Experts Say These Hair Growth Serums Give Thinning Strands a Boost (2024)

If you’re looking for a simple way to make your hair thicker and longer, you may want to consider using a hair serum for hair growth. These products are formulated specifically for those experiencing hair loss, breakage, or thinning hair to help you achieve the locks you’re after using powerful ingredients like Minoxidil and biotin.

While hair growth serums might not be a cure-all for everyone’s concerns (and they can’t magically regrow strands), they may help boost hair and scalp health—which may promote hair growth and decrease breakage.

Meet the experts: Marisa Garshick, M.D., F.A.A.D., a board-certified dermatologist in New York; and Janiene Luke, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist in Loma Linda, CA

“Hair growth serums can be effective, especially when they contain ingredients that are backed by scientific research and are used consistently,” explains Marisa Garshick, M.D., F.A.A.D., a board-certified dermatologist in New York. “The effectiveness of these serums often depends on individual factors such as the cause of hair loss, overall health, and how regularly the serum is applied.”

Ahead, find expert-approved hair serums for hair growth so you can be on your way to healthier strands.

Chances are you’ve heard of Nutrafol’s Hair Growth Supplement, but did you know the brand also makes a hair serum designed to support strand growth? Unsurprisingly, the formula comes highly recommended by our experts. “Featuring ashwagandha, sea buckthorn, and moringa oil, this serum helps to nourish hair while supporting visible hair thickness,” Dr. Garshick explains. It’s also a great pick for those who want a product that will “minimize breakage and support thicker hair,” adds Janiene Luke, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist in Loma Linda, CA.

“Minoxidil is an FDA-approved ingredient that effectively stimulates hair growth and slows hair loss, making it a proven choice for those with significant hair thinning,” explains Dr. Garshick. This easy-to-use formula from Rogaine is recommended by both Dr. Garhsick and Dr. Luke for it’s high concentration of Minodoxil. It also contains other ingredients like alpha hydroxy acids and humectants to help with absorption and was clinically proven to improve hair regrowth within 16 weeks.

This nourishing serum is formulated with an array of key ingredients to bring balance to the scalp and promote hair growth. The plant-based formula contains turmeric, caffeine, mung bean, red clover, and biotin to “help strengthen and promote thicker hair,” says Dr. Luke. Plus, the brand claims that after three months users will notice thicker-looking hair and a decrease in hair shedding.

Not only is this product an Amazon bestseller with over 5,000 five-star reviews but it’s also dermatologist-recommended. “This serum is popular in people with naturally curly hair, but can be used in a variety of hair types and is formulated with rosemary, mint, biotin, and several oils (castor, jojoba, coconut, grapeseed, and others) to nourish and stimulate hair follicles as well as moisturize and strengthen,” explains Dr. Luke. While technically a hair oil, we love that this multitasking formula can be used in various ways in all hair types for stronger, more nourished strands.

This affordable scalp and hair serum is one of my favorites. I use it every wash day and have noticed a real difference in my dry, bleach-damaged hair. I appreciate the lightweight formulation that absorbs quickly into my roots and ends, the beautiful smell it leaves behind, and how much it makes my hair shine. I’ve noticed less shedding since I started using this about a month ago, and it’s become a staple in my haircare routine.

“This serum has been shown to improve overall hair density with consistent use over 90 days. It contains niacinamide, peptides, glycerin, and zinc gluconate, which help prevent hair shedding and strengthen the hair,” says Dr. Garshick. “It’s particularly beneficial for those with thinning hair.” Reviewers agree—one Amazon shopper reports they are seeing “new growth” after several weeks of use.

As someone with dry hair and split ends from years of highlighting sessions and hot tools, I’ve found this serum to be a lifesaver. It’s a bit too heavy to apply directly to the scalp, but I like to concentrate it on my ends and gently run my hands through my hair from root to tip with the remaining product. When applied this way, my hair looks so much healthier, shinier, and less frizzy. I’ve also found that I experience much less breakage since introducing this product to my routine—allowing me to retain length as my hair grows.

While Dr. Luke notes that instructions for each hair growth serum will vary, she explains that most can be applied by adding a few drops to your scalp section by section and massaging it in. “Adding gentle massage not only helps distribute the serum to your follicles, but it can also help to improve circulation and blood flow as well,” she says.

For more than 70 years, Prevention has been a leading provider of trustworthy health information, empowering readers with practical strategies to improve their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Our editors interview medical experts to help guide our health-focused product selections. Additionally, Prevention also examines hundreds of reviews—and often conducts personal testing done by our staff—to help you make informed decisions.