08-07-2025
The best hair growth oils and serums for 2025, tested and reviewed
There are hair oils to tame flyaways. Oils to finish your style with a super high shine. Hair oils formulated to help restore thinning hair and promote new growth. But how in the world do you know which product will help with what, and more to the point, choose the best hair oil when there are hundreds to choose from?We get it. The confusion is real. For starters, it's essential to consider your needs, hair type and skin sensitivity. For instance, those with sensitive skin should "opt for natural and nourishing products that are suitable for your hair type," said board-certified dermatologist Dr. Jose Diego Mier. Or maybe your skin is as tough as nails, in which case you want to opt for a powerful medicated solution like the FDA-approved hair growth treatment minoxidil. "The oldest established remedy and still one that is used quite a bit is topical minoxidil," said board-certified dermatologist Dr. Amy Forman Taub. Obviously, though, it is a major medication and has potential side effects that need to be evaluated for each person, she added. So for those looking for oils and serums to promote a healthy scalp and hair growth, we did the research. We spoke with six board-certified dermatologists and trichologists to learn what key ingredients to look for (and what ingredients to avoid). We then took our experts' feedback and researched what seemed like an endless range of products, then narrowed down the list of our favorites according to key ingredients, brand reputation, clinical studies, user feedback, success rates and cost. Our final list comprises the best hair-growth oils and serums for hair-thinning and hair-loss needs.
The best hair growth oils and serums of 2025
What should you look for when shopping for the best hair growth oils?
How we chose the best hair growth oils and serums
FAQs
Meet our experts
Update, July 8, 2025: We checked all product prices and availability. Our No. 1 pick for best hair growth oils remains unchanged and is on sale now for Amazon Prime Day.
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Consider your hair health needs: Most hair oils and serums can boost the length and fullness of your hair, but they can have other benefits, too. Some can help reduce scalp irritation, enhance growth or boost shine. Choose a product that meets all your needs. It's also important to consider if the product is formulated for a gender. The best hair products for women will not always match the best hair growth products for men.
Key ingredients: There are two routes you can take: all-natural or chemical formulations. The all-natural route works best when the formulation includes rosemary, mint, peptides, Ayurvedic herbs, castor oil, biotin, fatty acids, tea tree, bergamot, Ashwagandha and pea peptides. You could also opt for one of three FDA-approved products: minoxidil, finasteride or baricitinib. But keep in mind that medical solutions will have side effects that you should discuss with a prescribing physician before trying.
Clinically proven: A multitude of clinical studies on hair growth oils and serums are available online. If you find a product or ingredient you like, make sure it is backed by a clinical study that shows the ability of the product to deliver the results you want.
Cost: It is important to keep in mind that most products require at least three months of use, so make sure you can afford to keep buying the product for a few months. You could also opt to subscribe and save, which is available on many brand and retail websites.
Type: The consistency of the hair oil or serum will play a part in how well it will work for your hair and how it will affect the look of your hair. A heavy oil will likely be too much for thin hair. However, a lightweight oil or serum may not work well or be moisturizing enough for coarse or curly hair. Note: If you find that topical solutions are too heavy, even the lightest-weight solutions, you may benefit from a vitamin or supplement for hair growth.
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First, we consulted with experts, including board-certified dermatologists, trichologists and plastic surgeons. We then reviewed numerous hair oils and serums that were specifically formulated to promote thicker, fuller hair and growth. We then narrowed down the list according to key ingredients, clinical studies, in-house tester and customer satisfaction, brand reputation and consistency.
While the best hair oils and serums for hair growth depend on your specific concerns and goals, we found that cost and effectiveness tend to be favored over extraneous features like scent and packaging. Keeping the different reasons you may want hair oil and the range of hair types in mind, we opted to include a broad range of products, from scalp serums to root-to-tip oils, which included both budget-friendly options and pricier products. We strived not to exclude any company based on its price point. Still, to make our list, it had to have enough positive points from consumers, well-researched ingredients, and hair-and-scalp benefits to be worth its cost.
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Dr. Andy Goren, a board-certified dermatologist, trichologist and professor said: "There are several common causes of hair loss like alopecia, high cortisol levels, stress, postpartum, hair shedding, etc. — genetic predisposition happens to be the most common, specifically hormonal and genetic-mediated alopecia (referred to as androgenetic alopecia or pattern hair loss). Other forms include immune-mediated alopecia (such as alopecia areata), traction alopecia (such as from hair extensions) and telogen effluvium often caused by stress or illness (COVID hair loss is absolutely a thing!). Finally, another form of alopecia is chemotherapy-induced alopecia caused by chemotherapy."
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As a rule, a hair serum will be less oily and better for fine hair, while an oil will be on the heavier side but will work wonders for coarse or curly hair. That all said, before you discount an oil, it can offer extra benefits many serums cannot, such as adding a high shine to a finished style and taming flyaways; also, hair growth oils are almost always fortified with hair and scalp helpers, such as biotin, nettle, peptides, mint and rosemary oil.
How do hair growth oils and serums work?
Many of the best hair growth products are multifaceted and offer various benefits that work together to promote hair health (and, hopefully, improve density and length as well). Many rely on plant-based formulas (though some use synthetics) to reduce inflammation, exfoliate and stimulate the scalp, protect the hair follicle and shaft, and nourish it from root to tip.
How often should I use hair growth oils?
Most products give you precise application instructions along with a timeline. While the only really issue with prolonged hair oil and serum use is buildup, once you reach the point where your hair health is optimal and growth is on track, you could cut back to a few times a week or even a month for maintenance. If you find the oils too heavy, try mixing a few drops with your conditioner, or a shampoo for thinning hair.
How long does it take to see results from hair growth oils?
How long it takes for you to see a difference in your hair depends on a variety of factors, like diligence, hair oil type, and the condition of your hair when you begin your regimen. With consistent use, hair growth oils and serums may show subtle benefits in as little as six to eight weeks; however, full results typically require six to 12 months. You may also want to use a combination of products for thinning hair.
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Amy Forman Taub, MD, FAAD, Board-certified dermatologist
Michelle Henry, MD, Board-certified dermatologist and Harvard-trained Mohs surgeon
Glenn Vallecillos, MD, Board-certified plastic surgeon
Jose Diego Mier, MD, Board-certified dermatologist
Jake Woods, MD, Board-certified dermatologist
Andy Goren, Board-certified dermatologist, trichologist and professor
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Our health content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional on questions about your health.
