And she’s not wrong, the dermatologists we spoke with say that in order to get best results, you have to use the product nearly everyday. “Consistency is key when using scalp serums, and they work best when paired with other healthy hair practices like gentle washing,” says Dr. Rambhia.
5. Best for Hair Loss: Vegamour GRO Serum
Original video from Brigitt Early testing Vegamour GRO Serum
Both Dr. Rambhia and Hope Mitchell, MD, board-certified dermatologist at Mitchell Dermatology, recommend this scalp serum, which provides major hydration and enhances hair growth over time. “This serum combines ingredients like mung bean, red clover, and curcumin to support scalp health and reduce inflammation, creating an optimal environment for hair growth. Its key compounds, including Capixyl (a proprietary ingredient) and peptides, help block DHT (the hormone that causes hair loss), stimulate follicles, and strengthen hair for fuller, healthier results,” says Dr. Rambhia.
Glamour contributor Brigitt Earley put this one to the test and has a few tips. “This scalp serum is very runny, so you have to be careful during application—I’ve definitely had it trickle down my face a time or two. But I love that you use it with dry hair, so you can be more consistent,” she says. “It doesn’t leave strands at all oily, so don’t worry about your fresh blowout. Instead, it sinks right into the scalp for a really refreshing and hydrating effect that people with a dry scalp like mine will find nice and soothing – especially if you’re prone to itchiness.”
6. Best for Shiny Hair: Kérastase Initialiste Scalp & Hair Serum
Original video from Jenifer Calle testing Kérastase Initialiste Scalp & Hair Serum
This serum is a favourite of Dr. Rambhia. It strengthens the scalp and hair at the root, helping to reduce breakage and create a healthy environment for hair growth. If your hair is dull and prone to breakage, this serum is packed with gluco-peptides and wheat protein to help restore elasticity and strengthen the cuticle.
“Now that I’m styling my hair more often, I’m noticing some hair breakage at the top of my hair where I tend to pull it the most. This serum keeps that area hydrated and adds some shine to my strands. I’ve also noticed that my hair normally gets greasy after a day, but when I started using this Kérastase hair serum, my scalp stayed fresh for longer,” says Glamour senior commerce editor Jenifer Calle.
7. Best for Greying Hair: Living Proof Scalp Care Density Serum for Thinning & Greying Hair
Original video from Alanna Martine Kilkeary testing Living Proof Scalp Care Density Serum for Thinning & Greying Hai
“This scalp serum seems to work great for hair regrowth and is extremely easy to use. You only need to apply it to the trouble areas, so you only need a little of it to go a long way,” says Cavalcante. It contains antioxidants and amino acids that help reduce the appearance of grey hair, plus peptides to help strengthen hair fibres and promote natural growth.
Glamour’s Kilkeary is a massive fan of this serum, and says she’s noticed fewer grey hairs since using it. “I like to apply this one straight out of the shower and massage it into areas that I’ve noticed greying – around the crown and hairline, where my part is. After using it for about a month, I swear I’ve noticed fewer grey hairs, and my baby hairs look a lot thicker in these areas than ever before,” she says.
8. Best for Thinning Hair: Nécessaire Rosemary Serum For Thinning Hair
Original video from Alanna Martine Kilkeary testing Nécessaire Rosemary Serum For Thinning Hair
If you deal with thinning hair, this hair growth serum is a must-try. It blends rosemary oil with capixyl to give your hair a denser and fuller texture, and it absorbs like lightning.
“This is one to not skip out on if you have thin, fine hair, “says Glamour’s Kilkeary. “It’s very lightweight and is a thin, clear liquid that doesn’t feel sticky after you apply it. It sinks right into your roots, and is non-comedogenic, which is great if you sometimes deal with breakouts on your scalp (yes, they can happen). My hair around the back of my ears looks a lot fuller after using this, and I also love that it’s colour-safe.”
9. Best for Dry Scalp: Aveda Scalp Solutions Overnight Scalp Renewal Serum
Original video from Alanna Martine Kilkeary testing Aveda Scalp Solutions Overnight Scalp Renewal Serum
A dry scalp and damaged hair can often be the culprit of flakes, which is where a hydrating serum comes in to help lock in moisture and rid of dryness. This formula blends hyaluronic acid, centella asiatica, plus ectoin and probiotics to help balance out the scalp area and soothe irritation, inflammation and dandruff.
