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Let’s get one thing straight: limp, lifeless hair is so last season.
Whether you’re dreaming of Rapunzel-length strands or just want your scalp to stop acting shady, the hunt for the best hair growth serum ends right here. Spoiler alert: your future self has thicker, stronger, glossier hair — and she’s got a killer serum collection to thank.
For the ladies ready to reclaim their crowns (literally), we’re diving deep into the most powerful hair growth serum for women. Think: superhero-level formulas loaded with botanicals, peptides and follicle-boosting wizardry. Whether you’re bouncing back from stress, shedding or simply chasing your next glow-up, these serums are here to rewrite your hair’s story — no filter required.
“Although hair loss is often chronic, there are many oral, topical and cosmetic treatments to help maintain hair and encourage growth,” Michele Green, MD, NYC-based board-certified cosmetic dermatologist, shared with Post Wanted. “Hair thinning and loss can sometimes be temporary if caused by external factors, such as starting a new medication or stress. Usually, once these factors are removed from your lifestyle, your hair should return to normal.”
Looking for the ultimate best serum for hair growth and thickness? We’ve got the heavy hitters, the cult favorites and the quiet overachievers that turn baby hairs into bold statements. These serums don’t just talk the talk; over time, they thicken, strengthen and awaken every sleepy strand like your follicles just downed a double espresso. Oh yes, your ponytail’s about to get way more powerful.
And don’t sleep on your scalp — it’s the soil where all this magic begins. A good scalp serum for hair growth works behind the scenes, detoxing, nourishing and creating the right environment for new growth. Consider it as skincare for your roots, because healthy hair starts way beneath the surface.
A happy scalp equals unstoppable strands for both men and women.
Last but absolutely not least, let’s talk brows. If over-plucking, stress, or time has left you with barely-there arches, a powerful eyebrow hair growth serum is your secret weapon. These tiny-but-mighty formulas are packed with growth-stimulating ingredients designed to bring your brows back from the brink. Full, face-framing brows? Yes, please, and no needles necessary.
Ready to meet the serums that’ll have you saying, “New hair, who dis?” Let’s get into it. Oh, and be sure to check out our in-depth FAQ section following our researched and tested product picks for the expert 411 on hair growth serum use.
Product Spotlight
Best Overall: ulo Hair Growth Serum
uloPros:
- Clinically backed ingredient blend
- Contains natural extracts and botanicals
- Has a lightweight texture and pleasant application
Cons:
- The price point may be unreachable for some
- May not be the most effective for those with ultra-sensitive scalps, so be sure to do a patch test on your skin before using
Imagine the Ulo Hair Growth Serum as that energetic friend in your self‑care routine who’s always pushing you toward your best hair day. It’s a lightweight, easy‑to‑use topical (think “slow‑drip viscosity,” so it doesn’t feel like you’re pouring motor oil on your scalp) that absorbs quickly and isn’t greasy or heavy. You dab on a measured dose to areas that feel like they’re thinning, rub it in gently and let the clever blend of botanicals, peptides and plant extracts get to work below the surface.
Day in, day out, it becomes part of your ritual — like brushing your teeth, but for your hair.
What really gives this serum its swagger is the ingredient lineup: Redensyl, Capixyl and Procapil — all included at the same levels tested in clinical studies — are star performers aimed at stimulating dormant follicles and slowing hair loss. Saw palmetto (2 %) helps to block DHT at the follicle and rosemary oil (2 %), doing its soothing, anti‑inflammatory, scalp‑loving thing is a dynamic duo added to the ingredient mix, too.
In the U.S. release, there’s also adenosine and a dash of melatonin for extra follicle support, plus L‑carnitine L‑tartrate to help calm inflammation around the roots. In short, this serum is like a botanical pentathlon; each ingredient runs its own leg so your hair follicles get the full relay treatment.
Size: 60 mL | Key ingredients: Redensyl, Capixyl, Procapil, Saw Palmetto, Rosemary Oil
Best Budget: WishCare Hair Growth Serum Concentrate
AmazonPros:
- Many users report seeing “baby hairs” in thinning or sparse areas after consistent use
- Holds a lightweight, non-oily texture
- Contains growth-promoting active ingredients
Cons:
- May lead to a slightly itchy scalp upon first use, so be sure to do a patch test on your skin before using
Imagine a little boost for your scalp that feels more like a spa treat than a heavy treatment — that’s what WishCare Hair Growth Serum Concentrate aims to be. It’s formulated as a super light, leave‑on spray (no greasy residue!) that you mist directly onto your scalp and gently massage in before bed. The idea is to let it work its magic overnight, so when you wake up, your scalp feels fresh, not sticky or weighed down.
