This Is the Scalp Serum That Saved My Dry, Irritated Scalp

As a beauty writer, I’ve tested some of the best scalp serums for all types of scalp woes including oiliness, hair thinning, dryness. Over the years, I’ve found some standout options but my top pick is the Act + Acre Cold Pressed Stem Cell Scalp Serum, which addresses hair loss, scalp balance, and 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

Your scalp serum questions, answered

Best Overall: Act + Acre Cold Pressed Stem Cell Scalp Serum

I first heard about this pressed stem cell serum when it launched a few years ago, and I’ll be honest, it kind of seemed a little too good to be true. It has a lot of lofty claims, so I was apprehensive about how well it could actually work. 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 everyday 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. It’s made such a huge difference in my hair health, and the application is easy to incorporate into any haircare routine too, which experts say is very important. “Consistency is key when using scalp serums, and they work best when paired with other healthy hair practices like gentle washing,” says Dr. Rambhia. Although it can take some time to see results, take it from me, it’s worth it.

Size: 2.2 fl oz
Addresses: Hair weakness, dryness
Who it’s best for: Someone who is experiencing hair thinning and breakage

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 adresses hair loss and should be applied to areas where the hair is thinning. Dendy Engelman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in NYC, is also a huge fan and recommends to use 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. Since they take a second to dry, I found that the best time to apply them was at night right before bed,” says Glamour contributor Brittany Loggins.

Size: 1 fl oz
Addresses: Hair thinning and breakage
Who it’s best for: Someone who is looking for a lightweight, minimal hair loss solution

Best for Thinning Hair: Isdin Lambdapil Hair-Density Leave-In Lotion

Hope Mitchell, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Mitchell Dermatology recommends this scalp serum for anyone experiencing loss of density. “This serum boosts microcirculation in the scalp and nourishes the roots, which in turn, promotes thicker and healthier hair,” she says. “Its lightweight, non-greasy formula is enriched with key ingredients like biotin and zinc, which supports hair strength and improves density. The spray format is also convenient to apply.

“Since this is called a leave-in lotion, I was initially a little nervous that it would leave my hair looking oily, especially after initial applications. That said, the precise sprayer applicator made it so easy to get right up close to my scalp and eliminated all oily concerns. It feels super nourishing on the scalp—almost a cooling sensation—and dried incredibly quickly. It has gingko biloba to serve as an antioxidant that is both protective and gives the strands an added dash of nutrition,” says Loggins.

Size: 4.2 fl oz
Addresses: Hair elasticity, hair thinning
Who it’s best for: Someone who wants an effective scalp treatment that’s no fuss and easy to apply

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 Dr. Engelman. This is why an exfoliating scalp treatment can be beneficial for those who need to maintain a healthier, balanced scalp environment to help prevent hair from getting too greasy.

I’m no stranger to this feeling. 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 build up. This exfoliating scalp treatment contains salicylic acid to help give my scalp 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 hair. Overall, I definitely use this a few times of year when my scalp is feeling particularly moody, and it’s been a great addition to my hair routine.

Size: 5 oz
Addresses: Oily hair, unbalanced scalp
Who it’s best for: Someone who deals with excess oil, flakes and itching

Best for Hair Loss: Vegamour GRO Serum

Both Dr. Rambhia and Dr. Mitchell recommends this scalp serum that 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. 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.”

Size: 1 fl oz
Addresses: Thinning hair and hair loss
Who it’s best for: Someone who wants thicker, fuller hair in spots that are sparse

Best for Flat Hair: The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Serum

“Packed with peptides and caffeine, this serums promotes circulation and can improve hair thickness, making it a great choice for overall scalp health,” says Dr. Rambhia. 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. 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.