Hair growth serums have seen recent popularity, too. They often offer benefits like thicker hair, reduced shedding, and improved scalp health, so we asked our testing team to try several options and share their experiences. Our testing team reported on each hair growth serum’s packaging, fragrance, consistency, and more, and ultimately, we found several pleasing options. We do note that there isn’t robust clinical evidence supporting these products, so that’s something to be aware of before purchasing. Otherwise, here’s what our testers had to say.

Key Takeaways

• Hair growth serums  come with a variety of claims, generally promising things like fuller, thicker hair, reduced shedding, improved scalp moisture, and more. Key ingredients vary from product to product and can include things like rosemary oil, ashwagandha, biotin, argan oil, caffeine, and more.
• The best hair growth serum overall is Happy Head Hair Serum.
• As always, we used our comprehensive testing methodology and focused on clarity and unbiased feedback when looking for the best hair growth serum.

Why Trust Fortune

Our team of experts has tested an array of hair growth treatments, shampoos, serums, supplements, and more using our comprehensive hair loss treatment methodology to find the best-performing products.

Best Hair Growth Serums of 2026

• Best Hair Growth Serum Overall: Happy Head Hair Serum
• Best Hair Growth Serum for Dry Hair: Nutrafol Hair Serum
• Best Hair Growth Serum for Thickness: One Skin OS-01 Hair Scalp Serum
• Best Hair Growth Serum for Damaged Hair: Vegamour Gro Hair Serum
• Best Hair Growth Serum for Thinning Hair: MD Hair Regrowth Serum

Best Hair Growth Serums Comparison Table

Hair Growth Serums	Key Ingredients	Uses per Bottle	Prescription Required?
Happy Head Hair Serum	Procapil®, Capixyl® , Redensyl®, KGF (keratinocyte growth factor), phytelene complex (EGX 292™) , seabuckthorn, witch hazel, ashwagandha, saw palmetto, argan oil, rosemary oil, biotin, keratin, collagen	30	No
Nutrafol Hair Serum	Ashwagandha exosomes, Irish moss peptides, maca, pea sprouts, sea buckthorn	30-90 depending on whether using on entire scalp or just in certain areas	No
One Skin OS-01 Hair Scalp Serum	Panax ginseng root extract, oryza sativa (rice) bran water, biotin, fisetin, sunflower sprout extract, inulin and alpha-glucan oligosaccharide	30	No
Vegamour Gro Hair Serum	Caffeine, Curcuma Longa (turmeric) callus conditioned media, trifolium pratense (clover)/vigna radiata) sprout extract, biotin, octapeptide-30 sh-oligopeptide-2	30	No
MD Hair Regrowth Serum	Horsetail extract, argan oil, saw palmetto berry extract, rosemary leaf oil, hydrolyzed wheat proteins, tea tree oil	30	No

Happy Head Hair Serum
Key Ingredients	Procapil®, Capixyl® , Redensyl®, KGF (keratinocyte growth factor), phytelene complex (EGX 292™) , seabuckthorn, witch hazel, ashwagandha, saw palmetto, argan oil, rosemary oil, biotin, keratin, collagen
Uses per Bottle	30
Prescription Required?	No
Nutrafol Hair Serum
Key Ingredients	Ashwagandha exosomes, Irish moss peptides, maca, pea sprouts, sea buckthorn
Uses per Bottle	30-90 depending on whether using on entire scalp or just in certain areas
Prescription Required?	No
One Skin OS-01 Hair Scalp Serum
Key Ingredients	Panax ginseng root extract, oryza sativa (rice) bran water, biotin, fisetin, sunflower sprout extract, inulin and alpha-glucan oligosaccharide
Uses per Bottle	30
Prescription Required?	No
Vegamour Gro Hair Serum
Key Ingredients	Caffeine, Curcuma Longa (turmeric) callus conditioned media, trifolium pratense (clover)/vigna radiata) sprout extract, biotin, octapeptide-30 sh-oligopeptide-2
Uses per Bottle	30
Prescription Required?	No
MD Hair Regrowth Serum
Key Ingredients	Horsetail extract, argan oil, saw palmetto berry extract, rosemary leaf oil, hydrolyzed wheat proteins, tea tree oil
Uses per Bottle	30
Prescription Required?	No

