Could Peptides Be The Future Of Hair Growth?

Peptides are one of the most discussed topics in the beauty industry at the moment, and much of that is to do with their versatility and wide-ranging applications.

Vogue’s top peptides for hair growth products at a glance:

The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Serum For Hair Density

Read more

Typebea G1 Overnight Boosting Peptide Serum

Read more

Scandinavian Biolabs Bio-Pilixin Activation Serum

Read more

You may have heard the term on social media in the context of peptide stacking for muscle growth, weight loss or the more problematic looksmaxxing that seems to dominate certain algorithms on TikTok (we advise you not go down that particular rabbit hole).

Most talked about in skincare, peptides are short chains of amino acids tasked with many functions, including signalling molecules. They are fragments of proteins that can signal the skin to produce more collagen and elastin, and are particularly buzzed about in their role of firming and plumping fine lines. But it is important to note that the body naturally produces thousands of different types, each with distinct roles in health and healing.

Some peptides are also being studied for their potential to support hair growth, strengthen strands, and improve overall hair density. “Hair-growth peptides are short chains of amino acids designed to signal and support hair follicles,” Dr Munir Somji explains. “In hair restoration, certain peptides help stimulate follicle activity, improve scalp health, and support thicker, healthier hair growth. Hair growth peptides in particular target the hair follicle and surrounding scalp tissues to improve their overall health and function. Consider them as signalling molecules for the existing structures of the hair and scalp. They do not create new follicles, but they can help optimise the performance of existing ones.”

Below, hair restoration surgeon Dr Somji, alongside Dr Bhavik Shah, who works on Croma PRP and polynucleotide treatments and trichologist Anabel Kingsley, answer our burning questions on the topic of peptides for hair growth. Also, find the Vogue-recommended products to incorporate into your haircare routine.

In this article:

• Jump to the product reviews
• What are hair-growth peptides?
• What do peptides for hair do?
• How do peptides compare to minoxidil or finasteride?
• How long does it typically take to see visible results with peptide hair products?
• Are results maintained only with continuous use?
• How often and when should peptide products be used?
• Can peptides be combined safely with minoxidil, PRP, or microneedling?
• Are peptides more effective for thinning, shedding, or early-stage hair loss?
• Which types of hair loss respond best to peptides?
• Do peptides work differently for men vs women?
• Meet the experts

The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Serum For Hair Density

The Ordinary

Multi-Peptide Serum For Hair Density

• Why it’s Vogue-approved: Peptides are often used in skincare to encourage collagen and elastin production, but applied to your scalp, they can also support hair health and lend a thicker, fuller appearance. This formula harnesses an array of proprietary peptides to do just that, as well as caffeine to stimulate scalp circulation, delivering more nutrients to the roots.
• Key ingredients: Caffeine, peptides, green tea extract, Redensyl
• Best for: dry, fine hair
• Why We Love It: This affordable and accessible pick is a bestseller for a reason. “Powered by a mix of clinically supported peptides, caffeine, and plant-based extracts, this serum stimulates hair follicles, supports scalp health, and promotes thicker, denser, fuller-looking hair over time,” says Dr. Reszko.
• Key Ingredients: Caffeine, biotinoyl tripeptide-1, acetyl tetrapeptide-3
• Dosage: A few drops/as needed massaged into the scalp nightly
• Type: Serum

Typebea G1 Overnight Boosting Peptide Serum

Typebea

G1 Overnight Boosting Peptide Serum

• Why it’s Vogue-approved: Coming in the biggest bottle on this list, Typebea’s serum will last a long while on your hair growth journey. It offers instant itch relief, scalp hydration and a follicle-rejuvenating boost by way of smart peptides in its blend. With a formula free from silicones and laced with gentle exfoliants like lactic acid and gluconolactone, it’s a saviour for flaky scalps too. What’s more, it comes with rave reviews for improving postpartum hair loss even with sporadic use. But trust us – you’ll look forward to dropping this on in the morning and at night, thanks to its fast-absorbing, refreshing feel.
• Key ingredients: Baicapil, arginine, lactic acid, hydrogenated castor oil
• Best for: All hair types

Scandinavian Biolabs Bio-Pilixin Activation Serum

Scandinavian Biolabs

Bio-Pilixin Activation Serum

• Why it’s Vogue-approved: With the help of niacinamide and caffeine, this serum stimulates blood circulation – which Dr Majeed from Harley Street Hair Clinic tells us is essential for well-fed and functioning follicles. Also providing growth factors and a powerful turmeric extract, it curbs the inflammation that is the root cause of most types of hair loss.
• Experts say: Reckendorff says the ingredients in this formula help prolong the anagen, or growth phase of the hair cycle, while also supporting follicle vitality. These are big promises, but they’re backed by scientific tests: “In clinical trials, we documented reduced hair loss and increased density in 150 days,” he shares.
• Key ingredients: Capila Longa (turmeric extract), caffeine, plant growth factors, eucalyptus oil

The Inkey List Peptide Volumizing Hair Treatment

The Inkey List

Peptide Volumizing Hair Treatment

Hello Klean Full Control Anti-Thinning Scalp Serum

Hello Klean

Full Control Anti-Thinning Scalp Serum

• Why it’s Vogue-approved: You will likely know Hello Klean best for its hard water filter shower head, but the brand’s collection of haircare products is worth your attention too as they follow the same principle: removing minerals that can stress out the strands to leave your hair silky soft. To achieve this and so much more, the Full Control Anti-Thinning Scalp Serum uses peptide growth factors and the label’s own complex to balance the scalp’s pH, boost hydration, calm inflammation and shield the hair, all with the intention of combating hair loss. The peptide growth factors are included to encourage cell repair and hair growth.
• Key ingredients: Peptide growth factors and Klean Complex

FAQs

What are hair-growth peptides?