What really gives this serum personality is its lineup of trendy but smart ingredients. It contains 3% Redensyl, which helps stimulate stem cells in the hair follicle; 4% Anagain, a pea sprout extract that supports the natural hair growth cycle; and 2% Baicapil, another plant-derived complex that aims to increase density. Layered on top of that are caffeine (for circulation), biotin (for strengthening), plant keratin (to repair) and fermented rice water (hello, ancestral hair ritual vibes) for added nourishment.
The formula is also touted as cruelty-free, paraben-free, vegan and fragrance-free, for those who prefer cleaner haircare options.
Size: 30 mL | Key ingredients: Redensyl, Anagain, Baicapil, Caffeine, Biotin, Rosemary, Rice Water
Best for Fine Hair: VEGAMOUR GRO Hair Serum
AmazonPros:
- Doesn’t leave an oily residue when dispersed
- Plant-based formulation, so gentler on the scalp
- Helps prevent hair thinning in addition to facilitating with hair growth
Cons:
- The price point may be unreachable for some
Meet your new hair BFF: the VEGAMOUR GRO Hair Serum is that pep rally in a bottle for your scalp, with botanical brilliance and biotech accolades. It’s a lightweight, water‑based serum (so no greasy “helmet hair” vibes) packed with plant exosomes, peptides, turmeric, mung bean and red clover to support follicle health and wake up sleepy scalp cells.
VEGAMOUR claims (and backs with clinical data) that it helps reduce shedding by up to 90% and boost visible density by up to 56% in as few as 90 days. With daily application, you’re not just “styling” but rather future-proofing your strands from thinning before it even begins.
For fine hair, specifically, this serum is a total game‑changer. Fine strands don’t need heavy, pore‑clogging oils or thick silicones; they need smart, featherlight nourishment. The GRO formula delivers micro‑peptides and exosome messengers right to the scalp, helping stimulate cell communication and strengthen hair from the root, without weighing down each delicate fiber. Ingredients like curcuma (turmeric) conditioned media offer antioxidant support, while mung bean and red clover extracts bring phytoactive goodness to calm the scalp and charge follicle vitality.
In short: if your fine hair wants volume, resilience and a sultry bounce, this is the serum that has its back (well, scalp).
Size: 30 mL | Key ingredients: Turmeric, Caffeine
Best for Dandruff: Kérastase Genesis Strengthening Serum
AmazonPros:
- One of the more hydrating hair growth serums to support a dry, itchy scalp
- Helps support volume and decrease damage
- Layers with other hair products well
Cons:
- The price point may be unreachable for some
- It may be too much of an oily texture for some preferences
Get ready to glow with the Kérastase Genesis Strengthening Serum. This is a hydrating, feel-good treat for your scalp that instantly refreshed and nourished mine. This lightweight leave-in serum is packed with powerhouse ingredients like ginger root extract, caffeine and arginine. Ginger root calms and soothes, caffeine energizes your scalp to wake up your follicles, and arginine helps strengthen and support healthy hair growth.
From the very first use, my scalp felt deeply hydrated and balanced, and I noticed my hair had more volume and bounce. While I can’t speak to its effects on hair loss yet (I haven’t used it consistently over several months), the initial results resulted in a bit more volume than usual after I styled my hair.
This serum features a lightweight, jelly-like texture that facilitates easy application without dripping. Because of its consistency, you can precisely target the scalp, allowing for a more effective delivery of its active ingredients.
The serum’s non-greasy formulation absorbs quickly, leaving the scalp feeling refreshed and non-oily, which is particularly beneficial for those with dandruff-prone scalps, too. Additionally, its silicone-free composition prevents product buildup, reducing the risk of clogged pores and potential exacerbation of scalp issues.
