Courtesy of L’Oreal
From skincare to supplements, you’ve likely noticed that peptides are the latest ingredient to go viral in the beauty space. Now, they’re taking over haircare, and board-certified dermatologist Dr. Amy Forman Taub revealed to E! that peptides are the secret to growing longer, healthier hair.
What are peptides?
Dr. Tabu explains that “Peptides are tiny chains of amino acids, which are the building blocks of proteins like keratin–the main protein your hair is made of.”
Peptides do so much more than just give you soft, hydrated hair. “They can help support healthier hair growth by signaling processes involved in follicle function, scalp circulation, and the hair growth cycle itself,” according to Dr. Taub.
What do peptides do for your hair?
Peptides are a versatile ingredient that may help address many of your haircare concerns, including the following:
- Thinning hair
- Excess shedding
- Postpartum hair loss
- Perimenopausal and menopausal hair changes
- Weak, fragile, or finer hair
- An unhealthy or inflamed scalp
Ultimately, incorporating peptides into your routine can result in fuller-looking hair, less shedding, stronger strands, and a healthier scalp overall when used consistently.
Dr. Taub especially recommends peptides to promote hair growth for those experiencing increased shedding, thinning around the temples or crown, or a widening part.
The Best Peptides for Hair Growth:
When shopping for peptide-based haircare, Dr. Taub says there are a few things to keep in mind.
“I tell patients to look for formulas that combine peptides with ingredients like copper tripeptide, caffeine, niacinamide, and panthenol, and ideally products backed by clinical research rather than marketing buzzwords alone.”
She adds, “The right peptide formulas don’t just coat the hair temporarily–they help support the scalp and follicle from the inside out.”
On a hair growth journey? You’re going to want to add these expert-approved peptide products to your routine.
- Most Viral Peptide Hair Serum: The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Serum
- Derm-Recommended Peptide Shampoo & Conditioner: KeraFactor 2-in-1 Scalp Stimulating Shampoo & Conditioner
- Best Peptide Hair Treatment: COSRX PEPTIDE 132 Hair Bonding Repair Treatment
The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Serum
Packed with expert-approved ingredients including peptides and caffeine, this leave-in formula improves hair density by thickening individual hair strands.
COSRX PEPTIDE 132 Hair Bonding Repair Treatment
This peptide-powered treatment deeply conditions to repair damage, strengthen strands, and minimize split ends. The result is strong, silky hair with a glass-like shine.
L’Oreal Elvive Collagen Peptide + Lifter 72h Volumizing Shampoo & Conditioner
The latest addition to the beloved Elvive lineup, this shampoo and conditioner duo wraps each strand in collagen peptides, adding weightless volume that starts at the roots.
KeraFactor 2‑in‑1 Scalp Stimulating Shampoo & Conditioner
Dr. Taub recommends this 2-in-1 shampoo and conditioner for maintaining scalp health at home. It penetrates deep into the scalp to exfoliate dead skin and unclog follicles. It also includes supportive ingredients like caffeine and niacinamide.
KeraFactor Scalp Stimulating Solution
Dr. Tabu also loves the KeraFactor Scalp Stimulating Solution, since that’s where the peptide technology is most concentrated. “What makes it stand out is that it combines biomimetic peptides and copper tripeptide with delivery technology designed to help those ingredients penetrate the scalp more effectively,” she says.
PURA D’OR Hair Thinning Therapy Energizing Scalp Serum
Formulated with copper tripeptide, biotin, and caffeine, this potent serum targets hair thinning, breakage, and fortifies strands from root to tip.
Neutrogena Hair Restore Hair and Scalp Serum
Promote hair density and reduce shedding with this restorative serum that won’t leave hair feeling greasy. A blend of micro-peptides, caffeine, and niacinamide penetrates deep into the follicle to stimulate growth.
One Skin OS-01 HAIR Peptide Scalp Serum
This no-rinse serum reactivates the hair growth cycle and supports a health scalp microbiome, which is key in targeting age- and stress-related hair thinning.
Lilyeve Growturn Exosome Brush Ampoule
Achieve thicker, fuller hair with this K-beauty backed treatment that treats scalp buildup, soothes itchiness, and boosts circulation. It has a built-in applicator for a mess-free experience.
OGX ProGrowth + Peptide Serum Mist
Minimize breakage and plump strands with this peptide-rich mist that defends hair against breakage and doubles as a heat protectant. The fine, even mist makes for easy application.
This is the Tik-Tok famous hair growth hack Paige DeSorbo swears gave her thicker, fuller hair.
How We Choose
The E! Insider Shop editors and writers search the internet to find the best products out there. We interview expert sources, comb through customer reviews, and use our own personal experiences to make shopping easier for our readers.
As an editorial team, we independently create content and determine coverage based on research, reporting and what we think our readers would like to read about. The goal of our content is to provide a service and inform readers who are on the hunt for the latest products to help make their life better. Items are sold by retailer, not E!. Pricing and availability are accurate as of publish time.
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