We spend a small fortune thinking about how to make our hair look fuller, stronger and healthier. Volumising shampoos, masks, oils, treatments… we've got the lengths covered.

If you're starting to notice a little more shedding, a less-full ponytail or simply want to give your hair a boost, the latest generation of scalp serums is taking a much more targeted approach. It's worth making one distinction before we start: hair shedding and hair loss aren't always the same thing. 

What Causes Hair Shedding? 

A little hair shedding is completely normal, in fact, most of us naturally lose hair every day as part of the hair growth cycle. But if you've started noticing significantly more hair in your brush, shower or on your pillow, there can be a number of reasons behind it. 

Stress, hormonal changes, illness, nutritional deficiencies, genetics and ageing can all play a role, while things like tight hairstyles, heat styling and chemical treatments can contribute to breakage and make hair appear thinner. 

The important thing is that increased shedding doesn't always mean permanent hair loss. That's why understanding what's happening with your hair is a good place to start before choosing a serum or treatment. 

What Should You Look for in a Hair Loss Serum? 

With so many formulas promising fuller, thicker-looking hair, knowing which ingredients and benefits to look for can make finding the right hair loss serum a whole lot easier.

Some formulas focus on hair anchoring and shedding, while others target density, scalp health, breakage or the early signs of hair ageing. From peptides and caffeine to targeted scalp treatments and nourishing hair oils, there are plenty of different approaches, so we've rounded up some of the best formulas worth knowing about and what each one is designed to do. 

K18 FutureIQ™ Biomimetic Hair Longevity Serum

K18 FutureIQ™ takes a slightly different approach to your typical hair-growth serum. Its innovative, lightweight formula is designed to target shedding, visible greying and scalp aging, using K18's proprietary MultiVital™ technology, which combines biomimetic peptides, a root anchoring complex and an antioxidant system.

K18 reports that its 12-week clinical study showed reduced shedding, fewer visible greys and a fuller-feeling ponytail, with results including up to 19,000 more hairs for increased volume.

Apply four droppers, filled to the line, directly to damp or dry scalp. Distribute evenly and massage in. Start at the hairline, and work toward the crown, then nape until fully absorbed. 

Nioxin Hair Fall Defense Serum

For anyone who's noticed an increase in everyday shedding, Nioxin Hair Fall Defense Serum is designed to focus specifically on hair anchoring and hair fall. The leave-in scalp treatment contains caffeine, lauric acid, niacinamide and Sandalore, with the formula designed to help strengthen the hair at the root and reduce the appearance of hair fall. 

Nioxin’s testing showed improved hair anchorage and a reduction in hair fall with continued use, making it a great option if your main concern is shedding rather than greying or general hair ageing. 

Apply 12–15 pumps directly to the scalp on either damp or dry hair, massage thoroughly and leave it in. It's designed to be used daily, so it's an easy one to work into your existing routine. 

Kérastase Genesis Anti-Chute Fortifiant Hair Loss Serum

Kérastase Genesis Anti-Chute Fortifiant Hair Loss Serum is specifically formulated to target hair fall associated with weakened, fragile and breakage-prone hair. Its approach focuses on strengthening the hair fibre while supporting the scalp, helping to improve hair resilience and reduce breakage over time.

This daily leave-in serum is designed for weak hair prone to breakage, helping reinforce the hair fibre while supporting a healthier scalp. Its formula combines Aminexil, edelweiss native cells and ginger root, with Kérastase positioning it as a way to improve hair resilience and reduce hair fall associated with breakage.

Apply four drops to the scalp section by section on towel-dried hair, massage in and leave it on. Kérastase recommends using it once a day for six weeks. 

The Ordinary Natural Moisturising Factors + HA for Hair

If your ponytail isn't quite as full as it used to be, The Ordinary Natural Moisturising Factors + HA for Hair Serum is the kind of straightforward scalp treatment that makes sense as a first step. 

The lightweight leave-in milky serum uses a blend of peptide technologies designed to support thicker, fuller-looking hair, making it particularly appealing if your hair is beginning to feel less dense than it once did. It's also one of those products that fits neatly into the ingredient-led skincare approach The Ordinary is known for: straightforward, targeted and designed to be used consistently.

