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As a beauty writer, I’ve tested some of the best scalp serums for all types of woes including oiliness, hair thinning, and dryness. Over the years I’ve found some standout options but my top pick is the The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Serum, which balances the scalp and promotes overall hair strength. I simply won’t go a day without it. But scalp serums aren’t a one-size-fits-all solution, so I tapped dermatologists and hairstylists to share their favorites, and then our team of Glamour reviewers put them to the test. Ahead are the tried-and-true options we recommend.
The best scalp serums, at a glance
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How we tested scalp serums
We tested scalp serums over a period of a month, though some of us have been using several of these serums for years. When testing, we paid attention to the consistency of the serum, how effortlessly it absorbed, and how our scalp looked and felt post-application. We also looked at how our strands progressed over time, if they looked thicker and if they were less prone to breakage, thinning, and grayness. Here’s more of a detailed breakdown:
| By Ingredients | By Format/Texture | By Efficacy |
|---|---|---|
| We looked at scalp serums with ingredients that helped address a variety of concerns from dryness, to oiliness, dandruff and more. The best ones had ingredients like hyaluronic acid to help the scalp retain moisture, peptides to help thicken thin areas and BHAs like salicylic acid to gently exfoliate. | Scalp serums that made the cut also had lightweight textures that absorbed easily into the scalp and didn’t weigh down hair or leave behind a greasy residue. Most of the serums on this list can also be applied on wet or dry hair, and some can even be used for styling a slicked back look. | The best ones we tested actually thickened our hair at our roots and gave us long-lasting volume to combat thinness. |
Best Overall: The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Serum
“Packed with peptides and caffeine, this serum promotes circulation and can improve hair thickness, making it a great choice for overall scalp health,” says Pooja Rambhia, MD, board-certified dermatologist at Union Derm. This one made best overall on our list because it’s extremely effective and affordable at under $25.
“As someone with a very flat hair type myself, I was excited to give this peptide serum a whirl to see if it added bounce and thickness,” says Glamour commerce writer Alanna Martine Kilkeary. “The good news: My hair actually did look thicker post-application, so much so that I put on a headband to keep it from falling toward my face. This serum also did wonders for my typically knotty hair around the winter and hydrated my roots even after just one application and blow-dry. I’ll definitely continue to use this one throughout the colder months to keep my hair looking resilient, strong and velvety.”
Best for Oily Scalp: The Inkey List Salicylic Acid Oily Scalp Treatment
“For those who struggle with oily hair, I recommend products that will provide a deep cleanse without stripping the scalp, which can actually cause oil production to increase,” says Dendy Engelman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in NYC. This is why an exfoliating scalp treatment like this one can be beneficial for those who need to maintain a healthier, balanced environment to help prevent hair from getting too greasy.
“Much of my skin is combination, so I’m sometimes very dry or very oily, depending on the time of year. I’ve learned that so is my scalp, as it tends to get oily during seasonal changes and when it’s met with too much product buildup,” says Glamour’s Kilkeary. “This exfoliating scalp treatment contains salicylic acid to help give me a bit of a detox and reduce excess oil and sebum. This treatment is not for the faint of heart (scalp?) as I found it to be quite effective but I can only use it about once a week. It absorbs rather quickly and really improves any cracked or flaky areas that could use some TLC. I also haven’t felt that this dries out my scalp post-use, which might be due to the panthenol ingredient that helps hydrate and moisturize. Overall, I definitely use this a few times a year when my scalp is feeling particularly moody, and it’s been a great addition to my hair routine.”
Best with Hyaluronic Acid: Eva NYC H2-Whoa Hydrating 3-in-1 Scalp Serum
A hydrating scalp serum can help kick-start you on the path to healthier hair. Enter: this option that’s infused with hyaluronic and glycolic acids to gently exfoliate and majorly hydrate. “With my combination skin (and scalp), I deal with dryness and oiliness in the wintertime, so finding this serum is a major plus as it helps support both ends of the spectrum. After using this pick for about a week, I found that the hair at my roots had fewer flyaways and wasn’t as rough to the touch. Instead it was much smoother and fresh, which made it easier to style. I definitely would recommend this pick if your hair is feeling extra dry—especially in sub 40-degree weather!” says Glamour’s Kilkeary.