Best Hair Growth Serum Overall: Happy Head Hair Serum

Our Thoughts on Happy Head Hair Serum

Happy Head Hair Serum says they use both science and natural botanicals to promote hair growth and scalp health. The company mentions that the “drug-free formula” was developed by dermatologists and that it strengthens and moisturizes hair and scalp.

T‍o apply this product, you use the dropper tip to part wet or dry hair and apply a full dropper of serum directly to areas of concern on the scalp. You then gently massage it in with fingertips and leave it in—without rinsing. The company suggests daily use for best results, and three to six months of consistent usage to start seeing results.

Jen, a member of our testing team who tried this product, first observed the packaging. She noted, “The ingredient list is not on the bottle, but there is a full list on the website.” She liked the color and the font on the packaging, calling it “very appealing.” And importantly, Jen noted, “The bottle is a decent size with a high-quality dropper that is easy to use.” She rated it a 4.5 out of 5 for its aesthetic appeal.

After trying Happy Head Hair Serum, using it as directed by applying a full dropper of serum and massaging it in, Jen said, “The texture is nice, and there is a slightly greasy feel but it’s not off-putting.” She rated the feel of the product a 4.5 out of 5.

Jen loved this serum’s fragrance, though, saying, “The smell is very pleasant and herbal-like because of the rosemary oil.” Given both the slightly greasy feel and noticeable scent of this product, we’d say it’s better suited for professionals working remotely, rather than those going into an office setting.

Jen also commented on the price. At $79 for 30 uses, the cost-per-use was $2.63—higher than she personally would have preferred to pay, though this is highly subjective, and some people may be comfortable with this price point. Overall, though, Jen rated the value a 3.5 out of 5.

Best Hair Growth Serum for Spot Treatment: Nutrafol Hair Serum

Our Thoughts on Nutrafol Hair Serum

While Nutrafol is better known for their hair growth vitamins, you can also get topical products. Nutrafol Hair Serum is both drug-free and physician-formulated, according to the website, and offers “visibly thicker, healthier hair in 90 days.” The product supposedly helps reduce hair shedding while replenishing scalp nutrients, and promises noticeably fuller, thicker hair. The formula includes “proprietary ashwagandha exosomes that are 1,500 times smaller,” says the company, noting that this serum “reaches where other serums can’t.” Additionally, the company says its hair serum strengthens the scalp barrier, reduces hair breakage, and helps maintain scalp hydration, making it a good hair serum for dry hair, too. 

To use, apply a full dropper of serum directly to your scalp, section by section. Then gently massage, and leave the serum in without rinsing. The company recommends daily use for best results, and says one bottle typically lasts one to three months depending on whether you’re using it only in specific areas of concern or applying it to the entire scalp.  No rinsing is needed, and you’re instructed to use it once daily for best results.

Jen tried this product as well, noting at first that unlike the previous product, this one included the full ingredient list on the side of the box. She said, “The packaging and design is very clean and minimalist,” rating it a 4 out of 5 for its aesthetic appeal. Jen also noted that the size of the bottle was “decent” with “a very user-friendly dropper.”

She liked the feel of the product as well, explaining, “The texture is very pleasant—it’s not oily or greasy.” She said, “It rubbed into my skin and hair very well,” and added that the texture is very soft and smooth. Jen rated the overall feel of this product a 4.5 out of 5.

As for value, Jen rated this product an average 3 out of 5. She said she didn’t see a subscription option on the Nutrafol website—she was checking to see if she could get a discounted price for repeat purchases—but that she said it was an option if purchasing via Amazon. 

Jen also said this product doesn’t have a heavy smell or any kind of fragrance, and that, combined with the pleasant, non-greasy texture, means you could apply this product in the morning and then head to work afterward as colleagues likely wouldn’t notice it.

