9 Best Hair Growth Serums of 2023 That Really Work
In This Article
Ever find yourself surprised by sparseness as you comb through your thinning hair? Or maybe you decided to experiment with a new haircut, except that was 6 years ago and your hair just isn’t growing back.
Unfortunately, hair loss is extremely common; a wide variety of potential causes means that anyone can suffer from hair loss at any point in their lives. This also means that there are tons of solutions available for hair growth, with one of the more popular solutions being hair growth serums.
You’ve probably looked online at the countless options for hair growth serums available on the market. All of them promise the same thing- but which ones actually live up to their potential?
Today, the best hair growth serums on the market are scoped out- with a big reveal on the best one of all.
Best For (Quick List)
- Best for soothing a dry, itchy scalp: Vegamour GRO Hair Serum
- Best for conditioning hair overnight: Nioxin Night Density Rescue
- Best for protecting hair against heat damage: Ranavat Fortifying Hair Serum
- Best for nourishing dull, lifeless hair: Nutrafol Growth Activator Serum
- Best for moisturizing hair for smoothness: Colorproof Stem Cell Scalp Serum
- Best for enriching malnourished hair: Lanmeri Hair Growth Serum
- Best for promoting hair shine: Divi Scalp Serum
- Best for rejuvenating hair follicles: Elevate Hair Growth Oil/Serum
- Best for HAIR GROWTH: HairSmart Grow Serum
Hair Growth Serums: Mechanism of Action
These serums work (or, at least, aim to) stimulate hair growth through a specific mechanism of action. Most of these hair growth serums contain specific ingredients (such as amino acids and botanical extracts) which increases blood circulation to the scalp. The increase in blood circulation means that more nutrients and oxygen can be delivered to your hair follicles, which would then promote hair growth.
Other mechanisms of action include inhibiting the production of DHT, reducing stress/damage to the hair, and moisturizing/strengthening roots and ends.
The Best Hair Growth Serums for 2023
HairSmart Grow Serum
Pros
- A blend of the best ingredients for hair growth including: amla berry, keratin, ginger extract, l-methionine, and neem extract.
- Clinically proven ingredients with physician backing.
- More value for money: extremely affordable price at just 39 USD per 100 ml.
- No harmful ingredients such as drying alcohols or sodium benzoate.
- User Experience - Water-based non-sticky, non-greasy formula that absorbs within 4 seconds with no residue or after-effect on hair or scalp. Free to style hair as usual.
Cons
- Limited distribution: the serum is only sold online and a handful of retail stores in the US due to its relatively new introduction to the market.
BEST FOR: Hair growth
This serum combines the power of Ayurvedic herbs with nutraceuticals to create an intensive solution for hair growth and strength. From powerful growth enzymes, collagen proteins, and keratin to therapeutic natural extracts-such as ginger and Indian lilac- the intensive serum provides complete nutrition to hair roots and ends which stimulates blood circulation, hair growth, and complete rejuvenation for healthier, shinier hair.
Vegamour GRO Hair Serum
Pros
- 100% plant-based ingredients.
- Extremely light-weight and airy.
Cons
- Contains the controversial ingredient sodium benzoate (we wouldn’t recommend using anything containing vitamin C alongside this serum).
- Expensive- at over 60 USD a bottle.
- While the phyto-actives used are extremely beneficial for soothing the skin and scalp, they may not be the best ingredients to promote hair growth.
BEST FOR: Soothing a dry or itchy scalp.
This plant-based hair growth serum works by soothing the scalp and revitalizing hair roots. The Vegamour team use clinically-tested vegan phyto-actives in their formula, such as turmeric and clover seed extract. These ingredients have been shown to contain anti-inflammatory properties, which is beneficial for soothing a dry, irritated, or itchy scalp.
Nioxin Night Density Rescue
Pros
- Clinically proven results.
- Lightweight and non-greasy.
Cons
- Contains denatured alcohol as the first (and most abundant) ingredient, which can have drying effects towards skin and hair.
- Not the most natural solution for those seeking a gentler alternative.
BEST FOR: Conditioning the hair overnight.
This serum is an overnight leave-in solution, which promises to boost hair density by its blend of antioxidants. These antioxidants include niacinamide, also known as vitamin B3, which works to improve blood circulation to the scalp. This in turn brings more oxygen to hair follicles, thereby stimulating hair growth.
Ranavat Fortifying Hair Serum
Pros
- Contains a small amount of amla extract, which is a powerful ingredient for hair care.
Cons
- The formula was created for those wanting to moisturize their hair, rather than those seeking significant hair growth.
- Extremely expensive at 70 USD a bottle.
BEST FOR: Protecting hair against heat damage.
This serum works to restore scalp health and shine and protect against heat damage. The serum uses just three ingredients: jasmine oil, sunflower oil, and amla extract, to nourish and protect the hair. These components contain moisturizing properties which may inhibit further hair breakage.
Nutrafol Growth Activator Serum
Pros
- Uses natural ingredients; key ingredient Ashwagandha is a powerful adaptogen for hair growth.
