The 16 Best Hair Growth Serums for Longer Strands and a Healthier Scalp

Best Hair Growth Serum Overall

Act+Acre Stem Cell Scalp Serum

$86 at Amazon $86 at Sephora View on Actandacre.com

This do-it-all scalp serum is a fan-favorite treatment for a reason. Act + Acre's Stem Cell Scalp Serum focuses on improving your scalp's overall health to, in turn, stimulate hair growth and produce a thicker mane. Utilizing the power of two percent apple stem cells, this serum aims to reinvigorate hair follicles to produce growth in any necessary areas, resulting in satisfying regrowth (and minimal shedding!) for any and all hair types. A bonus? This formula also includes aloe vera and hyaluronic acid to hydrate the scalp and reduce any itchiness or irritation from dryness.

Act + Acre notes it takes up to 90 days to notice the totality of this serum's benefits, but after just one month, you can observe an objectively healthier, nourished scalp, setting the stage for more growth later on. This formula is even free of silicones, parabens, phthalates, petrolatum, and synthetic fragrance, making it ideal for those worried about treating their sensitive scalp with something on the daily. Be sure to apply one to two pipettes worth of serum on clean damp or dry hair, gently rub it into your scalp, and let it absorb (be sure not to rinse it out).

Key Ingredient: Apple stem cells | Size: 2.2 fl oz

Best Hair Growth Serum with Minoxidil

Rogaine Women's 5% Minoxidil Foam

$48 at Amazon $59 at Target $69 at Riteaid.com

Sobel says minoxidil is the only FDA-approved ingredient for growing new hair. Because the results are well-studied, the ingredient is the gold standard for hair growth for many dermatologists and hair experts. Rogaine features minoxidil as its primary active ingredient, creating impressive results for users—this particular product can regrow up to 25 percent more hair, so it's perfect for those dealing with serious thinning or bald spots. 

When testing Women’s Rogaine 5% Minoxidil Unscented Foam, we found the application simple and straightforward, albeit a little messy, since you have to massage a capful into the scalp. Once on, the product took about 15 minutes to absorb into the scalp, making it a quick, convenient part of our nighttime routine. Even without rinsing it out, the product didn’t leave any residue on our strands or feel like it weighed our hair down, nor did we experience any tingling, irritation, or pain.

While it can take months to see full results, we did notice growth and an overall improvement in fullness during our testing. We loved how this lightweight foam was easy to use daily; just keep in mind that you'll have to keep up with the application to see consistent improvement. Consider a hair-growth supplement for additional assistance in growing fuller, healthier hair.

Key Ingredient: Minoxidil | Size: 2.1 oz

Best Hair Growth Serum Without Minoxidil

Kérastase Scalp & Hair Serum

$60 at Sephora View on Kerastase-usa.com

Kerastase's Initialiste Scalp & Hair Serum is beloved by shoppers, and after testing it ourselves, we can see why. When applying it to our fine, thin hair, we found the lightweight, watery serum easy to apply thanks to the dropper, and while it took three droppers full to adequately cover our scalp, after six weeks of nightly use, the formula offered impressive results in the density department. In addition to added thickness, we noticed a few patchier areas of our scalp sprouting new strands. 

What sets this serum apart regarding its formula is that it’s made without minoxidil. Instead, it’s chock full of SP94 (which Kerastase says “reinforces hair structure and strength through the lengths”), strengthening ceramides, smoothing and softening conditioners, and antioxidant-rich green tea extract. 

It's worth noting that this serum was not as hydrating as we would have liked, so if you have dry strands, it may be useful to add a nourishing conditioner like the brand's Nutritive Lait Vital Conditioner for additional moisture. Additionally, this hair serum has a light floral scent that doesn’t linger, but this may not be the best option for you if you're averse to fragrance.

