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Is your part looking a little wide?Hair feeling thin?

3 cosmetic items overlapping on a light pink background. From top to bottom Purple bottle with gold top grey bottle with…

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.

Hair Formula Rx in branded white bottle with pipette on light gray background

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.

Hers Hair Blends Serum in branded component on a light gray background

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.)

Musely The Hair Topical Solution in branded component on a light gray background

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.

Women’s Rogaine 2% Minoxidil Solution in branded components on a light gray background

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.

Hair Serum in branded white bottle with pipette on light gray background

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.

Fortifying Hair Serum in branded black bottle with soft gold cap on light gray background

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.)

Lambdapil Hair-Density Leave-In Lotion in branded white bottle with pump on light gray background

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.)

Multi-Peptide Treatment for Hair Density in branded amber bottle with white pipette next to branded box packaging on light gray background

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?

GRO Hair Serum in branded light pink bottle with soft gold pipette on light gray background

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.

Invati Ultra Advanced Revitalizing Scalp Serum in branded purple bottle with spray nozzle on light gray background

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.

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