13 best hair growth serums that actually work, reviewed for 2026
Testing the best hair growth serums became my-not-so-secret obsession last year. I’ve always had thick hair – thank the genetics – but getting it to grow past a certain point felt impossible for years. Especially after a lot of regretable bleach damage. With my wedding coming up and a very real commitment to staying extension free, I decided to properly put hair growth serums to the test and see which formulas actually delivered. Fast forward a year? The change to my hair is honestly kind of shocking; one of the questions I get asked most now is how I got my hair so long.
Naturally, I approached it as any Beauty Editor would and went into full detective mode on how to stimulate hair growth. I was doing the basics, of course – weekly masks, a healthier scalp routine, regular trims and using far less heat – but one thing kept popping up again and again, hair growth serums.
According to trichologist and salon owner Deborah Maguire, “Hair growth serums work by creating a more optimal environment for the follicle. They can help to stimulate blood circulation to nourish the root, calm inflammation that restricts growth, extend the hair’s growth phase and deliver active ingredients that help ‘wake up’ sluggish follicles.” Consider me sold.
As I can’t test every single serum myself, I ended up committing to the bestselling UKLash Hair Growth Serum, yes, the brains behind my already beloved eyelash growth serum. It wasn’t an overnight miracle, it took a few months of consistency, but my hair finally grew past the point it had been stuck at for years, felt thicker, and looked healthier than ever. Friends even asked if I’d had extensions put in, which is basically the ultimate compliment. And if you’re in your full growth era, not just focusing on the hair on your head, there’s plenty more where that came from, including our guides on the best eyelash growth serums and the best eyebrow growth serum.
Meet the experts:
| Philipp Haug | Celebrity hairstylist and co-founder of Haug London Haus. |
| Deborah Maguire | Registered trichologist. |
How I tested hair growth serums:
Hair growth is personal, results depend on the cause of your hair loss, and most importantly, patience is key. For that reason, I worked with the wider Glamour team to test each hair serum over several weeks and months. When we found a growth serum we liked, we tested it on other editors, with different hair types and textures, and different hair concerns.
We reviewed the full ingredients list of every hair serum before we start testing, before considering how each hair serum feels on the scalp (is it sticky, greasy or soothing?), how easy it is to use, and whether we felt it to improve thickness, reduce fallout or support healthy regrowth.
For total visibility, there are a couple of hair growth serums in this guide that I haven’t personally trialled – but we’ve still done a deep dive: comparing formulas to those we have tested, speaking to hair experts and trichologists, and pulling insights from real customer reviews to make sure they deserve a spot here.
Why you can trust me:
I’ve been a beauty journalist for six years now, five at The Mirror and one at Glamour, and testing products has always been part of the job. But my interest in hair growth serums became personal last year in the lead-up to my wedding. After Googling “how to grow my hair” more times than I’d like to admit, hair growth serums were the one product that kept coming up again and again. I’ve never struggled with thickness, but length was a different story, especially after years of bleach damage. I was determined to go extension-free on my wedding day, so investing in a hair growth serum felt like a non-negotiable.
I won’t pretend one serum single-handedly transformed my hair. I was also booking regular trims, using weekly hair masks and seriously cutting back on heat styling. But I genuinely believe a good hair growth serum played a huge role in helping me retain length and improve overall condition. Now my hair is the longest and healthiest it’s ever been. That said, it’s not a quick fix. Growth takes time and consistency, so if you’re working towards a big event like I was, I’d recommend starting at least six months in advance to really see the benefits.
READ MORE: The best eyebrow growth serums our team has tried.
Ahead, the best hair growth serums for every hair type.
UKLASH UKHAIR Hair Growth Serum
- Key ingredients: Peptides, biotin, panthenol
- Fragranced? No
- Vegan? Yes
- Pros: Noticeable regrowth, affordable, non-greasy
- Cons: Results take a few months
Why we love it: The UKLash Hair Serum is the serum I’ve used most consistently over the past few months – and which has genuinely made a difference to my hair. My regrowth around the hairline is stronger and fuller, and even my hairdresser commented on the difference in density.
It's lightweight, doesn’t leave your roots greasy – and the formula is packed with scientifically proven active ingredients that work to repair, protect and promote healthy hair growth. TBH, one glance down the ingredients label left me convinced it'd do its job. For me, the stars of the show are AnaGain™(Pea Sprout Extract), Phytic Acid and Turmeric. These three heroes work together to revitalise and stimulate hair growth at the scalp, while the addition of Lemon Fruit Water conditions and protects the hair follicle, preventing breakage and in turn reducing hair loss.
