As a magnificence author, I’ve examined a few of the greatest scalp serums for all sorts of scalp woes together with oiliness, hair thinning, dryness. Through the years, I’ve discovered some standout choices however my high choose is the Act + Acre Chilly Pressed Stem Cell Scalp Serum, which addresses hair loss, scalp stability, and general hair energy. I merely gained’t go a day with out it. However, scalp serums aren’t a one-size-fits-all resolution, so I tapped dermatologists and hairstylists to share their favorites, after which our staff of Glamour reviewers put them to the check. Forward are the tried and true choices we advocate.
The perfect scalp serums, at a look
Your scalp serum questions, answered
Can scalp serums handle construct up?
In line with the consultants we spoke with, scalp serums can handle irritation from product buildup like dryness and flakiness. “Light chemical exfoliants with hydroxy acids (like lactic acid and salicylic acid) will help to scale back flaking and will help ensure that hair follicles aren’t clogged with product buildup or oil and keratin particles,” says Hadley King, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based mostly in NYC. However, some scalp serums is likely to be heavy in oils (with components like pumpkin seed oil, castor oil, or coconut oil), which might be efficient for hair development, however would possibly result in much more product buildup, so it’s greatest to talk with a board-certified dermatologist about your particular scalp wants.
What’s the distinction between hair oil and a scalp serum?
Candace Spann, MD, a board-certified dermatologist who focuses on hair loss, says there’s a serious distinction between hair oils and scalp serums. “Substances like castor oil, coconut oil, and rosemary oil in hair oils assist moisturize the hair and scalp, however will not be usually complete remedies for particular scalp points (like itching, dryness, irritation and flakes),” she says. However, scalp serums use a mix of components like clarifying oils and exfoliators to assist handle these points.
Do you have to apply scalp serum to moist or dry hair?
Scalp serums might be utilized to moist or dry scalps however most significantly, must be used constantly, says Dr. Spann. It’s additionally vital that your scalp is clear throughout software for higher penetration of components and that you simply observe the instruction of every product, says Dr. Rambhia.
Can scalp serums assist hair development?
“Scalp serums are designed to nourish the scalp, stimulate hair follicles, and create an optimum atmosphere for healthy hair growth,” says Pooja Rambhia, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Union Derm. Usually, scalp serums comprise components like peptides, antioxidants, and anti inflammatory compounds that may enhance scalp circulation, scale back hair thinning and strengthen hair. Nevertheless, for people with underlying hair loss circumstances, medical remedy from a board-certified dermatologist is really helpful, says Dr. Rambhia. “Scalp serums generally is a priceless addition to a complete hair care routine, however they don’t seem to be an alternative choice to scientific administration,” she says.
How we examined scalp serums
We examined scalp serums over a interval of a month, and a few of us (ha, me!) have been testing a few of these serums for years. When testing, we paid consideration to the consistency of the serum, how effortlessly it absorbed, and the way our scalp regarded and felt post-application. We additionally checked out how our strands progressed over time, if it regarded thicker and if it was much less vulnerable to breakage, thinning and greyness.
Finest General: Act + Acre Chilly Pressed Stem Cell Scalp Serum
Authentic video by Glamour commerce author Alanna Martine Kilkeary
I first heard about this pressed stem cell serum when it launched a number of years in the past, and I’ll be sincere, it type of appeared slightly too good to be true. It has quite a lot of lofty claims, so I used to be apprehensive about how properly it may really work. I attempted it for the primary time about two years in the past once I was experiencing hair thinning across the crown of my head, and utilized it at night time on a regular basis for a number of months. After that trial, I immediately noticed hair rising within the utilized space, and now I can’t go an evening with out it. It’s made such an enormous distinction in my hair well being, and the appliance is simple to include into any haircare routine too, which consultants say is essential. “Consistency is vital when utilizing scalp serums, they usually work greatest when paired with different wholesome hair practices like mild washing,” says Dr. Rambhia. Though it will possibly take a while to see outcomes, take it from me, it’s price it.
- Dimension: 2.2 fl oz
- Addresses: Hair weak spot, dryness
- Who it’s greatest for: Somebody who’s experiencing hair thinning and breakage
Authentic picture by Glamour commerce author Alanna Martine Kilkeary
Authentic picture by Glamour commerce author Alanna Martine Kilkeary
Finest for Hair Development: Nutrafol Hair Serum
“Formulated with ashwagandha exosomes, this serum helps scale back scalp irritation and stimulates hair follicles, which may help stronger, fuller hair,” says Dr. Rambhia, who’s a serious fan of this choose. It adresses hair loss and must be utilized to areas the place the hair is thinning. Dendy Engelman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in NYC, can be an enormous fan and recommends to make use of the Nutrafol hair vitamin to help each stage of the expansion cycle.
“I actually love the Nutrafol drops, however I did discover that they take a second to dry, which is humorous as a result of they really feel like the precise consistency of water. That mentioned, as soon as dry they don’t go away behind any residue or semblance of oiliness. I utilized about three quarters of a dropper to spots at my temples, significantly on my half and the very again high of my head, after which rubbed it in. Since they take a second to dry, I discovered that the perfect time to use them was at night time proper earlier than mattress,” says Glamour contributor Brittany Loggins.
