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If you’re looking for a simple way to make your hair thicker and longer, you may want to consider using a hair serum for hair growth. These products are formulated specifically for those experiencing hair loss, breakage, or thinning hair to help you achieve the locks you’re after using powerful ingredients like Minoxidil and biotin.
While hair growth serums might not be a cure-all for everyone’s concerns (and they can’t magically regrow strands), they may help boost hair and scalp health—which may promote hair growth and decrease breakage.
Meet the experts: 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
“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.”
Ahead, find expert-approved hair serums for hair growth so you can be on your way to healthier strands.
Pros
- Helps prevent breakage
- Nourishes scalp and hair
- May promote increased hair growth and density
Cons
- Pricey
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 our experts. “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 Janiene Luke, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist in Loma Linda, CA.
Key ingredients | Ashwagandha exomes, pea sprouts, Irish moss peptides, moringa oil |
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Hair type | All |
Size | 1.7 fl. oz. |
2
best hair growth serum for thicker hair
The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Serum
Pros
- Helps hair appear fuller
- May stimulate new hair growth
- Lightweight formula
Cons
- Runny texture
This concentrated formula fights breakage and encourages new growth for hair that appears thicker and fuller. It 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.
“After using this product, I’ve seen a remarkable reduction in shedding,” wrote one Sephora reviewer. “It’s lightweight, non-greasy, and leaves my hair feeling smooth and manageable. Plus, the added bonus of stronger, healthier strands is a game-changer.”
Key ingredients | Caffeine, glycerin, peptides, Redensyl, Procapil, Baicapil |
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Hair type | All |
Size | 2.0 fl. oz. |
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Pros
- Contains minodoxil
- Easy-to-use foam
- Clinically proven formula
Cons
- Pricey
“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 is recommended by both Dr. Garhsick and Dr. Luke for it’s 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.
Key ingredients | Minodoxil, glycerin, lactic acid |
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Hair type | All |
Size | 2.1 oz. |
4
best hair growth serum for shedding
vegamour GRO Hair Serum
Pros
- Claims to reduce shedding
- Lightweight formula
- May help strengthen hair
Cons
- Pricey
This nourishing serum is formulated with an array of key ingredients to bring balance to the scalp and promote hair growth. The plant-based formula contains turmeric, caffeine, mung bean, red clover, and biotin to “help strengthen and promote thicker hair,” says Dr. Luke. Plus, the brand claims that after three months users will notice thicker-looking hair and a decrease in hair shedding.
Key ingredients | Turmeric, caffeine, biotin |
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Hair type | All |
Size | 1.0 fl. oz |
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Pros
- May stimulate hair follicles
- Nourishes scalp and hair
- Affordable
Cons
- Some reviewers found the formula too heavy
Not only is this product an Amazon bestseller with over 5,000 five-star reviews but it’s also dermatologist-recommended. “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. While technically a hair oil, we love that this multitasking formula can be used in various ways in all hair types for stronger, more nourished strands.
Key ingredients | Rosemary oil, mint, bioticin, castor oil |
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Hair type | Curly, all |
Size | 2.0 fl. oz. |
Pros
- Lightweight formula
- Great scent
- Affordable
Cons
- Runny formula can be messy to apply
This affordable scalp and hair serum is one of my favorites. I use it every wash day and have noticed a real difference in my dry, bleach-damaged hair. 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.
Key ingredients | Rosemary oil, caffeine, biotin |
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Hair type | All |
Size | 2.0 fl. oz. |
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7
best hair growth serum for damaged hair
Kérastase Resistance Serum
Pros
- Aids in strengthening hair
- Helps prevent breakage
- Boosts softness and shine
Cons
- Some reviewers had trouble with the pump
This healing serum was previously recommended by hair stylist Shelley Gregory for those with damaged hair and split ends. The formula helps retain length by strengthening and nourishing the hair, preventing breakage, and boosting hydration. It also offers heat protection for additional damage control.
Multiple reviewers on the Sephora website call this serum a “must have” for damaged hair, with one writing that after use their hair is “softer and more manageable” and that they have “less hair breakage and loss.”
