The winner of our test does not have prostaglandins, vegan and is the best value we’ve ever seen in 2024. Nothing compares to the authentic beauty that eyelash growth serums offer, leading to their escalating popularity in the beauty and cosmetic industry. No beauty kit is complete without an eyelash growth serum. But like all products, there are hits and misses. That’s why our team of beauty experts, and beauty bloggers decided to test and review the eyelash serums currently available in the market. This project involved a year-long intensive testing period, with each of us selecting different serums to […]
Top 5 Hair Growth Serums for Female Hair Thinning (2024 Update)
Updated on September 6, 2024
Can hair growth serums really work for female thinning? What about menopausal and postpartum hair loss?
If you’re starting to notice hair thinning of any kind, growth serums seem like an obvious solution.
Hair growth serums are far more affordable, discreet, and less painful than hair transplants. They’re less risky than medicated products. (Not to mention, some pharmaceutical hair growth options are off the table for women because of the hormonal side effects.)
But can a serum really solve female hair thinning? As a scientist and researcher, I can tell you what the clinical studies say and how to choose the best hair serums on the market right now.
Do Hair Growth Serums Really Work? Here’s What Science Reveals
As a PhD in dermatology, I specialize in skin and hair health science. So, it’s not surprising that I became very intrigued by the potential of hair growth solutions.
I wanted to know if it’s possible for serums to affect growth without medicated ingredients. To find out, I did an extensive review of the clinical research.
As it turns out, hair serums (the best ones) contain active ingredients that do penetrate the scalp to the follicles and actively affect growth. Studies show that serums can influence hair growth in three ways:
- Reducing scalp inflammation to improve follicle health (indirectly improving growth)
- Stimulating follicles to enter the growth phase or stay in the growth phase for a longer period
- Improving blood circulation to expand “shrunken” follicles and deliver nutrients needed for growth
TL; DR: There’s clear evidence that hair growth serums can stop shedding and promote growth.
Caveat: Hair growth serums work best if your hair loss is relatively recent. (This is true for medications, too.) If you’ve been ignoring hair loss for years, nudging those follicles back to life might not be possible.
But Do Growth Serums Work For Women’s Hair Loss?
Women’s hair loss is complicated! There’s genetic female pattern hair loss. But women also experience hormonal changes that lead to thinning. Stress and nutrition are major factors in women’s hair loss. So is haircare, though. Chemical processing and tight hairstyles can all contribute to female hair loss.
Women’s hair loss shows up in a few different ways…
But at the root, the issues are similar. The growth cycle is too short, so you see more shedding.
To solve it, you need to create a healthy scalp environment, stimulate follicles, and improve circulation to the scalp. Exactly what we look for in a hair growth serum.
What Can You Expect From Hair Growth Serums?
Let’s talk about the results you can expect. Your growth can depend on many factors, including whether your hair loss is recent or a long-term issue.
An effective hair serum can often significantly slow or stop hair shedding. It can help you hold on the hair you have. Some hair serums can stimulate new growth, so that after several months, your hair is thicker and fuller.
It does take time, though! Even with the best hair growth serums, you will need to be patient for several weeks before you see noticeable results. Realistically, you’ll notice less hair loss in the first 6 weeks and growth in 3-9 months.
Don’t forget to take before pictures and repeat the photo every week, in the same light, at the same angle. That’s the best way to track your hair growth journey.
Also, consistency is key! Make using the hair serum part of your daily routine. Eventually, you may be able to transition to a maintenance schedule with fewer applications, but when you’re experiencing active hair thinning, keep it daily.
How To Choose A Safe & Effective Hair Growth Serum
Some hair serums moisturize the scalp and make your hair feel nice. Others get real results. To help you tell the difference, I’ve evaluated the ingredients and claims of dozens of products.
I also consider safety, which might be surprising, but hair growth serums are “use at your own risk” products. The wrong ingredients can irritate or even damage the scalp, which can worsen hair loss.
To evaluate hair growth serums for women, I’ve looked for products with ingredients that…
- Promote a healthy scalp environment
- Extend the hair growth phase
- Improve circulation to the follicles
- Are recognized as safe for daily, long-term use
In the top rankings, I’ve only included products with ingredients backed by clinical research. Each is ranked based on the quality of the ingredients, whether there’s a risk of irritation or allergic reaction, customer results, and value for money.
Where possible, I’ve also evaluated how the product feels, looks and smells. Hair growth serums should be used every day, so it needs to works with your hair texture, style and preferences.
When shopping for a growth serum, these are the factors you should consider, too!
Top 10 Hair Growth Serums for Women’s Hair Loss
Now you know what we’re looking for… Which hair growth serums make the cut?
Here, you’ll find my top picks for 2024, ranked.
#1 Scandinavian Biolabs’ Bio-Pilixin® Activation Serum
- Description:
As one of the market leaders in clinically tested, plant-powered hair growth products, Scandinavian Biolabs’ hair serum tops our 2024 ranking.
