19 best hair growth serums that actually deliver results – tried and tested

Did you know your scalp is most vulnerable right after you wash it? Yep, after getting out the shower the warm water can cause sensitivity, which increases transepidermal water loss, and your scalp barrier is temporarily thinner.

The new Hello Klean Full Control Anti-Thinning Scalp Serum is designed for this moment of vulnerability where your scalp needs a little extra love.

Formulated with peptide growth factors, zinc chloride and green tea, the leave-on serum is designed to “reduce hair loss by 37.5% after 84 days.” Hows it done? “Each of these ingredients help support scalp and follicle health in different ways. Peptide growth factors act like messengers, stimulating cell repair and signalling pathways that support stronger hair growth. Green tea is rich in antioxidants and can reduce inflammation, while zinc chloride can help regulate oil production and has antimicrobial properties, keeping the scalp balanced,” explains Dr Sonia.

If hair loss is your main concern – oh, and keeping to a reasonable budget – give the L'Oreal Growth Booster Scalp Serum a try. No, it won’t magically grow you luscious locks after three weeks (tbh, no product is a miracle; growth takes time), but it will keep your scalp moisturised and in healthy condition – encouraging new hairs will thrive. Plus, with a stronger scalp that’s less congested with build-up, you’ll see less hair fall resulting in thicker, denser hair.

The best way to use this is on clean, damp hair. Squeeze a few drops around your scalp and use a massaging brush to work it in. There’s no need to rinse but will feel completely undetectable once your strands are dry. Bish, bash and bosh.

Customer review: “Only been using this for weeks but already I have seen less hair loss. It smells amazing and leaves my hair so soft. Will definitely purchase again.”

Products promising to grow you a new head of hair don't come cheap, but this one's £15 and...it works.

It contains invigorating caffeine extract, which aims to help to improve hair thickness and density. Thanks to its anti-fallout and anti-dandruff powers, this will help give hair a full reset. It even works for colour-treated strands, so you can enjoy more dazzling vibrancy.

Customer review: "I have repurchased this 3, maybe 4 times so far. It feels like it is working, I like the applicator and the coolness when you put it on your scalp. I've been using this alongside rosemary oil, so I don't know if it is either or the combination that works, but it does work!"

While technically a hair oil as opposed to a serum, Hair Syrup's Rapunzel still does wonders in promoting healthy and strong growth. The oil is formulated with grapefruit and flaxseed, both known as natural ways to boost growth and moisture.

To use, squeeze a few drops over your scalp and use a massage brush to work the product in – the nourishing oils will feed your scalp, promoting a healthy environment for hair to grow. You can also add it to your mid-lengths to bring life back to broken, brittle strands.

Customer review: "I will repurchase this over and over again. It smells amazing and it does exactly what it says it will. It has made my hair thicker and healthier and has helped it to grow."

While the term “hair growth” is somewhat of a buzz word with over two million TikTok hashtags, but to Nanogen, its Hair Growth Factor Treatment Serum is the result of over 20 years of research.

This super potent yet gentle serum (yep, it’s sensitive-scalp approved) is clinically proven to stimulate hair cell production, extend the hair growth cycle and revitalise hair follicles – thanks to a stellar concoction of peptides, pea sprout extract and redensyl. To use, simply distribute one pipette-full over your scalp and use a massage brush to work it in. The serum is incredibly lightweight so it feeds your scalp without feeling sticky or heavy. Stay loyal and you’ll notice visible results, like a thicker hair line and reduced shedding.

Glowing customer review: “It works! I use it every day and after a while my fine, thin hair has thickened.”

If you’re familiar with the transformative results of RevitaLash for the eyelashes, consider this the hair growth version. Yes, it’s a spenny option but if you have the means to splurge, it’s worth the sting.

This airy foam does everything in its power to strengthen the quality and quantity of your hair. It looks after your scalp to encourage new growth, protects against damage and helps boost your overall hair’s thickness and density.

How’s it done? It uses the brand's proprietary complex, BioPeptin Complex, which contains the gold-standard ingredients needed for hair growth and maintenance – hi, lipids, peptides, biotin, and panthenol. Plus, there’s amino acids and vitamin B to keep the hair soft and nourished.

Customer review: “I have been using this for a month or so and definitely can see a difference. My hair is fuller and I can get away with leaving it for a day without washing. Also seems to be less staticky. Coming to the end of the first bottle of foam and plan on reordering.”

The sister brand to Skin + Me, Hair + Me is the first online hair growth subscription service that prescribes you with a daily-use serum or capsule, delivered to your door every month.

