The first time I realized that scalp serums actually work was during the first year of the pandemic. I suspect that it was stress related, but dozens of hair strands were falling out of my head every shower, and my hair brush looked furry each time I used it. After a few weeks, I could see more of my scalp, and I was scared that this new hair loss wouldn’t stop. Thankfully, I tried a serum (keep reading to find out which one) that I credit with nursing my scalp back to health.
“Scalp serums help create a healthier environment for hair to grow by calming irritation, supporting circulation, and keeping follicles clear of buildup,” says Nelida D’Alessandro, a board-certified trichologist and the creative color manager at Tricoci Salon and Spa in Chicago. “They can also help rebalance the scalp when it’s too oily, too dry, or easily inflamed.” As a result, you’ll see less hair end up on your hair brush — thank goodness.
Of course, topical treatments like this can’t give you instant, dramatic results — and it certainly can’t compete with flying to Turkey for a hair transplant. But with consistency and time, you’ll see a difference. Kerry Yates, a trichologist, beauty expert, and the founder of Colour Collective, recommends giving yourself 45–90 days to evaluate your results. Patience is key!
So, you're looking for the best scalp serums? So, you're looking for the best scalp serums?
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Our top picks
Best Overall for Real Results
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Key ingredients: Redensyl, Procapil, Baicapil | Size: 2 fl. oz.
I’ve been spreading the word about the miraculous serum for years. When I dealt with my pandemic-era hair loss, this serum narrowed my widening hair part. At one point, I looked like a baby chick from the number of new little hairs that were sprouting all over my scalp. Also, if you need some instant gratification, try applying this onto a your hair before you let it dry — the amount of volume I get is mind-blowing. The one drawback is that it’s oily, so you have be very careful when applying it. Some may also feel that it’s too greasy for them, which is fair, but I find that rubbing the serum onto a slightly damp scalp helps prevent my hair from feeling dirty afterward.
The One with the Best Applicator
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Key ingredients: Biotin, rosemary leaf extract, salicylic acid, panthenol, niacinamide, caffeine | Size: 0.5 fl. oz.
This option from K-beauty brand Dr. Groot comes in a pen with a cooling tip that dispenses the product, so all you have to do is run it through your scalp. Yates is a fan. “It has the perfect mix of ingredients to feed the scalp to support healthy follicle fitness,” she says.
The Best Splurge
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Key ingredients: Capixyl, hyaluronic acid, vitamin B3, vitamin B5 | Size: 1 fl. oz.
Considering the fact that most people go through a bottle of this serum in a single month, it definitely isn’t the cheapest option. I still couldn’t help myself from trying it, because of how many beauty editors and people on Reddit raved about the hair-thickening results. I’m here to confirm that it doesn’t irritate my scalp, feels like water (and therefore doesn’t leave any residue behind), and I don’t see as much hair fall out when I’m using it. And because the texture is so weightless and non-oily, I’m more likely to use it on a daily basis.
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More tried-and-true options
Best Soothing Scalp Serum
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Key ingredients: Lactobacillus ferment, ectoin, hyaluronic acid, centella asiatica, andrographis | Size: 1.7 fl. oz
Some scalp serums can feel irritating on the skin, but Aveda’s includes soothing ingredients like centella asiatica to calm the scalp instead. Yates says that any hair type can use it, and she notes that the formula is dermatologist reviewed. Some reviewers also note that the serum helps their scalp feel cleaner longer while also hydrating it to reduce flakiness.
Best Luxury Option
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Key ingredients: TFC8, L-arginine, minerals | Size: 1 fl. oz.
More expensive doesn’t always mean better. But some users (and Yates) say this one is worth the blow to your wallet. “It supports follicle health, helps maintain moisture balance on the scalp, and is formulated with antioxidants to protect against environmental stresses,” Yates says. She compares is to serums designed for the face. If you’re going to try this, just make sure to stay patient, as reviewers report seeing results after long-term consistent use.
The One That’s Made for You
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Key ingredients: Burdock-root, marigold, apple, sandalwood, and cow’s-milk extracts; sterols; tannins; fatty acids | Size: 5.07 fl. oz.
Everyone’s hair loss is going to stem from different issues and causes. Hårklinikken, a hair-loss clinic that hails from Copenhagen, creates personalized formulas and regimens for each customer’s needs. If you can’t go to a clinic in person, you can take an online assessment to create your unique formula.
The Viral One
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Key ingredients: Niacinamide, caffeine, vitamins, minerals, amino acids, essential oils | Size: 1.7 fl. oz.
You may have seen this one on TikTok. And if you haven’t, let me catch you up. As Yates says, the nutrient-rich serum is formulated to be like “giving your scalp a daily multivitamin.” Another one of its star ingredients, caffeine, is said to perk up your follicles and increase blood flow, which in turn stimulates hair growth. I do have to say the packaging is a bit bulky, so it’s not the best for travel.
Best Exfoliating Option
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Key ingredients: Lactic acid, jojoba oil, tea-tree oil, sunflower-seed oil, rosemary oil, pumpkin-seed oil | Size: 1.7 fl. oz.
If your scalp is full of buildup from excess sebum and styling products, follicles can have a hard time growing hair. But you can’t just stop producing sebum, and using other hair products can be hard to avoid, so D’Alessandro recommends incorporating an exfoliating serum like this one into your routine. “The T.2 Night serum focuses on gently removing buildup, flakes, and excess oil that can interfere with healthy growth,” she says. Alternatively, using a scalp scrub or clarifying shampoo could help too.
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FAQs
What’s the difference between a scalp serum and a hair oil?
“A scalp serum is made for the skin on your head, while a hair oil is designed for the hair itself,” D’Alessandro says. “If you’re focused on scalp health or shedding, a serum is doing a very different job than an oil.” Serums are designed to help your follicles, scalp, and hair growth, while oils treat the actual strands, making them shinier and softer.
What ingredients should you look for in a scalp serum?
According to D’Alessandro, you should look for ingredients like caffeine, niacinamide, panthenol, and peptides that soothe the scalp and boost follicles. She also likes formulas with gentle exfoliants, which can prevent sebum and product building from blocking your follicles. Yates agrees — she favors serums with salicylic acid, which she says exfoliates and helps treat dandruff. Other Yates-approved ingredients include aloe vera (for soothing, hydration, and dermatitis support), tea-tree oil (which is antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory), peppermint oil (to combat itchiness), and witch hazel (a natural astringent that calms irritation and fights buildup).
When should you apply a scalp serum?
You should always use them as the last step in your hair-care regimen, Yates notes. “If applying in the morning, then they are used before styling the hair,” she says. “If applied at night, then they are topically applied before bed. Additionally, D’Alessandro says that for best results, you should apply the serums on a slightly damp or a dry scalp that’s nice and clean. “If hair is soaking wet, the formula can get diluted, and if the scalp is coated in styling product, it’s harder for the serum to reach the skin,” she says.
Yates warns against applying the serum and washing your hair right after. “I liken it to using a moisturizer on your face then cleansing your skin,” she says. “The purpose of the serum is to leave it on for the most effective results.” Yates also says that you should massage the product into the scalp during application to encourage blood flow while you spread out the formula.
How often should you apply a scalp serum?
While you can use some serums daily, D’Alessandro says that a few times a week could be enough to see results. It all depends on the specific formula, too, so pay attention to the instructions.
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Our experts
- Kerry Yates, trichologist, beauty expert, and founder of Colour Collective
- Nelida D’Alessandro, board-certified trichologist and the creative color manager at Tricoci Salon and Spa in Chicago, Illinois
- Carol Lee, beauty writer for The Cut