Key Ingredient: SP94 and ceramides | Size: 2.2 oz

Best Budget Hair Growth Serum

Marc Anthony Grow Long Scalp & Hair Serum

$9 at Amazon $10 at CVS $10 at Riteaid.com

The Grow Long Hair and Scalp Serum from Marc Anthony is a Shape-approved, budget-friendly option with rosemary, ginseng, and caffeine—ingredients that work wonders for hair growth. When wrapped in this lightweight serum and massaged into a damp or dry scalp, rosemary can effectively improve the state of your hair follicles to lead to stronger, longer strands; ginseng can prevent shedding; and caffeine can promote further growth.

We love how this formula doesn't leave your hair greasy, so you can apply it and head out the door with no problem (or before bed without needing to wash your pillow). Plus, the ten-dollar price tag ensures you can use this up without worrying about breaking the bank.

Key Ingredient: Rosemary oil, caffeine, ginseng | Size: 2 fl oz

Best Hair Growth Serum for Shedding

Philip Kingsley Density Preserving Scalp Drops

View on Philipkingsley.com

The Philip Kingsley Density Preserving Scalp Drops for Hair Loss prevent excess shedding in the first place rather than focusing solely on restoring new growth. Formulated with the brand’s Biomimetic Peptide Blend, described as “an innovative and unique active complex designed to reduce hair shedding and improve hair density and quality over time," the cooling hair serum is meant to be applied daily for best results, which include a less visible scalp and more conditioned strands. 

When testing the formula, we enjoyed the plastic dropper, which made applying the watery serum to our scalp a breeze. While the brand recommends using two and a half milliliters of the product daily, it says that you can use less if you have ultra-fine hair that you don’t want to be weighed down, so we opted for just two. Still, after six weeks—and after using it only a few times a week instead of daily—we found that our hair looked impressively thicker, and our hairbrush bristles were plagued with way less hair post-brushing. The lightweight, virtually fragrance-free serum didn't even leave any residue on our strands, despite feeling super wet upon application. It sunk into strands within minutes, leaving no need to re-wash hair for a clean-looking ‘do.

Key Ingredients: Biomimetic Peptide Blend, azelaic acid, pyridoxine HCL, saw palmetto, and zinc PCA | Size: 2.87 oz

Best Lightweight Hair Growth Serum

Rene Furterer Hair Serum

$82 at Amazon $82 at Dermstore

Bridgette Hill, a trichologist and colorist at the Paul Labreque Salon, enjoys this lightweight serum. It uses plant-based ingredients (including lemon essential oil) to boost scalp circulation, and the included essential oils give it a potent but pleasant citrus scent. Since continued use of any of these treatments is essential for best results, Hill also likes how simple this is to apply. To that point, it also needs to be used just once per week for three months.

Logistically, the Rene Furterer Hair Serum comes packaged in disposable rip-top vials with a narrow nozzle to disperse easily onto the scalp. Each box comes with 12 little packets—while this may not feel like a lot for the price, these are enough to treat and prevent hair loss for three months. According to the brand, the serum is specifically formulated to stimulate hair growth and strengthen strands for thicker-looking hair overall. Consider adding a scalp massager for hair growth to your routine for further assistance.

Key Ingredient: Lotus Mineral Complex | Size: 12 vials x .16 oz

Best Hair Growth Serum for Bald Spots

Bosley Follicle Energizer

$35 at Amazon $16 at Ulta $33 at Riteaid.com

The Bosley Follicle Energizer is a powerhouse serum that relies on a litany of different ingredients to improve the look and feel of your strands. "Protective botanical extracts make for thicker, fuller-looking hair, biotin strengthens, while rosemary extract helps to reduce scalp inflammation and increase circulation," says Friese, who advises using it on targeted areas rather than all over. "With this product, I like to tell people, 'If you want hair, put it there.’”

For best results, the Follicle Energizer must be applied to freshly shampooed scalps up to twice daily. While the brand doesn’t directly state how long it takes to notice fuller-looking strands, considering the ingredients at play, you can expect to have to use it for at least a couple of months for a notable difference in the length and fullness of your strands.