Size: 90 mL | Key ingredients: Ginger Root Extract, Caffeine, Arginine
Best for a Widening Part: Nutrafol Hair Serum
AmazonPros:
- Fair price point for bottle size
- Helps promote specific regrowth on targeted areas: temples, crown, part and hairline
- Helps reduce visible breakage
Cons:
- Results tend to differ among reviewers, so this serum is likely the one that requires the most amount of time for full results, depending on your hair type
If your part is starting to look more like a canyon than a line, Nutrafol Hair Serum is here to help you reclaim your crown. This lightweight, fast-absorbing serum is your scalp’s new best friend, designed to tackle thinning hair at the root — literally.
Packed with Ashwagandha Exosomes, it delivers potent plant-derived nutrients deep into the scalp, promoting cellular renewal and visibly thicker hair. Just apply a dropper-full to your part, massage it in and go about your day. It’s especially convenient, with no rinse required.
But Nutrafol doesn’t stop there. It’s formulated with a powerhouse blend of ingredients like Pea Sprout Extract to minimize breakage, Maca to protect against oxidative stress and Sea Buckthorn to nourish and hydrate. All together, they work in harmony to support a healthy scalp microbiome and boost hair strength. Plus, it’s free from silicones, sulfates, hormones and parabens, making it a clean choice for your hair care routine.
Whether you’re dealing with stress-induced thinning or just want to add some oomph to your part, Nutrafol Hair Serum is the secret weapon your scalp deserves. The brand is also well-respected for its hair growth supplements (which we reviewed, BTW).
Size: 30 mL | Key ingredients: Ashwagandha Exosomes, Irish Moss Peptides, Pea Sprout Extract
Best for Sensitive Scalps: Luxe Cosmetics Hair Growth Serum
AmazonPros:
- Well-formulated to be gentle on sensitive scalps, avoiding fillers
- Fast-absorbing, strengthens and fortifies
- Great for all hair types
Cons:
- May not yield as amazing results for certain hair textures, but may be advantageous for minor hair thinning or loss
Get ready to fall in love with your follicles. The Luxe Cosmetics Hair Growth Serum is like a little green smoothie for your scalp. With lightweight, fast-absorbing magic in every drop, this serum brings together powerhouse botanicals like rosemary oil (nature’s little hair whisperer), Panax ginseng extract and angelica extract to rally your dormant strands into action.
It’s formulated to strengthen from root to tip, reduce breakage, and boost visible density without ever weighing you down. Think of it as a smoothie for your scalp: nutrient-rich, vibrant and totally glow-up worthy.
But the real reason this serum earns brownie points? It’s incredibly gentle, making it a dream come true for sensitive scalps. Luxe Cosmetics emphasizes its keen emphasis on clean beauty and avoidance of unnecessary fillers or harsh additives, making it a winner in my books.
What’s more, the serum hydrates without greasiness or heavy buildup, calming irritation while coaxing new growth.
Size: 30 mL | Key ingredients: Turmeric, Caffeine, Mung Bean & Red Clover Blend
Best for Natural Hair: Rennora Hair Growth Serum (2-Pack)
AmazonPros:
- Specifically formulated to target the root causes of black women’s and men’s hair loss — without chemicals or fillers
- Unscented, so wonderful on sensitive scalps
- Moisturizing on the scalp
Cons:
- The price point may be unreachable for some, though it’s a 2-pack
- Targeted toward a specific hair type or texture, so not as versatile as some other picks (but a winner for inclusivity and treating 4C locks!)
The Rennora Hair Growth Serum is the ultimate elixir for natural hair revival for natural hair. Crafted with over 45 potent botanicals, this serum is a powerhouse of nature’s finest ingredients. At its heart lies Chebe powder, a legendary African secret used by the Basara women of Chad to achieve waist-length hair. Combined with the invigorating essence of peppermint, the anti-inflammatory prowess of stinging nettle, and the follicle-stimulating magic of Bhringraj, this serum doesn’t just promise; it delivers.
What’s more, it glides on smoothly without any greasy residue, instantly calming your scalp while fueling your follicles with a powerful blend of nature’s best. Lightweight yet deeply nourishing, it leaves your hair feeling soft, hydrated and ready to grow stronger and fuller with every drop. If your natural hair could talk, it would be singing praises for this luxurious, scalp-loving elixir.
