9 Best Hair Growth Serums of 2023 That Really Work

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.