Key Ingredient: Biotin, caffeine, rosemary extract | Size: 1 fl oz

Best Hair Growth Serum for Thinning Hair

Ouai Scalp Serum

$52 at Ulta $52 at Sephora View on Theouai.com

If you've noticed that areas around your hairline are thinning more than usual, consider this scalp serum from Ouai. We're pleased with the peptides in this formula, which are known to work wonders for stimulating hair growth (one study shows that certain types can even function better than minoxidil) and make the treated areas appear much fuller. This serum also utilizes the effects of red clover flower extract and Arctic Root, Siberian Ginseng, And Chaga Mushroom to improve overall scalp health, creating a more favorable environment for hair growth.

The application process is easy—just apply a pipette's worth of serum to your hairline and part and massage into your scalp—but it requires daily use for the best results.

Key Ingredient: Peptides, red clover flower extract | Size: 2 fl oz

Best Hair Growth Serum for Density

The Nue Co. Supa Thick Scalp Serum

$52 at Amazon $55 at Sephora $55 at Thenueco.com

Hoping for impressively thicker hair? The Nue Co. Supa Thick Scalp Serum can do the trick. When testing this serum (applying it two to three times a week for six weeks), we found that our hairline appeared fuller and our head of hair more voluminous. Despite its liquid-y consistency, we were pleased that this formula didn't weigh our strands down or lead to a stringy, greasy-looking appearance post-application. Plus, its refreshing rosemary scent was a breath of fresh air, making for a self-care treat each and every time we applied it to our scalp. Just keep in mind that the rosemary extract also touts a tingling sensation that, while some can find it invigorating, others may find irritating. That said, keep your skin (and scalp) type in mind when trying this product.

Key Ingredient: Rosemary Oil | Size: 3.3 oz

Best Hair Growth Serum for Thickness

Vegamour Gro Hair Serum

$49 at Vegamour.com $64 at Sephora $64 at Kohls.com

There’s a reason shoppers swoon over the Vegamour GRO Hair Serum. "This serum can visibly increase hair density up to 50 percent while reducing loss from combing and washing by up to 76 percent in four months," says Friese. This is thanks to several unique ingredients not found in many other hair growth serums, namely, mung bean and red clover, which have been shown to help inhibit the production of dihydrotestosterone (DHT, a hormone that plays a role in hair loss), and nicotiana benthamiana, an Australian plant whose proteins have been shown to increase the density of hair roots, she explains. 

You can read one former Shape editor’s review, which includes her two-year experience with the serum and her results, here. Spoiler: “I'm a happy customer — and now a Vegamour subscriber, to boot (which also lets me save money on every bottle),” Alyssa Sparacino reveals in her review. “And these days, I can confidently wear my hair in a ponytail without staring at my scalp peeking through.”

Key Ingredient: Turmeric and caffeine | Size: 1 fl oz

Best Hair Growth Serum for Fine Hair

Briogeo Destined for Density MegaStrength+ Peptide Density Serum

$57 at Nordstrom $57 at Sephora $57 at Ulta

The Briogeo Destined for Density MegaStrength+ Peptide Density Serum is infused with biotin and caffeine to stimulate follicles and enhance hair growth. We tested it for just six weeks and were wowed by the fast-acting formula. 

At first glance, we assumed this orange-tinted serum would be thick and greasy, though we found it to be delightfully lightweight—it didn't weigh down our fine hair in the slightest. It took only 30 seconds to adequately sink into our scalp (whether using it on dirty or clean hair), making it particularly convenient to use. We were so pleased with the new growth and fullness along our hairline, which was our target area during testing, though we should mention that it didn't do much in terms of total length. It’s great for enhancing volume and density but not the best if your goal is longer hair.

Key Ingredient: Biotin, caffeine | Size: 1.5 oz

Best Hair Growth Serum for Oily Hair

Augustinus Bader Hair Oil

$54 at Amazon $54 at Nordstrom $54 at Bluemercury.com

If you have oily hair, let us introduce Augustinus Bader’s The Hair Oil. This sunflower seed oil-based hair serum is designed to condition and strengthen strands, reducing shedding and hair loss.

