From dermatologist-recommended formulas to viral TikTok products, hair growth serums have become a popular part of the hair-care market. But behind the claims of thicker-looking hair and reduced shedding is a more nuanced reality: some formulas support scalp health, while others have stronger evidence for improving hair growth.

Photo: Pinterest/@UNITE hair

Not every serum is built to regrow hair, and those that are may not produce the same results for everyone. The outcome depends on several factors, including the ingredients in the formula, the underlying reason for hair thinning, and how consistently the product is used over time.

Scalp care is increasingly being approached with the same attention as skincare, with brands developing formulas focused on supporting hair follicle health, maintaining scalp health, and strengthening the hair. Still, experts emphasize that results are not immediate. Hair growth follows a slow biological process, and noticeable improvements often require consistent use over time.

Do Hair Growth Serums actually Work?

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It depends on what you mean by “work.” Some serums can help maintain a healthy scalp by reducing dryness, excess oil, or irritation, strengthen the hair you already have, and reduce breakage. That can make hair look fuller. Only a handful of ingredients have solid clinical data for true regrowth.

Topical minoxidil is still the benchmark. “It’s the only ingredient with data showing true efficacy,” says Dr. Alexis Young, assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Columbia University Medical Center. It is thought to help keep follicles in the anagen phase, the active growth stage of the hair cycle, for longer. However, the process is gradual and requires consistent use. Once treatment is stopped, the improvements are often lost over time.

Beyond minoxidil, you’ll see peptides, caffeine, niacinamide, and botanical extracts. Peptides may help strengthen the hair at the root. Caffeine is included for its potential role in scalp circulation. Some plant-based compounds are being studied for their potential effects on hair follicles and growth.

These ingredients can help strengthen the hair shaft and reduce breakage. They are not, however, a replacement for medical treatment, and they won’t override genetic hair loss, hormonal shifts, or underlying health conditions.

Hair growth serums vs. hair oils

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They are often grouped together, but they serve different purposes. Serums are lightweight and made to reach the scalp. The focus is on active ingredients that target the follicle, help reduce inflammation, or address thinning.

Oils can help smooth and protect the hair shaft, reducing dryness and breakage. They add shine, soften texture, and lock in moisture from mid-lengths to ends. They rarely contain the same clinically studied actives for growth.

How to choose the right serum

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Start with your scalp. Fine or oily hair? Look for light, fast-absorbing formulas that won’t leave residue. If your hair is dry or textured, look for a serum that won’t leave the scalp feeling stripped, while using a separate conditioner or leave-in to provide slip and reduce friction. You may also want a lightweight option that helps maintain the scalp’s moisture barrier. For sensitive scalps, simpler ingredient lists are often a better choice, especially if fragrance or strong botanicals tend to cause irritation.

The cause matters too. Stress shedding, postpartum loss, breakage, and pattern thinning can each require a different treatment approach. If the issue has been persistent, a dermatologist can help you match the formula to the problem instead of guessing.

How to use them correctly

Because follicles live in the scalp, that’s where the product needs to go. Not on the strands. Part the hair in sections. Apply to areas of concern. Massage lightly. Some formulas call for damp hair, while others are designed for dry hair, so follow the label. More product won’t make hair grow faster. It may increase the risk of irritation and buildup. Consistency beats volume every time.

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Nina Dobrev has traded her signature brunette hair for blonde waves as she steps into her latest film role. The actress revealed the transformation on Instagram on August 11, giving fans a first look at her appearance as Piper Bellinger in the upcoming romantic comedy It Happened One Summer.

Photo: Instagram/@ninadobrev

Dobrev, 37, shared a carousel of behind-the-scenes photos from the set, captioning the post, “Meet Piper. Turns out blondes do have more fun.” In the first image, she appears seated in what looks like a hair and makeup chair, posing with the new blonde hairstyle and flashing a peace sign.

The blonde look is a departure from Dobrev’s usual brunette hair and reflects Piper Bellinger’s appearance in the film adaptation of Tessa Bailey’s bestselling novel.

Photo: Instagram/@ninadobrev

Dobrev also acknowledged the change on her Instagram Stories, writing that she had never thought she would be blonde and adding, “Never say never.” At the time of the reveal, it was not clear whether the actress had dyed her own hair or was wearing a wig for the role.

