In Their Kit: The Best Hair Growth Serums, According to Hairstylists

Hair loss and hair thinning are more common than you might think. Age, stress, genetics and postpartum – these are just some of the factors. There are numerous hair-growth treatments available on the market, but as most hairstylists will tell you, it takes time to see results. 

“I truly believe healthy hair starts from the inside. Looking after your body, getting enough sleep, eating a balanced diet, and keeping up with regular trims all play a huge role, especially if you’re in hair rehab,” Melbourne hairstylist Brooke Weiss says. “With growth serums, patience is key. Consistency over time is everything.”

Here are the top hair-growth serums Australian hairdressers actually use and recommend, including one affordable pick three stylists point out. 

Elly Paynter, independent hairdresser and educator

Why do you love it?

I love how lightweight this scalp serum is, especially for a leave-in; you barely feel it on the scalp at all. It’s meant to increase blood circulation to the scalp, which encourages the growth of healthier hair.

How is it best used?

Apply to the scalp on wet or dry hair, once or twice a day in the beginning. Massage in to encourage blood circulation to the scalp. Then style as desired. For completely undetectable residue, I like to gently blow-dry the roots and scalp area a few minutes after I’ve massaged the product in.

Why do you love this more affordable pick?

This product is super lightweight and peptide-based, assisting the scalp in producing thicker and denser hair. It is a great, affordable alternative!

How is it best used?

Massage into a clean scalp in the evening, sleep with it in, as it’s a leave-in treatment.

Jaye Edwards, founder of Edwards and Co

Why do you love it?

The Virtue Flourish Density Booster is a targeted leave-in scalp treatment designed to nourish fatigued follicles and help support thicker, fuller-looking hair. It works with a peptide and botanical-rich formula that’s focused on stimulating the scalp environment.

How is it best used?

Spray this directly onto the scalp on clean, damp or dry hair once daily. Gently massage in and don’t rinse. This leaves active ingredients sitting close to the follicles where they can be most effective in supporting growth cues.

Anthony Nader, founder of Raw Anthony Nader and co-founder of SSS Hair

Why do you love it?

The big pull for me is that the founder, Simone Abaron, has had formal training in trichology (the study of the hair and scalp) and is also a qualified naturopath. This ticked all the boxes for me and especially for my salon clients. This serum targets density, strength and active growth at a cellular level. It’s fast-absorbing, lightweight, non-greasy and boosted with rosemary, green tea and provitamin B5.

How is it best used?

Use daily. Apply one drop to the centre hairline, both temples and the crown or centre part. Gently massage into the scalp and smooth over the hair strands. I personally use this serum and haven’t noticed any oiliness or hair feeling dirty afterwards. In fact, my hair looks and feels product-free, and I apply it nightly.

Why do you love this more affordable pick?

Unlike many serums on the market, this particular serum is lightweight, so it doesn’t weigh down hair strands, even at the end of the day. This is its biggest positive for me personally. According to Pump Haircare’s clinical testing, this little gem has also been proven to target the root cause of hair loss with an 82 per cent reduction in hair fall.

How is it best used?

It’s an easy two-step process. Just spray this in your morning and night routine, no more than five centimetres from your scalp. You want to concentrate the serum on your scalp and not your hair strands. Remember, less is more. The ingredients are so superior that you don’t need to overuse your serum.

Brooke Weiss, director of Weiss Hair

Why do you love it?

It doesn’t leave the hair oily or heavy and has calming properties that help reduce scalp irritation. It’s incredibly flexible; it can be used on wet, dry, clean or dirty hair.

How is it best used?

Apply directly to the scalp every night before bed and massage in thoroughly. If used correctly, you’ll likely need to repurchase every four to six weeks, which is something to consider for long-term use.

Why do you love this more affordable pick?

It’s a great entry-level option and ideal if you’re new to hair-growth serums.

How is it best used?

Apply daily to clean, dry hair (ideally at night) and massage into the scalp. Note: it can’t be applied to dirty or wet hair.

Tara-Lee Mitchell, founder of Mitch

Why do you love it?

This product is the GOAT for a reason. Apply to the scalp, focusing on areas that are thinning. It’s great for postpartum hair loss (but use it after breastfeeding). It’s best used in conjunction with Devines’ Energizing shampoo.

Why do you love this more affordable pick?

I’ve only heard good things from clients and friends! It’s so accessible, and you can sometimes snag it on sale.

How is it best used?

It’s recommended you use this twice a day for at least three months for the best results. Bouf says to apply directly to your scalp in a T-shape to either wet or dry hair, before massaging in.

Nina Lee, founder of Extra Silky

Why do you love it?

This is both my dream product as well as my affordable pick! It has no nasties, it’s non-greasy and readily available. It’s great to try for a really good price. Remember to be consistent with hair-growth products, or else you just won’t see the results.

How is it best used?

The Ordinary recommends massaging a few drops into a clean, dry scalp every day. It’s best used at bedtime.

Jaimme-Lee Hallgath, founder of Salon Jaimmelee

Why do you love it?

This is the only growth oil I’ve personally used, and I’ve been so impressed. It feels luxe, nourishes the scalp and supports healthier-looking hair over time.

How is it best used?

Massage into the scalp two to three times per week (leave it overnight if you can), then wash it out. Consistency is key. Oils can feel heavy if too much is applied, so focus on the scalp only and start light.

Joey Scandizzo, founder of Joey Scandizzo Salon

Why do you love this pick?

This treatment spray contains Hairdian, a natural plant material developed to promote hair growth. It’s easy to use and helps hair appear thicker, stronger and fuller.

How is it best used?

Shake well before use and spray directly onto the scalp, concentrating on the roots for targeted coverage. Leave in and style as desired, no rinsing required. 

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