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Do you need a scalp serum? Here’s what experts say

They offer a wide range of benefits, from encouraging hair growth to soothing inflammation.
Woman putting serum in her hair
Kara Birnbaum/ TODAY

What are the benefits? | What to look for | What to avoid | Scalp serums to try | How we chose | Meet our experts

If you're on a hair-health journey (and let's face it, you wouldn't be here if you weren't), your first instinct may be to upgrade your current products, like your shampoo and conditioner. And while that could be beneficial, you may be missing a key part of the equation: your scalp.

"Scalp serums are fairly new to the hair care industry as more and more people learn what a dramatic effect scalp health has on the hair’s overall well-being and appearance," says Natalie Palomino, master stylist, hair care expert and founder of North Authentic.

But what exactly are the benefits of scalp serums, and do you really need one? We talked to three different experts in the industry to get answers to these questions and more.

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What are the benefits of scalp serums?

“Your scalp is skin, and in the same way you may apply a serum to your face, there are also benefits in applying a serum to your scalp,” trichologist Anabel Kingsley shares. (A trichologist is a specialist who studies conditions, problems and diseases of the hair and scalp.)

“Scalp serums do everything from balance your scalp’s pH to calm inflammation that can cause excess hair shedding or hair loss,” says Palomino, who adds that the benefits will largely depend on your scalp type and the product you choose.

Other benefits of scalp serums may include:

  • Cleansing the scalp of dirt, oils and product buildup
  • Exfoliating dead skin or other particles
  • Balancing the scalp’s pH
  • Soothing itchiness
  • Increasing hydration
  • Treating flaking or dandruff
  • Reducing hair loss
  • Encouraging hair growth

Palomino adds that while hair loss is a common reason why people reach for a scalp serum, it’s important to understand what you’re purchasing. She explains that scalp serums specifically formulated for hair growth will contain an active ingredient, like minoxidil.

“These ingredients are high in price and therefore serums for hair growth tend to be more on the pricey side. However, everyday scalp serums can also set the stage for hair growth by increasing overall scalp health,” Palomino notes.

What to look for in a scalp serum

While every head of hair can benefit from a scalp serum, it’s important to consider your current concerns, goals and how the product will fit into your routine, Palomino tells us. Consider these five factors to help narrow down your options:

  • Ingredients. Focus on ingredients that will treat your specific scalp concern. For example, if dryness is your main concern, look for a product with ingredients that will help hydrate and soothe the skin, such as hyaluronic acid or aloe vera.
  • Scalp type/concern. Consider what scalp concerns the product claims to target — don't forget to read the reviews! — to find the best option for your needs.
  • Formulation. Before committing to a product, get an idea of the product's formulation and consistency. Those with fine or thin hair may need to consider a lightweight serum with a water-like consistency to avoid weighing down hair at the roots. Meanwhile, someone with thicker or denser hair may be able to use a heavier serum without seeing any negative effects.
  • Application. Many scalp serums come in easy-to-use bottles with a dropper, but this isn't always the case. Make sure to read the instructions prior to purchasing and read reviews to see if application is a common issue for users.
  • Frequency. Pay attention to how often you need to apply the serum to see benefits. Some products need to be applied daily, while others may only need to be applied one to two times per week.

What should I avoid when shopping for scalp serums?

When shopping for the appropriate serum for your scalp, it’s important to be aware of products that you have a sensitivity to, says New York-based dermatologist Dr. Mitchell J. Mandel, who also strongly recommends that parabens and sulfates be avoided.

  • Parabens. Certain chemicals, such as parabens, may alter the hormone balance in one’s body, according to Mandel.*
  • Sulfates. While naturally found in small amounts in unfiltered water, sulfates can also be connected to a number of negative side effects in certain mounts (more specifically for people who already tend to have dry hair or skin), including stripping hair of too much moisture and causing irritation.

*Editor's note: According to the Food and Drug Administration, parabens are used in products such as cosmetics and moisturizers to "better protect against a broad range of microorganisms." They don't yet have scientific data supporting that parabens are harmful to human health when used in beauty products.