Best Hair Growth Serum for Sensitive Skin: One Skin OS-01 Hair Scalp Serum

Our Thoughts on One Skin OS-01 Hair Scalp Serum

One Skin OS-01 Hair Scalp Serum is designed to promote fuller, thicker-looking hair and nourish the scalp. This product also supposedly “addresses visible hair changes associated with age and stress.” The company says this serum is dermatologist-tested, fragrance-free, and suitable for sensitive skin. 

A member of our testing team, Mindy, tried One Skin OS-01 Hair Scalp Serum and was impressed with the product.

First, she noted the full ingredient list was included on the box, which was helpful. She also said, “The glass bottle feels heavy, and it’s sleek and all black. The font they use and their logo along with the black bottle gives this product a luxurious feel.” Mindy rated it a 5 out of 5 for its aesthetic appeal. 

She tried the scalp serum on both wet and dry hair, explaining the company website said either was okay, and Mindy didn‘t notice an advantage to either one. She used one full dropper as instructed, and said, “The product feels light, like water, and not oily at all. I liked the light texture, as my hair gets weighed down by products extremely easily.” She rated the product feel a 5 out of 5. 

Mindy also said, “The product is not scented, and I could not smell it at all once it was in my hair.” For those going into an office, an unscented product offers a huge advantage because it won’t bother colleagues with fragrance sensitivities. 

Best Hair Growth Serum for Reduced Shedding: Vegamour Gro Hair Serum

Our Thoughts on Vegamour Gro Serum

Vegamour Gro Serum contains phytoactives and peptides, which the company says visibly reduces shedding and supports fuller, healthier-looking hair that’s less prone to breakage.

To use this serum, you apply a full dropper’s worth to the scalp—on wet or dry hair—and massage it in without rinsing. The directions say to use the serum daily.

Courtney, a member of our testing team, tried Vegamour Gro Serum and had an overall positive experience. She first noted the “very cute” product packaging, explaining that it was a pink bottle with a gold syringe top. “The writing on the bottle is gold and dark red. It’s very simple and sleek-looking; looks very luxury.” She rated this serum a 5 out of 5 for its packaging aesthetic.

She used the serum as instructed, applying a full dropper’s worth to her scalp, noting, “The liquid is clear and thin, not gel-like or oily. It was easy to distribute throughout my scalp,” she said. Courtney rated the product a 5 out of 5 for its light, thin feel. Given how easy it was to distribute, and its non-oily feel, this product could even be applied before a Zoom meeting and go unnoticed by other meeting participants.

The scent was light and clean, according to Courtney, who added that it was “slightly herbal, even a little bit clinical rather than a strong perfume fragrance.”

Courtney also felt this product was a good value, rating it a 4 out of 5 for its price of $2.13 per use.

Another member of the testing team, Gwen, also tried Vegamour Gro Serum. She used it for about four months and said, “I loved the ease of application and the fact that it didn’t leave my hair greasy or sticky. It absorbed nicely into my scalp and I didn’t need to worry about it creating unwanted oil.” 

As for actual results, Gwen reported, “After using the product consistently for about four months, I definitely noticed growth and some increased density. I think the main cause was reduced hair shedding. I tried to keep a close eye on how much hair I would find in my hairbrush after each wash and I noticed the total decrease with consistent use. The minimized hair shedding definitely gave my hair a denser look and feel!”

Best Vegan Hair Growth Serum: MD Hair Regrowth Serum

Our Thoughts on MD Hair Regrowth Serum

MD Hair Regrowth Serum is formulated to “support scalp health and stimulate hair follicles to switch from resting to active growth phase,” according to the website. This serum includes more than 20 plant-based ingredients and is designed to “boost cell renewal and naturally activate thicker-looking, stronger-feeling hair.” The product also includes something called Fo-Ti root extract (which the website says is also known as polygonum multiflorum root extract) to “improve scalp health and help reduce premature graying.” MD Hair Regrowth Serum is vegan, sulfate-free, alcohol-free, fragrance-free, color-safe, and dermatologist-formulated and tested.

