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If you’re experiencing hair loss, breakage, or thinning hair, you may be looking for way to make your hair thicker and longer. Alongside the right shampoos, conditioners, hydrating hair oils, growth supplements, and other hair growth products, the best hair growth serums can help hydrate and strengthen strands, prevent breakage, and boost overall hair and scalp health to promote new growth.
These serums aren’t a cure-all (they can’t magically regrow strands), but they can help boost hair and scalp health—which can help promote hair growth and decrease breakage, according to experts. “Hair growth serums can be effective, especially when they contain ingredients that are backed by scientific research and are used consistently,” explains Marisa Garshick, M.D., F.A.A.D., a board-certified dermatologist in New York. “The effectiveness of these serums often depends on individual factors such as the cause of hair loss, overall health, and how regularly the serum is applied.”
Meet the experts: Marisa Garshick, M.D., F.A.A.D., a board-certified dermatologist in New York; Dara Spearman, M.D., F.F.A.D., a board-certified dermatologist at Radiant Dermatology in Indiana; Janiene Luke, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist in Loma Linda, CA; and Brendan Camp, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist at MCDS Dermatology in New York City.
So, which hair growth serums are best? Experts advise looking for formulas that contain minoxidil—an FDA-approved ingredient that effectively stimulates hair growth and slows hair loss, according to Dr. Garshick. Dara Spearman, M.D., F.F.A.D., a board-certified dermatologist at Radiant Dermatology in Indiana, also recommends looking for ingredient lists that include peptides, niacinamide, and caffeine, all of which can help support follicle health.
Ahead, we tapped dermatologists to recommend the very best hair serums that can help promote new hair growth. Shop top-rated picks below to get one step closer to thicker, healthier strands.
Hair Serum
Chances are you’ve heard of Nutrafol’s Hair Growth Supplement, but did you know the brand also makes a hair serum designed to support strand growth? Unsurprisingly, the formula comes highly recommended by many of our experts—including Dr. Spearman, Dr. Garshick, and Janiene Luke, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist in Loma Linda, CA. “Featuring ashwagandha, sea buckthorn, and moringa oil, this serum helps to nourish hair while supporting visible hair thickness,” Dr. Garshick explains. It’s also a great pick for those who want a product that will “minimize breakage and support thicker hair,” adds Dr. Luke.
What a reviewer says: “This stuff really works!! In two months my hair has become fuller and shinier…It’s worth every penny!” raved one shopper. “I’ve been using Nutrafol Women’s Hair Serum for six months now, and I couldn’t be happier with the results. Recommended by my dermatologist for my hair loss, this serum has made a noticeable difference,” another said. “I’ve seen new hair growth, and my hair feels thicker and stronger. The serum is easy to apply and it doesn’t leave my hair greasy.”
Nutrafol
Rosemary Mint Light Scalp & Hair Strengthening Oil
Not only is this product an Amazon bestseller with over 121,000 ratings, it’s also affordable and dermatologist-recommended for supporting longer, healthier hair. “This serum is popular in people with naturally curly hair, but can be used in a variety of hair types and is formulated with rosemary, mint, biotin, and several oils (castor, jojoba, coconut, grapeseed, and others) to nourish and stimulate hair follicles as well as moisturize and strengthen,” explains Dr. Luke. This is a more light version of the original hair oil, coming in a more weightless oil formulation that won’t weigh down your strands.
What a reviewer says: “The softest my hair has ever been and I’m blown away by the new growth,” said one Amazon shopper who experiences hair loss and thinning. “I immediately noticed that my hair was the softest it has ever felt. I literally could not stop touching it. Then, after about a month of use, I started noticing baby hairs coming in. I can’t believe it… So far, I’m very happy with this product.”
Mielle
Cold Processed Stem Cell Scalp Serum
Brendan Camp, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist at MCDS Dermatology in New York City, recommends this scalp serum from Act+Acre. “To hydrate the scalp and provide the optimal environment that supports hair follicle health, this scalp serum includes phytonutrients like Swiss apple stem cell complex and bamboo and pea sprout blend,” he notes. It also includes other hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, and bamboo extracts, and comes in a lightweight formula that’s free of fragrance, silicone, paraben, phthalate, and petroleum.
