Can This Popular Skincare Ingredient Boost Hair Growth? Here's What Experts Say
Don't sleep on it.
If you struggle with thinning hair, hair loss, or hair growth, trust me, you're not alone. Finding the right tools for your specific hair type can be tough, and there are so many potential options out there that it's overwhelming. If solutions like hair-strengthening vitamins or serums haven't done the trick for you, though, I recently learned that there's another popular ingredient entering the chat.
I'm sure by now you're familiar with peptides and the various benefits they can offer when it comes to skincare, but did you know they can also be beneficial to your hair? No? I didn't either. According to experts, peptides can promote healthier hair growth and may even help decrease hair thinning or loss. If this piques your interest, you're going to want to keep reading. I asked experts to dive into the topic of hair peptides with me and, spoiler alert: They had a lot to share.
The Best Peptides for Hair Loss in 2025, Listed
- Best Overall: Omi Hair Nutrition Hair Growth Peptides
- Best for Damage Repair: K18 Biomimetic Hairscience Leave-In Molecular Repair Hair Mask
- Best Budget: The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Serum for Hair Density
- Best Two-For-One: Arey The System
- Best Anti-Frizz: The Rootist Biobrew Fermented Leave-In Hair Serum
The Best Hair Products With Peptides
Best Overall: Omi Hair Nutrition Hair Growth Peptides
OMI WellBeauty have a premiere hair peptide formula that is unique in a few ways and could definitely show promise in decreasing hair loss and promoting healthy growth. It contains follicle-fortifying bio-technology that taps into the hair's growth process. "OMI hair growth peptides begin the process of reducing hair loss and improving hair growth by day six," says brand' founder Naomi Whittel. "The peptides stimulate Collagen IV production at the hair follicle, anchoring the hair bulb tightly within the scalp. Over the next 90 days, the anchoring strengthens and the peptides deliver essential amino acids to the hair cortex, promoting a strong hair strand. As the hair follicle is anchored and the hair cortex strengthens, the hair strands can now grow stronger, thicker, and healthier."
Collagen IV, Whittel explains, is a key protein in the thin layer of tissue that surrounds and supports the hair follicle. Stimulating production of this strengthens the layer, ensuring the hair bulb stays stable and prevents the strand from falling out prematurely.
Pros: Capsules don't have a strong taste
Cons: Doesn't have independent certifications
Key ingredients: Niacin, vitamin B6, biotin, zinc, copper, sodium, pantothenic acid
Size: 60 capsules (amount)
Customer review: "I've been using this for about a month and already see less shedding and stronger hair. It’s easy to take, and I love that it’s backed by science. Excited to keep going!"
Best for Damage Repair: K18 Biomimetic Hairscience Leave-In Molecular Repair Hair Mask
This stylist-loved treatment is a favorite of doctor of nursing practice, nursing practitioner of dermatology, and hair expert Jodi LoGerfo, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC. It contains patented peptide technology which works to repair damage caused by bleach, color, and other chemical treatments. It helps restore strength and softness to hair.
Pros: Smoothes hair and prevents split ends
Cons: Not ideal for fine hair types
Key ingredients: K18Peptide™
Size: 1.7 oz
Customer review: "I love this mask. I have been using it off and on for a couple years now, this mask has helped my curls come all the way back. It will help your natural texture come back after using for a while."
Best Budget: The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Serum for Hair Density
For a more budget-friendly option, try The Ordinary's multi-peptide serum. It may not be the best solution for hair loss, but it does help promote density in the hair, making it appear thicker and fuller. The caffeine in this formula also boosts hair growth.
Pros: Budget-friendly
Cons: Can make scalp greasy for oily types
Key ingredients: Caffeine
Size: 1 oz
Customer review: "I have some thinning around my hairline from wearing low ponytails, and my hair is chemically treated. I've been using these drops for two and a half weeks, and my roots are much thicker than before. I'm looking forward to my hair growing out. I will definitely continue to use these daily for the foreseeable future."
Best Two-For-One: Arey The System
I'm a big fan of the this system from Arey, which contains their To The Root serum. It helped bring pigment back to some grey hairs I started to see pop up around my hairline. A combination of antioxidants and peptides help re-pigment strands and give hair a fuller, thicker appearance.