Daily use is recommended, and you part your hair and apply one full dropper to the “target areas on the scalp.” Use your fingers to spread the serum over your scalp, wash your hands afterward, and then comb your hair. The instructions say to leave the serum for at least four hours.

Courtney, who tested another serum, tried this one as well. Upon examining the product she said, “The bottle is a dark teal color with a white dropper top and white writing on the bottle. The writing is in a modern font and easy to read with essential information.” She rated the aesthetic a 4.5 out of 5. While packaging may seem inconsequential, coming home at the end of a long work day and using nicely designed products can produce a nice little boost—and feel like true self care.

When she actually used MD Hair Regrowth Serum, she noted, “The substance is a clear liquid that is not oily.” Courtney gave this serum a 4.5 out of 5 for its non-greasy feel.

She also said, “It has a light scent that is slightly herbal, even a little medicinal. It’s not a strong fragrance, but it’s not as pleasing as some others.”

This serum averages out to $1.47 per serving, as a full bottle is $44 which makes it the least-expensive item in the lineup. While a product’s value may differ from person to person, Courtney rated this serum a 4.5 out of 5 for price.

Why Hair Growth Serums Matter to Professionals

Caring about your appearance isn’t superficial, it’s essential. How you feel about yourself affects your confidence, which in turn can affect performance—and how others perceive you. There are practical implications as well, given that high-stress jobs can have physical repercussions including hair loss. And some jobs may require camera time or frequent group presentations, where your appearance is front and center.

That’s where hair growth products come in, including hair growth serums. And while you typically need to use a serum longer-term before seeing results, we think the daily scalp massage makes the wait a little easier. We think of it as a little self-care bonus after a busy day.

How We Tested and Selected the Best Hair Growth Serums

Here’s what we focused on when choosing our product lineup. 

Formula

We looked at product formulas, noticing whether products were developed by physicians or dermatologists, for example. We paid attention to marketing claims as well, looking at the purported product benefits.

Ease of Use

We searched for serums that were easy to use and apply, without overly complicated instructions. We also checked to see if product instructions were included on the packaging itself, or if users would have to read the website for usage instructions.

Product Performance and Fragrance 

Serums can vary in terms of how they feel—some may feel oilier, others lighter—so we looked at product consistency. Fragrance was very important, too, so we noted whether products had any specific smell and whether unscented products were truly unscented.

Value

Everyone has a different interpretation of value, and a different budget. To help you determine whether these products meet your own definition of value, here’s the overall price and the cost per use. And we like to remind people that price is not necessarily reflective of quality. 

Hair Growth Serums	Price	Uses per Bottle	Cost per use
Happy Head Hair Serum	$79	30	$2.63
Nutrafol Hair Serum	$49	30-90 depending on usage	$0.54-$1.63
One Skin OS-01 Hair Scalp Serum	$69	30	$2.30
Vegamour Gro Hair Serum	$64	30	$2.13
MD Hair Regrowth Serum	$44	30	$1.47

Happy Head Hair Serum
Price	$79
Uses per Bottle	30
Cost per use	$2.63
Nutrafol Hair Serum
Price	$49
Uses per Bottle	30-90 depending on usage
Cost per use	$0.54-$1.63
One Skin OS-01 Hair Scalp Serum
Price	$69
Uses per Bottle	30
Cost per use	$2.30
Vegamour Gro Hair Serum
Price	$64
Uses per Bottle	30
Cost per use	$2.13
MD Hair Regrowth Serum
Price	$44
Uses per Bottle	30
Cost per use	$1.47

How to Find the Best Hair Growth Serum for You

If you’re shopping for a hair growth serum, here are some things to keep in mind.

Your Hair Needs

There are so many different hair types, and to make things slightly more complicated, your hair can change over time. But think about your hair right now, and what you hope to achieve by using a hair growth serum. For example, are you hoping to increase length or density—or both—or maybe you’re looking to reduce shedding. Whatever the case, compare your goals to the product claims to make sure there’s a good fit.

