It took us men some time to start taking care of our face, by not only applying an all-in-one cream, but also adding a few more steps, such as a proper cleanser, serum, an eye cream, and maybe even dividing our routines into mornings and evenings. Many of us now also take pride in our beard and shaving rituals. But it’s not only the face and neck that deserve attention. While most of us are highly sensitive when it comes to our hair, we tend to forget that the scalp is skin too, and that healthy hair starts at the root.
Scalp serums, in general, are designed to create a healthier environment for hair growth by calming irritation, supporting the scalp barrier, and keeping hair follicles clear from build-up. They can help rebalance the scalp when it’s too oily, too dry, or easily inflamed: something many experience as hair changes with age, stress or our lifestyle. And while no serum can turn back time, the right formula may help support stronger-looking hair, reduce breakage-related shedding and improve the appearance of thinning.
Not all serums are created equal, though. Understanding your needs is essential before investing in a product. In some cases, the best starting point is to have your scalp examined (read more about that below), get advice tailored to your condition, and then build from there.
But as a starting point, here are our picks of six standout products worth trying, each offering a different approach to supporting your scalp and your goals.
The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Serum for Hair Density
For an all-around serum that supports scalp health with skin-care-esque ingredients, The Ordinary is a perfect entry point. Packed with multiple peptide technologies alongside caffeine, this lightweight leave-in formula is designed to support the look of thicker, fuller hair over time. It’s applied directly to a clean, dry scalp and left on. As simple as that…
Typology Restorative Hair Serum R41
Typology approaches scalp care with a more minimal, skincare-led mindset. This serum focuses on hydration first, using 1% hyaluronic acid to help maintain moisture levels on the scalp, something that is often overlooked, especially when dealing with dryness or tightness. Plant-derived keratin is included to help support the look and feel of stronger hair, while the lightweight, no-frills formula keeps things effective. It’s less about stimulation and more about restoring balance, making it a good option for those looking to reset their scalp without overloading it with actives.
Aveda Scalp Solutions Overnight Scalp Renewal Serum
Aveda remains one of our go-to brands when it comes to hair and scalp care. Some scalp treatments can feel overly active, but this overnight serum leans into soothing and hydration instead. Designed to rebalance the scalp barrier while you sleep, it absorbs quickly and helps reduce visible dryness and flaking over time.
Aromatica Rosemary Root Enhancer
Built around rosemary extract and Korean pine leaf, it’s designed to refresh the scalp and support a balanced environment for healthier-looking hair. Fermented ingredients like bifida and lactobacillus help maintain scalp balance, while caffeine, biotin and panthenol work to support stronger-feeling roots over time. Rice and soybean add a nutrient-rich layer, and a touch of ginger, rosemary oil and menthol leaves the scalp feeling cool and invigorated after application. Lightweight and easy to use, it’s a product that will fit well into a daily routine.
Augustinus Bader The Scalp Treatment
Augustinus Bader is another favourite brand of ours when it comes to skincare. This treatment focuses on supporting the scalp environment with hydrating ingredients and antioxidants that help protect against environmental stress. Powered by the brand’s TFC8® complex, it’s formulated to support the appearance of stronger, healthier-looking hair over time. Lightweight and non-greasy, it fits seamlessly into an elevated routine.
Vichy Dercos Aminexil R.E.G.E.N. Booster
Vichy takes a more targeted approach with this serum. Built around an ingredient developed to help reduce hair fall, its formula is designed to support hair at the root and maintain a healthier scalp environment over time. Alongside the main ingredient, it includes supporting ingredients that help keep the scalp conditioned and balanced. The serum is often used as a short-term treatment rather than a permanent step in your routine. While it’s not a cure for long-term hair loss, it can be considered as an option if you’re noticing increased shedding.
It’s not always easy to know what products we actually need, or even what condition our scalp is in. In that case, it may be worth consulting a specialist and getting a proper analysis before investing in treatments or new products.
A good friend of The Editors, William Boksa, offers this service at his salon in Vesterbro, Copenhagen. So not only do we get our haircut sorted there regularly, but we also tried the treatment ourselves. After a detailed scalp analysis, William creates a tailored treatment using My Organics therapeutic products for hair and scalp, built around natural ingredients such as salts, herbs, and essential and vegetable oils.
Each treatment is adjusted to the individual, focusing on what the scalp actually needs rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. At the same time, the natural scents in treatments give the whole experience a more relaxed vibe, so it doesn’t feel like just a treatment, but something closer to taking time for yourself.