Pros: Doesn't weigh hair down
Cons: Two capsule and two pumps a day, can be hard to maintain
Key ingredients: Tangerine extract, Fo-Ti and black sesame seed extract, wasabi extract, ginseng and soybeans
Size: 2.2 oz
Customer review: "I like the texture of the serum its light weight, absorbs easy, and doesn't weigh my hair down."
Best Anti-Frizz: The Rootist Biobrew Fermented Leave-In Hair Serum
Another great brand that's leading the charge in hair restoration is The Rootist. LoGerfo loves this particular serum from the brand because it helps reduce frizz, acts as a heat protectant, and strengthens weak or brittle strands with "bio-peptides." These bio-peptides are hydrolyzed yeast protein that help fortify hair at the root by targeting collagen and keratin production.
Pros: Anti-frizz and protects against heat
Cons: Bottle isn't very durable
Key ingredients: Proprietary Rootbiomic Ferment™, vitamin C, bio-peptides (yeast protien)
Size: 1.8 oz
Customer review: "I LOVE this hair serum!! It’s honestly the best product in my hair care routine! I have noticed a crazy difference when I use this, especially consistently! My hair feels shinier and healthier, and I’ve noticed a lot of growth!!"
Best Clarifying: K18 Biomimetic Hairscience Peptide Prep™ Clarifying Detox Shampoo
LoGerfo also loves this peptide-rich shampoo from K18 because its peptides work as a protective shield to reduce protein loss that can weaken hair. It's perfect for those who struggle with oily scalp or use a lot of products that lead to buildup. That means less itching, irritation, and flakiness.
Pros: Color safe and removes scalp buildup
Cons: Not ideal for dry hair types
Key ingredients: Activated charcoal, salicylic acid, K18PEPTIDE™
Size: 8.5
Customer review: "I love this shampoo! I have oily scalp and fragile hair. I have to wash my hair every two days even during winter times. My hair gets oily very easily. After using this shampoo, my scalp can stay clean for over two days."
Best Densifying: The Rootist Densifying & Thickening Serum for Thinning Hair
In addition to the brand's bio-peptides, this formula also contains stem cells from turmeric extract to help promote growth and its Rootbiomic Ferment, a nutrient-rich superbrew that anchors healthy roots and balances the scalp. As a result, you can expect reduced breakage, shedding, and split ends.
Pros: Reduces shedding and breakage
Cons: Not much product for the price
Key ingredients: Patent-Pending Rootbiomic Ferment™, densifying peptides, stem cells from turmeric extract
Size: 1 oz
Customer review: "I’ve been using this product for just a few weeks, and I’m already starting to see significant improvement and regrowth in thinning areas. It doesn’t make my hair feel icky either, so using it every day is a lot easier."
Best Strengthening: SickScience Labs Powercycle
This formula from SickScience features several different peptides, including BiotinoylTripeptide-1 and a triticum aestivum (wheat) peptide that work together to promote length and strength in the hair. Similar to OMI, it targets the anagen phase of the hair growth cycle and even works at the molecular level.
Pros: Improves hair volume and length
Cons: Thick consistency
Key ingredients: Allium sativum vesicles, wheat peptide,
Size: 2 oz
Customer review: "Having tried so many products, imagine my surprise that this one actually works. It hasn't been a month, and yet, I see new hair and fullness. SickScience has won a fan forever."
Best Splurge: Act+Acre 3% Stem Cell Peptide H3-Grow+ Complex Scalp Treatment
Act+Acre's scalp treatment is on the pricier side, but it's totally worth it. It features caffeine to invigorate the scalp, growth-promoting peptides, and a complex that creates the perfect environment for healthy hair follicles. It safe for colored-treated hair, volumizing, and reduces thinning.
Pros: Color safe and volumizing
Cons: Not ideal for oily hair types
Key ingredients: H3-Grow+ Complex™, growth peptide, caffeine
Size: 3 oz
Customer review: "I’ve been using this stem cell hair growth treatment, and I’m really impressed. I’m seeing way less fallout, and my hair feels noticeably thicker and fuller. The easy spray packaging makes it so quick to apply. This is definitely a new staple in my routine!"
