I Tested Hair Growth Serums For Months: Here Are My Top 5 Picks of 2025

Struggling with thinning hair or slow growth? I spent months testing a variety of hair growth serums to find the most effective solutions for you. This guide details my top 5 picks for 2025, covering formulas designed to stimulate follicles, nourish the scalp, and promote visibly thicker, longer, and healthier hair. Discover the best hair growth serums to help you achieve your hair goals and regain confidence.
Our top picks
Best Overall Hair Growth Serum
Top performer across growth, density, and shine with noticeable results and easy application.

VEGAMOUR GRO Hair Serum
$49.00Plant‑based shoppers might favor VEGAMOUR GRO, which uses turmeric stem cells, mung bean, and red clover in a quick‑absorbing, non‑greasy serum. It scored 7.5/10 in our testing: easy once‑daily use and a light feel were wins, but the monthly cost adds up. Some users reported irritation or increased shedding, and it’s not fragrance‑free, so patch testing is smart if you’re sensitive. For a similar daily routine at a lower price, The Ordinary (10/10) or BondiBoost (7/10) are worth comparing.
The Good
• Lightweight, non-greasy formula that absorbs quickly without leaving residue.
• Contains plant-based active ingredients like turmeric stem cells, mung bean, and red clover.
The Bad
• Some users report scalp irritation or increased shedding after use.
• Monthly supply can be costly for long-term, daily use.
Active Ingredient Category: Botanical/Natural / Scalp Care Focus: Follicle stimulation / Fragrance Free: false / Recommended For: Thinning/miniaturization
L'Oreal Professionnel Serie Expert Densifying Serum
$32.60If you're curious about Stemoxydine, L'Oreal Professionnel’s Densifying Serum packs a 5% dose and a targeted, leave‑in scalp application. However, during our review it scored 5/10, as the noticeable fragrance and reports of greasiness or irritation overshadowed the promise. Daily use is straightforward, but we found user feedback inconsistent on density gains, especially compared with stronger performers like The Ordinary (10/10) and Curlsmith (8.5/10). For the $32.60 price, our experience shows there are better daily follicle‑stimulation options if you’re sensitive to scent or build‑up.
The Good
• Contains 5% Stemoxydine formulation intended to increase hair density with daily use.
• Designed as a leave-in serum applied directly to the scalp for targeted treatment.
The Bad
• Contains fragrance, which may be irritating or leave hair feeling greasy for some users.
Active Ingredient Category: Other / Scalp Care Focus: Follicle stimulation / Fragrance Free: false / Recommended For: Thinning/miniaturization
Best Budget Drugstore Hair Serum
Wallet-friendly pick that supports growth and thickness without harsh ingredients or heaviness.
As I Am Long & Luxe Scalp Serum
$14.95On a tight budget but want a twice‑daily densifying routine? As I Am’s Long & Luxe Scalp Serum brings biotin and caffeine in a lightweight base. It earned 7/10 in our testing for an easy‑absorbing texture and noticeable strengthening over time, though the dropper can be fiddly. The strong fragrance won’t suit scent‑sensitive users, and the smaller bottle runs out quickly with morning‑and‑night use. If you prefer fragrance‑free and once‑daily, The Ordinary (10/10) remains a better long‑term value.
The Good
• Lightweight serum texture absorbs without heavy residue.
• Contains biotin and caffeine to support hair strength and scalp health.
The Bad
• Application dropper can be fiddly or inefficient for some users.
• Product has a noticeable fragrance that some find overpowering.
• Relatively small bottle size for twice-daily use may run out quickly.
Active Ingredient Category: Biotin / Scalp Care Focus: Follicle stimulation / Fragrance Free: false / Recommended For: Densifying
Camille Rose Cocoa Nibs & Honey Ultimate Growth Serum - 8 oz
$15.99Camille Rose’s Cocoa Nibs & Honey is a moisturizing, oil-based serum that shines for scalp nourishment rather than lightweight follicle stimulation. In our testing, the 8 oz size at $15.99 offers great value, and the biotin plus honey-oil blend leaves dry scalps supple. However, the sweet fragrance is very strong, and the sticky, heavy texture weighed down fine or oily hair. Scoring 5/10, we’d reserve this for pre-shampoo scalp massages every other night and protective styles, not a daily leave-in for density.
The Good
• Very moisturizing thanks to a blend of oils and honey.
• Contains biotin in the formula to support hair strength.
The Bad
• Has a strong sweet fragrance that some users find overpowering.
• Oil-based formula can feel heavy or sticky on fine or oily hair.
Active Ingredient Category: Botanical/Natural / Scalp Care Focus: Scalp nourishment / Fragrance Free: false / Recommended For: Thinning/miniaturization
Best Serum for Sensitive Scalps
Fragrance-free, gentle formula that calms irritation while encouraging stronger, fuller-looking strands.

Dr Barbara Sturm Anti-Hair Fall Scalp Serum
$100.00For sensitive scalps dealing with thinning, Dr. Barbara Sturm Anti-Hair Fall Scalp Serum scored 8/10 in our testing. The fragrance-free, botanical, lightweight, non-greasy leave-on uses cationic hyaluronic acid and panthenol to keep scalp and hair hydrated with once-daily use. Compared with heavier oil-based picks like Camille Rose (5/10), it sits cleanly under styling, though results can be slow and some users saw no visible change after a month. At $100 and with occasional brand customer service hiccups, it isn’t our best value, but it’s a luxe pick for scalp nourishment.
The Good
• Fragrance-free formulation suitable for sensitive scalps.
• Contains hydrating cationic hyaluronic acid and panthenol for scalp and hair shaft moisture.
• Leave-on serum has a lightweight, non-greasy texture.
The Bad
• Premium price point may be prohibitive for many buyers.
• Results can be slow; some users report no visible improvement after one month.
• Some customers report inconsistent customer service or purchase issues from brand channels.
Active Ingredient Category: Botanical/Natural / Scalp Care Focus: Scalp nourishment / Fragrance Free: true / Recommended For: Thinning/miniaturization
Best Lightweight Daily Growth Serum
Fast-absorbing serum for everyday use that boosts volume without residue.
Curlsmith Full Lengths Density Elixir
$39.00We were impressed by Curlsmith’s Full Lengths Density Elixir, which pairs multiple peptide actives with a light, non‑greasy feel and a precise dropper. It earned 8.5/10 in our testing for visible fullness reports and easy nightly use, though the $39 price is higher than BondiBoost or The Ordinary. Some reviewers with very fine hair found it could feel a touch heavy, and occasional cap or pipette issues popped up on arrival. If you want a peptide‑rich routine at bedtime and can stomach the premium, this is an effective densifying pick.
The Good
• Contains multiple peptide actives formulated to target follicle health.
• Lightweight texture that many users report is non-greasy.
• Applied with a dropper for targeted, easy scalp application.
The Bad
• Higher price point compared with many over-the-counter scalp serums.
• Some users report the formula can feel greasy or weigh down fine hair.
• Occasional packaging issues reported (loose pipette/cap problems on arrival).
Active Ingredient Category: Peptides / Scalp Care Focus: Follicle stimulation / Fragrance Free: false / Recommended For: Densifying