Scalp Serums Are the Latest K-Beauty Trend

Healthy hair begins with healthy roots and a well-balanced scalp. As more people begin to understand what the latter means, scalp serums are becoming an important part of hair-care routines. “Your scalp is skin, and just as you would use targeted products to treat common skin concerns, you can do the same with scalp serums,” says Sophia Emmanuel, trichologist and V&Co. Beauty brand ambassador. While this knowledge isn’t exactly new, the rise in popularity of Korean scalp serums is bringing the trend into the spotlight. Nourishing the scalp is essential for more than healthy roots. With the right ingredients, scalp serums can restore balance and promote hair growth. Korean scalp serums are designed similarly to other K-beauty products and focus on gentle formulations and an attention to detail that boasts results. Ahead, we chatted with three experts about why K-beauty scalp serums are the rising trend right now.

Featured experts

The uptick in scalp care has brought many products into focus. “Scalp products address a variety of concerns and can be used by people experiencing hair loss, dandruff, dryness, an itchy scalp, or those who want to create a healthy environment for their hair to grow,” says Emmanuel. However, when it comes to scalp serums, the experts say the trend mirrors the skinification movement and rise of hair restoration products. Like the serums in your daily skin-care routine, scalp serums are designed to deliver targeted care. They balance the scalp, creating the optimal environment for healthy hair growth by reducing buildup, soothing irritation and providing essential nutrients. “Consumers are increasingly recognizing the scalp as the foundation of healthy hair. This aligns seamlessly with Korean hair rituals that emphasize scalp-first care and gentle, effective formulations,” says Kristin Lim, founder of Base-K Beauty. The treatment ethos is similar for those dealing with hair loss. According to Gretchen Friese, trichologist at BosleyMD, the rise of transparency in hair loss has popularized scalp care products and scalp serums specifically. Many formulas include ingredients to stimulate blood flow to help promote hair growth and nourish the scalp. Given that, Friese says that serums can be an easy and affordable remedy for some of the issues that contribute to hair loss. 

What makes Korean scalp serums unique?

Scalp care isn’t tied to a texture or hair type. Everyone can benefit from a healthy scalp. “Think of it as an essential step in preventative care, like sunscreen,” says Lim. Still, choosing the best serum for you depends on the issues you’re trying to combat. “Some formulas focus on remedies for dryness or excessive oil production while others can help with hair thinning concerns,” says Friese. Korean scalp serums offer a unique take, often treating scalp care like skin care. “They’re formulated to be lightweight and easily absorbed, making them ideal for daily use without leaving residue,” says Lim. According to Emmanuel, they use efficient ingredients like peptides, ceramides, salicylic acid and niacinamide as well as soothing ingredients for itchy or irritated skin like chamomile, aloe vera, green tea extract, and panthenol. Since their focus is on nurturing the scalp rather than altering the hair’s texture, Lim explains that Korean scalp serums can work for any hair type. “By addressing scalp health first, they help create the ideal foundation for healthier-looking hair, whether it’s fine, thick, straight, wavy or curly,” she adds.

How to apply scalp serums

Scalp serum application varies depending on the type. However, Friese notes that most are applied after washing on a clean scalp and are designed to be left on, not rinsed out. While many formulas can be used daily and nightly, it’s always best to follow the manufacturer’s instructions. “Some formulas are recommended to be applied at night and washed out in the morning. Other serums require multiple applications throughout the day,” she says. After determining when the serum should be used, applying it is simple. “Add directly on the scalp’s surface and gently massage it in, allowing the formula to absorb,” says Lim.

Scalp serums to try

1 / 5

Think of this serum as an all-around tonic for scalp health. It infuses the scalp with hydrating and nourishing ingredients—think flower extracts, turmeric root and saw palmetto—but also includes components for stimulating hair growth such as caffeine and adenosine. The result is a powerful, yet gentle serum that promotes optimal scalp condition and healthy hair.

2 / 5

Hydration is essential for a healthy scalp. This serum’s formula includes skin-loving ingredients, like ectoine and squalane, to boost hydration levels. It also has a slew of plant extracts, including pea peptides and Indian gooseberry, to improve thickness and increase shine.

3 / 5

This formula is designed to tackle hair loss and thinning on a molecular level. “The serum delivers key ingredients into the mitochondria of the hair follicle’s cells to help revive them and regrow hair,” says Friese. It even goes one step further, having dedicated formulas for men and women.

4 / 5

“This scalp serum is a great option for anyone looking for thicker-looking and stronger-feeling hair,” says Friese. The formula is made from a potent blend of peptides, biotins and amino acids that boost the natural cell turnover process. Plus, it absorbs quickly and is designed to deliver results in just over a month.

5 / 5

If you’ve spent any time scrolling through HairTok, you’ve probably come across Dr. Groot’s roll-on scalp serum. The rolling metal applicator sets it apart from others, allowing for precise spot care. And the formula is just as desirable, with a soothing gel texture and ingredients like caffeine, biotin and other actives.