All products featured on Allure are independently selected by our editors.
However, we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through links in this article.
Is your part looking a little wide?Hair feeling thin?
Source images: Courtesy of brands; Collage: Laneen Wells forAllure
But alas, serums arent a cure-all forhair loss.
(The other, FYI, is finasteride.)
Each treatment is personalized by a dermatologist associated with the brand.
Consider this growth-promoting serum from Hers, which contains 7% minoxidila concentration not found in stores.
These help block androgen hormones, which are the ones that cause hair thinning.
To wit: Womens Rogaine 2% Minoxidil Solution.
Rogaine is over-the-counter with 2% minoxidil, says Dr. Ibrahim.
It works well, albeit a little slower than a higher-strength minoxidil.
(That would include the Hers or Musely products.)
The ashwagandha exosomes are unique to Nutrafol and are 1500 times smaller than regular ashwagandha, Dr. Lolis explains.
This allows deeper penetration into the scalp to promote cell renewal and create an optimal environment for hair growth.
In all, the serum helps hair look glossy whileprotecting it from heat damage.
I love its texture, Dr. Mian says.
Curious about how the ingredients work, exactly?
This is an affordable and effective option, Dr. Lolis says of the under-$25 salve.
I also love this serum for those with dandruff-prone scalps as it helps reduce buildup and inflammation.
Its ideal for those experiencing thinning hair and has strong clinical evidence backing its claims.
The serum comes in a spray bottle with an extended tip that targets hard-to-reach areas on the scalp.
These ingredients have been shown to improve hair strength, promote growth, and undo damage.
With androgenic alopecia, we typically prescribe medications that block DHT, an enzyme that causes hair loss.
(you could find zinc in The Ordinarys Multi-Peptide serum.)
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 workespecially when theyre used as intended.
How long does it take to see growth?
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 its working or not.
Do essential oils work for hair growth?
While its not yet fully understoodhowthese oils work to promote hair growth, theories abound.
He also posits that oils that are inherently anti-inflammatory may support the scalp’s natural microbiome.
That said, not all essential oils are created equal.
Below, Dr. Ibrahim breaks down the benefits (and drawbacks) of commonly used oils.
Testers considered performance across four primary categories: efficacy, texture and experience, fragrance, and packaging.
For more on what’s involved in our reporting, check out our completereviews process and methodology page.
Our staff and testers
A beauty product is a personal purchase.
Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if its never been tested on curls?