- Rating:
4.9
- Pros:
Demonstrated to reduce hair loss and increase density
Can extend the hair growth cycle
Promotes a healthy scalp environment
Improves blood flow to the follicles
Improves hair quality (softness, shine, overall health)
Non-greasy and pleasant smell
Excellent reviews
Vegan, drug-free, and safe for daily, long-term use
- Cons:
Customers with sensitive skin may not tolerate the tingling sensation
Ships from Europe (can take up to 5 days)
Relatively expensive at US $50 for a 3.4oz (100 ml) bottle
Bio-Pilixin was developed in Europe using relatively new stem cell technology. The brand’s star ingredient, Bio-Pilixin, is backed by third-party clinical trials involving women ages 18-65 with multiple types of hair loss.
Reviews and before/after pictures specifically refer to hormonal hair loss (perimenopausal, menopausal, and postpartum).
Scandinavian Biolabs’ Bio-Pilixin® Activation Serum is backed by a 150-day money-back guarantee, which is about how long it takes to see results.
#2 EssyNaturals’ Hair Growth Oil
- Description:
This serum is not specific to women’s hair loss, but there are some reviews relevant to menopause, post-partum and female genetic hair thinning.
- Rating:
4
- Pros:
Contains active ingredients for hair growth
May improve scalp circulation
Moisturizes the scalp and promotes a healthy scalp
Neutral to pleasant smell
Non-greasy
Some positive reviews specific to women’s hair loss issues
Relatively inexpensive at US $20 for a 1.7oz (50ml) bottle
- Cons:
Full list of ingredients is not available
Efficacy and safety cannot be fully evaluated
The active ingredients in this hair growth serum are rosemary oil and caffeine, which are backed by clinical evidence and recognized as safe. However, the complete list of ingredients is not available online, so it’s impossible to fully evaluate this product.
#3 Forest & Shore Thrive Hair Oil
- Description:
Forest & Shore’s serum offers a blend of oils to revitalize and preserve damaged hair. These oils combine moisturizing, anti-inflammatory, and stimulating properties. Some ingredients are used traditionally and have not been extensively researched for application in hair growth.
- Rating:
4
- Pros:
Soothes, moisturizes and protects the scalp and hair
May stimulate new growth and/or extend the hair growth cycle
Relatively inexpensive at US $35 for a 3.4oz (100 ml) bottle
- Cons:
Research on individual ingredients is mixed
Limited reviews related to hormonal or female pattern hair loss
Multiple ingredients can cause interactions (potential for skin irritation)
#4 Vegamour GRO Hair Serum
- Description:
With its peachy-pink branding, Vegamour has really targeted the female hair loss market. However, the serum includes fairly standard ingredients found in growth products for men and women, specifically caffeine, Curcuma longa, and biotin.
- Rating:
3.8
- Pros:
Contains active ingredients for hair growth
Users observed less hair loss and stronger, healthier hair
Realistic promises (results start around 90 days)
Promotes scalp and hair health
Pleasant bergamot scent
May leave hair soft and shiny (limited customer comments)
Vegan, cruelty-free formula
- Cons:
Expensive at US $60+ for 1oz (30 ml) bottle
May be difficult to use daily because of greasy texture
May be difficult to style hair when using serum
Contains ingredients that can irritate or cause allergies
Contains ingredients that are safe in small amounts
Notice that the results come solely from a “consumer study. Brand-led consumer studies are far less reliable than clinical trials, which is where this serum loses points.
The cost can be prohibitive. Ounce for ounce, Vegamour is almost 3x the price of the top-rated growth serum.
#5 Grow Gorgeous Intense Hair Growth Serum
- Description:
Grow Gorgeous is a “hair density” serum combining natural and synthetic ingredients. Some research supports the growth ingredients, which include caffeine, pea sprout extract, green tea extract, and clover flower extract. This formula loses points because it includes multiple ingredients that could be irritating. It’s also noticeable that there are no before and after pictures and no information on how this product works for the main causes of women’s hair loss.
- Rating:
3.5
- Pros:
Contains ingredients that can stimulate hair growth
Exfoliates, deeply hydrates, soothes, and protects scalp
Supports hair health
Relatively inexpensive at US $35 for a 3.4oz (100 ml) bottle
- Cons:
Strong smell
May leave hair greasy
Efficacy is unclear
Includes ingredients that may cause allergies and irritation
It’s also noticeable that there are no before and after pictures and no information on how this product works for the main causes of women’s hair loss.
5 sources
MyHealthGuide uses only trusted sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
- Prospective Efficacy and Safety Study of an Innovative Kerascalp Hair Growth Serum in Mild-to-Moderate Alopecia in India: Regrowth Study
- Serum Vitamin D3 Level in Patients with Female Pattern Hair Loss
- Clinical Study to Evaluate the Efficacy and Safety of a Hair Serum Product in Healthy Adult Male and Female Volunteers with Hair Fall
- Comparative Study of the Online Over-The-Counter Hair Loss Products
- Real-World, Open-Label Study of the Efficacy and Safety of a Novel Serum in Androgenetic Alopecia
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