Hair Density: How Its Measured, What It Means, If You Can Improve It

Table Of Content

• The 14 Best Hair Growth Serums for Fuller, Thicker Hair, Tested by Our Editors
• What to Expect from Hair Growth Serums
• How do I know if a hair growth serum is “working”?
• What to look for in a hair growth serum
• Best for Fine Hair: Kérastase Initialiste Strengthening & Volumizing Advanced Scalp & Hair Serum
• How will I know a hair growth serum is “working”?
• Bare Anatomy Advanced Hair Growth Serum

The oil's affordability, natural ingredients, and ease of use make it a valuable addition to our hair care routine. But that doesn't mean you and your hair can't get a boost, in the form of hair growth serums. These products have gotten way more attention in recent years, though as with hair growth supplements, the research is still limited. "There's limited data on hair growth serums for thinning hair compared to FDA-approved minoxidil [i.e. Rogaine], but some preliminary data are very hopeful," Minnesota-based dermatologist Jenny Liu says.

The 14 Best Hair Growth Serums for Fuller, Thicker Hair, Tested by Our Editors

The formula is air-light, sinks in super-quickly, and actually makes my fine hair look fuller, which is why it's such a game-changer. Dove recommends doing this three times a week (on damp or dry hair) for best results. You can also find hair growth serums that contain active ingredients that have been FDA-approved to promote hair growth, like minoxidil.

What to Expect from Hair Growth Serums

But it was only recently that I discovered just how much damage I've caused. I started to notice thinning and short pieces along my hairline, most noticeably on my right side. I needed a solution to my hair growth and dry skin dilemmas, and according to dermatologists, one could be found in the right scalp serum. “It promotes hair growth, density, scalp health, and is totally safe to use daily,” says the hairstylist.

How do I know if a hair growth serum is “working”?

The biotech brand has harnessed its hero ingredient, NX35 Growth Technology, in addition to garlic and wheat-derived plant exosomes to create PowerCycle Scalp Treatment Serum, a $58 serum that promotes hair density. In addition to rosemary oil—which has been studied for its hair-growth properties—it also features apple cider vinegar, which the real ones know is a must for a balanced scalp. This overnight treatment is made with caffeine and redensyl to combat hair loss, as well as conditioning betaine. Liu recommends this inexpensive option for those with alopecia, also called androgenetic hair loss.

Featuring nourishing ingredients like plant peptides, niacinamide, ashwagandha, and caffeine, it helps stimulate hair growth as it supports scalp health. Thinning hair is far more common than you think, so if you’re experiencing excessive shedding and hair loss, know that you are not alone. Luckily for us, we live in a time where there’s a solution for almost everything. Repairing thinning hair has never been easier or more accessible, thanks to topical treatments that penetrate the scalp like hair growth serums. While some serums require a medical-grade prescription, others can be found over the counter.

Hair growth serums enrich the scalp with nutrients, activate blood vessels to oxygenate hair follicles, and make the hair appear thicker. Ingredients like minoxidil, castor oil, rosemary, pumpkin seed oil, and menthol are recommended by experts for their benefits against dandruff, infections, dryness, and some alopecia forms. However, hair growth serums won't revive dead follicles for those with significant hair loss. According to hair restoration surgeon Dr. Alan J. Bauman, the best outcome is stabilizing further hair loss if hair follicles are irreparable or absent.

Best for Fine Hair: Kérastase Initialiste Strengthening & Volumizing Advanced Scalp & Hair Serum

Making it an ideal solution for maintaining the health and beauty of curls. Applied 4-5 times weekly, this oil was ideal for our editor's thick, curly hair, absorbing well without a greasy feel. Our hairline appeared thicker, particularly in thinner areas, and it also helped with scalp hydration, reducing dryness and flakiness. While the oil seemed to be more effective in enhancing thickness than rapid growth, its benefits in moisturizing and softening make it highly recommended, particularly for those with thick, curly hair. Wild Growth Hair Oil delivers an affordable solution that significantly boosts hair growth and fullness, particularly around the edges, without causing scalp irritation.

I tried The Ordinary hair serum to improve growth - TODAY

I tried The Ordinary hair serum to improve growth.

Posted: Fri, 19 Jan 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]

How will I know a hair growth serum is “working”?

Hair growth serums without minoxidil are typically packed with alternative ingredients that encourage the hair follicles to grow healthier, thicker strands, ultimately making the hair look fuller. These ingredients include plant stem cells, peptides, caffeine, rosemary, ginger root, red leaf clover, and basil leaf. “They’re all rich in antioxidants and can stimulate the scalp, increasing blood flow and promoting healthy growth,” explains trichologist and founder of Act+Acre Helen Reveay.

On the one occasion I applied the serum all over my scalp, rather than just to my hairline, I was scratching within minutes and had to wash my hair the next day. A little research told me that this was thanks to the inclusion of polysorbate 20 and castor oil in the product. It’s quick to apply and absorb, and didn’t stain the headscarf I wore to bed while using it, which is always a bonus. To use, I squeezed a few drops from the bottle's pipette onto my fingertips, and then pressed the product gently into my hairline before massaging lightly. Menthol can seriously negatively affect the breathing of an infant or small child and should never be applied to their face or allowed to be inhaled by them. If you have peppermint oil in your house, make sure it is stored away from where children can access it.

There are some topical solutions that need to be applied once or twice daily, while others can be used a few times a week or on the days when you wash your hair. It's important to choose an application type that suits your lifestyle and preferences so that you can use it more consistently. About 80 percent of men and 50 percent of women battle hair loss during their lifetime, and many of us invest a significant amount of time and money fighting it.

It combines the power of safflower, olive, rosehip, and jojoba oils to minimize breakage from root to tip. Plus, the lightweight oil has nourishing, anti-inflammatory benefits that leave hair feeling brilliantly bouncy and full of shine. While some may appreciate that, those sensitive to fragrances might be irritated by how potent it is. My search for one brought me to The Ordinary and its cult-favorite Multi-Peptide Serum for Hair Density. There's a ton of buzz around the popular product, with many reviewers raving about it on TikTok (the #theordinaryhairserum hashtag currently has over 3.2 million views on the platform). The serum is also a winner of Shop TODAY's first-ever Beauty Awards — it earned a spot as the best hair serum for thinning hair, targeting hair loss.

Its peptide-infused formula nourishes the scalp and promotes healthier hair growth. We applied it nightly using the dropper bottle for precise, non-greasy, scent-free application. The serum noticeably increased hair density and was well-suited for our fine hair without causing scalp irritation. The jelly-like texture, though thick, didn't clump or make our hair greasy, proving that a little goes a long way. Post-use, our hair felt thicker and voluminous, with some overall hair growth, making it a staple in our routine.