Key ingredients | Peptides, amino acids, wheat protein |
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Hair type | Damaged |
Size | 1.0 fl. oz. |
Pros
- Lightweight and fast-absorbing
- Vegan formula
- Affordable
Cons
- Runny texture
“This serum has been shown to improve overall hair density with consistent use over 90 days. It contains niacinamide, peptides, glycerin, and zinc gluconate, which help prevent hair shedding and strengthen the hair,” says Dr. Garshick. “It’s particularly beneficial for those with thinning hair.” Reviewers agree—one Amazon shopper reports they are seeing “new growth” after several weeks of use.
Key ingredients | Niacinamide, peptides, glycerin, zinc gluconate |
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Hair type | All |
Size | 2.0 fl. oz. |
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9
best hair growth serum for those with a dry scalp
Briogeo Scalp Revival Charcoal Tea Tree Scalp Treatment
Pros
- Balances hydration and oil production
- Soothes dry, itchy scalps
- May help promote hair growth
Cons
- Some reviewers dislike the scent
Gregory previously explained that tea tree oil—a key ingredient in this serum—tends to be especially “helpful for lots of scalp issues,” including dryness. This serum also contains charcoal, which helps to detoxify the scalp and remove buildup, potentially improving hair growth by creating a healthier environment for it to grow.
“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.”
Key ingredients | Binchotan charcoal, tea tree oil, witch hazel, biotin |
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Hair type | Oily |
Size | 1.0 fl. oz. |
10
best hair growth serum for dry hair
Kérastase Nutritive Split End Serum
Pros
- Smooths dry, frizzy hair
- Reduces the appearance of split ends
- Helps decrease breakage
Cons
- Sticky formula
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.
Key ingredients | Niacinamide, plant-based proteins, dimethicone |
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Hair type | Dry, damaged |
Size | 1.7 fl. oz. |
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Pros
- Formulated to address temporary hair thinning
- May help promote hair growth
- Nourishes the scalp
Cons
- Pricey
These serum ampules from Rene Furterer are formulated to address “the underlying causes of sudden, temporary thinning hair,” according to the brand. Additionally, certified trichologist Bridgette Hill previously crowned this serum as one of the best for thinning hair in Prevention’s 2023 Beauty Awards.
“The individual ampules that come with this serum accommodate all hair types. For instance, those with thick, dense hair would apply the complete ampule, and people with thinner, finer hair can get two applications per ampule,” Hill explained. “It’s also water-based, so it’s easily layered with other scalp and haircare products.”
Note: It’s important to speak with a healthcare professional if you experience sudden hair loss or thinning to rule out any underlying health issues.
Key ingredients | Biotin, lemon essential oil, wheat protein, pfaffia extract |
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Hair type | All |
Size | 12 x 0.16 fl. oz. |
12
Bondi Boost Procapil Hair Tonic Scalp Serum
Pros
- Helps condition hair strands
- Contains nourishing and scalp-stimulating ingredients
- May help reduce breakage and shedding
Cons
- Runny texture
This serum is designed for thinning hair and is formulated with 3% Procapil—a patented blend of peptides that helps to stimulate and strengthen hair follicles as well as nourish the scalp. It also contains a variety of other hydrating, strengthening, and stimulating ingredients to promote hair growth and reduce shedding.
“I have lupus so my hair falls out in clumps…I was balding in spots for a while too, but using this product has helped drastically with the shedding! ” wrote one Ulta reviewer. “My bald spots are growing in as well so they aren’t as noticeable. Seriously a lifesaver!”
Key ingredients | Procapil, rosemary, green coffee extract, aloe vera, vitamin b5 |
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Hair type | All |
Size | 4.2 fl. oz. |
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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.
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.
How we chose the best hair growth serums
We tested the Marc Anthony Grow Long Scalp & Hair Serum and the Kérastase Nutritive Split End Serum. 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. We also sifted through countless online reviews to find the best serums for hair 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.
Shannen Zitz
Assistant Editor
Shannen Zitz is an Assistant Editor at Prevention, where she covers all things lifestyle, wellness, beauty, and relationships. Previously the Editorial Assistant at Prevention, she graduated from the State University of New York at Cortland with a bachelor's degree in English. If she’s not reading or writing, you can probably find her frequenting the skincare and makeup forums on Reddit or hogging the squat rack at the gym.