Scalp serums to try

Kitsch Pre-Wash Scalp Oil

What we like
  • Keeps hair feeling silky-smooth
  • "Easier" to use and implement than anticipated
Something to note
  • Those sensitive to scents might not enjoy the lavender smell

Key ingredient(s): Rosemary extract, biotin, argan oil | Dosage: As needed prior to washing | Scented? Yes | Best for: Itchy/flaky scalp, dry scalp and sebum buildup

Kitsh’s Pre-Wash Scalp Oil is designed to support scalp health, hair strength and hair growth from root to tip. Simply apply about 10 minutes before shampooing.

“[The product] works by providing a layer of nourishment and protection to the scalp and hair before washing,” a brand representative for Kitsch tells Shop TODAY.

Whether you’re looking to remove buildup, reduce frizz and breakage, calm your dry, irritated scalp or simply want to improve your overall scalp health — this scalp oil has you covered. When you’ll see results depends on your scalp and hair type, but it can take up to a few weeks, according to the brand.

The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Serum for Hair Density

What we like
  • Lightweight formula
  • Easy to apply
Something to note
  • May not be best for severely thinning hair

Key ingredient(s): Redensyl (Givaudan), Procapil (Sederma), Baicapil (Provital) | Dosage: A few drops once daily | Scented? No | Best for: Thinning hair and flaky/dry scalp

An affordable and basic option in the scalp serum realm, The Ordinary’s Multi-Peptide Serum helps improve overall scalp health to leave you with thicker, denser and fuller-looking hair.

Editor Vivien Moon is a fan of how lightweight and easy to apply this serum is. "It’s not like it will restore your hair to its fullest, but it did give me some extra baby hairs after testing it [for a few weeks]...it doesn’t make my hair super greasy after evening application — my hair is very susceptible to getting greasy."

Hers Hair Regrowth Treatment

What we like
  • Helps to both reduce hair loss and promote growth
Something to note
  • May take a few months to see results

Key ingredient(s): Minoxidil | Dosage: 1 mL twice daily | Scented? No | Best for: Hair loss

Formulated with minoxidil, one of the only FDA-approved topical treatments for hair growth, Hers hair drops not only help reduce hair loss, but actually help stimulate new hair growth. Research suggests that this might be in part due to the increased blood flow — and therefore oxygen and nutrients — that may help encourage hair follicles to transition into the anagen phase (more commonly known as the growth phase) of the hair cycle.

But be patient — according to the brand, it may take at least three to six months before you start to see new hair growth.

Pattern Beauty Scalp Serum

What we like
  • Has a refreshing, not overwhelming scent
  • Provides a cooling sensation
Something to note
  • Don't use on dry curls; could cause shrinkage
  • Leaves a flaky residue behind

Key ingredient(s): Matcha green tea, aloe vera, panthenol | Dosage: As needed | Scented? Yes | Best for: Curly, coily and tight-textured hair

Created specifically for curly, coily and tight-textured hair, Pattern Beauty’s Scalp Serum helps calm and soothe scalp irritation that often comes with tight styles — although the soothing and hydrating benefits can be enjoyed no matter the hairstyle.

Reviewers love the cooling, tingly sensation and the refreshing, minty scent, but note that a small amount is all you need.

Bread Beauty Supply Cooling Greens Scalp Serum

What we like
  • Cooling effect is legitimate; users felt a difference instantly
Something to note
  • Have to use a lot; bottle is small for amount needed
  • Doesn't exfoliate like advertised 

Key ingredient(s): Mandelic acid, gluconolactone, chinaberry extract, eucalyptol | Dosage: As needed | Scented? No | Best for: Curly, coily and tight-textured hair

This exfoliating scalp serum chemically removes buildup and leaves you with a soothing yet refreshing sensation. The brand says its gentle ingredients are suitable for all hair types, including protective styles like braids and cornrows. Plus, it doesn’t use artificial fragrance.

Reviewers agree, with one sharing, “I have locs and this scalp serum has done wonders. I tend to get dry scalp and this hydrates and soothes the scalp in between my wash days. I also love the consistency — a little goes a long way!”