What a reviewer says: “This product is a game-changer. I’ve been using it for a while now, and I can’t believe the results. My hair looks and feels thicker and healthier than ever before,” one Amazon shopper raved. “(It’s) like magic in a bottle. It has improved the density, thickness, and strength of my hair. Plus, it’s been a savior for my scalp—no more dry, flaky skin! The serum is incredibly soothing and hydrating. It’s like a little treat for my hair and scalp.”
Act+Acre
5% Minoxidil Topical Foam
“Minoxidil is an FDA-approved ingredient that effectively stimulates hair growth and slows hair loss, making it a proven choice for those with significant hair thinning,” explains Dr. Garshick. This easy-to-use formula from Rogaine (which comes in formulations for both men and women) is recommended by both Dr. Garhsick and Dr. Luke for its high concentration of Minodoxil. It also contains other ingredients like alpha hydroxy acids and humectants to help with absorption and was clinically proven to improve hair regrowth within 16 weeks.
What a reviewer says: “I have genetic alopecia, and I’ve been using Rogaine for two years. It’s really good, and it really works!” one shopper wrote. “My head is so much fuller of hair, and my confidence has skyrocketed because of this…The results are really fast, but you’ll notice more hair falling down at the beginning of the process. It’s normal, don’t worry. As soon as your body gets used to it, the growth is back.”
Rogaine
Nighttime Scalp Serum
This nourishing serum is formulated to soothe, moisturize, and detox the hair and scalp, promoting a healthy environment for hair growth. It’s packed with antioxidants and humectants, including soothing aloe vera, detoxing argan oil, and moisturizing moringa oil and castor oil. Plus, it also contains natural lavender extract to help calm and soothe.
What an editor says: This serum is a personal favorite of Prevention’s Senior Commerce Editor Charlotte Lewis Finigan. “Since introducing this scalp serum from Nuele into my routine, I have noticed that my hair hasn’t just grown more, but it also feels stronger, looks shinier, and has less breakage,” she previously shared. “It never leaves my scalp feeling anything other than perfectly moisturized and healthy, and I love that it smells like soothing lavender—perfectly relaxing for bedtime.”
Nuelle
Multi-Peptide Serum
Another pick recommended by Dr. Spearman is this popular hair serum from The Ordinary. It boasts a concentrated formula that fights breakage and encourages new growth for hair that appears thicker and fuller. The formula contains stimulating caffeine, hydrating glycerin, and strengthening peptides—as well as Redensyl, which the brand explains helps increase density by targeting stem cells in the scalp.
What a reviewer says: “After about two months of use, I have noticed a HUGE change in the density of my hair,” shared one Amazon reviewer. “I have thin hair and was diagnosed with a hair loss condition, so I was searching for anything to help. The hair I have left feels so much thicker and healthier, even a hairstylist was shocked at the amount of density I have left. This is a steal for the price and I am honestly so impressed and happy with this product!!”
The Ordinary
Nutritive Split End Serum
Great for nourishing dry hair, this hair serum from Kérastase helps seal and reduce split ends while providing smoothness, shine, and hydration. The formula is powered by a plant-based proteins, which helps nourish hair with essential nutrients and help it retain moisture, as well as niacinamide (Vitamin B3), which strengthens hair fiber and locks in hydration.
What an editor says: Assistant Editor Shannen Zitz loves it. “As someone with dry hair and split ends from years of highlighting sessions and hot tools, I’ve found this serum to be a lifesaver. It’s a bit too heavy to apply directly to the scalp, but I like to concentrate it on my ends and gently run my hands through my hair from root to tip with the remaining product. When applied this way, my hair looks so much healthier, shinier, and less frizzy. I’ve also found that I experience much less breakage since introducing this product to my routine—allowing me to retain length as my hair grows.”
Kérastase
GRO Hair Serum
This nourishing serum isn’t just a celebrity-favorite (Nicole Kidman swears by it)—it’s also expert-recommended. “To support scalp and follicle health before thinning begins and minimize early signs of shedding, this scalp serum contains turmeric-based plant exosomes, peptides, and plant-based phytoactives from mung bean and red clover,” says Dr. Camp. These key ingredients “help strengthen and promote thicker hair,” adds Dr. Luke. Plus, the brand claims that after three months users will notice thicker-looking hair and a decrease in hair shedding.
What a reviewer says: “It works…I was skeptical but decided to give this a try. After six weeks of use I see a noticeable difference in the thickness of my hair as well as length,” said one reviewer. “I am truly amazed and now, I will be a customer for life. Thank you to Vegamour for solving a terrible problem that I was having with hair loss, breakage, and thinning. I can’t say enough good things about this product.”
