13 Best Hair Growth Serums That *Actually* Help Your Length Goals

If you're looking to "spot treat" with a hair growth serum—say, you have a sparser hairline you'd like to fill—this high-performing number is your best bet. With nicotiana benthamiana for its anti-inflammatory properties, turmeric to calm and nourish the skin, and red clover and mung bean extracts to neutralize free radicals, it's the perfect nongreasy number to nourish fragile strands. 

What a trichologist says:

This serum is by far one of the most popular hair growth products on the market. And it warrants its popularity. As Certified trichologist Bridgette Hill, founder of Root Cause Scalp Analysis told us about the formula, she’s a fan of using vasodilators (like caffeine) for hair follicle health as they boost circulation. In addition, mung bean extracts are "believed to strengthen the dermal papilla. The dermal papilla, which is at the base of the hair follicle, regulates hair growth functions." And peptides play a role here too: "There are exciting discoveries in the world of peptides and hair growth." 

This serum simply nourishes the scalp and hair with apple stem cells, which are known for their rejuvenating and antioxidant abilities; bamboo and pea extract, which help protect the strands against free radicals; and aloe vera, a star hydrator. The application itself feels like a splash of moisture, especially after a good, long rinse. 

What mbg beauty director says:

This brand is known for their top-notch, high-tech products that specialize in scalp health. And as a long-time fan of the brand, mbg beauty director Alexandra Engler says this: “With 2% apple stem cells, an ingredient clinically proven to extend the hair growth phase, it’s no wonder this serum performs.” 

This hair and scalp serum (it’s really more of an oil–granted a very light-weight oil) keeps the skin nourished and the hair fiber strong. The edited ingredient list uses a base of organic sunflower seed oil (which is known for being ultralight weight), organic jasmine oil (for antioxidants ands a delightful smell), and organic alma extract (which is thought to stimulate hair growth). 

What users say:

This reviewer says it best: "I really feel like I'm treating my senses when using this for my hair—the jasmine scent is romantic and beautiful."

You can read all about castor oil for hair here, but the fatty-acid-rich ingredient comes with a load of healthy hair benefits. The medium-weight oil is brimming with vitamin E, unsaturated fatty acids, minerals, and other antioxidants to help protect the strands from physical damage and environmental aggressors. Grab a 100% organic, naturally cold-pressed option, like Briogeo's, to wrap your tresses in a blanket of moisture. 

What users say:

This single ingredient formula comes with rave reviews, including this one: “I'm a Black woman with curly hair and this product has helped me grow back my short, damaged edges. I've tried a lot of other castor oils and this is the only one that's had a real effect on my hair and edges!”

Moringa oil, argan oil, castor oil, and aloe vera make this simple scalp serum an absolute dream. Not to mention, the lavender aroma sets you up for a relaxing night's sleep—it also helps stimulate the scalp and has even been linked to hair growth in animal studies.

What users say: 

Once you try this serum, you’ll understand why it fits right into a wind-down routine: “The moringa and lavender oil just soothes me and massaging my head before bed is my favorite routine now.”

Unless your strands tend to drink in product, chances are you'll want a lightweight leave-in serum that won't clog hair follicles or cause buildup. This Innersense formula leaves an undetectable trace, as it features dry oils (jojoba and safflower seed) that immediately sink into the strands.

What users say: 

Not only is the texture delightfully weightless, but it delivers results, says users like this one: “It makes my hair feel silky and healthy. And it smells amazing!”

This leave-in tonic is beloved for plumping the hair fibers and increasing volume, so you can rock a thick, full-bodied 'do. It contains a "hair energy complex" to improve the density of the hair shaft, along with mung bean and clover extracts to soothe and protect the scalp. 

What users say: 

While you’ll see full results if you use it long-term, you’ll also see an instant thickening and lifting boost. Writes one user: “Used for the first time yesterday and people asked if my hair was growing back in. They couldn’t believe how much fuller it looked.”

