Dermatologists Told Me This Ingredient Is the Hair Growth Hack to ‘Improve Density’

I consider myself pretty logical — except when it comes to my hair. I’ve been straightening my strands regularly for over a decade. Plus, I’ve even dyed my mane a few times, which, unsurprisingly, only worsened my hair health. Despite these poor hair decisions, the only reason my hair isn’t a total disaster is thanks to my arsenal of hair growth products. Now, I’m taking my hair care routine to the next level with some expert advice. According to dermatologists, there’s one hair growth ingredient that everyone needs on their radar: peptides. 

Peptides are short chains of amino acids that combine to form proteins. Translation: They’re essential if you want to repair damage, promote growth, and add hydration to tresses. As James Kilgour, a dermatologist at Stanford and founder of KilgourMD, puts it, they’re exactly what you want to “prevent further loss” in strands. If you’re looking for the right treatment, I found this $20 Minimalist Hair Density Serum, which is loaded with peptides. Shop this and some of our favorite hair growth products at Amazon.

Minimalist Hair Density Serum 

The budget-friendly hair serum is formulated with multiple peptide complexes like capixyl, redensyl, and procapil that boost blood circulation in the scalp. In turn, this stimulates hair growth and prevents further hair fall. Board-certified dermatologist Divya Shokeen, M.D., explains to Shape that peptides target the anagen phase (a.k.a. the active growth phase of hair), which can “improve the overall density and thickness of hair by strengthening the follicle’s attachment to the scalp and encouraging healthier hair growth.” Keep in mind, though, Dr. Kilgour adds that peptides are particularly beneficial for those with early to moderate-stage thinning. 

Peptides also come with a number of other rejuvenating benefits. They can improve hair’s elasticity as well as reduce scalp inflammation and dryness, leading to a healthier scalp environment that’s essential for growth. On top of this, the serum contains another anti-hair thinning agent, saw palmetto, that can block the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT) that contributes to hair loss.

Reviewers vouch that the Minimalist Hair Density Serum transformed their hair’s appearance after applying it consistently.  A shopper raves that their hair’s thickness “almost doubled” within a few weeks, while another shopper adds that they have “more volume” in their thin mane. Other users also notice less strands “coming out” as well as “several baby hairs” now appearing on their hairline.  

All hair types can benefit from this overnight hair growth serum that’s formulated to create thicker, stronger strands. You can try out the Minimalist Hair Density Serum, along with more similar mane-thickening products at Amazon, below. 

The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Serum 

Divi Scalp Serum 

Nutrafol Hair Serum