Vegamour
Grow Long Scalp & Hair Serum
At under $10, this drugstore hair serum is a steal. Formulated to strengthen hair fibers at the root for stronger, longer-growing hair, it contains rosemary oil to help strengthen hair follicles and improve scalp health, along with a blend of caffeine, ginseng, and biotin to help condition and protect strands from breakage. Plus, it also helps smooth frizz and split ends while boosting shine.
What an editor says: “This affordable serum is one of my personal favorites. I use it every wash day and have noticed a real difference in my dry, bleach-damaged hair,” says Zitz. “I appreciate the lightweight formulation that absorbs quickly into my roots and ends, the beautiful smell it leaves behind, and how much it makes my hair shine. I’ve noticed less shedding since I started using this about a month ago, and it’s become a staple in my haircare routine.”
Marc Anthony
Scalp Revival Charcoal Tea Tree Scalp Treatment
This scalp treatment from Briogeo is formulated to hydrate, balance, and soothe dry, itchy scalps, helping create the optimal environment for healthy hair growth. The weightless, fast-absorbing formula is infused with tea tree oil, which soothes itchiness and flakiness, as well as binchotan charcoal, which helps detoxify hair and scalp by absorbing impurities and buildup. Peppermint and spearmint oils also help soothe the scalp while witch hazel balances scalp hydration.
What a reviewer says: “This is by far my favorite hair serum. Prior to using this, I had a very dry scalp,” one Sephora reviewer wrote. “This product made the dryness significantly less and even nonexistent on some parts of my scalp. I’ve even noticed more hair growth and a fuller head of hair.”
Briogeo
Do hair growth serums really work?
Dr. Garshick explains that while hair growth serums have the potential to help, their efficacy depends on a few factors. These include any potential underlying causes of hair loss, product formulation, and whether the product is used correctly.
For patients experiencing hair loss, Dr. Luke adds that she generally recommends medications and other treatments tailored to their specific concerns (so seeing a doctor is important to get to the bottom of the problem). However, she notes that some people may experience irritation or other side effects with these treatments, while others prefer a more “natural” approach. In these cases, hair growth serums can be helpful.
“People with a family history of hair loss but who aren’t showing many signs yet or people who have noticed mild shedding of hair (say after an illness, childbirth, or recent stress) may benefit from a hair growth serum,” Dr. Luke adds.
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How to apply hair growth serums
While Dr. Luke notes that instructions for each hair growth serum will vary, she explains that most can be applied by adding a few drops to your scalp section by section and massaging it in. “Adding gentle massage not only helps distribute the serum to your follicles, but it can also help to improve circulation and blood flow as well,” she says.
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How to choose the best hair growth serum
When choosing the best hair growth serum, focusing on ingredients is key. Below, find Dr. Garshick’s recommended ingredients:
Minoxidil: A U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA)-approved ingredient known for its ability to stimulate hair growth and slow hair loss.
Peptides: These may stimulate hair follicles and promote hair growth.
Caffeine: Increases blood circulation in the scalp and counteracts the effects of DHT, a hormone linked to hair loss.
Keratin: Strengthens the hair structure, improving its resilience and reducing breakage.
Biotin: supports keratin production, enhancing hair strength and growth.
Rosemary oil: promotes cellular regeneration and boosts scalp circulation.
Castor oil: Rich in ricinoleic acid and has anti-inflammatory properties that strengthen hair and promote a healthy scalp.
Niacinamide: Improves blood circulation to the scalp and enhances the function of existing hair follicles.
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How we chose the best hair growth serums
We spoke with Marisa Garshick, M.D., F.A.A.D., a board-certified dermatologist in New York; and Janiene Luke, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist in Loma Linda, CA; Dara Spearman, M.D., F.F.A.D., a board-certified dermatologist at Radiant Dermatology in Indiana; and Brendan Camp, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist at MCDS Dermatology in New York City. Additionally, we tapped Prevention editors for their own favorite and tested picks, and sifted through countless online reviews to find the best hair growth serums growth available.
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Why trust us
For more than 70 years, Prevention has been a leading provider of trustworthy health information, empowering readers with practical strategies to improve their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Our editors interview medical experts to help guide our health-focused product selections. Additionally, Prevention also examines hundreds of reviews—and often conducts personal testing done by our staff—to help you make informed decisions.
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