Apply a few drops directly to a clean, dry scalp once a day, ideally at bedtime, massage it in and leave it to absorb. 

Living Proof Scalp Care Density Serum

Living Proof Scalp Care Density Serum is formulated to target thinning, reduced hair density and scalp health, while also addressing the appearance of premature greying. Its Density Boosting Technology works alongside zinc and plant extracts to support the hair at the root, while its Anti-grey Complex combines amino acids and antioxidants designed to help protect melanin pigments.

The formula also contains pea sprout extract and amaranth peptides to support the scalp and promote a thicker, fuller-looking appearance. Living Proof reports that the serum is clinically proven to reduce visible thinning, with results in as little as 90 days. 

To use it, apply 2–3 dropperfuls directly to a dry or damp scalp, massage in and don't rinse. For best results, use it daily.

What about a Pre Wash Hair Oil?

Pre-wash hair oils offer a traditional way to nourish the scalp and lengths before shampooing, making them a simple addition to your wash-day routine. Unlike leave-in serums, they're designed to be massaged in and washed out. 

Hair Syrup GrowsMary Pre-wash Hair Oil 

Hair Syrup GrowsMary Pre-Wash Hair Oil is formulated to support the appearance of fuller, denser-looking hair while nourishing the scalp and lengths, making it a good option for anyone looking to introduce a dedicated thickening treatment into their routine. Infused with rosemary and thyme, the pre-wash formula is designed to condition the hair and scalp while helping to reduce the appearance of excessive shedding and support healthier-looking, more voluminous hair.

Unlike leave-in scalp serums, the GrowsMary Pre-Wash Oil is designed to be used as a pre-shampoo treatment, making it particularly suited to those who enjoy a traditional hair-oiling ritual.

Apply the oil to the scalp and lengths before washing, massage thoroughly and leave it on for the recommended time before shampooing as normal.

What About Grey Hair?

Hair thinning isn't the only change that can catch us by surprise as our hair ages. For some of us, those first silver strands are another sign that our hair is changing, and a couple of the formulas in this edit take that into account too. 

K18 FutureIQ™ is designed to support biological pathways involved in melanin production and transport, with the aim of helping delay the appearance of greys rather than reversing hair that has already turned grey. Living Proof Scalp Care Density Serum also features an Anti-grey Complex containing amino acids and antioxidants, designed to help protect melanin pigments and reduce the appearance of premature greying. 

Of course, grey hair isn't something that needs “fixing”, but if you're noticing premature greys and want to take a more proactive approach to hair ageing, these are the two that stand out. 

As we’ve explored in our previous guide, 'Ageing Hair Isn’t Just About Greys', thinning, reduced volume, dryness and changes in texture can all be part of the picture too. 

“When choosing a hair-density or hair-growth treatment, it's worth thinking about the specific concern you're trying to address. Shedding, breakage, thinning and changes in scalp health can all require a slightly different approach, so choosing a formula that fits your needs, and that you can use consistently, is a good place to start.” 

Caitlin, Cloud 10 Beauty Hair Expert 

Which Hair Loss Serum Is Best For You?

There’s no one-size-fits-all winner when it comes to hair loss. The best pick for you comes down to what your hair needs most,  and the results you’re hoping to see 

Best for early signs of hair ageing: K18 FutureIQ™

Best for increased shedding: Nioxin Hair Fall Defense Serum

Best for breakage-prone hair: Kérastase Genesis Anti-Chute Fortifiant Hair Loss Serum

Best for thinner-looking hair: The Ordinary Natural Moisturising Factors + HA for Hair Serum

Best for density + scalp care: Living Proof Scalp Care Density Serum

Best affordable starting point: Hair Syrup GrowsMary Pre-Wash Hair Oil

The Bottom Line

Haircare has come a long way from simply shampooing, conditioning and hoping for the best. Whether you're looking to tackle shedding, support density, strengthen fragile strands or simply be more proactive about how your hair ages, there's now a formula designed around your particular concern. 

Just remember, these aren't overnight fixes. Give your chosen treatment time, use it consistently and, if you're experiencing persistent or significant hair loss, speak to a healthcare professional to understand what's causing it.