Whether you choose the serum or capsule, both treatments are formulated with minoxidil – a clinically tested, active medication that increases blood flow to hair follicles, helping re-growth. The drops also include supporting ingredients, like lactic acid and essential oils, to maintain a healthy and hydrated scalp.

All you’re instructed to do is take/apply the capsule or serum daily, and over a period of four months (with full results seen at six months) you’ll notice thicker and fuller hair. You can read the Cosmo review here where Meg, Cosmo's Video Lead, tested out the service.

Customer review: “I’ve seen a significant transformation, my hair is thicker and more dense. I've noticed LOTS of new baby hairs and my hair feels silkier and healthier.”

I never quite believed it until I was experiencing it for myself, but major stress really can cause your hair to fall out. A few months ago I started to notice more hair loss when showering. What once used to be a few strands coming out with my shampoo, now seemed like major loss – and it was freaking me out.

Needing a fix immediately, I started using the Philip Kingsley Density Preserving Scalp Drops every day, applying onto damp or dry hair – luckily, it’s a super lightweight serum so it doesn’t cause any stickiness. After just a few weeks of consistent use, I saw far less strands falling out in the shower and overall my hair line seemed much thicker.

It’s not just a miracle, it’s thanks to caffeine, a peptide blend and azelaic acid which help to stimulate hair growth, prevent hair fall and reduce oiliness.

Glowing customer review: “I love this brand, hands down. This particular line in the brand really brought my hair back to health. I love the drops and still use them now and then to keep my scalp in good order.”

When a hair serum promises to grow +14,000 new hair in 12 weeks, it has my attention. Launching in September last year, the Vichy Hair Renewing Serum has garnered quite the buzz amongst editors for its clinically proven ability to stop hair loss, stimulate the follicle cycle and improve hair density, all thanks to a show-stopping formula of 5% Aminexil, 3% niacinamide and ginger root extract – i.e., the ultimate trifecta of ingredients to promote hair growth.

Aminexil, derived from minoxidil, slows down hair loss by targeting the collagen around hair follicles, preventing it from hardening. This also prolongs the hair growth phase. Then you’ve got niacinamide and ginger root extract which balance the scalp microbiome and prevent inflammation. The result? You lengths will feel stronger, denser and healthier in a few months.

And because these factors are important too, you’ll be pleased to know the serum is so lightweight – it almost feels like water – and easily absorbs without leaving any residue.

Glowing customer review: “I use this serum every day and it feels very pleasant and refreshing on my scalp. It also smells great. I’m not experiencing hair loss and my hair is growing back.”

So many of us on the Cosmo beauty team love this budget option, and it’s thanks to the protein-building amino acids which helps to strengthen and repair damaged strands, while procapil, redensyl, and baicapil increase blood flow in the scalp, working to promote thicker and denser hair.

Not only that, but the concentrated formula also contains caffeine to improve hair density. So while this may only be a budget bottle, I can assure you that after consistent use, you will start to see noticeable results.

Glowing customer review: “The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Serum for Hair Density is amazing! After a few weeks, my hair feels thicker, fuller, and healthier. It absorbs easily without feeling greasy and makes my scalp feel refreshed. For the price, it’s a great deal and really works if used consistently. Highly recommend!”

Your hair is never going to look or feel good if your scalp isn't on point. This formula delivers some much-needed hydration to roots, helping to eliminate dandruff.

Containing energising ginger root and Aminexil (L'Oreal's big dog in the hair loss treatment game), the lightweight serum left me with healthier heads of hair and fewer breakages. Locks were left shinier and smoother, too.

If you're struggling with baby hairs' that refuse to grow past a certain point, add this one to your basket ASAP.

Customer review: "Lord!!! wonderful product, I have used many other companies against hair loss, this one is number 1, smells so nice and gentle. This is my 2nd bottle results after two weeks. Thank you Kerastase!!!The most important thing is that the shine of the hair is not lost after application."

While it’s normal to experience some hair shedding, finding large clumps of hair in your shower drain or excess fall out when you brush isn’t something to ignore.

If that’s the case, the NIOXIN Anti-Hair Loss Serum helps to prevent shedding caffeine, lauric acid, niacinamide and sandalore which protects the scalp, creating the optimal environment for hair to grow and stay strong. Thus, preventing less fall out.

Customer review: “Applicator spray works well. Goes on easy, absorbs easily. Does not leave hair oily. Have been using for three weeks so far and it feels like my hair is not any thicker but does seem to be shedding less.”