Formula

Make sure to review the formula of any hair growth serum you’re considering purchasing. If any ingredients seem strange or unfamiliar, it’s worth checking to ensure they’re safe. Some formulas focus on botanical ingredients and are marketed as a plant-based or drug-free option, whereas other formulas may include hard-to-pronounce ingredients that are foreign to most people. One isn’t necessarily better, but make sure you’re at least aware of the active ingredients (and all ingredients, really) before purchasing.

Application Process

Another thing to consider before purchasing a hair growth serum: the application process. The serums we reviewed have straightforward application instructions; you simply apply the serum and massage it in, for the most part. But not all products necessarily have easy instructions, so make sure to check. 

Cost

As noted by some of our testers, cost can vary. What it really comes down to, though, is value. If an item is high-priced but worth it to you, the value is there. For others a higher-cost item may not be worth it regardless of its efficacy. “Value” means something different to everyone, so think about what you’re personally willing to pay for.

Benefits of Hair Growth Serums

When it comes to hair growth serums, marketing claims abound. However, it’s difficult to find published research that actually proves those claims. Overall, there’s a lack of clinical research showing the efficacy of hair growth serums, something users should take into account when considering using one. There may be a lot of anecdotal experience, including customer reviews

on a product website, which is sufficient for some people. For example, one of our testers used a hair growth serum from the lineup for four months and reported reduced shedding. While there may not be a study to back that up, some people may be willing to try that product anyway—if the ingredients are deemed safe, that is.

At the very least, we think choosing a product with safe ingredients and massaging it into your scalp can offer some form of stress relief and serve as a relaxation aid, which can be a nice side benefit.  

How to Use a Hair Growth Serum

We always recommend reading the manufacturer instructions before using a hair growth serum. While there are some general commonalities between products, sometimes there are slight differences in how a product should be applied. Make sure to carefully read all directions prior to using any serum.

What to Avoid in Hair Growth Serums

Besides reviewing ingredients and doing additional research into any that seem unfamiliar or questionable, we also recommend looking out for the following:

• Before and after photos that appear too good to be true: Photos can be easily manipulated, so don’t treat them as reliable evidence that a hair growth serum works. Before and after photos are not even close to being as reliable as clinical research. 
• Unsupported marketing claims: Be wary of marketing claims that sound amazing or overpromise. 
• Strong fragrances: Not everyone minds strong fragrances, but as a general rule we recommend avoiding strongly scented products as parfums and other added fragrances can irritate delicate scalp skin. 

Fortune’s Final Thoughts

Happy Head Hair Serum is our favorite all-around hair growth serum; we loved its luxury feel. Product packaging may seem like a minor thing, but a well-designed, high-quality bottle can make using that product feel more like true self-care—and we’re all for taking a moment for yourself after a busy day at work to relax and unwind. The slight herbal fragrance adds to that feeling, but if you prefer a fragrance-free option we included some of those in the lineup as well.

Frequently asked questions

What is a hair serum?

“Hair serum” is a very broad category, but a hair growth serum is a product designed to be applied to the scalp and/or hair to help promote hair growth and the appearance of thicker, fuller hair—whether by reducing shedding, stimulating hair growth, or something else.

When is the best time to apply hair serum?

Make sure to read the product instructions to see if they include a recommended time of day to apply the serum. Otherwise, choose a time that works with your schedule. For some people this may be in the evening, while others may prefer to do so in the morning or afternoon. Think about your own schedule and which time of day would work best for you.

Are hair serums the same as hair oils?

Hair serums are typically designed to help boost density, reduce shedding, or otherwise help promote hair growth, while hair oils are often intended to add moisture or serve as a styling aid.

How often should I use a hair serum to see hair growth?

We recommend using a hair serum as instructed by the manufacturer. Many products are designed for daily use, but always thoroughly read the instructions before using any product.