Developed by a world-renowned hair thinning expert, researcher, and product formulator Lars Skjoth, Ph.D., this targeted and personalized scalp elixir is astonishingly effective. (Skjoth started several internationally renowned hair loss clinics and is considered to be the best of the best in noninvasive hair growth protocols.) In it, the brand infuses their proprietary ingredients derived from burdock root, marigold, apple, sandalwood, and naturally occurring sterols, tannins and fatty acids found in botanicals. It comes highly recommended by top beauty experts (including several world-class celebrity stylists); additionally, I used it several years ago during a time of dramatic hair shedding—it’s the only thing that brought back some fullness to my hair. You can visit one of the brand’s clinics, or do a virtual consultation to start the process to get your very own bottle. Just be prepared that this is an intense step to add to a hair routine, due to the rigorous instructions and daily use. However, if you’re serious about hair growth, this is the ultimate method. I have never spoken to a single person who has used this product and not remarked on its incredible performance.
This three-ingredient formula is simple, but luxurious. The base is a sunflower oil, which can condition the scalp and strand by providing fatty acids and antioxidants. (Bonus, it also makes the hair shine oh-so-bright.) The jasmine essential oil nurtures the hair follicle and even has some antimicrobial properties. And the amla extract is rich in antioxidants, including vitamin C, to combat oxidative stress. While this won’t stimulate growth at the root, it will provide favorable conditions for lush hair growth—while minimizing breakage on the hair you do have. A tip from the brand: In the evening apply it at the scalp, gently working your way to the roots, then leave it on overnight for a deep condition.
Best budget: The INKEY List Caffeine Stimulating Scalp Treatment
The INKEY List Caffeine Stimulating Scalp Treatment
This brand has made a name for itself by crafting simple formulas, at effective doses, with clean ingredients—all at a very reasonable price. Take this $15 scalp treatment, which bends together caffeine powder, betaine, and Redensyl, a hair growth activator. Let’s start with the last one: In clinicals, the ingredient is shown to promote hair growth within three months. But that’s not the only active ingredient working hard for your hair: According to a report in the International Journal of Trichology, caffeine has the ability to stimulate the scalp and provides antioxidant properties, which can help with hair shedding.
Whatever part of the skin this brand touches, turns to gold—oh yes, scalp included. The star of the show is the brand’s proprietary TFC8, an innovative technology that creates the optimal environment for renewal and better delivers the other actives in the formula. While the TFC8 is used across the board in their products, as for the scalp-specific ones this contains the amino acid L-arginine and a mineral complex. Together, they reduce shedding, soothe the skin, and help anchor the hair in the follicle.
Pros
8 ingredients that can support whole body health: hair, skin, nails, joints, the gut & more
A little hair fiber lesson: Hair is primarily made of the protein keratin, which is made up of amino acids (the building blocks of all protein). Collagen supplements contain amino acids, which can be used in the body to support a wide range of uses—like stimulating collagen production to hair support. In addition to those collagen peptides, this contains several other beauty-boosting ingredients, like biotin, hyaluronic acid, L-glutamine, and curcumin from turmeric extract and sulforaphane from broccoli seed extract. I’d also like to highlight vitamin C and E, which can act as antioxidants and neutralize free radicals and oxidative stress (which can trigger hair shedding). For more information on hair supplements, check out our guide.
Want a scalp oil, but hate how goopy and flat it makes your roots? A scalp serum might be a better fit for you. This lightweight number has a very quick dry-down time and leaves minimal residue, meaning it won’t get in the way of your overall style. This uses an upcycled extract from the ashwagandha that the brand uses in their nutraceuticals (yes, it’s the same brand as the hair supplements), which is better suited for topical applications. The extract contains lipids and proteins that can improve the appearance of fuller, stronger hair. It’s further supported by green tea and moringa extracts for antioxidants.
Virtue is one of my all-time favorite hair care brands. The clean line uses a unique ingredient called Alpha Keratin 60ku CLINICAL® Protein that is almost bioidentical to the keratin that make up your hair fibers. What does this mean in practice? It better latches on to the strand, filling in gaps due to breakage or wear—so the hair looks and feels renewed. In addition to this smart protein, this sulfate-free shampoo uses a signal peptide that encourages a robust environment for hair growth, hyaluronic acid for scalp hydration, and red algae extract to keep the hair soft.
