The Best Hair Growth Serums That Actually Work

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Everyone experiences some level of hair loss and shedding in their day to day lives. In fact, various studies show that losing anywhere between 50 and 100 strands per day is totally normal. But if you find that your hair is increasingly getting thinner or falling out by the clumps, there may be an underlying issue that requires attention.

The good news, though, is there are all sorts of effective at-home treatments you can use to get to the root cause of the problem—one being hair growth serums. According to Anabel Kingsley, a trichologist based in NYC and London, a few drops to your scalp can help manage the two most common types of hair loss: androgenetic alopecia (genetic hair loss) and telogen effluvium (excessive daily shedding caused by internal factors).

That said, Anabel notes hair growth serums are not a quick fix solution. Still, though, if used in tandem with a good shampoo, oil, scalp massager, or maybe even a hair growth device, you could start to see results quicker than usual.

Ahead, we tapped Anabel—along with board-certified dermatologists Dr. Neera Nathan and Dr. Whitney Tolpinrud—for the best hair growth serums to incorporate into your haircare routine.

GRO Hair Serum

Dr. Nathan recommends this hair growth serum "for anyone seeking a natural alternative for hair loss."

"It contains topical caffeine, which has been shown in studies to counteract the effects of hair loss. We know that stress plays a role in most types of hair loss, and caffeine is able to neutralize stress signals that lead to inflammation within the hair follicle," Dr. Nathan further explains. "Additionally, it contains red clover, which may help boost the production of collagen and other proteins that support dermal papilla cells, which act as a factory for the hair follicle."

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

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.

Mielle also offers a lighter version of the hair oil, of which T&C's very own Roxanne Adamiyatt is a fan.

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

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

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

Serum Énergisant Energizing Serum

Stop hair thinning in its tracks with Leonor Greyl's latest alcohol-free elixir, which comes packed with natural plant botanicals designed to strengthen and protect strands from root to tip, while boosting density and slowing hair loss.

One shopper says: "Amazing hair serum with lovely tea scent. I dab a little on and massage the serum in. Non oily and absorbs well. I mainly use this around the thinning section (thinning hairline). This leaves my hair feeling way more nourished and healthy! Definitely recommend this serum."

Key Ingredients: Maca Extract, Rosemary Extract, Green Tea

Hair Type: Thinning

Size: 50ml

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

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

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

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 FormulaRx

For a more personalized option, Curology has recently started offering custom dermatologist-formulated treatments for your specific haircare needs.

"Hair Formula Rx is a multi-action prescription formula that combines three clinically proven active ingredients into a single, convenient formula for daily use," says Dr. Tolpinrud. "Each formula is prescribed by a licensed dermatology provider after a medical evaluation. This personalized touch ensures that the treatment is tailored to meet the individual needs of each patient, setting it apart from generic off-the-shelf options."

Key Ingredients: May include minoxidil, finasteride, ketoconazole, spironolactone, caffeine, melatonin

Hair Type: Thinning, Bald Spots, Receding Hair

Size: 2 fl oz

FoliGROWTH™ Follicular Performance 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

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

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.

Meet the experts

• Anabel Kingsley is a trichologist based in London and NYC and the brand president and owner Philip Kingsley hair care.

• Dr. Neera Nathan, MD, MSHS is a Harvard-trained, board-certified dermatologist and Vegamour hair expert.

• Dr. Whitney Tolpinrud, MD, FAAD is a board-certified dermatologist based in San Diego and the medical director of Curology Inc.

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