If you consider yourself to be in the know in the skin care world, you're likely already familiar with peptides. According to experts, peptides are involved in collagen production and the health of your skin barrier, so they can be a helpful addition to nearly anyone's routine.
However, recently, they've gained some attention for their potential ability to help those with thinning hair. And considering that hair loss is a frustrating issue that many people deal with (it's estimated that around one-third of women deal with it), whenever we hear about a potential solution, our ears always perk up.
But, of course, we have to hear from the experts first. That's why we tapped two top dermatologists to give us the lowdown on whether peptides may be the secret to thicker, more voluminous hair.
What are peptides?
"Peptides are short chains of amino acids that act as cellular messengers in the body," Dr. Jenna Queller, a board-certified and founder of DermWorks in Boca Raton, Florida says. In skin and hair care, peptides signal your cells to perform certain functions, like "repairing damage, reducing inflammation, or supporting healthy growth cycles," she adds.
What do peptides do for your hair?
"Topical peptides help hydrate the scalp and reduce inflammation," says Dr. Elizabeth Bahar Houshmand, a double board-certified dermatologist in Dallas, Texas.
Queller shares that they primarily support the health of the hair follicle. "They can help improve the scalp’s environment, strengthen the hair shaft, reduce inflammation around follicles, and signal pathways involved in hair growth."
Can peptides help with hair growth?
Short answer: Sort of. While they won't work to help regrow hair the way a scientifically-proven remedy like, say, prescription medications or minoxidil will, there still could be a benefit.
Because of their ability to hydrate and generally create a healthier scalp overall, they can create an environment where your follicles are more active, your circulation is boosted and hair growth phases are longer, says Houshmand, therefore leading to improved growth.
Of course, you'll only see the potential benefits if you use the ingredient consistently. And Queller says that peptides can be particularly helpful for those with early thinning or hair shedding, rather than hair loss.
However, there are different types of peptides, and not all of them will give you the best results when it comes to improving hair health overall. That's why Queller says that you should look for the following (and it's even better when they're used in combination). "Together, these peptides support the hair growth cycle, improve follicle health, and enhance the look of fullness and thickness—particularly in early thinning or diffuse shedding."
- Copper peptides: The most well-known peptides, Queller says "they help strengthen follicles, encourage blood flow and support thicker, healthier hair growth."
- Signal peptides: Common examples of signal peptides are palmitoyl tetrapeptide-20 and acetyl tetrapeptide-3. Queller says, "[They] are designed to boost keratin production, helping hair shafts become stronger and fuller."
- Biomimetic anti-inflammatory peptides and glutathione-linked peptides: "[These] work to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in the scalp, creating a healthier environment that can prevent further shedding," Queller shares.
As an added bonus, Houshmand says that "peptides are safe for many patients," so there's not really any harm in trying them out. Though, as always, if you experience itching or irritation, you should speak with your dermatologist.
Below, we asked the experts to share the peptide products they recommend for those with thinning hair.
Best peptide products for thinning hair, according to dermatologists
Not only is this hair serum beloved by one of our editors — who says that she noticed vast improvements in her hair and scalp after using it — but it also comes recommended to us by Queller. The derm shares that it's an affordable option that "includes multiple peptides targeting follicle health and scalp condition." She adds that it's "good for early thinning and maintenance."
While you may know Neutrogena best for its skin care, the brand started creating hair formulas to target growth concerns late last year. And Houshmand appreciates the accessible price point of this serum — and that it features ingredients like caffeine, niacinamide and more for scalp nourishment.
According to the brand, the peptides in this formula are 1.8 times smaller than those in other leading serums to make it easier for them to deeply penetrate your skin's layers.
This serum features Irish moss peptides as well as additional active ingredients, so Houshmand says that it's designed to work for "stress-related shedding and density improvement."
According to the brand, you can see results in as little as 90 days of use.
Houshmand shares that she likes this serum for its hair-strengthening abilities and its ingredients. The peptides help to reinforce your hair's structure and add strength, ceramides "reduce breakage" and green tea extracts "provide antioxidant protection," she says.
"This serum contains a blend of amino acids and peptides as part of its BioStim Complex, alongside nutrients like biotin, caffeine, and panthenol to help strengthen follicles, nourish the scalp, and support a healthier environment for hair growth," Queller says. "Peptides in this formula help signal scalp cells and support follicular function."
If you're looking for a new beauty splurge, this serum comes recommended by Queller. It features palmitoyl tetrapeptide-20 amide, a peptide that she says is "known for supporting hair texture, scalp environment, and follicle health as part of its formulation." As an added bonus, it also includes nourishing ingredients like biotin and hyaluronic acid. "Peptides are included to help improve the appearance of thickness, density, and vitality of thinning or aging hair," she says of the formula.
Frequently asked questions
For best results, Houshmand says that "peptide formulas should be applied directly to the scalp — not just the hair — on clean, dry or slightly damp skin. Massage gently to improve absorption and blood flow."
Consistency is key, and you'll likely need to use a given product for three to four months before you see results.
"Leave-on products like serums, foams, or scalp treatments are more effective than shampoos for hair growth because they stay on the scalp long enough for peptides to penetrate and signal the follicle," Queller says.
While peptides are pretty well-tolerated and safe for most people, those with issues like a sensitive scalp, dermatitis or allergies should try a patch test first, Queller says.
She adds, "Patients with significant or sudden hair loss should see a dermatologist to rule out underlying medical causes before relying on over-the-counter products alone."
How we chose
We asked the experts we spoke with about the best peptide products for thinning hair. We ensure that all expert guidance and recommendations are provided independently and without any undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
Meet our experts
At Shop TODAY, our reporters interview a range of qualified sources and experts to capture a wide scope of perspectives on a given topic.
- Dr. Jenna Queller, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and the founder of DermWorks in Boca Raton, Florida. In addition to general dermatology, she specializes in anti-aging treatments, hair loss and skin cancer prevention.
- Dr. Elizabeth Bahar Houshmand, MD, is a double board-certified dermatologist and the founder of Houshmand Dermatology and Wellness in Dallas, Texas. She specializes in cutaneous laser surgery and the dermatologic care of patients with a special interest in cosmetic dermatology, laser medicine, acne, hair loss and melasma.
