss caused by stress or illness.
Trichotillomania: The impulsive pulling of hair.
Alopecia Areata: An autoimmune condition causing patchy hair loss.
Traction Alopecia: Hair loss from tight hairstyles.
Key Ingredients to Look For
Finasteride: An oral or topical solution that blocks DHT, a hormone linked to hair loss.
Avoid: Harsh chemicals like alcohol, silicones, or sulfates, which can irritate the scalp and hinder growth.
When to Expect Results
With consistent use, hair growth serums can take 4–6 months to show visible results, including the growth of new baby hairs and reduced shedding.
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