Healthy hair requires more than just a regular trim and minimizing heat damaging. It starts at the root: taking care of your scalp with the best hair serums, , and . Though it may seem like some are born with shampoo commercial-worthy hair, chances are they’re investing plenty of time and care into maintaining its beauty behind the scenes. At the very least, they are washing it properly.
“In order to achieve a healthy head of hair, it is mandatory that the hair follicles are kept clean, clear, and well maintained, meaning they aren’t weighed down by serum or products or obstructed by things like dead skin, dandruff, or inflammation,” explains New York City trichologist , also known as . “Simply put, our hair-fiber formation and growth begin below the skin—by the time the hair protrudes from the hair follicle, it has already been formed.” And so to improve hair quality, you must work to reinvigorate and reawaken the follicle —which is where hair serums come into play.
According to Hill, “Hair serums should be viewed as water- or that provide moisture, protection, and/or styling benefits for scalp or hair fibers and deliver optimal results in a weightless formulation.” She continues that hair serums targeting hair loss work by “creating a healthier scalp microbiome and hair follicle, which increases the numbers of hair fibers that each follicle produces.”
Look to the best hair serums for lightweight nourishment that not only strengthens hair fibers for an enhanced look and feel but also improves styling capabilities. As Hill puts it, serums offer more slip than creams while providing the “coating and protection hair needs without making it feel dirty, heavy, greasy, and motionless.” With this in mind, read on to discover 12 hair serums to consider adding to your regimen.
The effectiveness of a hair serum depends on its ingredients, formulation, and the underlying cause of hair loss, usually evaluated by a dermatologist. “Ideally, you should choose a company with research-backed products and positive testimonials or results,” she suggests. For addressing hair thinning potentially due to androgenetic alopecia, beneficial ingredients may include minoxidil, rosemary oil, pumpkin seed oil, caffeine, and saw palmetto. Additionally, ingredients like alpha hydroxy acids or beta hydroxy acids can help reduce scalp scaling, while vitamin E provides moisture, niacinamide improves hydration, and glycerin adds additional hydration to maintain scalp health.
“Certain formulations can absolutely benefit our hair by providing extra nourishment to the scalp or the hair itself,” says Mislankar. These ingredients are formulated to hydrate and moisturize the hair, with the ultimate goal of promoting hair growth. “Certain serums can also act as heat and UV protectants, which I find particularly helpful since our hair is regularly exposed to UV and heat damage.”
According to Mislankar, the choice between oil and serum depends largely on the company and formulation rather than the vehicle itself. “There are many factors to consider,” she explains. “An oil can be highly nourishing for individuals with damaged or dry hair. However, it may be too greasy for those with fine or oily hair, who often prefer serums or foam-based products.” While natural ingredients like rosemary oil and pumpkin seed oil have shown promise in improving hair growth, Mislankar advises patients interested in these ingredients to opt for formulated products over DIY oils. “The risk with DIY and homemade oils is that, although the ingredients are often natural, botanical extracts can still cause allergies or chemical burns, potentially leading to further hair damage.”
