Peptide serums have become a skincare essential for their ability to repair and enhance skin—but why limit those benefits to just your face? When applied to the scalp, peptides can help hydrate, prevent breakage, reduce inflammation, and encourage stronger, healthier hair growth. “Simply put, a healthy scalp means healthy hair,” says trichologist Kerry Yates.
### Vogue’s Top Peptide Serums for Hair Growth
– Best for Thinning & Hair Loss: Vegamour GRO+ Advanced Hair Serum, $78
– Best for Breakage: Nutrafol Women Hair Serum, $69
– Best for Flaky Scalps: Divi Scalp Serum, $136
– Best Budget: The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Serum for Hair Density, $23
– Best for Dry Scalps: Better Not Younger Superpower+ Advanced Densifying Serum, $57
### Do Peptides Really Work for Hair Growth?
Peptides are short chains of amino acids—the building blocks of proteins. Your body naturally produces them, so when applied to the skin (or scalp), they signal cells to repair and regenerate.
“Peptides act as cellular messengers, instructing cells to activate genes for hair growth and thickness while stimulating growth factors,” explains dermatologist Dr. Kiran Mian. “They help lengthen hair, extend the growth phase, and improve hair’s amino acid content for smoother, healthier strands.”
Below, experts recommend five peptide serums for hair growth, along with their key ingredients.
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### Best for Thinning & Hair Loss: Vegamour GRO+ Advanced Hair Serum
Price: $78
Why We Love It: This lightweight serum fights thinning with biomimetic peptides that strengthen follicles, plus caffeine for circulation and mung bean extract to reduce shedding.
Key Ingredients: Biotinoyl tripeptide-1, acetyl tetrapeptide-3, caffeine, clover extract
Best For: Moderate to severe thinning
Size: 1 fl. oz.
### Best for Breakage: Nutrafol Women Hair Serum
Price: $69
Why We Love It: Peptides from Irish moss and pea sprout extracts support new growth, while tea tree soothes inflammation. Ashwagandha exosomes help with stress-related thinning.
Key Ingredients: Irish moss peptides, pea sprout extract, tea tree, ashwagandha exosomes
Best For: Breakage, loss of volume
Size: 1.7 fl. oz.
### Best Budget: The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Serum for Hair Density
Price: $23
Why We Love It: Affordable yet effective, this serum uses peptide complexes like Redensyl and Procapil to target follicle health and reduce hair fall.
Key Ingredients: Redensyl, Procapil, Capixyl, Baicapil, caffeine
Best For: Reducing hair shedding
Size: 2 fl. oz.
### Best for Flaky Scalps: Divi Scalp Serum
Price: $136
Why We Love It: Peppermint and tea tree provide a refreshing tingle while caffeine boosts circulation for a healthier scalp.
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Stimulate the scalp and enhance absorption of the formula’s peptides.
Dr. Azizzadeh explains, “Copper tripeptide-1 helps prolong the growth phase of hair follicles, promoting thicker-looking hair, while acetyl tetrapeptide-3 increases the size of shrunken hair follicles and improves hair anchoring, which may reduce hair loss.” The product is oil-free, so it won’t weigh down your hair.
Key Ingredients: Acetyl tetrapeptide-3, copper tripeptide-1, caffeine, tea tree oil, hyaluronic acid, amino acids, peppermint oil
Best For: Flaky, oily scalps
Size: 3.38 fl. oz.
Best for Dry Scalps: Better Not Younger Superpower+ Advanced Densifying Serum
Why We Love It: The active ingredient in this serum is Procapil, a patented blend of apigenin, oleanolic acid, and a high concentration of the biomimetic peptide biotinoyl tripeptide-1. According to Dr. Azizzadeh, “This patented ingredient improves hair thickness by strengthening follicles and reducing signs of thinning.” It also contains biotin and niacinamide, which boost keratin, support the skin barrier, and enhance microcirculation. While the dropper is easy to use, the brand also offers a massaging applicator for better distribution and increased blood flow.
