With 2024 coming to a close, it’s time to look back on all that encompassed this year, and more specifically, our favorite trends that took over our social media feeds and that we may have incorporated into our own routines. Different trends are constantly ebbing and flowing through the trend cycle in just about every space, especially beauty and fashion. And while there are certainly some we could do without (looking at you, anti-sunscreen trend), there are a few that we feel are tried-and-true and have actually added substantial benefit to our lives. In particular, there were many hair growth trends that popped in 2024 that have been proven to work to thicken hair. From rosemary oil to rice water and dozens of others, there are more options than ever to promote hair growth. Keep reading for the best hair growth trends of 2024 to take with you into the new year.
5 best hair growth trends of 2024
2024 hair growth trend: Rosemary oil, shampoos and water
Without a doubt, the use of rosemary to promote hair growth was one of the biggest beauty trends of 2024. From rosemary oil to rosemary water and rosemary shampoos, it was one of the biggest ingredients used when it came to trying to grow thicker hair—and we’re all for it. Rosemary has been proven to support hair growth, as studies have shown that rosemary oil can be just as effective as minoxidil, the leading ingredient in the popular hair growth treatment Rogaine, but with less potential side effects and irritation. Plus, it’s super easy to use and very affordable. You can buy a bottle of rosemary oil for hair for less than $10, making it way cheaper and more accessible than Rogaine, or even DIY at home.
Rosemary water is also a climbing trend of 2024, and is a bit gentler and easier to use than rosemary oil. Rosemary oil can make hair look greasy so it’s not always realistic to be able to apply and easily head out the door, but with rosemary water, you don’t have that unwanted oiliness. However, rosemary water isn’t as potent or strong as rosemary oil, so for quicker results, rosemary oil is your best bet.
2024 hair growth trend: Rice water rinses
Sometimes, when our hair is struggling to grow, it can be due to weak strands and a lack of strength in our hair fibers which causes breakage. To the rescue? Protein treatments, like rice water. The protein found in rice water helps our hair become stronger and increases elasticity, which can promote healthy hair growth. Like rosemary oil, it’s super easy to use and very affordable. You can buy ready-to-use rice water products, or you can DIY your own rice water at home.
One caveat to be aware of: not every one’s hair is suitable for rice water, and also, using rice water too frequently can actually damage our hair by drying it out and causing brittleness. Too much protein can sometimes do more harm than good, so it’s a good idea to talk with your hairstylist, a trichologist or a dermatologist before trying it.
2024 hair growth trend: Minoxidil treatments
As mentioned earlier, minoxidil treatments, specifically Rogaine, are one of the most popular hair growth treatments on the market. What’s great about minoxidil is that it’s available over the counter, making it a great alternative to pricey in-office treatments. Even better, it’s widely backed by dermatologists and hair loss experts.
While Rogaine is the leading minoxidil brand, you can find dupes that are just as good but more affordable. We like Costco’s Kirkland Minoxidil, which is less than half the price of Rogaine.
2024 hair growth trend: Caffeine-infused products
While many of us have long turned to caffeine for an energy boost, this year, we saw many turning to caffeine for a boost in their hair as well. Studies show that caffeine can work nearly as well as minoxidil to promote hair growth and support healthy hair, as it extends the growing phase of the hair growth cycle.
There are lots of affordable hair products out there that include caffeine. Some of our favorites are The Inkey List Caffeine Stimulating Scalp Treatment, Marc Anthony Grow Long Leave-In Conditioner and Briogeo Destined for Density Caffeine and Biotin MegaStrength+ Peptide Density Serum.
2024 hair growth trend: Peptides serums
Peptides were a major buzzy ingredient in both skin care and hair care in 2024. Peptides have been shown to increase blood flow which can stimulate hair growth, lengthen the hair growth phase and expand hair follicles which can lead to thicker hair. They’re truly a superstar ingredient in so many different ways, and we have a feeling they’ll continue to shine in 2025.
If you want to try peptides for hair growth, we like The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Serum for Hair Density. Another favorite is the viral The Rootist Densifying & Thickening Serum for Thinning Hair. See more scalp serums that work by reading this story.