Size: 30 mL | Key ingredients: Miracle Chebe Powder, Organic Tea Tree Oil, Organic Stinging Nettle, Organic Peppermint Oil
Best Vegan: Maelove Full Follicle Advanced Scalp Serum
MaelovePros:
- Consciously made with efficacy-driven ingredients and inspired by K-beauty
- Helps address multiple causes of thinning hair, including hormonal changes and poor blood flow
- Lightweight and non-greasy
Cons:
- The price point may be unreachable for some
Imagine your scalp as an overgrown, forgotten garden where dormant follicles wait like seeds for the right alchemy to awaken them. Maelove’s Full Follicle Advanced Scalp Serum arrives as a botanical thunderstorm: vegan, cruelty-free and charged with plant-powered precision.
A potent blend of acetyl-tetrapeptide-3 and a five-growth factor complex (IGF-1, EGF, VEGF, aFGF, bFGF) works at the cellular level to spark new life in sluggish follicles. Caffeine and red clover extract combat DHT-induced shedding, while rosemary, ginseng, eucalyptus, biotin, and panthenol — each ingredient carefully selected player in a follicular symphony designed to restore balance, boost circulation and reignite growth.
What sets it apart as the ultimate vegan hair growth serum isn’t just its ingredient list; it’s the intentionality behind it. With 14 clinically backed actives, Maelove targets every major cause of hair thinning, from hormonal imbalances and inflammation to follicle aging and poor blood flow. The serum is lightweight, non-greasy and free from parabens, phthalates, synthetic dyes and artificial fragrance. All in all, it’s great for the ingredient-conscious consumer and fairly priced for its A+ quality.
Size: 30 mL | Key ingredients: Acetyl Tetrapeptide-3, Growth Factor Complex (5 GFs), Caffeine, Swiss Apple Stem Cell, Red Clover, Rosemary, Ginseng, Eucalyptus, Panthenol, Biotin
Best for Split Ends: The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Serum for Hair Density
AmazonPros:
- Fair price point for its results-driven ingredient list and quality
- Absorbs well into the scalp
- Helps support hair density and damaged hair
Cons:
- It may not be the most moisturizing for extremely dry scalps
The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Serum for Hair Density is a powerful, affordable solution for those seeking to revitalize thinning hair and address split ends. Priced at less than $25, this lightweight, leave-in serum boasts a potent blend of active ingredients, including Redensyl, Procapil, Capixyl, Baicapil, Anagain and high-solubility caffeine. These components work synergistically to enhance scalp health, stimulate hair follicles, and promote stronger, denser strands.
The formula’s pH-balanced composition ensures compatibility with the scalp’s natural environment, allowing for optimal absorption without residue or buildup.
More impressively, with more than 20,000 bottles sold on Amazon in the past month alone, The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Serum has garnered widespread acclaim, with some experiencing up to four inches of growth after just five weekly applications.The serum’s affordability, combined with its high-quality formulation, makes it a standout choice in the realm of hair care.
Whether you’re dealing with split ends, thinning edges or overall hair health, this serum offers a clinically backed, cost-effective solution that you should certainly give a try.
Size: 60 mL | Key ingredients: Redensyl, Procapil, Capixyl, Baicapil, Anagain, Caffeine
Most Luxurious: OUAI Scalp Serum
Pros:
- Refreshing, revitalizing and hydrated
- Includes efficacy-driven clinical ingredients to help promote hair growth over time
- Sulfate-free, so gentler on the scalp
Cons:
- The price point may be unreachable to some
Imagine a serum so decadent it feels like liquid velvet for your scalp. That is exactly what OUAI Scalp Serum delivers. This is equal parts hair tonic and ritual: every drop a whisper of luxury that glides onto the crown of your head with a feather‑soft caress.
Inside its elegant glass pipette lies a potent blend of hyaluronic acid and a cocktail of adaptogenic botanicals — arctic root, Siberian ginseng, chaga mushroom — that work in concert to deeply hydrate, calm, and fortify your scalp’s barrier. The red clover peptides and Trifolium extract act like silent architects, quietly scaffolding your scalp environment so hair feels fuller, thicker, more alive. Meanwhile, the signature Cape Town scent, which is essentially a dance of spearmint, ginger, green fig, and basil, elevates each application into a sensorial escape.
