Do Scalp Serums Help Hair Growth? What Stylists Say

A celebrity hair quote can travel fast—especially when it touches on one of beauty’s most searched-for goals: fuller-looking hair. According to InStyle, Dakota Johnson told Vogue she makes an exception for one hair product, using a calming scalp serum “to help with growth”. The mention has reignited a familiar question in salons across the UK: can a scalp serum genuinely support hair growth, or is it mainly about comfort and cosmetic results?

While topical products can’t rewrite your genetics, a well-chosen scalp serum may improve the conditions that support healthy hair—think hydration, reduced irritation and better manageability at the root. Here’s what’s worth knowing before you add one to your routine, with a clear, practical plan you can try this week.

Why the scalp matters for length and thickness

If you want hair that looks thicker, shinier and more resilient, most hair professionals start at the scalp. Hair fibres are “made” in the follicle, but the scalp’s overall environment can influence how comfortable, balanced and cared-for your roots feel day to day.

In UK salon terms, a “healthy scalp” usually means: it isn’t persistently itchy or sore, it isn’t overloaded with styling residue, and it doesn’t swing between greasy roots and tight, flaky patches. When the scalp is irritated or dehydrated, many people end up scratching, over-washing, or layering heavy products—habits that can make hair feel limp or rough at the root and may contribute to breakage over time.

That’s where scalp serums come in. They are typically lightweight leave-in treatments designed to sit close to the skin rather than coat the hair shaft. Many are positioned as “growth” or “density” products, but their most predictable benefits are often more immediate: soothing, hydrating, and helping the scalp feel calmer between washes.

What a “growth” scalp serum can (and can’t) do

The product referenced in the RSS description contains ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and aloe vera—both commonly used in skincare and increasingly popular in scalp care. These ingredients are best understood through the lens of comfort and hydration rather than instant hair multiplication.

• Hyaluronic acid is a humectant, meaning it helps attract and hold water. On the scalp, that can translate to a less tight, less dry feeling—particularly in winter, after heat styling, or if you shampoo frequently.
• Aloe vera is widely used for its soothing feel. Many stylists recommend aloe-based products for clients who describe mild irritation, sensitised skin, or seasonal dryness (with the caveat that any botanical can still irritate some people).

So where does “growth” fit in? In real-world terms, hair looks like it grows better when it breaks less and styles more smoothly. A hydrated, comfortable scalp can support a routine that’s gentler overall: fewer harsh scrubs, less aggressive brushing at the roots, and less temptation to tackle flakes with overly strong shampoos.

It’s also important to be realistic. A cosmetic scalp serum:

• Won’t change hereditary thinning patterns on its own.
• May help hair feel softer at the root and reduce the look of dry flaking, depending on the cause.
• Can improve the experience of wearing your hair down, tied back, or styled—because the scalp feels calmer and less “tight”.

If you’re dealing with sudden shedding, persistent soreness, weeping, heavy scaling, or patchy hair loss, it’s sensible to speak to a pharmacist, GP, or dermatologist for tailored advice. In salon settings, these are classic “don’t self-diagnose” moments.

How UK stylists suggest using a scalp serum (without wasting it)

Most people don’t get results from a serum because it’s applied inconsistently or ends up on the hair lengths rather than the scalp. The good news: you don’t need to drench your head.

A practical routine to try next: commit to using a scalp serum for 14 days, then reassess. Two weeks is usually long enough to notice whether your scalp feels less tight, less itchy, or more balanced between washes.

• Start on a clean scalp: apply after washing and towel-drying, when the scalp is free from heavy product build-up.
• Section, don’t splash: part hair in 4–6 lines and apply a small amount along each parting.
• Massage lightly (30–60 seconds): use fingertip pads, not nails. The goal is distribution—not aggressive exfoliation.
• Use little and often: if the instructions allow, a smaller daily application can outperform a heavy weekly soak.
• Keep styling realistic: if you’re testing scalp hydration, avoid piling on dry shampoo at the roots every day; it can mask issues and create more residue to remove later.

One UK-salon-friendly tip: if you regularly heat-style, apply serum first, let it settle for a few minutes, then proceed with your usual blow-dry routine—keeping heat and tension controlled around the hairline where breakage is common.

What to look for when choosing a scalp serum

Celebrity mentions are helpful for spotlighting a category, but the best choice depends on your scalp and styling habits. When you’re scanning ingredient lists and claims, focus on the role you actually need a serum to play.

• For dryness/tightness: humectants (like hyaluronic acid, glycerin), soothing agents, and lightweight emollients that won’t weigh roots down.
• For visible flaking: consider whether it’s dryness-related or oil-related. A hydrating serum can help dryness flakes; persistent, greasy flakes may need a different approach (and sometimes medicated options via pharmacy advice).
• For styling residue build-up: a clarifying wash schedule may matter more than another leave-in product. Many stylists recommend rotating in a gentle clarifier occasionally—especially if you use dry shampoo or strong hold products.
• For sensitive scalps: fragrance and essential oils can be triggers for some. Patch testing behind the ear or at the hairline is a sensible precaution.

From a haircare education standpoint—something Hairporium prioritises—scalp serums are best treated as one part of a system: balanced cleansing, gentle handling, and consistent hydration rather than a single “miracle” step.

Key Takeaways

• Scalp serums are most reliable for comfort benefits: hydration, a calmer feel, and improved root manageability.
• Ingredients like hyaluronic acid and aloe vera are commonly used to help the scalp feel less dry or irritated.
• “Growth” results are often indirect—supporting a routine that reduces breakage and keeps the scalp balanced.
• Apply to the scalp in sections on clean hair, using a small amount and a gentle massage for best use of product.
• If you have sudden shedding, soreness, or persistent scalp symptoms, seek professional healthcare or dermatology advice rather than relying on cosmetics alone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do scalp serums actually make your hair grow faster?
Most cosmetic scalp serums are better described as supporting the scalp environment. They may help hair look and feel healthier (and reduce breakage), but they don’t typically guarantee faster growth.

How often should I use a scalp serum?
Follow the label directions, but many people see the best experience from consistent, light application—often daily or several times a week—rather than occasional heavy use.

Can I use a scalp serum on oily hair?
Yes, if it’s lightweight and designed for the scalp. Apply sparingly and avoid layering multiple leave-ins at the roots. If oiliness is persistent, revisit your shampooing and cleansing routine first.

Will a scalp serum help with flakes?
If flakes are linked to dryness or a tight scalp, hydrating serums can improve comfort and appearance. If flakes are heavy, persistent, or accompanied by redness, it may be worth seeking pharmacist or dermatologist guidance.

Do I apply scalp serum to wet or dry hair?
Many stylists recommend applying to clean, towel-dried hair so the product reaches the scalp without competing with oil and styling residue. Some formulas are also suitable on dry hair for touch-ups—check instructions.

Can I use scalp serum with colour-treated hair or extensions?
Often yes, because it’s applied to the scalp rather than the lengths. Still, avoid saturating adhesive areas for extensions, and ask your stylist if you have tapes/bonds or a sensitive post-colour scalp.