Vicky Pattison’s Viral Hair Serum: What It Reveals About Thickening Trends

When a celebrity-backed hair serum sells two bottles every minute and lands in a rare 20% off sale, it’s tempting to hit “add to basket” on impulse. Former Geordie Shore star and recent Strictly Come Dancing contestant Vicky Pattison has spoken publicly about a thickening hair serum that she credits as a bit of a “saviour” for creating the appearance of fuller, healthier-looking lengths. The product has since been hailed by shoppers for boosting volume and density, and demand suggests the UK’s appetite for quick hair-thickening fixes is only growing.

Rather than spotlighting any single brand, this article unpacks what these viral serums are, how they work in general terms, and what UK stylists recommend if you’re chasing thicker-looking hair safely and realistically. If you’re considering a celebrity-endorsed serum in the next sale, this will help you decide whether it earns a spot in your routine or should stay firmly on your wish list.

Why Celebrity Hair Serums Go Viral So Fast

Celebrity influence has always shaped hair and beauty trends, but social media has accelerated that power dramatically. A single Instagram post, TikTok GRWM, or behind-the-scenes Strictly rehearsal selfie can catapult a once-niche serum into a bestseller overnight.

When fans see someone like Vicky Pattison talking about thicker, fuller-looking hair, it resonates for a few reasons:

• Relatability: Many UK women relate to hair thinning or breakage after stress, styling, or lifestyle changes. Seeing a public figure discuss it openly feels reassuring.
• Visual proof: Side-by-side photos, styling reels, and “day in the life” content create a compelling visual narrative – even when results are largely down to styling, lighting, or extensions.
• Scarcity and sales: A rare 20% discount or “selling two bottles every minute” tagline increases urgency, making people feel they might miss out.

Stylists across the UK often emphasise that while celebrity inspiration can be fun, it should be a starting point, not your entire decision-making framework. Before buying, it’s worth looking at the ingredient list, your hair type, and your long-term goals, not just the headline claims.

What’s Inside Thickening Serums – And What They Really Do

Most thickening or “hair saviour” serums share a few core functions: they aim to make hair look denser, smoother and glossier, and sometimes to support a healthier scalp environment. They are usually leave-in products, applied to damp or dry hair and left to work throughout the day or night.

While every formulation is different, many share broadly similar ingredient families:

• Lightweight conditioning agents: Such as silicones or silicone alternatives that coat the hair shaft, increasing slip, shine and the perception of smoothness.
• Film-forming polymers: These can make individual strands feel slightly thicker and more substantial, giving the illusion of greater volume.
• Humectants: Ingredients like glycerin help draw moisture into the hair fibre, which can make hair feel softer and more supple.
• Botanical extracts and oils: Plant-derived oils, seed extracts or caffeine are often included for their conditioning properties or to support a soothing scalp routine.
• Fragrance and sensorial touches: A pleasant scent and silky texture add to the “luxury” feel and can make a daily routine more enjoyable.

What they do not generally do is transform the natural thickness you were born with. Many stylists and dermatologists point out that while well-formulated serums can support the appearance of thicker hair and help reduce breakage, they’re not a cure for medical causes of hair loss. If you’re noticing sudden shedding, bald patches, or scalp irritation, UK dermatology guidelines usually recommend seeing a GP or trichologist rather than self-treating with cosmetic products alone.

From a practical standpoint, think of thickening serums as styling and care allies: they can help your existing hair look and feel its best, especially when used alongside a gentle wash routine and regular trims.

How to Use a Thickening Serum for Fuller-Looking Hair

Whether you buy the exact serum Vicky Pattison favours or a more budget-conscious alternative, how you use it can make as much difference as which bottle you choose. Many UK stylists follow a few best practices for applying thickening treatments.