There is so much greenwashing in beauty, but a B Corp certification is a big deal. It means a company has been thoroughly reviewed and confirmed to have a positive social and environmental impact. Great job, Weleda.

Just as importantly, did this serum actually work? Tick! This vegan offering will help restore locks to their former glory, helping to limit shedding and split ends. Basically, it will leave your hair in altogether better nick.

Customer review: "I have been using this hair tonic for about 4 months now and it works. I have fine thinning hair. I use this every time I wash my hair. I have noticed there is less hair on my brushes. Even my hairdresser has noticed the difference."

If you ever suspected that vegan products weren't as powerful as their animal-derived counterparts, this serum will prove you wrong.

Expect to see healthier, smoother, more hydrated ends, with a big drop in split ends, too. Some injected volume could also be spotted at the roots, while strands were seen with some diamond-like shine. Prepare to be seriously impressed.

Customer review: "I have been experiencing a lot of hair loss. My hair was looking and feeling thinner, and I was feeling self conscious. I tried soooo many other oils and nothing changed. I gave this one a try and OMG. The week after I started using it, I could count the hairs in my brush with one hand. After two + weeks, my scalp has been feeling less tender to the touch, and I can even see my scalp slowly starting to cover with hair again! It is a little more pricey, but if you buy anything hair oil, it is a waste of your money. But this one instead!"

Thinning around the hair line (also known as a receding hair line) is most common in men, but this isn’t to say women aren’t effected too. While it’s less prevalent, women can still experience a thinning hair line, with underlying causes like genetics or hormone imbalances causing the shedding.

If you’ve noticed this in in your own hair – it’s easier to tell when you have your hair in a pony tail – the Sweed Hair Serum is a wise investment for you. Cleverly, the rollerball design means you can focus the serum directly onto your hair line, and the lightweight, non-oily formula quickly absorbs into the scalp without leaving a greasy residue.

The ingredients list is impressive too, with actives like biotin, peptides, keratin and pumpkin seed extract working to stimulate growth. Apply the serum every day, morning or night, and you’ll slowly start to see results.

Customer review: “I can’t believe how wonderful this product is: effective and fast working. I have baby hairs coming in!!! So grateful for this product. I bought it for my sister also.”

We're often so focused on crow's feet popping up that we forget the toll ageing takes on our hair. Yep, I'm talking sparse patches and grey hairs.

Naturally, we're all about embracing the grey but if you want to hold them off for a bit longer, this serum contains a cocktail of antioxidants and amino acids – dubbed the brand's "Anti-Grey Complex" – proven to reduce discolouration. At the same time, the peptide and pea sprout extract formula will help you grow thicker locks from the root.

Customer review: "ABSOLUTELY WONDERFUL! Yes, it’s pricey. But Y’ALL—this little bottle did EVERYTHING it claimed it would, undeniably, in just a week’s time. The formula is super lightweight and can conveniently be used on wet or dry hair without any residual effect/oiliness/buildup. My scalp is notably fuller and my roots are proof of greatly increased rates of growth/length—true in less than 7 uses and increasingly effective with each additional application/time passed. This one is SO worth your coin, friends!"

Never used a pre-wash treatment? 1) Where have you been?! 2) It's dead easy and will leave you with healthier hair in no time. This did just that, thanks to its oil-rich formula including safflower, sesame, castor and jojoba, to name but a handful of goodies.

Not only does it leave hair smelling divine thanks to its nose-pleasing scent, but it also improves thickness and works to banish dandruff. Prepare to see hair looking revived and healthier, with dry scalps quenched.

Customer review: "As a nurse in New York my hair is consistently getting damaged by washing it before and after work. Either from overwashing or the stress, I noticed my hair getting weaker and thin. Since I started using this in my hair routine, my hair feels fuller. The scent is very calming. I would absolutely recommend this product to individuals who work in a field where they put a lot of stress on their hair."

A rare few products generate universal buzz amongst beauty experts and editors – Chāmpo's Pitta Growth Serum is one of them.

The formula contains caffeine, peptides and DHT-blocking red clover extract, making it the perfect trifecta for stimulating hair growth. Cleverly, the serum targets a hair-loss hormone named DHT. By managing its levels, the tonic significantly prevents hair loss while also stimulating new growth.

Customer review: "I never leave reviews but felt I had to for this product. I've been using this serum daily for around 2 weeks and already seeing a difference. I'm noticing less hair shedding, my hair appears fuller and shinier and I'm noticing new hair growth in problem areas. I'm delighted and very surprised by how quickly I've noticed a difference- other people have also commented on the difference in my overall hair health."