It’s both sophisticated and rooted in scalp science. Unlike conventional hair growth serums that tend to overpromise and underdeliver, OUAI’s formula is free from parabens, phthalates and sulfates. That said, every molecule feels intentional: glycerin and butylene glycol draw moisture deep; the adaptogens respond to the micro‑environment of your skin stress; and acetyl tetrapeptide‑3 whispers growth signals at the root. The result? A luxurious serum that’s both elite and performs in the long haul.
Size: 60 mL | Key ingredients: Arctic Root, Siberian Ginseng, Chaga Mushroom, Red Clover Flower Extract, Peptides
An FAQ on Hair Growth Serums
What are the most common causes of hair loss in men and women?
The most common cause of hair loss in men and women is often genetic, known as androgenetic alopecia. In men, this usually involves a receding hairline or thinning on the crown. In women, it appears as thinning across the entire scalp.
“While androgenetic alopecia is one of the most common inherited types of hair loss from parents or grandparents, other causes include hormone fluctuations, especially a high level of dihydrotestosterone in men, as well as fluctuations in estrogen, progesterone and testosterone in women,” Dr. Green noted.
Stress or fluctuating cortisol levels can also contribute to hair loss. “When experiencing hair loss, it’s best to consult with a board-certified dermatologist to manage your symptoms,” she added.
Is there a difference between hair thinning and hair shedding?
According to Green, hair shedding is a temporary and natural process where you lose hair throughout the day. On the contrary, hair thinning is a more permanent condition where the hair shaft becomes thinner and hair growth slows.
Do hair growth serums actually work, and what ingredients are best?
“Hair growth serums can assist in maintaining hair and reducing hair loss,” Green said. “A common ingredient is minoxidil. Over-the-counter products like Rogaine contain 5% minoxidil in their hair serums. This ingredient works by stimulating hair follicles to encourage growth, extending the hair’s growth phase (anagen), and increasing blood flow to the scalp.”
Other over-the-counter serums like Nutrafol are made with 100% drug-free ingredients to help protect against hair thinning caused by breakage at the root.
How long does it typically take to see results from a hair growth serum?
“Seeing results from a hair growth serum requires patience and consistent use,” Green explained.
After regular application, it may take at least three to four months to notice the product’s effectiveness.
Are there any risks or side effects with prolonged serum use?
If the serum is used as directed, there are no risks or side effects from long-term use.
“When starting hair serums that contain minoxidil, some patients may experience initial shedding,” Green shared. “This is a temporary side effect because it stimulates hair follicles, causing older, dormant hairs to fall out prematurely. If the shedding lasts longer than 6 months, it is best to consult a dermatologist.”
Prolonged serum use is generally considered safe, and staying consistent with serum application is the best way to achieve optimal results.
Can hair growth serums be used with other hair loss treatments like minoxidil or supplements?
The short answer: yes.
“To effectively combat hair loss, it is best to use a combination of treatments, including topical hair serums, oral medications such as minoxidil, finasteride, dutasteride, and spironolactone, along with cosmetic procedures like Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) injections,” Green listed.
There are also hair growth supplements like Nutrafol, which contains a blend of natural ingredients, botanical extracts, vitamins and minerals that support hair growth and reduce hair loss. “It’s advisable to consult with a board-certified dermatologist who can work with your internist to determine the most suitable oral medications for you,” she added.
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is an innovative treatment for hair loss that works alongside oral and topical medications, utilizing the growth factors in your blood to stimulate new hair growth and prevent further loss.
“The process involves extracting platelet-rich plasma from the patient’s blood, which is then isolated and injected into the areas of the scalp affected by hair loss or thinning,” Green explained. “PRP therapy encourages natural hair growth and strengthens hair follicles, promoting regrowth while preventing further loss.”
Why Trust Post Wanted by the New York Post
This article was written by Victoria McDonnell, New York Post Commerce Journalist & Content Strategist, who has spent countless hours researching, testing hundreds of products and comparing the latest makeup, skincare, hair and beauty items and trends to determine what’s truly worth your hard-earned cash. She evaluates formulas, textures, ingredients and more, in addition to consulting medical and industry experts. Some of Victoria’s latest conquests include testing the best vitamin C serums on the market, and a rinse-and-repeat review of the best shampoos of 2025. Victoria, who received a beauty industry essentials certification from the Fashion Institute of Technology, has been creating shopping guides for the New York Post since 2021 and previously held positions at Insider Reviews and CNN Underscored.
English (US)