Ever seen a hair oil so good, you thought about slathering it all over? This do-it-all serum aims to please, with a cocktail of nourishing plant and essential oils to calm and moisturize your skin and hair. It's simply a must-grab for a scalp-slash-face massage—who doesn't love a streamlined routine? 

What users say:

Who doesn’t like to edit down their routine? This option works for your face, scalp, hair—and honestly your cuticles, nails, and other uses. As one user writes: “I love this oil for EVERYthing. It’s easily become a staple in my night routine. Smells amazing and keeps me moisturized!”

Your hair bonds can become broken over time—by heat styling, chemical processing, and other physical stressors (harsh brushing, too-tight hairstyles, and the like), which is where protein-rich repairing serums come into play: These help reconstruct those bonds, thus leading to stronger, smoother, and more defined strands. Aveda's strengthening serum contains proprietary bond-building plant molecules, along with organic avocado, green tea, and sacha inchi, and Nangai oils to deeply moisturize and further protect the strands. 

What users say: 

Bringing damaged hair back to life is challenging—but with care and high-quality products, it’s doable. As one user testifies: “I've been so hard on my hair. Highlights and coloring it for decades. This has been a wonder as I've been trying to grow my hair again.”

This antioxidant-rich formula is like a tall drink of water for your scalp. Arctic root, Siberian ginseng, chaga mushroom, and red clover extracts help protect and soothe the skin up top, while peptides help support collagen production. It's super lightweight and provides a cooling experience upon application. Plus, the lightweight formula easily soaks into your strands without leaving a greasy feel. 

What users say:

Reach for this option if you have flakes and inflammation—there are scores of users who note how helpful it is: “Had been looking for a serum or oil for my scalp for a while as it gets really dry and super flakey. After the first use I noticed such a huge difference: way less flakes and my scalp felt amazing.”

Healthy hair growth starts with a healthy, thriving scalp. Look no further than this hydrating formula, with apple stem cells, hydrolyzed lupine protein, and glycerin to soothe and protect the skin barrier. It also contains rosemary—which boasts a number of hair growth benefits—and rosewater, which has a mildly astringent nature and can help reduce extra oil in between washes. 

What users say:

As one user succinctly put it: “If you have a dry and irritated scalp, this is for you.”

This wash-out serum is jam-packed with hair-healthy, fatty-acid-rich oils: meadowfoam seed oil, chia seed oil, açai fruit oil, and rapeseed oil, to name a select few. It's best used as a pre-shampoo product; those heavyweight oils might weigh down the strands (unless you're gunning for a chic, slicked-back look; then by all means, marinate away). But if your strands are especially thirsty, it can also work as an overnight mask. 

What users say:

Not only is this suitable for a pre-shampoo treatment, but users also love it for daily care. “I absolutely love this hair oil. I use it as directed, but I also have been putting a tiny bit of the oil on it every day and it no longer itches or flakes.” 

Scalp buildup can hinder your hair growth goals, which is why this daily serum includes apple cider vinegar to exfoliate and unclog hair follicles. Aside from the star ingredient, you'll find peptides to stimulate collagen production, organic maca root for antioxidant properties, hyaluronic acid and aloe vera for hydration, and lavender extract to further stimulate the scalp. Not to mention, the formula is super lightweight and absorbs almost instantly. 

What users say:

This helps bring roots back to life: “It's so great for your scalp. I have a sensitive, oily scalp and this makes my hair look so healthy and shiny. I just really love how this product makes my hair feel full of life and so refreshing.”

Hair loss during menopause is very common for many. The increased shedding is due to hormone changes in the body that happen during this time, such as the drop in estrogen levels. Along with thinning, both the scalp and hair often become more dry and brittle. So give hair the hydration it deserves with this serum, specifically formulated for those in menopause. It’s made with pea peptides, alma, and other botanical ingredients to revitalize hair follicles—as well as ectoine and squalane for moisture. 

What users say: 

While users do note that the packaging dropper doesn’t deliver enough product, they do say the “the product works” and it “calms the scalp.”