I like that the UKLash Hair Growth Serum doesn't just work on the surface. These aforementioned ingredients all work from the scalp, outwards – allowing me to trust that benefits are hair follicle-deep. At this price point, it’s an easy yes for anyone looking to build a hair growth routine that won’t break the bank.
Save on the best hair growth serums with these UKLash discount codes.
- Key ingredients: Caffeine, turmeric, haritaki fruit
- Fragranced? Yes (natural oils)
- Vegan? Yes
- Pros: Natural ingredients and lightweight
- Cons: Scent won’t be for everyone
Why we love it: If you're into clean beauty and want your haircare to feel like a bit of a ritual, this one’s for you. Inspired by Ayurvedic principles, this hair serum combines natural actives like caffeine and turmeric to energise the roots while soothing the scalp. It’s lightweight, non-greasy, and doesn’t leave a trace once it’s in.
The scent is botanical and calming – like something you’d find in a fancy spa – and users say regular use helped reduce shedding and made their hair feel stronger overall. It’s a lovely pick if you want something gentle but effective in your routine, a bit like their leave-in conditioner.
JSHealth Vita-Growth Scalp Serum
- Key ingredients: Capilia Longa™, Baicapil™, Capixyl™, Hairiline™, Peptides, Vitamins, Amino Acids
- Fragranced? Light, botanical scent
- Vegan? Yes
- Pros: Calming on the scalp and gentle enough for frequent use
- Cons: Can make hair quite greasy
Why we love it: Another product which scored highly in testing is the JSHealth Hair Serum – and while the results have been a little slower than those delivered by UKLash so far, I really like how it feels on application.
It’s a really lightweight, vegan hair serum that sinks in quickly and is packed with scalp-soothing ingredients. There is Capilia Longa, a natural active ingredient derived from turmeric to reactivate hair growth, encourage hair follicle regeneration and reduce hair loss by up to 89% – as well as Baicapil, which can increase hair density by up to 59%. These ingredients are paired with Capixyl for hair growth stimulation and Hairiline™, which rebalances the scalp microbiome. For best results, JSHealth recommends you use the serum alongside their Complete Vita Hair System, though we've not tested this combination yet.
The only downside I've noticed is that it left my scalp quite greasy. This doesn't put me off using it, it's just probably one to use before hair-wash night.
Beauty Pie Renewed Density Anti Hair Loss Treatment
- Key ingredients: Redensyl™, niacinamide, zinc
- Fragranced? Lightly fragranced
- Vegan? No
- Pros: Lightweight, budget-friendly (especially for members), targeted for thinning hair
- Cons: Membership needed for best pricing
Why we love it: If your hair’s been feeling a bit sparse lately, this serum is a solid addition to your routine. Designed for fine or thinning hair, it combines powerhouse ingredients like Redensyl™ and niacinamide to support healthier-looking hair over time.
The texture is light and non-greasy, making it easy to incorporate into your daily regimen. Plus, at £19 for members (or £33 for non-members), it's a more affordable option compared to many high-end treatments. It's a great pick if you're looking to give your hair a little extra love without breaking the bank.
Kérastase Genesis Serum Anti-Chute Fortifiant
- Key ingredients: Aminexil, ginger root, caffeine
- Fragranced? Yes
- Vegan? No
- Pros: Strengthens roots and adds shine
- Cons: Not vegan, high price point
Why we love it: If breakage is your biggest issue (especially when brushing or heat styling), this luxe serum from Kérastase is your secret weapon. It’s part of the cult-favourite Genesis range and works to reinforce hair fibres at the root, helping reduce daily fall-out.
It feels silky going on and doesn’t leave hair greasy or flat – just stronger and more resilient over time. Yes, it’s pricey – but when your lengths feel fragile, this is the one for the job.
Save on the best hair growth serums with these LookFantastic discount codes.
The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Serum
- Key ingredients: Redensyl™, Procapil™, Capixyl™, Baicapil™, AnaGain™, caffeine
- Fragranced? No
- Vegan? Yes
- Pros: Affordable, science-led, lightweight
- Cons: Needs consistency for best results
Why we love it: Leave it to The Ordinary to turn a once-niche, clinical-style treatment into a cult, affordable favourite. This lightweight serum brings together an impressive mix of actives – from Redensyl™ and Procapil™ to caffeine and AnaGain™ – all working to give hair a thicker, denser look over time. This hair serum is completely fragrance-free, which makes it a great shout for sensitive scalps, and it sinks in fast without leaving roots oily. Basically, it’s like a peptide-packed night treatment for your scalp, at a super reasonable price point.