When testing this oil, we found applying this serum two to three times a week easy and straightforward, thanks to the included dropper. We targeted the mid-shafts and ends of our hair, noticing instantly smoother-looking strands sans greasiness or residue. Despite not applying the potent product directly to our scalp, we were surprised to notice slight hair growth by the end of the testing period. While the growth wasn’t major, the shine, softness, and overall quality of our hair most definitely was. By the six-week mark, we were met with softer, fuller, more hydrated, easier-to-style strands that didn’t look nearly as stringy or weighed down by greasy roots. In that way, we think it helped to balance our scalp’s oil production somehow. So, if you’ve been fiending for healthier-looking, less oily hair, make room for The Hair Oil in your routine.

Key Ingredient: Baobab, argan, and pomegranate oils | Size: 1 oz

Best Hair Growth Serum with Castor Oil

RED by Kiss Hair Growth Oil

$7 at Amazon

Castor oil is another common ingredient in hair growth formulations due to its antimicrobial and antifungal abilities. By helping reduce impurities and dandruff on the scalp, it's easier for new hair to grow, and we're happy with the inclusion of this ingredient in RED By Kiss' Growth MD Hair and Scalp Oil. Not only this, but the formula also includes peppermint oil, olive fruit oil, coconut oil, and rice bran oil, to name a few, to further assist with hydrating, strengthening, and replenishing the hair.

We love the ease of use of this oil. To apply, simply give the bottle a few good shakes, twist up the cap, and direct the serum to the areas on your scalp experiencing hair loss (and don't rinse it out!). It's important to apply this serum every day for the most noticeable results.

Key Ingredient: Castor oil, peppermint oil, olive fruit oil, coconut oil, and rice bran oil | Size: 2 fl oz

Best Hair Growth Serum for Volume

Viviscal Hair Thickening Serum

View on Amazon $20 at Ulta $20 at Walgreens

Viviscal Hair Thickening Serum is the perfect treatment for those desiring a more voluminous mane. Formulated with biotin and keratin, the serum is designed to trigger new hair growth while strengthening and maintaining current strands. When testing this serum, we first admired the seamless application process—all it takes is pumping the thin, watery formula directly onto your palms and massaging it from mid-shaft to your ends. Yes, this is another hair serum designed for applying to the lower half of your hair, yet still notably enhances the health, fullness, and appearance of hair from roots to ends. 

While we noticed immediately fuller-looking hair with this serum, we didn’t experience any additional growth that can be attributed to the product alone. Still, considering the product isn’t at all irritating, it doesn’t leave behind a greasy residue, and it's affordable makes it a winner in our book.

Key Ingredient: Biotin and keratin | Size: 1.69 oz

Best Hair Oil For Hair Growth

Ceremonia Aceite de Moska Scalp Oil

$18 at Sephora View on Ceremonia.com View on Credo Beauty

A hair oil is a fabulous alternative to a serum for aiding hair growth, particularly
Ceremonia's Aceite de Moska Scalp Oil. This formula features a unique blend of ingredients like meadowfoam seed oil, chia seed oil, and babassu oil, which offer moisturizing benefits and clarify the scalp, creating the perfect foundation for newfound hair growth.

This oil is unique because it should be applied before shampooing rather than after a hair wash. Be sure to massage it into your scalp for 10 to 15 minutes before heading into the shower, or leave it on your scalp overnight and wash it out in the morning if it is especially dry.

Key Ingredient: Meadowfoam seed oil, chia seed oil, and babassu oil | Size: 2 fl oz

Best Rosemary Oil for Hair Growth

Nature Spell Rosemary Oil

$12 at Amazon

Using rosemary oil is undoubtedly one of the top natural remedies for aiding hair growth, and this option from Nature Spell is our favorite. This ingredient boasts many benefits, including its aforementioned growth-stimulating abilities and reducing the effects of an itchy, irritated scalp.

Nature Spell's rosemary oil comes in a hefty five-ounce bottle, giving you more bang for your buck at a 12-dollar price point. It's recommended to leave this treatment on your scalp for at least a half hour, but you'll get the best results by using it overnight.