The most ubiquitous hair peptides are redensyl, procapil, caffeine, anagain and capixyl, and are commonly included to support hair growth. Trichologist Anabel Kingsley explains, “They are believed to work by helping to increase the production of proteins like collagen and laminin, enhancing follicle size and adhesion.”

What do peptides for hair do?

Their benefits range from hair density to thickness to reducing shedding. Dr Somji says, “For most people, the first noticeable change is reduced hair shedding, owed to the shifting of hair follicles into their growth phase; this alone can make hair feel fuller.” But with continuous use, there are even greater results. “With continued use, peptides help strengthen the hair shaft and improve thickness, which can lead to improved density over time, particularly in women with early thinning rather than advanced chronic hair loss. Peptides mainly help improve hair quality and follicle function. Clinically, we see reduced shedding in some patients, improved hair shaft thickness and better hair quality and density over time.”

Kingsley adds, “Some peptides can work as bridges to strengthen the hair fibre, in what are called bond-building products, for example. In scalp care, they can help reduce signs of irritation, stimulate growth, and improve hydration by helping the scalp retain moisture.”

How do peptides compare to minoxidil or finasteride?

The experts agree that they work very differently from these treatments. “Finasteride targets the hormonal cause of hair loss by reducing DHT, while minoxidil improves blood flow and prolongs the growth phase of hair,” reveals Dr Somji. This is in comparison to peptides, which are low intervention and “act more as support for scalp health and promote regenerative signals to the follicle and scalp.” Kingsley flags that both minoxidil and finasteride “can be more effective than peptides in certain types of hair loss but also present more side effects than peptides.”

How long does it typically take to see visible results with peptide hair products?

As with all hair treatments, it takes time, patience and continuous use to see results. Kingsley believes this window is at least 12 weeks. But Dr Shah says that while shedding and an improvement in hair quality may be seen in eight to 12 weeks, “visible thickening or density changes are typically seen after three to six months of consistent use.” He stresses the idea of consistent use as key, but also that for more severe hair loss, treatment will need to be more advanced, recommending “adjunctive treatments along with treatments such as PRP and polynucleotides, especially in androgenetic alopecia.”

 Are results maintained only with continuous use?

Quite simply, yes. “Hair loss is progressive in nature, and thus continuous use is advised for any treatment regimen targeting hair regrowth and fullness,” explains Dr Shah. “They are best thought of as ongoing hair care, similar to skincare for the scalp. Once treatment stops, follicles tend to revert to their natural progression over time.”

When and at what time should peptide products be used?

The timing is less important in comparison to regularity. “What matters more is how we can incorporate them into our routine, as regular use is key,” Kingsley emphasises. “It is down to personal preference and habits, but they will always work better on a clean scalp.”

Can peptides be combined safely with minoxidil, PRP, or microneedling?

“Peptides combine very well with other treatments, and this is often where we see the best results,” Dr Somji tells me. “They are often used alongside minoxidil to support scalp comfort and after PRP or microneedling treatments to aid recovery and optimise results. In clinic, they are commonly used as part of a combined approach, which remains the gold standard for hair loss management. Combination therapy is typically more effective than relying on a single treatment.”

Are peptides more effective for thinning, shedding, or early-stage hair loss?

According to Dr Shah, “Peptides are particularly helpful for women experiencing increased shedding, early thinning or hair changes linked to stress, illness or hormonal shifts. They work best in early-stage thinning or increased shedding, where follicles are still active but weakened, which is why early treatment and diagnosis are key. Patients suffering from more advanced or severe symptoms of hair loss often require combination treatments incorporating both injectable and medical modalities. Once follicles are completely miniaturised or lost, peptides alone cannot restore hair.”

Which types of hair loss respond best to peptides?

“Peptides can support recovery in early androgenetic alopecia, stress-related shedding, postpartum hair loss and telogen effluvium,” explains Dr Somji. The latter of which is known as stress-related shedding. He continues, “They are especially useful when hair loss is triggered by lifestyle factors such as burnout, travel or nutritional changes. For the case of female pattern hair loss (FPHL), hair peptides can aid in reducing discomfort from topical formulations such as minoxidil and propagating their therapeutic effects. Hair peptides can also serve as an easy-to-access means of managing hair loss for patients who have yet to or may struggle to see a clinician.” They may be less effective in hormonally driven hair loss, and in this case, “work best as part of a broader treatment plan,” the expert concludes.

Do peptides work differently for men vs women?

While the science is the same, Dr Somji says that “peptides are often more relevant for women who experience diffuse thinning rather than patterned hair loss in the case of men. They are a popular option for women who want visible improvement without hormone-altering treatments and who prefer a preventative, beauty-focused approach.”

Meet the experts

• Anabel Kingsley is lead trichologist and brand president at Philip Kingsley
• Dr Munir Somji is a hair restoration surgeon and founder of Dr Medispa
• Dr Bhavik Shah is a medical aesthetic doctor specialising in non-surgical aesthetic treatments