“This serum has become one of my go-tos because it’s an overnight treatment, which makes it a no-brainer to apply,” says Glamour’s Kilkeary. “It gently exfoliates and can be used all over the scalp to help rid of flakes and replenish moisture, and I love how soft my hair feels after using it.”
10. Best for Dandruff: Vichy Dercos Salicylic Acid Anti-Dandruff Serum
Original video from Alanna Martine Kilkeary testing Vichy Dercos Salicylic Acid Anti-Dandruff Serum
If you have dandruff (been there), you know that sometimes relying solely on a dandruff shampoo and conditioner might not always cut it. This leave-in serum treatment helps get rid of flaking, itching, redness and irritation thanks to key ingredients like niacinamide, sodium hyaluronate and castor oil.
“My dandruff tends to creep up around season changes, especially when it starts to get cold in NYC. While I rely on a dandruff shampoo to get me through most of the year, I like to add in a special treatment every so often to help soothe the area and kill flakes,” says Glamour’s Kilkeary. “This serum is no joke – you pump it 5 times on the entirety of your head and massage it in. After a few uses, my scalp and roots looked a lot fresher and less greasy and flaky.”
11. Best for an Itchy Scalp: Briogeo Scalp Revival Charcoal + Tea Tree Scalp Treatment Serum
Original video from Jenifer Calle testing Briogeo Scalp Revival Charcoal + Tea Tree Scalp Treatment Serum
An unbalanced scalp can also lead to uncomfortable itching, and if this sentiment is all too familiar, we love this charcoal, tea tree oil and peppermint oil blend that detoxes the scalp and helps rid of inflammation and dandruff.
Glamour’s Calle likes to use this serum after wash day because it helps control her oily scalp. “I notice that after using this charcoal hair serum, my hair doesn’t get oily as fast, and it’s a nice way to refresh my scalp.”
Frequently asked questions
Can scalp serums address buildup?
According to the experts we spoke with, scalp serums can address irritation from product buildup like dryness and flakiness. “Gentle chemical exfoliants with hydroxy acids (like lactic acid and salicylic acid) can help to reduce flaking and can help make sure that hair follicles aren’t clogged with product buildup or oil and keratin debris,” says Hadley King, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in NYC. On the other hand, some scalp serums might be heavy in oils (with ingredients like pumpkin seed oil, castor oil, or coconut oil), which can be effective for hair growth but might lead to even more product buildup, so it’s best to speak with a board-certified dermatologist about your specific scalp needs.
What’s the difference between hair oil and a scalp serum?
Candace Spann, MD, a board-certified dermatologist who specialises in hair loss, says there’s a major difference between hair oils and scalp serums. “Ingredients like castor oil, coconut oil, and rosemary oil in hair oils help moisturise the hair and scalp but are not typically comprehensive treatments for specific scalp issues like itching, dryness, inflammation and flakes,” she says. On the other hand, scalp serums use a combination of ingredients like clarifying oils and exfoliators to help address these issues.
What should you look for when shopping for a scalp serum?
When choosing a scalp serum to add to your hair and skincare routine, Cavalcante recommends looking out for ingredients that match your needs – like salicylic acid or tea tree for flakes and buildup, peptides, minoxidil, or caffeine for hair growth, and hyaluronic acid for hydration. “I also recommend looking for a lightweight texture, especially if you have oily or fine hair, and make sure the applicator is a dropper, to ensure a targeted application,” he says.
Should you apply scalp serum to wet or dry hair?
Scalp serums can be applied to wet or dry scalps but most importantly should be used consistently, says Dr. Spann. It’s also important that your scalp is clean during application for better penetration of ingredients and that you follow the instructions for each product, says Pooja Rambhia, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Union Derm.
Should you apply scalp serum to wet or dry hair?
Scalp serums can be applied to wet or dry scalps but most importantly should be used consistently, says Dr. Spann. It’s also important that your scalp is clean during application for better penetration of ingredients and that you follow the instructions for each product, says Dr. Rambhia.
Can scalp serums help hair growth?
“Scalp serums are designed to nourish the scalp, stimulate hair follicles, and create an optimal environment for healthy hair growth,” says Dr. Rambhia. Typically, scalp serums contain ingredients like peptides, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory compounds that can improve scalp circulation, reduce hair thinning and strengthen hair. However, for folks with underlying hair-loss conditions, medical treatment from a board-certified dermatologist is recommended, says Dr. Rambhia. “Scalp serums can be a valuable addition to a comprehensive hair-care regimen, but they are not a substitute for clinical management,” she says.
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