- Dimension: 1 fl oz
- Addresses: Hair thinning and breakage
- Who it’s greatest for: Somebody who’s searching for a light-weight, minimal hair loss resolution
Authentic picture by Glamour contributor Brittany Loggins
Authentic picture by Glamour contributor Brittany Loggins
Finest for Thinning Hair: Isdin Lambdapil Hair-Density Go away-In Lotion
Authentic video by Glamour contributor Brittany Loggins
Hope Mitchell, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founding father of Mitchell Dermatology recommends this scalp serum for anybody experiencing lack of density. “This serum boosts microcirculation within the scalp and nourishes the roots, which in flip, promotes thicker and more healthy hair,” she says. “Its light-weight, non-greasy components is enriched with key ingredients like biotin and zinc, which helps hair energy and improves density. The spray format can be handy to use.
“Since that is known as a leave-in lotion, I used to be initially slightly nervous that it might go away my hair wanting oily, particularly after preliminary purposes. That mentioned, the exact sprayer applicator made it really easy to get proper up near my scalp and eradicated all oily issues. It feels tremendous nourishing on the scalp—virtually a cooling sensation—and dried extremely shortly. It has gingko biloba to function an antioxidant that’s each protecting and offers the strands an added sprint of vitamin,” says Loggins.
- Dimension: 4.2 fl oz
- Addresses: Hair elasticity, hair thinning
- Who it’s greatest for: Somebody who desires an efficient scalp remedy that’s no fuss and simple to use
Finest for Oily Scalp: The INKEY Record Salicylic Acid Oily Scalp Remedy
Authentic video by Glamour commerce author Alanna Martine Kilkeary
“For individuals who struggle with oily hair, I like to recommend merchandise that may present a deep cleanse with out stripping the scalp, which may really trigger oil manufacturing to extend,” says Dr. Engelman. Because of this an exfoliating scalp remedy might be helpful for many who want to keep up a more healthy, balanced scalp atmosphere to assist forestall hair from getting too greasy.
I’m no stranger to this sense. A lot of my pores and skin is mixture, so I’m typically very dry or very oily, relying on the time of 12 months. I’ve discovered that so is my scalp, because it tends to get oily throughout seasonal adjustments and when it’s met with an excessive amount of product construct up. This exfoliating scalp remedy accommodates salicylic acid to assist in giving my scalp a little bit of a detox, and scale back extra oil and sebum. This remedy is just not for the faint of coronary heart (scalp?) as I discovered it to be fairly efficient, however I can solely use it about as soon as every week. It absorbs relatively shortly, and actually improves any cracked or flaky areas that might use some TLC. I additionally haven’t felt that this dries out my scalp post-use, which is likely to be as a result of panthenol ingredient that helps hydrate and moisturize hair. General, I undoubtedly use this a number of occasions of 12 months when my scalp is feeling significantly moody, and it’s been an ideal addition to my hair routine.
- Dimension: 5 oz
- Addresses: Oily hair, unbalanced scalp
- Who it’s greatest for: Somebody who offers with extra oil, flakes and itching
Authentic picture by Glamour commerce author Alanna Martine Kilkeary
Authentic picture by Glamour commerce author Alanna Martine Kilkeary
Finest for Hair Loss: Vegamour GRO Serum
Authentic video by Glamour contributor Brigitt Early
Each Dr. Rambhia and Dr. Mitchell recommends this scalp serum that gives main hydration and enhances hair development over time. “This serum combines components like mung bean, crimson clover, and curcumin to help scalp well being and scale back irritation, creating an optimum atmosphere for hair development. Its key compounds, together with Capixyl (a proprietary ingredient) and peptides, assist block DHT (the hormone that causes hair loss), stimulate follicles, and strengthen hair for fuller, more healthy outcomes,” says Dr. Rambhia.
Glamour contributor Brigitt Earley put this one to the check and has a number of ideas. “This scalp serum could be very runny, so you must watch out throughout software—I’ve undoubtedly had it trickle down my face a time or two. However I like that you simply use it with dry hair, so that you might be extra constant. It does not go away strands in any respect oily, so don’t fret about your recent blowout. As an alternative, it sinks proper into the scalp for a very refreshing and hydrating impact that folks with a dry scalp like mine will discover good and soothing—particularly when you’re vulnerable to itchiness.”
- Dimension: 1 fl oz
- Addresses: Thinning hair and hair loss
- Who it’s greatest for: Somebody who desires thicker, fuller hair in spots which might be sparse
Authentic picture by Glamour contributor Brigitt Early
Authentic picture by Glamour contributor Brigitt Early
Finest for Flat Hair: The Bizarre Multi-Peptide Serum
Authentic video by Glamour commerce author Alanna Martine Kilkeary
“Filled with peptides and caffeine, this serums promotes circulation and may enhance hair thickness, making it an ideal selection for general scalp well being,” says Dr. Rambhia. As somebody with a really flat hair sort myself, I used to be excited to offer this peptide serum a whirl to see if it added bounce and thickness. The excellent news: my hair really did look thicker post-application, a lot in order that I placed on a headscarf to maintain it from falling towards my face. This serum additionally did wonders for my usually knotty hair across the winter, and hydrated my roots even after only one software and blow dry. I’ll undoubtedly proceed to make use of this one all through the colder months to maintain my hair wanting resilient, robust and velvety.
avenue model