Best Overnight: TYPEBEA Overnight Boosting Peptide Hair Serum
TypeBea offers this serum with a blend of soy and wheat sprouts, which, according to the brand, is clinically studied to stimulate hair growth and density. It also contains BiotinoylTripeptide-1 to help promote healthy growth. The PH balanced formula soothes the scalp and doesn't weight hair down thanks to how fast-absorbing it is.
Pros: PH balanced formula, absorbs fast
Cons: Glass dispenser may fall out of tube
Key ingredients: Scutellaria baicalensis, soy, and wheat sprouts
Size: 3.4 oz
Customer review: "It honestly works! I don't have photos but the difference after one bottle was SIGNIFICANT so I bought a second. I've tried lots of things, but THIS is the only thing that has made a difference! I love this product!"
What are peptides?
LoGerfo first told me exactly what peptides are and how they work. It's helpful to understand how peptides work for both the skin and hair here—LoGerfo explained both.
Peptides are made up of short chains of amino acids. Amino acids are the building blocks needed to create full proteins. They can be made of two, three, or even four amino acids and are available with variations in the number of amino acids and sequence. "The peptide must be able to penetrate the skin and/or hair to be effective," says LoGerfo. "As for skin, peptides are touted to help reduce fine lines and wrinkles, prevent damage from ultraviolet light, heal wounds and skin irritation, and treat acne. However, there is limited scientific evidence. Copper peptides are very popular in skincare. Studies show that copper peptides may promote collagen and elastin production as well as help maintain it. They may also help remove damaged collagen. For hair, peptides can help increase hair density and volume. They may also promote hair growth, strengthen the outer cuticle of hair, and improve scalp health."
Can peptides help with hair growth and hair loss?
While there are never any guarantees that one thing will work for everyone, LoGerfo says that peptides for hair growth and loss show a lot of promise. She says that peptides can have a positive influence on hair follicles since they influence keratin and collagen production, two key proteins for strong, healthy hair. Keratin is crucial for keeping hair's internal structure healthy. LoGerfo stresses that it provides strength, resilience, and elasticity to the hair shaft. Collagen also contributes to a healthy scalp and skin, providing building blocks for stronger strands. Peptides can intensify the manufacturing of keratin and collagen, which, in theory, can increase hair strength, elasticity, and quality over time.
While this can be helpful, LoGerfo also says that if you're wanting to use peptides to help combat hair loss, it may not be the miracle solution you're looking for, and more scientific research is needed. "There is some research that shows that peptides can help to stimulate the anagen (growth) phase of the hair growth cycle," she says. "This could potentially lead to more growth, thicker hair, and less loss. I really do not see peptides helping to prevent hair loss [altogether right] now, but I do see them playing a role in improving the quality of your hair. It is important to keep in mind that there are real, medically proven treatments to help with hair loss and promote hair growth. I would go with those first."
How we chose
As with all buying guides here at Who What Wear, we compile our product lists based on original testing and expert recommendations. The WWW beauty team tried several of the options listed above and had leading experts weigh in on their preferences as well. We know the ingredients play a huge role in the effectiveness of peptides, so our beauty team made sure to call that out for each product. Customer reviews are also important to keep in mind, especially when it comes to viral or celebrity-endorsed favorites. That said, we scoured the review sections of our favorite retailers when compiling our list.
Why trust Who What Wear?
Since 2006, Who What Wear has been a digital fashion, beauty, and lifestyle publication and community where people can discover the latest brands, trends, and must-have products to help define and evolve their personal style. Think of Who What Wear as your most trusted style and shopping resource.
This story was published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
Shawna Hudson is a beauty, wellness, lifestyle, and travel writer with over 10 years of experience. She graduated from California State University, Fullerton, with a degree in journalism and has written for other publications such as Bustle, The Zoe Report, Byrdie, Elite Daily, and more. She is currently a beauty writer at Who What Wear and hopes to continue feeding her (completely out-of-control) beauty obsession as long as she can. Stay up to date on her latest finds on Instagram @shawnasimonee.
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