The 5 Best Peptide Products for Longer, Thicker Hair
Peptides do more than plump the skin.
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Unless you’re genetically blessed with thick, flowing locks, many of us wish for a little (or a lot) more hair. You may have naturally thin hair or have experienced some uncharacteristic hair loss lately. Chances are, you’re probably on the hunt for alternative ways to make your hair grow faster and thicker—and you're not alone. I deal with hair loss occasionally, especially when I’m stressed out and trying to grow out my very short bob. Thankfully, there are plenty of tips and tricks for us thin- and short-haired folks, including one of my best-kept secrets: peptide products for hair growth.
Peptide lip treatments and peptide serums have gotten a lot of good press lately, but the star ingredient can also work wonders on hair. “Peptides encourage hair growth by improving blood flow to the scalp and strengthening the structure of hair follicles,” shares Dr. Candace Thornton Spann, a board-certified dermatologist in Las Vegas and the co-owner of Couture Dermatology & Plastic Surgery. “They can also result in the formulation of more collagen, a building block that’s vital to the health of the hair follicle,” she adds.
Our top picks for the best peptide products for hair growth of 2024
Peptide hair serums are very beneficial to those on a hair growth journey, and there are plenty of hair growth shampoos, hair growth vitamins, and other treatments with peptides to explore. After speaking with Dr. Spann and other editors, scrolling through hundreds of customer reviews, and trying a few myself, I landed on the five best peptide products for hair growth—check them out below.
The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Serum for Hair Density
Pros
- Provides relatively quick results
Cons
- Can feel greasy if overapplied
This watery serum is meant to be applied and left on your scalp to work its magic. Thanks to peptides, caffeine, and various plant-based extracts, it not only densifies and thickens your hair but also helps your mane appear more voluminous overall.
Key ingredients: Peptides, caffeine, Redensyl, Procapil, Baicapil
Size: 1 oz.
Ulta rating: 4.1/5 stars
An ELLE editor says: “I don’t remember how I discovered this product, but I’m forever grateful I did. During the first two years of the pandemic, I applied the formula religiously every night, and I credit it for nursing my scalp and hair back to health after shocking and noticeable hair loss. I was amazed by the volume it provided (especially when I apply it while my hair is still damp from a shower) and how many baby hairs sprouted all over my head in the few weeks after I started using it.” —Carol Lee, ELLE.com associate beauty e-commerce writer
Pros
- Works for all hair types
- Lovely scent
Cons
- May not be suitable for dry hair
Hair care starts in the shower, and you can set your strands up for success by utilizing this shampoo and conditioner to cleanse and revitalize your hair and scalp. Rosemary oil is known for encouraging blood circulation in the scalp (which encourages healthy hair growth), and the addition of peptides and plant proteins translates to stronger, less breakage-prone locks.
Key ingredients: Rosemary oil, peptides, ceramides, proteins
Size: 8.4 fl. oz. x2
Necessaire rating: 4.5/5 stars
An ELLE editor says: “First of all, the scent of this duo is incredible—if you like rosemary, treating yourself to this is a must. I’ve gotten multiple compliments on how good my hair smells when I use this, and it’s currently in my rotation of shower products. Additionally, I’ve been applying a lot of heat to my hair these days, and my hair has maintained its strength and health—I don’t doubt that using these products has something to do with it.” —Carol Lee
Nutrafol Women’s Hair Growth Supplement and Collagen Peptides Powder
Pros
- Clinically tested
Cons
- Some may dislike taste of collagen powder
Nutrafol is one of those hair growth supplements that actually work. “I used to get highlights, and my hair incurred a ton of damage. It got to the point where I didn’t feel like my hair could grow any longer than my shoulders. I tried Nutrafol supplements as a sort of last-ditch effort, and I couldn’t believe how quickly my hair started growing—and how healthy it looked,” says ELLE beauty editor Katie Berohn. This set also includes the brand’s collagen powder, which features marine collagen peptides to provide hydration and other materials for strong, healthy hair.
Key ingredients: Marine collagen peptides, saw palmetto, tocotrienol complex, ashwagandha
Size: 120 capsules and 12.03 oz. of powder
Amazon rating: 4.4/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “This product really works! My hairdresser (without knowing I was taking anything) commented that my hair was growing and filling out more. I was thrilled!”
Pros
- A little goes a long way
Cons
- Small size
K18’s hair oil features the brand’s signature peptide, an ingredient that strengthens strands and makes them appear smoother. By preventing and repairing damage, the silicone-free oil allows your hair to grow without breaking off before it can reach your desired length.
Key ingredients: Peptides, hemisqualane, squalane, avocado oil
Size: 1 fl. oz.
Amazon rating: 4.4/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “This stuff has helped my damaged, broken off hair so much. My hair was ruined with bleach, and this has been such a game changer in my hair journey. While it doesn’t help with growth, it helps repair the damaged hair. 10/10. Will purchase again!”
Act + Acre 3% Stem Cell Peptide Serum Treatment
Pros
- Suitable for all hair types
Cons
- May take time to see results
You may already drink caffeine to wake you up in the morning, but when applied topically, the ingredient can also wake the scalp and make your hair feel and appear denser. Other starring ingredients include peptides to promote the health of hair follicles and grape stem cells to thicken hair.
Key ingredients: Grape stem cells, peptides, caffeine
Size: 3 oz.
Act + Acre rating: 4.8/5 stars
An Act + Acre reviewer says: “I tried this after seeing this on social media and reading the reviews. I have fine hair and breakage in one section. This has helped with the breakage and gives my hair volume at the scalp. As a bonus, I don’t have frizz or flyaways on the small hairs around my hairline.”
Meet the Expert
Dr. Candace Thornton Spann is a board-certified dermatologist in Las Vegas, the co-owner of Couture Dermatology & Plastic Surgery, and the founder of ReTress.
What are some other ways to encourage hair growth?
The best way to go about treating hair loss is to figure out the root of the problem. “It is important to identify and address what's leading to hair loss. For example, vitamin deficiencies can cause hair loss. Treating vitamin deficiency can encourage hair growth,” Dr. Spann says. She also recommends scalp oiling and scalp massage to promote hair growth.
Can you fully reverse hair loss?
According to Dr. Spann, it all depends on what kind of hair loss you’re dealing with. “Something like alopecia areata, a non-scarring, autoimmune type of hair loss, can be completely reversed. Female pattern hair loss can be reversed if the follicles are treated early before follicles become scarred,” she says. However, follicles that are already scarred are unable to recover.
Why Trust ELLE Beauty
As a leading publisher of fashion, lifestyle, and beauty content, ELLE.com is committed to highlighting the best products in various categories by personally testing the latest and most innovative products, interviewing countless experts, and vetting customer-loved items. For this piece, beauty writer Carol Lee spoke to a dermatologist, tested formulas, and combed through customer reviews to find the best peptide products for hair growth.
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