Best Splurge: Act + Acre Cold Pressed Stem Cell Scalp Serum
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Glamour’s Kilkeary first heard about this pressed stem cell serum when it launched a few years ago, but thought its claims of promoting hair regrowth for thicker, fuller strands seemed a little too good to be true. “I tried it for the first time about two years ago when I was experiencing hair thinning around the crown of my head, and applied it at night every day for a few months. After that trial, I instantly saw hair growing in the applied area, and now I can’t go a night without it,” she says. “It’s made such a huge difference in my hair health, and the application is easy to incorporate into any hair-care routine too, which experts say is very important.”
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.
Best for Hair Loss: Vegamour GRO Serum
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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.”
Best Oil Scalp Serum: The Rootist Densifying & Thickening Serum for Thinning Hair
NYC-based hairstylist Rogerio Cavalcante is a big fan of this densifying treatment because it can be used all over the head. “I love to use this formula on clients because it nourishes the scalp and roots to promote thicker, fuller, and healthier-looking hair and it minimizes signs of thinning. Not to mention I also love the smell!”
And he’s not wrong. This ultra-lightweight oil isn’t greasy upon application and instead melts effortlessly onto the scalp, mid-shaft, or roots and sort of acts like a scalp serum-hair oil hybrid. I tested this product for a week and my hair simply drank it up. It’s ultra moisturizing and gave my hair a ton of body and volume without weighing it down in the slightest.
Best for Shiny Hair: Kérastase Initialiste Scalp & Hair Serum
This serum is a favorite 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.
Best for Greying Hair: Living Proof Scalp Care Density Serum for Thinning & Greying Hair
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“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 gray hair, plus peptides to help strengthen hair fibers and promote natural growth.
Glamour’s Kilkeary is a massive fan of this serum, and says she’s noticed less grays since using it. “I like to apply this one straight out of the shower and massage it into areas that I’ve noticed graying—around the crown and hairline, where my part is. After using it for about a month, I swear I’ve noticed less grays, and my baby hairs look a lot thicker in these areas than ever before,” she says.
Best for Thinning Hair: Nécessaire Rosemary Serum For Thinning Hair
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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 more full after using this, and I also love that it’s color-safe.”
Best for Dry Scalp: Aveda Scalp Solutions Overnight Scalp Renewal Serum
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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.”
Best for Dandruff: Vichy Dercos Salicylic Acid Anti-Dandruff Serum
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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.”
Best for an Itchy Scalp: Briogeo Scalp Revival Charcoal + Tea Tree Scalp Treatment Serum
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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.”
Best for Hair Growth: Nutrafol Hair Serum
“Formulated with ashwagandha exosomes, this serum helps reduce scalp inflammation and stimulates hair follicles, which can support stronger, fuller hair,” says Dr. Rambhia, who’s a major fan of this pick. It addresses hair loss and should be applied to areas where the hair is thinning. Dr. Engelman is also a huge fan and recommends using the Nutrafol hair vitamin to support every stage of the growth cycle.
“I really love the Nutrafol drops, but I did find that they take a second to dry, which is funny because they feel like the exact consistency of water. That said, once dry they don’t leave behind any residue or semblance of oiliness. I applied about three quarters of a dropper to spots at my temples, particularly on my part and the very back top of my head, and then rubbed it in. Overall, I was impressed with how it helped my hair grow,” says Glamour contributor Brittany Loggins.
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 specializes 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 moisturize 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.
Meet the experts
- Candace Spann, MD, board-certified dermatologist specializing in hair loss
- Pooja Rambhia, MD, board-certified dermatologist at Union Derm
- Hadley King, MD, board-certified dermatologist based in NYC
- Hope Mitchell, MD and board-certified dermatologist at Mitchell Dermatology
- Rogerio Cavalcante, NYC-based hairstylist
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