- Sulfate and synthetic fragrance free.
Cons
- May take a long time to see results: hair thickening and fullness is only visible after 90 days.
- Extremely expensive at 69 USD a bottle.
- Designed to be paired with their other products to see results.
BEST FOR: Nourishing dull, lifeless hair.
Nutrafol utilizes a blend of nutraceuticals to trigger cell renewal and stimulate hair growth. These include green tea extract, ashwagandha, sea buckthorn, and moringa, which all have the potential to stimulate cell renewal. The product is best paired with their other product offerings, which include supplements for hair growth.
Colorproof Stem Cell Scalp Serum
Pros
- More budget friendly when compared to other serums on the market.
- Contains phytonutrients and vitamins that are great for stimulating hair growth.
Cons
- Must be used twice a day which requires commitment.
- Contains a series of perfumes, alcohol, and unnatural ingredients which may be harmful and irritating towards hair and skin in the long run.
BEST FOR: Moisturizing hair for smoothness.
This biotin-based serum claims to deliver anti-thinning and age repair properties to weakened hair. The Colorproof serum combines biotin with ingredients such as copper and a stem-cell complex to increase microcirculation to the scalp. It also contains small doses of ingredients such as Ginkgo Biloba extract, which can provide some nourishment to the hair.
Lanmeri Hair Growth Serum
Pros
- 100% plant based ingredients.
- Formula is lightweight and gentle on the scalp.
Cons
- Lack of transparency and disclosure: information regarding the brand, and more importantly the ingredients, cannot be accessed online. This is a big downside as transparency regarding ingredients is very important for ethical and safety reasons.
- May take a long time to see effects on hair growth.
BEST FOR: Enriching malnourished hair.
This plant based hair growth serum contains a series of phytonutrients to enrich and nourish the hair. This includes mung bean and curcumin, which are currently being researched for their effects on hair growth. This serum is said to stimulate fuller looking hair in 90 days.
Divi Scalp Serum
Pros
- Contains gentle ingredients with no harsh chemicals or additives.
- The blend of tree oils will help promote shine for healthy looking hair.
Cons
- The ingredients in the formula support hair shine and prevention against hair thinning, however there are more powerful blends in the market to promote hair growth and fullness.
- The quantity of the serum is minimal at 30 mL, which may only last from 2 weeks to 1 month depending on frequency of use.
BEST FOR: Promoting hair shine.
This serum contains ingredients such as caffeine and green tea extract which may aid in nourishing hair follicles and preventing hair thinning. The combination of menthol, rosemary leaf extract, and eucalyptus oil may increase circulation to the scalp and soothe any inflammation. These specific ingredients are known for improving the shine and vitality of the hair.
Elevate Hair Growth Oil/Serum
Pros
- Promotes rapid results when compared to other options.
Cons
- Despite the fact that it is sold over the counter in the US, minoxidil is still a drug that is associated with a series of side effects. These include soreness and inflammation at the scalp, burning sensations, and possible faintness if used in high doses.
- The amount of Biotin used in the formula is not disclosed, so it is unclear whether it is an effective dose for hair growth.
- Consistency is more of an oil than a serum.
BEST FOR: Rejuvenating hair follicles.
BEST OVERALL: HairSmart Grow Serum
This solution uses a blend of minoxidil and biotin to promote hair growth. Minoxidil is usually the first line of defense against hair loss that is used by dermatologists, however it is widely associated with side effects to both the scalp and entire body. The serum also incorporates beneficial ingredients such as ginseng, which can help to prevent hair loss.
Why is HairSmart the TOP PICK as the Best of the Best?
We have assessed HairSmart as the Best Overall Hair Growth Serum of 2022. We’ve carefully considered our choices based on four factors: ingredients, value for money (cost), effectiveness, and user experience
Ingredients
Considering that a hair growth serum needs to be applied at least once a day for a long duration of time, it is important to ensure that the ingredients will not harm your hair or skin in the long run. With the use of the most powerful blend of hair-stimulating ingredients and the avoidance of harmful chemicals, the HairSmart Grow Serum seems to be the gentlest solution.
Value for Money
At just 39 USD per 100 ml, this serum will give you more for less when compared to all other options.
Effectiveness
The formula is clinically proven to accelerate hair growth and increase the hair mass index within a matter of a few months.
User Experience
This serum is water based, non-greasy, non-sticky, non-oily, leaving no residue after its use. The formula absorbs instantaneously in less than 4 seconds, rendering your hair free to style as normal. This means that your hair and scalp will be free from any grease, stickiness, flakiness or heaviness.
The Final Verdict?
Whether you are seeking to tame your frizz, moisturize your locks, or protect your hair from heat, there are tons of great options for hair serums on the market.
However, if hair growth is the ultimate goal, we would definitely recommend the HairSmart Grow Serum. Not to mention - it’s also the best in value!
Its ingredients are clinically proven, its texture and application is the easiest and smoothest of all and the price is pocket-friendly.
Here’s to longer, fuller, healthier hair!