- Key ingredients: Adaptogens, peptides, hyaluronic acid
- Fragranced? Yes
- Vegan? Yes
- Pros: Hydrating and barrier-supporting
- Cons: Scent is very subtle
Why we love it: This is one of my hair serum for growth staples when my scalp is feeling dry or irritated. Formulated with Adaptogens, peptides and hyaluronic acid, I like to think of it as my calming serum – the one I reach for when my roots need a reset. It’s cooling, lightweight, and sinks in fast without leaving my hair limp or greasy.
I use it in conjunction with the UKLASH Hair Growth Serum (the dream duo IMO) – OUAI keeps my scalp healthy and flake-free, while UKLASH works on boosting regrowth. If you want something that plays nicely with other serums and gives your scalp a little TLC, this is a winner.
L'Occitane Anti-Hair Loss Serum
- Key ingredients: Scalp-strengthening complex, vitamin E, essential oils
- Fragranced? Yes
- Vegan? Yes
- Pros: Lightweight, non-greasy, packed with botanical active
- Cons: Not for those who prefer fragrance-free
Why we love it: It's no surprise that L’Occitane has been the brand to make a hair serum feel like a spa treatment. This one’s infused with essential oils and scalp-loving botanicals to help minimise hair loss and nourish the skin underneath.
Shoppers say the texture is light, fast-absorbing, and easy to incorporate into a daily routine – especially for those looking for a more natural, ingredient-led formula that doesn’t weigh hair down.
The INKEY List Salicylic Acid Exfoliating Scalp Treatment
- Key ingredients: Salicylic acid, panthenol, zinc PCA
- Fragranced? No
- Vegan? Yes
- Pros: Great for oily or flaky scalps, affordable
- Cons: More of a pre-treatment
Why we love it: OK, disclaimer, this product isn’t technically a hair growth serum – but I wanted to include it, because it's still a crucial step in any healthy hair routine. If your scalp is feeling congested, flaky or oily, this gentle exfoliating treatment sweeps away buildup – so your actual serums can work better. Think of it like a detox for your scalp.
It’s lightweight, easy to rinse, and doesn’t leave your roots feeling greasy. If you’ve been layering on dry shampoo like there’s no tomorrow, start here.
Save when you shop for the best hair growth serums with these Sephora discount codes at checkout.
L'Oréal Professionnel Serié Expert Advanced Denser Hair Serum
- Key ingredients: Stemoxydine, resveratrol
- Fragranced? Lightly fragranced
- Vegan? No
- Pros: Strengthens hair, adds body, easy spray applicator
- Cons: Scented (for those who prefer fragrance-free)
Why we love it: This is a pro favourite for a reason. Stemoxydine helps wake up dormant hair follicles, while resveratrol protects the scalp and encourages thicker, stronger-looking strands. The lightweight mist instantly lifts roots and adds body without weighing hair down. The spray format is pretty genius – far easier to use than a fiddly dropper and much more precise, so you can target thinning areas exactly where you need it rather than guessing.
Fable & Mane SahaScalp™ Amla Soothing Serum
- Key ingredients: Amla, bakuchi, aloe vera, vitamin E
- Fragranced? Yes
- Vegan? Yes
- Pros: Calms irritation, adds shine, leaves hair smelling great
- Cons: Contains fragrance and oily (can make hair greasy)
Why we love it: More of a scalp serum than a hair growth serum - but a nourished scalp is the best foundation for healthy-looking hair. Alma, a vitamin C-rich extract used for centuries in Indian hair rituals, helps strengthen roots, while rosemary encourages circulation and supports hair growth. Bakuchi and aloe vera calm irritation, and the silky, oil-based texture leaves dry hair moisturised without weighing it down. Best to be used bi-weekly, but as it's oily, if your hair is on the greasier side – using it as a pre-wash treatment is advised.
- Key ingredients: Quinine, edelweiss, caffeine
- Fragranced? Yes
- Vegan? Yes
- Pros: Cooling, lightweight, helps with shedding
- Cons: Slightly medicinal scent
Why we love it: If your ponytail has been looking a little skinnier lately, this French pharmacy hero is a solid starting point. It’s designed specifically for thinning hair and uses a gentle, plant-powered formula to support strands and reduce fall-out over time.
It’s a spray rather than a dropper, so application is quick and fuss-free, and the lightweight texture means you can use it on dry or damp hair without any stickiness. A great option for postpartum shedding, or just general hair stress.
Save when you shop for the best hair growth serums with these LookFantastic discount codes at checkout.
