Want longer, thicker hair? The best hair growth serums not only boost confidence, but they also help create the right environment for healthier, stronger hair, especially if it’s changing with age, stress, or hormonal changes. While no serum can turn back the clock, the right formula can promote hair growth, reduce hair loss, and improve the appearance of thinning hair.
However, not all serums are created equal. Before you buy a product, it’s crucial to understand the reason for your hair’s changes. “I encourage anyone concerned about thinning or hair loss to first consult with a healthcare provider,” says Dr. Paradi Mirmirani, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Kaiser Permanente in Vallejo, California, who specializes in hair disorders. “The best guidance is to ask questions and rely on reliable sources for scientific evidence and recommendations specific to your needs.”
That’s because a variety of factors, from genetics and hormones to nutrition, medications, and emotional stress, can contribute to thinning hair, and these underlying causes can influence which ingredients will work best. It’s also important to know whether your goal is thicker or longer hair, as the solutions aren’t always the same for each.
“Some serums for hair density and length are essentially the same, and there is often overlap in their formulas,” cosmetic dermatologist Dr. Blair Murphy-Ross tells Vogue. “However, in general, hair serums for length enhancement are formulated to strengthen hair strands, prevent breakage, and support the anagen phase of the hair growth cycle.
These help promote healthier, longer strands. Serums for thinning hair focus on follicle health, reactivating dormant follicles, and reducing shedding. They often target inflammatory and/or hormonal factors. They can increase nutrient delivery to the hair and boost blood circulation,” Dr. Murphy-Ross says.
Best overall: Nutrafol Hair Serum, $69
Best peptide product: The Ordinary Hair Peptide Serum, $23
Best for use with minoxidil: Hers Women’s Minoxidil 2% Topical Solution, $30
Best hair oil: Aveda Invati Ultra Advanced Vitality Scalp Serum, $72
Best for gray hair: Living Proof Scalp Care Density Serum, $64
Best for age-related hair loss: Act+Acre Cold Treatment Stem Cell Scalp Serum, $86
Best spray serum: Virtue Flourish Density Booster, $50