We apply serums as a part of our daily skincare routines, but if you’re looking to grow out your hair faster, using a scalp serum for hair growth is key. It may seem obvious, but your scalp is actually skin, not hair, and it needs some TLC just like your face, neck, and décolletage too. Scalp skincare is a key component to add to your hair regimen (along with biotin, avoiding excessive heat, using a scalp massager and taking your beauty vitamins) to combating hair loss, thinning and breakage because the scalp is where the hair follicles reside. Sure, using protein-rich conditioners, bond builders and other hair care products designed specifically for your locks are all integral measures to take as well, but hair health really starts at your scalp — not your strands.

Product buildup from your dry shampoo, deep conditioners and sweat can clog these tiny follicles, functioning as an unwanted barrier that blocks hair from growing at a normal pace. It’s the same idea as to when your pores become congested from makeup or heavy creams, causing blackheads galore and a slew of other complexion concerns to come to the surface (pun intended). Many scalp serums work by not only blasting away this buildup but also by stimulating blood flow and boosting circulation in the scalp to accelerate the speed of growth. Just like your facial serums, scalp serums also simultaneously deliver nutrients directly into the follicles to enhance shine and strengthen damaged strands. So, whether you’re battling hair loss or simply trying to grow out a bad haircut ASAP, getting to the root of the problem with the help of a scalp serum is a must-try tactic. Here are some of our favorite scalp serums for optimum hair health.

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