The actress’s carousel offered more than a glimpse at the hair transformation. It included behind-the-scenes images from the production, including shots of her co-stars Gavin Leatherwood and Virginia Gardner on a monitor, as well as Tyler Hoechlin, who plays her character’s love interest, Brendan Taggart. Dobrev was also photographed holding a clapperboard and filming a bathroom scene in a hot pink bra and lace pajama shorts. Other images showed a lake, a police car and Dobrev wearing a blue patterned bandana while posing from the makeup chair.

Photo: Instagram/@ninadobrev

It Happened One Summer is based on Bailey’s New York Times bestselling novel and is the first book in the author’s Bellinger Sisters series. The story centres on Piper, an L.A. “It Girl” whose privileged life changes after a viral incident gets her cancelled. Cut off from her wealthy family’s financial support, she is sent to a small Pacific Northwest fishing town, where she is expected to repair her late father’s dive bar.

There, Piper meets Brendan Taggart, a local sea captain who has little patience for influencers. Her time in Westport forces her to confront a life very different from the one she knew in Los Angeles.

Photo: Instagram/@ninadobrev

Hoechlin plays Brendan, while Virginia Gardner stars as Piper’s sister. Leatherwood plays Fox Thornton, Brendan’s best friend and fellow fisherman. Peter Hutchings, who directed The Hating Game, is directing the adaptation.

Hutchings previously described Leatherwood as an important addition to the cast, saying he was the “missing piece.” He also praised the chemistry between the actors, particularly Dobrev and Gardner as the Bellinger sisters, alongside Hoechlin and Leatherwood.

It Happened One Summer has sold more than two million copies in the U.S. and is the first book in Bailey’s Bellinger Sisters series. The series continues with Hook, Line and Sinker, while a third book is expected in 2027.

Production on the film is currently taking place in New York.

Have you ever wondered why your skin suddenly starts acting up? You’re following your skincare routine, using products that used to work well, yet somehow your skin stops responding the same way. Sometimes your serum starts stinging, your face feels unusually dry, or your skin suddenly becomes more sensitive. If this sounds familiar, your skin barrier might be the reason.

Think of your skin barrier like a protective wall, according to dermatologist Dr. Piliang, “Your skin barrier is basically your outer layer of the skin. It’s dead, not alive, and it’s made up of dead cells, lipids, proteins and fats that help protect your skin from the environment.”

But how do you know if your skin barrier is actually struggling?

Dryness and Tightness

One of the first signs of a damaged skin barrier is when your skin starts feeling dry or uncomfortable, even after you’ve applied moisturizer. This happens when the natural oils in your skin become disrupted. These oils, including ingredients like ceramides and fatty acids, help keep moisture locked in. Things like harsh skincare products, weather changes, or overdoing your routine can affect them, and in turn, your skin lose its ability to stay hydrated.

Redness and Irritation

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A healthy skin barrier helps protect your skin from outside factors like pollution, weather changes, and strong skincare ingredients. But when that protection becomes weaker, these things can irritate your skin easily. You start to experience things like redness, discomfort, or a burning sensation, especially when using products that never caused problems before.

Flakiness and Rough Texture

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A damaged skin barrier can also affect how smooth your skin looks and feels. When your skin starts having difficulty with retaining moisture, it becomes dry and flaky. Dead skin cells begins build up on the surface instead of shedding properly, leaving your complexion looking dull and uneven. This is why your skin starts to feel rough to touch or your makeup may not sit as smoothly as it used to.

Increased Sensitivity to Products

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Another common sign is when your skin becomes more sensitive than usual. A product that once felt soothing, starts to sting or cause irritation. Even gentle products, including fragrance-free options, may feel uncomfortable. If your barrier is damaged, your skin becomes unable to defend itself against ingredients and outside stressors. This can make your skin react faster and more strongly than before.

How to Protect Your Skin Barrier

Use warm water, not hot

Hot water can strip your skin of its natural oils. Stick to lukewarm water and be gentle when washing your face.

Choose a mild, fragrance-free cleanser

Harsh soaps can irritate your skin. Go for a gentle, soap-free formula instead.

Don’t over-exfoliate or over-cleanse

Too much exfoliating or washing can weaken your skin barrier. Keep your routine simple and avoid scrubbing.

Moisturize consistently

Look for ingredients like ceramides and fatty acids that help support your skin barrier. Also use ingredients like petrolatum, hyaluronic acid, glycerin, honey, and urea help draw moisture into the skin and keep it hydrated.

One of the best things you can do is simplify your routine and give your skin time to recover, avoid introducing too many new products at once. If your skin isn’t improving or still feels irritated, consider consulting a dermatologist about the products your skin actually needs.