• Start with clean, towel-dried hair: Most serums perform best when applied to freshly washed, slightly damp hair so they can distribute evenly.
• Use less than you think: Begin with a pea- to 10p-sized amount, depending on your hair length and density. You can always add more, but over-applying can weigh hair down.
• Target roots or lengths as directed: Some serums are designed for the scalp and root area; others are intended only for mid-lengths and ends. Always follow the instructions on the label.
• Comb through: Use a wide-tooth comb to distribute the product without tugging or snapping fragile strands.
• Blow-dry for lift: For maximum fullness, blow-dry using a round brush at the roots, or flip your head upside down for a few seconds to encourage extra lift.

If you’re unsure, a session with a reputable UK stylist can help you refine your routine. Bring the serum with you to your appointment; professionals are usually happy to show you how to apply it correctly for your specific cut and texture.

Choosing the Right Serum for Your Hair Type and Budget

The current buzz around Vicky Pattison’s favourite product is part of a much wider trend: a booming market for targeted, leave-in hair care. From high-street chemists to luxury department stores, there are now thickening serums at almost every price point. To shop smartly, it helps to filter choices through your own needs instead of the latest headline.

Consider the following before you buy:

• Your hair type: Fine, straight hair often prefers ultra-light serums that don’t collapse volume, whereas coily or textured hair usually benefits from richer, more hydrating formulas.
• Scalp sensitivity: If your scalp is easily irritated, look for fragrance-light or fragrance-free options and patch test on a small area of skin before all-over use. Many dermatologists advise this cautious approach.
• Styling routine: Heat-styling fans may want formulas that also offer heat protection. If you air-dry regularly, prioritise frizz control and definition.
• Budget: A viral serum on sale can feel appealing, but consistent use matters more than one expensive splurge. Choose something you can genuinely afford to repurchase if it works for you.
• Ingredient preferences: If you prefer silicone-free, sulphate-free, or vegan formulations, check the INCI list rather than relying on marketing slogans.

From a real-world perspective, one of the simplest things you can do today is audit your current routine: identify whether you actually need a new serum, or if adjusting how you wash, condition, and dry your hair might unlock better results from what you already own.

Key Takeaways

• Celebrity-backed serums like Vicky Pattison’s favourite reflect a growing UK obsession with thicker-looking hair and quick, cosmetic boosts.
• Most thickening serums work by coating and conditioning the hair to enhance shine, smoothness and the illusion of density rather than altering natural growth.
• Application technique – from how much you use to whether you blow-dry for lift – plays a major role in how full and healthy your hair appears.
• Choosing the right serum depends on hair type, scalp sensitivity, styling habits and budget; what works for one person may not suit another.
• Before buying into hype, audit your current routine and, if needed, seek advice from a stylist or trichology professional for personalised guidance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do thickening serums actually make hair grow faster?
Most over-the-counter thickening serums are cosmetic rather than medicinal: they tend to improve the look and feel of existing hair, rather than directly accelerating growth. Many stylists suggest using them alongside a gentle, consistent haircare routine and consulting a professional if you have concerns about sudden shedding or patchy loss.

How often should I use a thickening hair serum?
Usage varies by product, but many are designed for daily or every-wash use. Check the label for guidance. If your hair feels weighed down or greasy, you may be using too much or applying it too frequently – scale back until you find a balance that keeps hair bouncy yet nourished.

Can I use a serum like Vicky Pattison’s on coloured or chemically treated hair?
Most thickening serums are colour-safe, but it’s wise to check for any specific guidance on the bottle. Colour-treated or chemically straightened hair often benefits from serums because they can help reduce surface dryness and visible breakage. If your hair is very fragile, ask your colourist or stylist to review the ingredients with you.

Is there a difference between scalp serums and hair serums?
Yes. Scalp serums are usually applied directly to the scalp to support a comfortable environment at the root area, whereas hair serums focus on the mid-lengths and ends to improve shine, frizz, and manageability. Using a hair-focused serum on the scalp can sometimes feel greasy, so always follow the application advice on the packaging.

Should I stop using my serum if I notice irritation?
If you notice itching, redness, or discomfort on the scalp or skin, many dermatologists recommend stopping use immediately and rinsing the area with lukewarm water. If symptoms persist, seek medical or trichology advice. Patch testing new products on a small area before full use can reduce the likelihood of a reaction.