Key Ingredients: Procapil™, niacinamide, biotin, rosemary extract, apple cider vinegar
Best For: Dry scalp; brittle hair
Size: 2 fl. oz.
Everything You Need to Know
Do peptides actually work for hair growth?
Yes, peptides can support healthy hair growth, but there are some limitations. Dr. Azizzadeh says, “The right peptides stimulate blood flow to the scalp, reduce inflammation to protect follicles, boost collagen production, and signal follicles to stay in the growth phase.” However, hair growth and loss are complex, and peptides alone may not be the solution. Yates adds, “Peptides only support active follicles—they can’t revive follicles that are no longer functioning.”
Hair growth can be affected by genetics, hormones, environment, and other factors, so a multi-faceted approach is best. This might include topical treatments, oral supplements, or professional procedures. Consulting a dermatologist or trichologist can help create a personalized plan.
What types of peptides promote hair growth?
While many peptides are used in topical formulas, experts highlight two main types for hair growth:
1. Copper peptides (GHK-Cu): Commonly found in skincare, these also benefit the scalp. Dr. Azizzadeh explains, “Copper peptides increase blood flow, enlarge hair follicles, extend the growth phase, reduce inflammation, and boost collagen.” They’re often used in clinical settings, applied after microneedling or injected.
2. Biomimetic peptides: Synthetic peptides that mimic natural ones, improving blood flow and strengthening follicles. A stronger follicle anchors hair better, reducing shedding and prolonging hair life. Common examples include acetyl tetrapeptide, biotinoyl tripeptide-1, and oligopeptide-41 (often found in trademarked blends).
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Let me know if you’d like any further refinements!How to Apply Peptides to Hair
A clean scalp is the best foundation for hair growth, says Yates. “You wouldn’t go days without washing your face—the results would be terrible,” she explains. “Yet that’s what happens when you skip washing your hair.” While not all hair types can handle daily washing, scalp rinses are especially important for those with protective styles. Avoid relying too much on dry shampoo, as it can clog follicles and lead to hair loss over time.
For the best results, apply products to a clean scalp—free of buildup. Yates recommends washing your hair at least two to three times a week, focusing on massaging your scalp while shampooing. This boosts blood flow (great for hair growth!) and removes excess oil, dead skin, and product residue. Skip harsh scalp scrubs—gentle cleansing and massage are enough.
Most hair growth formulas suggest daily or twice-daily application for 8 to 12 weeks to see results, says Dr. Azizzadeh. Apply the product to clean, dry hair—ideally after dermarolling for better absorption, notes Dr. Mian. Target the roots, not the hair strands, and massage it in to improve circulation and absorption. “Daily scalp massage has been shown to improve scalp health and reduce hair fall,” adds Yates. After applying, wait several hours before washing your hair. For extra benefit, wear a plastic shower cap—the warmth helps boost circulation, explains Dr. Kahn.
What to Look for in Hair Growth Peptides
First, choose the right format. Serums are better than shampoos because they stay on the scalp longer, allowing deeper absorption. Next, check the ingredients. “Peptides work well together, so look for a serum with multiple peptides,” advises Dr. Mian.
Supporting ingredients matter too. A healthy scalp means healthier hair. Dr. Kahn recommends caffeine and peppermint for stimulating circulation, tea tree oil for flaky scalps (thanks to its antimicrobial properties), and rosemary oil for its anti-inflammatory benefits. For dry scalps, seek hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and aloe vera. Oily scalps benefit from witch hazel (to remove buildup) and zinc (to regulate oil).
Finally, pick a product you’ll use consistently. “Results take weeks to months, so stick with it,” says Dr. Kahn.
Meet the Experts
– Kerry Yates: Trichologist and founder of Colour Collective.
– Dr. Amanda Kahn: Board-certified internist and longevity expert in New York.
– Dr. Kiran Mian: Board-certified dermatologist at Hudson Dermatology and Laser Surgery.
– Dr. Babak Azizzadeh: Board-certified facial plastic surgeon in Beverly Hills.