The right hair serum for your scalp – or for your lengths.

“Hair serum” means two different things: serums for the scalp, designed to support thinning hair, and conditioning serums for glossy, supple lengths. We explain the difference and recommend products for both.

Woman smoothing golden oil between her palms through the lengths of her long brown hair

Hair serums we recommend

1LADUTI Hair Serum

Scalp · our pick

LADUTI Hair Serum

A serum for women and men in a 30 ml amber glass bottle with a dropper. You apply it to your scalp in the evening, where it stays all night. It combines AnaGain™ and Procapil™, without minoxidil and without hormones; Dermatest® rates its skin tolerance “very good”.

What we like

  • Works overnight, directly on the scalp
  • Two studied active ingredients
  • No minoxidil, no hormones

Keep in mind

  • Studies relate to the individual actives
  • Not a conditioning serum for the lengths
2Thiocyn Hair Serum

Scalp · simple

Thiocyn Hair Serum

One active ingredient (thiocyanate), applied to the scalp daily and not rinsed out. It only takes a moment. The manufacturer cites user observations, but no comparison group.

What we like

  • Quick to apply
  • Barely greasy

Keep in mind

  • Weaker evidence
3Natucain Hair Serum

Scalp · plant-based

Natucain Hair Serum

A scalp serum with the plant complex MKMS24, made from bamboo, thyme and lentils, among other things, according to the manufacturer. It’s sprayed onto the scalp and massaged in. We couldn’t find the manufacturer’s big percentage claims in independent studies.

What we like

  • Light texture with spray nozzle
  • Plant-based approach

Keep in mind

  • Advertising figures not independently backed
4M2 Beauté Hair Activating Serum

Scalp · pump spray

M2 Beauté Hair Activating Serum

From the maker of the well-known eyelash serum, for women and men, and hormone-free according to the manufacturer. The serum is applied to the scalp with a pump spray and not washed out.

What we like

  • Pleasant to use
  • Hormone-free, according to the manufacturer

Keep in mind

  • Hardly any public study data
5Kérastase Nutritive 8H Magic Night Serum

Lengths · overnight

Kérastase Nutritive 8H Magic Night Serum

A conditioning serum for dry lengths that goes into your hair in the evening and works overnight. In the morning, your hair feels softer and is easier to style. It isn’t meant for hair loss.

What we like

  • Very pleasant for dry hair
  • No rinsing needed

Keep in mind

  • Not for the scalp
  • Expensive
6Orofluido Beauty Elixir

Lengths · shine

Orofluido Beauty Elixir

An oil serum made from three plant oils, including argan oil. In damp hair, it makes combing easier; in dry hair, it adds shine and tames frizz. A few drops are enough.

What we like

  • Beautiful shine
  • A little goes a long way

Keep in mind

  • Easily too much for fine hair
  • Strong scent

Scalp serum or conditioning serum?

The two kinds of hair serum
Scalp serumConditioning serum
WhereOn the scalp, parting by partingOn the lengths and ends
What forSupporting thinning hairShine, suppleness, less frizz
TextureWatery, light, not greasyOily or silicone-based
How oftenDaily, for monthsAs needed, often after washing
ResultCan be judged after weeks at the earliestVisible straight away

What we look for as hairdressers

Contact time
A scalp serum shouldn’t be rinsed out. The longer it stays on the scalp, the better – which is why we like serums for the evening.
Evidence
Ask whether there are studies with a comparison group. Manufacturer claims such as “up to 90%” without a source are advertising, not evidence.
Tolerance
With a sensitive scalp, watch out for fragrance and alcohol, and patch-test new serums on a small area first.
Weight
Fine hair can only take light conditioning serums on the ends. Thick, frizzy hair can handle more oil.
Silicones
Unproblematic in conditioning serums and often the reason for the shine. They have no place on the scalp.

Frequently asked questions

Does hair serum help with hair loss?

A conditioning serum for the lengths doesn’t. A scalp serum with studied active ingredients can support gradually thinning hair if you use it regularly over months. The products we recommend for this are in our top 10 hair growth products comparison.

Can I use hair serum every day?

Scalp serums are designed for daily use. Conditioning serums for the lengths are usually enough after washing or when needed – otherwise your hair gets heavy.

Hair serum on wet or dry hair?

Conditioning serums protect towel-dried hair before blow-drying and act as an anti-frizz finish on dry hair. Scalp serums usually go on a dry scalp – follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

What’s the difference between hair serum and hair oil?

Hair oils consist mainly of plant oils; conditioning serums often of light silicones with a little oil – they coat the hair and smooth it. Neither is meant for the scalp. More on this in our article on hair oil.