The 15 Best Hair Growth Serums for a Fuller Mane

“So many factors can contribute to hair loss, such as age, stress levels, diet, illness, hormonal imbalances, or even product buildup,” says Reveay. “It’s key to distinguish what type of hair loss you are experiencing, as methods of treatment and prevention can vary widely. Hair loss transpires three to six months after a trigger has occurred, so think back and ask yourself questions like, ‘Were you going through something stressful or experiencing changes in your diet?’’ she adds. “Always consult with your doctor and get blood work done to see what’s going on.”

While there are many different types of hair loss, Dr. Green says some of the most common include androgenetic alopecia, traction alopecia, telogen effluvium, trichotillomania, and alopecia areata.

• Androgenetic alopecia: “Also known as male/female pattern baldness, this is the most common type of hair loss,” Dr. Green explains. “There is a strong genetic factor that plays into androgenetic alopecia. In women, there is gradual thinning that occurs around the crown and front portion of the scalp. Hormonal changes and imbalances are common causes of hair loss for women because hair follicles are sensitive to various hormones, including androgens (male hormones) like testosterone and dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Conditions such as hypothyroidism, PCOS, menopause, pregnancy, childbirth, and stress can all contribute to hormonal changes, thereby affecting hair loss.”
• Telogen effluvium and trichotillomania: These are types of hair loss directly associated with stress. “In telogen effluvium, stress causes hair follicles to enter a resting phase, and the hair falls out or sheds after three months in the resting period,” says Dr. Green. “Taxing events, perhaps a fever, illness, or surgery, can induce 20 to 50 percent of scalp hairs to transition into the telogen phase. Trichotillomania refers to the impulsive disorder of pulling one’s hair, resulting in the removal and damage of the hair follicle.”
• Alopecia areata: “This is an autoimmune condition in which the immune system attacks the body’s own hair follicles,” Dr. Green notes. “It is characterized by circular, non-scarring areas of patchy hair loss or bald patches. There is a strong genetic component to alopecia areata, with anecdotal evidence that stress can contribute to this condition.”
• Traction alopecia: “This is a type of alopecia caused primarily by tightly pulled hairstyles, including ponytails, hair extensions, braids, and dreadlocks,” Dr. Green shares. “It results in missing or broken hairs, typically along the front of the hairline or sides of the scalp, and there may be associated irritation, redness, itching, or pimples in the affected areas. The hair loss can become permanent if the traction alopecia continues and the hair follicles become scarred, unable to form new hairs.”

For one, consider options with finasteride, says Dr. Green. “It’s an FDA-approved oral medication for hair loss that works by inhibiting the activity of 5-alpha-reductase, an enzyme that converts testosterone to DHT—aka the male sex hormone that causes hair loss in both men and women. Recent studies have shown that topical finasteride is just as effective as oral finasteride. A major benefit of topical finasteride is that it is a localized treatment at a lower dosage, which decreases the risk of systemic side effects,” she adds.

Also, it’s important to steer clear of serums featuring ingredients that “strip the scalp or act as an abrasive, such as alcohols, fragrances, silicones, or sulfates,” Reveay notes.

“Consistent use of hair growth serums, Rogaine, or topical minoxidil/finasteride is key in hair growth, and the results can take up to four to six months,” says Dr. Green. “Results typically show the growth of new baby hairs, a decrease in hair shedding, and potential thickening of the hair.”

“Alternatively, a popular in-office treatment for promoting and maintaining scalp health is HydraFacial Keravive, which stimulates circulation, deeply cleanses, exfoliates, and nourishes the scalp,” adds Dr. Green.

Helen Reveay is a hairstylist, certified trichologist, and the founder and creative director of Act+Acre.

Dr. Michele Green is board-certified, cosmetic dermatologist based in NYC and the founder of MGSkinLabs.

Sam Peters is a seasoned commerce writer and editor with over five years of experience covering fashion, beauty, and lifestyle topics. For this roundup, she consulted two hair experts about the efficacy of hair growth serums, their recommendations for the best options, and what to look for when shopping. She also considered a range of top-rated hair growth serums on the market, evaluating each on their ingredients offered and customer feedback.