The star of the show is the castor oil, which has been used by various regions and cultures for ages due to its hair strengthening properties. At this time there is no published data supporting it’s hair lengthening benefits, but anecdotally it’s long been used as a hair growth botanical. (Even if they haven’t studied growth in particular, the oil has many other science-backed hair benefits.) This also blends together shea butter for hydration, apple cider vinegar for shine, and peppermint to stimulate the scalp. The result? A hydrating rinse-out conditioner that results in restored strands. A bonus: It makes for an amazing co-wash product too.
As far as botanical oils for hair health goes, we’re obsessed with rosemary. (So are derms and hair experts, we might add—triple board-certified dermatologist Mamina Turegano, M.D. has previously raved about it.) The reason is because research has shown that it’s very effective for hair shedding. In fact, a 2015 randomized comparative trial found that rosemary essential oil was just as effective as minoxidil (the active ingredient in many commercial hair-growth products) for reversing hair loss caused by androgens—also known as male- or female-pattern baldness—after six months. This option uses organic, cold-pressed rosemary oil hand-picked from high altitudes in the Andean Mountains of Ecuador.
A clear, refreshed scalp is the basis for healthy hair growth: New hair follicles can’t form if there’s gunk in the way or if the skin is irritated. That’s why it’s vital to have a quality product to deep clean the skin from time-to-time. This detoxing number has been one of the most recommended products to me for hair care—and one use will show you why. It’s a pre-shampoo product that breaks down sebum, buildup, and dirt to help restore balance to the area. It’s made with a host of good-for-hair ingredients like baobab, basil leaf, moringa, aloe, and calendula. Apply it on a dry scalp, massage it in thoroughly, let it sit for 20 minutes, wash as normal, and be amazed about how good your roots feel.
Rice water rinses are an age old beauty ritual that can strengthen the hair shaft. “Rice water is rich in starch, which forms the surface of the hair shaft. This adds strength, enhances hydration, and minimizes the appearance of split ends,” board-certified dermatologist Joshua Zeichner, M.D. previously told us. “Rice water can also benefit the scalp itself, enhancing skin hydration.” In this formula, they take the strengthening power of rice water protein and add in B vitamins and an algae extract to boost shine, soften dry texture, and fight free radicals.
Pros
Has double-blind, in-vivo clinical studies
Cons
Contains essential oils, if you’re sensitive to those
This uses a blend of phyto-actives that have clinicals to back their use as good-for-hair actives. Mung bean sprouts have a high concentration of zinc, silica, iron, and several vitamins. Curcumin is a notable antioxidant that has anti-inflammatory properties when applied topically, like in this formula. Red clover contains a very powerful flavonoid that is able to soothe irritated scalps. These botanicals are housed in a base formula that contains other smart actives like caffeine, peptides, and bergamot—the latter of which adds a delightful scent.
Pros
A clean, simple formula using beloved hair-enhancing ingredients
This ayurvedic oil has all the heavy hitters: Rosemary stimulates the scalp and has studies showing it’s an effective botanical for hair fullness. Peppermint invigorates the hair follicle—and has some promising data to support growth results, however more research is needed in human tests. And finally, bhringraj, amla, and nettle condition the skin and hair while adding in major antioxidant support. The formula has been used in ayurvedic traditions to help ease hair shedding—and this particular product is beloved by users for its efficacy.
Hair massages remain to be one of the most effective tools you can have in your hair growth arsenal. In fact, in a 2016 study, a small number of men received a daily four-minute scalp massage. At the conclusion of the study, the investigators found an increase in hair thickness. A more recent 2019 study found that of the 300 or so participants who followed a specific massage regimen, nearly 70% reported improved hair thickness at the end. This takes it to the next level and makes giving yourself a daily massage oh-so-delightful (self-care should never feel like a chore). Additionally, it can lift up sebum and buildup that accumulates between washes.
Pros
The set works together to improve each step’s overall efficacy
While the individualized treatment is what made Harklinikken world-class, you can still get the products without signing on for the personalized protocol. This three-part kit includes a shampoo, conditioner, and leave-in hydrating cream that are infused with the same invigorating ingredients, just not specially crafted for you. Even though I no longer stick to the customized routine, I’ll treat myself to this set regularly to boost my hair fullness.