Hair Syrup Rapunzel Pre-Wash Oil
- Key ingredients: Rosemary oil, castor oil, peppermint oil
- Fragranced? Yes (essential oils)
- Vegan? Yes
- Pros: Nourishing & budget-friendly
- Cons: Strong scent, must be rinsed out
Why we love it: This viral pre-wash treatment has TikTok in a frenzy - and we get the hype. It's packed with a trio of growth-stimulating oils (rosemary, peppermint and castor), and according to reviews, it leaves your scalp feeling minty-fresh - in the best way.
Fans say it works wonders on thinning edges and those stubborn little areas that need a boost. Massage it in, let it sit while you scroll, then wash it out for the ultimate growth-nourishing treatment.
Save when you shop for the best hair growth serums with these Boots discount codes at checkout.
More hair growth serums I'm currently testing:
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Your hair growth serum FAQs, answered:
What causes hair loss?
“Stress, hormonal changes, illness, medications, nutrient deficiencies and scalp inflammation can all be culprits. Hair loss is usually multifactorial and often reflects something going on internally. That’s why we created the Inside Out Method at CENTRED, combining scalp rituals like En-Root with nutritional support with our award-winning hair growth vitamins to address the root causes and create space for new growth”, says Philipp Haug.
Similarly, Maguire adds: "Hair loss is rarely caused by one thing. It’s often a combination of internal and external triggers, such as hormonal shifts, including menopause, postpartum, PCOS, deficiencies in iron, vitamin D, B12 and other nutritional insufficiencies, such as imbalanced “gut gardens” where microbiota it’s not functioning as well as it should, this could be due to poor absorption or “same food diets.”
What is the most effective hair growth serum?
According to Philipp Haug, celebrity hairstylist and co-founder of Haug London Haus: “There’s no one-size-fits-all, but the best serums are backed by research and focus on scalp health, not just surface shine. At CENTRED, we believe true hair growth begins with a healthy scalp, which is why we created En-Root Scalp Oil as a next-generation alternative.
"It combines detoxifying and growth-supporting ingredients in a unique oil-to-milk formula that rinses clean, leaving no residue. Think of it as a scalp reset that clears blockages and stimulates healthier roots, naturally.”
And do serums actually work for hair growth?
“As a registered trichologist and hair salon owner, one of the most common questions I’m asked is, ‘Do hair growth serums actually work?’ and the short answer is yes," says Deborah Maguire. “Hair growth serums work by creating a more optimal environment for the follicle. They can help to stimulate blood circulation to nourish the root, calm inflammation that restricts growth, extend the hair’s growth phase and deliver active ingredients that help ‘wake up’ sluggish follicles.”
That said, not all serums are created equal, and results depend on the root cause of the hair loss.
“At our salon, Love Hair, and with my trichology clients, I always recommend formulations that support the scalp as well as the hair. When it comes to serums, I always look for ingredients backed by science and there are some standouts.
A good serum supports the follicle, but the real magic happens when you also nourish your body, manage stress, and care for your scalp. It’s about consistency, patience, and treating the cause, not just the symptoms. This is why we created Seed and Soul Nutrition for Hair, a supplement designed to support hair health from the inside out.”
What are the best ingredients to look for in an effective hair growth serum?
According to Deborah Maguire, a superstar ingredient to look out for right now is Redensyl. “Redensyl is a botanical-based active that targets hair follicle stem cells, supporting their ability to regenerate and grow new hair. It’s often compared to Minoxidil, but without the common side effects like scalp irritation or dependency. It’s one of the most exciting clean-science ingredients in the hair loss world right now.”
“Others, like rosemary oil or niacinamide, improve the overall health of the scalp,” she added. Niacinamide, otherwise known as Vitamin B3 and regularly found in niacinamide serums for your skin, increases blood flow to the scalp, leading to healthier, stronger follicles. Rosemary oil stimulates follicles, boosts blood flow, and creates an optimal scalp environment for hair growth. You may also note the inclusion of caffeine in some hair growth serums, which can increase circulation to the scalp, biotin – essential for producing keratin, the protein that makes up hair – and Keratin, which improves texture and strengthens the hair.
Are there any side effects of using hair growth serums?
Maguire says: “With clean formulations, side effects are rare. If a serum is overloaded with alcohol, synthetic fragrance, or strong essential oils, it can cause dryness or sensitivity. But with the right product, most clients tolerate serums very well."
She adds: "Some people experience increased shedding in the first few weeks, which can be alarming, but it’s usually just the scalp pushing out old hairs to make room for new growth. It’s temporary, and often a good sign that the serum is doing what it’s supposed to."