Jupiter Restoring Serum

What we like
  • Reduced itchiness and flakes
  • Easy to apply and target trouble spots 
Something to note
  • Reviewers say the quality is similar of a drugstore find, would rather save money

Key ingredient(s): Zinc pyrithione, aloe vera, salicylic acid, green tea | Dosage: 1 to 4 times daily | Scented? Yes | Best for: Mild-to-moderate dandruff, dry scalp, flakes and itch

If you’re looking for something to soothe and treat your dandruff-prone scalp, Jupiter Restoring Serum is the product for you. This medicated scalp treatment is formulated with zinc pyrithione, which is one of only five active ingredients a product must contain to be able to legally claim that it helps control dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis (according to an FDA monograph).

“We target these issues by using a foundation of OTC medicated and other clinical-strength active ingredients to target the underlying issue causing the dandruff, and pairing them with science-backed natural and cosmetic ingredients to help alleviate the symptoms of dandruff,” Robbie Salter, the founder and co-CEO of Jupiter, tells us on behalf of the brand.

He adds that their goal was to formulate a product that’s more effective than all-natural serums, while at the same time is not harsh on sensitive scalps and color- or chemical-treated hair.

Divi Scalp Serum

What we like
  • Lightweight
  • Some say it also helps with dandruff
Something to note
  • Some say the bottle doesn't last very long

Key ingredient(s): Copper Tripeptide-1, caffeine, tea tree oil, amino acids | Dosage: 3/4 dropper once daily | Scented? Yes | Best for: Hair loss, dandruff

Divi’s scalp serum is a highly rated, lightweight option full of amino acids and peptides, proving its superhero strength in helping your scalp. In addition to more than 700 verified five-star ratings on Amazon, reviews aplenty rave about the multitude of benefits they saw.

One Amazon customer shared, “From severe dandruff and buildup to hair thinning, this product has helped every issue, and I couldn’t be happier! I am even seeing new hair growth! There are baby hairs everywhere! This is for so much more than just one thing, this is for overall scalp health! YOU NEED THIS!”

Sunday Riley Clean Rinse Clarifying Scalp Serum

What we like
  • Suitable for all scalp types
Something to note
  • Some say the scent is unpleasant

Key ingredient(s): Glycolic acid, salicylic acid, niacinamide | Dosage: As needed | Scented? No | Best for: Oily, flaky/dry scalp, product buildup

Sunday Riley’s Clean Rinse serum works to gently lift and remove dirt, dead skin and product buildup, leaving behind a clean and refreshed scalp. Whether you have an oily, dry or flaky scalp, this serum helps soothe and rehydrate, while also supporting healthy hair growth.

“I think it was a nice treatment that made my hair feel super clean without drying it out,” says photo editor Vivian Le. “I also feel like I was seeing less dandruff, but when I worked it into my routine with [an anti-dandruff shampoo from another brand], it was hard to tell since that is also supposed to help with dandruff.”

Babe Locks Densifying Hair Serum

What we like
  • Works on all hair types
Something to note
  • Some say the scent is a bit too strong

Key ingredient(s): Aloe barbadensis leaf juice, peptide complexes, caffeine and biotin | Dosage: 1 full dropper daily | Scented? Yes | Best for: All hair types

This hair serum has become a personal go-to. In just a short amount of time, I have already seen a noticeable difference in the appearance and overall health of my scalp and hair, which the company accredits to its special formulation of ingredients, like aloe and ceramides, which help balance the scalp microbiome and strengthen the hair follicles for healthier and thicker-looking hair.

And it's not just me: The brand conducted a 12-week consumer study of 30 subjects and found that 90% of them "noticed a healthier scalp and longer-looking hair after use," according to their website. One purchase comes with a three-month supply.

dpHUE ACV Daily Scalp Serum

What we like
  • Easy to apply
  • Provides a calming effect instantaneously
Something to note
  • May add a "crunchy" texture to scalp

Key ingredient(s): Apple cider vinegar, apple stem cells, hyaluronic acid, aloe vera | Dosage: ½ to 1 full dropper once daily | Scented? No | Best for: Dry scalp, shedding, scalp sensitivity

This soothing, oil-free scalp serum from dpHUE (a Shop TODAY reader fave!) not only helps nourish the hair follicles, but it also helps soothe dry, itchy scalps. In addition to the usual nourishing ingredients like hyaluronic acid and peptides, this serum uses pH-balancing apple cider vinegar and follicle-stimulating apple stem cells as its active ingredients, according to the brand.

