Shoppers Notice ‘Crazy’ Growth with This $52 Oil — but Is a $10 Pick Just as Good?

Though some would argue that fine lines, wrinkles, or acne are the hardest beauty issues to tackle, we think hair loss takes the cake. “Most people first notice hair loss when more than 50 percent of hair is lost in a specific region, such as the top of the scalp,” dermatologist Dr. Andy Goren, M.D., previously explained to Shape. “Another common sign of hair loss is excessive shedding in the shower or while brushing the hair,” he said.

Among the many remedies for excessive shedding, hair growth oil remains incredibly popular. Most formulas blend topicals that improve scalp health, stimulate circulation, and strengthen existing stands. However, with all the options available, it can be difficult to determine which are the most effective. Below, we compare the $52 Ouai Hydrating Scalp Serum with the TikTok-viral, $10 Mielle Organics Rosemary Mint Strengthening Oil.

Save: Mielle Organics Rosemary Mint Strengthening Oil

Key Features: 

Main Ingredient: A 2022 study found that rosemary oil can promote new hair growth, as it’s believed to block DHT, the hormone responsible for age-related shedding. 

Other Ingredients: Biotin enhances the shine and strength of strands, while mint oil cleanses scalp buildup and soothes inflammation. 

Best for: Sparse hair that is prone to shedding. This treatment is especially suited to Black hair types. 

What We Love:

For the last few years, this little green bottle has been all over TikTok, and for good reason: Rosemary oil, the main ingredient in this serum, has been proven to make a difference in hair loss, and so many shoppers swear by the results. “I had the hardest time growing my hair, but this oil has been a blessing,” wrote one shopper. Another agreed that their mane is “noticeably thicker with more hair growing” within just three weeks.  This oil currently has more than 84,000 perfect ratings, making it the site’s top seller. 

Keep in Mind:

A few users experienced scalp acne caused by the moisturizing oils in the serum. 

Splurge: Ouai Hydrating Scalp Serum

Key Features:

Main Ingredient: Peptides strengthen strands, hydrate and soothe scalp skin, and fight free radical damage.

Other Ingredients: Chaga mushroom decreases inflammation, citric acid cleanses scalp buildup, and a ginseng extract moisturizes and strengthens follicles. 

Best for: Hair loss, scalp inflammation, and dryness. 

What We Love: 

Developed by Jen Atkin, stylist to celebrities like Hailey Bieber and the Kardashians, this lightweight oil is packed with ingredients that nourish your follicles, the root (literally) of new hair growth. Additionally, this formula hydrates and soothes your scalp, minimizing inflammation and dandruff that interfere with growth. One reviewer noticed “baby hairs everywhere” along their hairline after using the serum, while another fan, who had experienced hair loss from breast cancer prior to using the product, reports that their mane had “regrown an entire head of hair.” Similarly, yet another shopper reported their hair looking “more full than ever” after using the serum for four months.

Keep in Mind:

Like the Mielle formula, this serum can cause acne around the scalp and hairline.

In Conclusion:

We’ve tried lots of Ouai products and although they’re expensive, they always live up to their promises. The Hydrating Scalp Serum is loaded with both innovative and tried-and-true ingredients, and the shopper reviews speak for themselves. However, the buzz around Mielle’s $10 formula has been building for years, convincing us that it’s the real deal in terms of stimulating hair regrowth.