Key ingredients: ginseng-turmeric blend, organic amla, Follicle Vitality Complex | Who it’s for: dry, thinning hair
Frequently Asked Questions
What serum is best for hair growth?
It’s okay to expect a lot from your hair growth serum, especially when you’re shopping for the best hair growth serum. “A good hair growth serum should reduce hair shedding, increase hair, diameter, increase the growth phase of hair, decrease scalp inflammation, and be gentle on the scalp,” Dr. Amin says. “The ingredients I look for are rosemary oil, amla oil, caffeine, green tea, and coconut oil, to name a few. These ingredients have been shown to improve hair strength, promote growth, and undo damage.”
Dr. Lolis adds that many common conditions that cause hair loss—including androgenic alopecia and telogen effluvium—are triggered by the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which can bind to hair follicles and cause them to shrink. “With androgenic alopecia, we typically prescribe medications that block DHT, an enzyme that causes hair loss. However, there are many natural DHT blockers to look out for such as saw palmetto and zinc,” she says. (You can find zinc in The Ordinary’s Multi-Peptide serum.) Otherwise, Dr. Lolis suggests: “Look for active ingredients like biotin and caffeine, which improve hair strength and stimulate growth.”
Do hair-growth serums work?
“Many hair-growth serums include non-medicated ingredients,” Dr. Amin says. (Translation: You don’t need a prescription for most of them.) “The efficacy of the serums is difficult to ascertain because there are not many randomized controlled clinical trials.”
However, anecdotally, Lolis has seen evidence that the serums work—especially when they’re used as intended. “Ingredients like biotin and caffeine support the scalp’s environment, helping nourish hair follicles, which can result in denser, stronger hair [over time],” she says. In short, the how-tos on the packaging are required reading, and you should try to adhere to the recommended guidelines if you want to feel blessed in the hair follicles department.
How long does it take to see growth?
“Most users report seeing visible improvements, such as reduced shedding and new hair growth, after about three months of consistent use,” Dr. Lolis says. Dr. Mian agrees, adding that patience is key here. “Hair-growth serums can take a while to show their efficacy,” she says. “I would use a serum for at least three months before deciding if it’s working or not.”
Do essential oils work for hair growth?
Essential oils might help with hair growth, but they can be hit or miss, according to Dr. Ibrahim. While it’s not yet fully understood how these oils work to promote hair growth, theories abound. “One theory is that these essential oils help increase blood flow to the scalp, and that promotes hair growth,” he says. “Another is that by simply improving the health of the scalp by providing essential fatty acids to the hair follicles, essential oils help hair grow out healthier to give the appearance of thicker hair and also create a fertile ground for hair growth.” He also posits that oils that are inherently anti-inflammatory may support the scalp’s natural microbiome.