OUAI Scalp Serum

What we like
  • Hydrating
Something to note
  • Takes a while to see results

Key ingredient(s): Arctic root, Siberian ginseng, chaga mushroom, hyaluronic acid, red clover flower extract, peptides | Dosage: Once daily | Scented? Yes | Best for: Dryness, thinning, flaky scalp

The OUAI Scalp Serum is a hydrating, reparative formula specifically designed to nourish the scalp and promote healthy hair growth. It’s formulated with hyaluronic acid and adaptogens, such as arctic root, Siberian ginseng and chaga mushroom, to promote hydration and form a healthy barrier.

But hydration isn’t the only benefit of this scalp serum — it’s also designed to soothe irritation and support the appearance of fuller and thicker hair.

Nécessaire The Scalp Serum

What we like
  • Ideal for thin/fine hair
  • Lightweight
Something to note
  • Helps more to stop hair fall

Key ingredient(s): Biomimetic peptide blend, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, panthenol, green tea extract | Dosage: 1 mL once daily | Scented? No | Best for: Dry, oily, itchy, flaky or sensitive scalps

Nécessaire’s scalp serum is a popular option among those with thin or fine hair. Reviewers praise its water-like consistency, stating that it’s light enough for everyday use on even the thinnest hair and doesn’t leave an oily residue.

It’s formulated to support hair growth and reduce thinning, while also hydrating and soothing dry or itchy scalps. “I kind of swear by Nécessaire’s scalp serum because it’s one of the very few serums that actually both feels good on my scalp and is effective at adding volume to my fine, thin hair at the roots. And it doesn’t weigh my hair down!” shared former associate editor, Fran Sales.

Phyto Phytocyane Revitalizing Scalp Serum

What we like
  • Lightweight and good for fine hair
  • May help with gray hairs
Something to note
  • Some say it helps more with preventing breakage than encouraging growth

Key ingredient(s): Grapeseed procyanidins, ginkgo biloba, soybean, tyrosine | Dosage: 1 vial 3 times a week | Scented? No | Best for: Temporary hair loss

This scalp serum is specifically designed with temporary hair loss in mind — whether it be due to stress, fatigue, diet, pregnancy or just life in general. Not only does it help slow down hair loss, it also helps support a healthy environment needed for new hair growth. What’s more, according to the company, it can help keep those gray hairs at bay, if that's a concern.

From personal experience, this is an excellent product for those who have fine hair and don’t wash their hair daily; the formula is so lightweight that it won’t leave your hair feeling weighed down, no matter how fine your hair is.

How we chose the best scalp serums

The Shop TODAY team spoke with experts in the hair industry, including dermatologist Dr. Mitchell Mandel, master stylist Natalie Palomino and trichologist Anabel Kingsley, to gain insight into choosing the right scalp serum, as well as tips for proper usage.

We then scoured the internet and chose shopper-loved items that met the guidelines provided by the experts. We also shared a few of our personal favorites.

Meet our experts

  • Anabel Kingsley is Consultant Trichologist and Brand President at Philip Kingsley Clinics, which has locations in New York and London. Her current focus is on post-partum hair loss, hair nutrition and the psychology of hair loss.
  • Natalie Palomino is a master stylist, hair care expert and founder of North Authentic, a resource site of expert-backed, eco-conscious hair products. Palomino turned North Salon, her brick-and-mortar business based in Southern California, into one of the first zero-waste salons in the U.S.
  • Dr. Mitchell J. Mandel, MD, FAAD, is chief dermatologist at Mandel Dermatology, a Manhattan-based practice that also has locations in Long Island, New York, and Boulder, Colorado. Mandel has been practicing medical, cosmetic and laser dermatology for over 25 years.