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Out of all the beauty obstacles I expected to encounter in my late 20s, hair thinning was not one of them. I’ve been well-prepared to fend off hormonal acne breakouts, dry skin patches, eczema, you name it, but when it comes to hair, it’s withstood the test of time; I’ve had my Italian genetics to thank for that. It wasn’t until my 28th year that my usually thick hairline started to thin and dissipate. Suddenly, I found myself parting my hair in new ways to cover my crown. Before seeking help from a dermatologist or opting to try new supplements, I wanted to give a scalp serum an honest try, and I decided on the Act + Acre Cold Processed Stem Cell Scalp Serum ($86) as soon as I came across it on social media.

Ahead, read my full review of the hair serum and find out how well it worked on my thinning roots.

About the Act + Acre Cold Processed Stem Cell Scalp Serum

  • The scalp serum supports healthy hair growth and hydrates the scalp.
  • It’s safe and suitable for all hair types.
  • The formula is packed with apple stem cells for hair growth, bamboo and pea extract to strengthen hair follicles, and aloe vera to soothe irritation.

What I Like About the Act + Acre Cold Processed Stem Cell Scalp Serum

This product certainly appears to have all of the bells and whistles you’d expect from a scalp serum, with an apple stem-cell concoction that promises to protect hair follicles against damage. It works to restore thicker-looking hair in 12 weeks and even contains aloe vera for extra moisture and relief. It also promises a lightweight finish and cooling application, with no sticky residue left behind. What differentiated this serum for me, though, were the before-and-after photos and the candid TikToks of users testing it out. Not only was my scalp beginning to look like the “before” trials, which made me feel like a good candidate, but the brand’s messaging felt particularly authentic, which was what really drew me to it.

One of the things that surprised me (which, in hindsight, shouldn’t have) was how cold and refreshing it felt on my scalp. The brand isn’t lying when it calls this serum “cold-processed” – it’s just about the same temperature as your favorite juice straight out of the fridge.

Perhaps the best thing about this scalp serum isn’t the luxurious texture or feeling it provides during application but the peace of mind it provides. I’ve been using this serum for a little over a month, and my hairline (right where I part it to let down my front strands) is slowly but surely growing and thickening. You can see where my hairline was brittle and thin in my before picture, while most recently, the hair in the same spot is beginning to grow back densely.

Before Using the Act + Acre Cold Processed Stem Cell Scalp Serum

How to Use the Act + Acre Cold Processed Stem Cell Scalp Serum

Act + Acre recommends applying the serum on damp or dry hair every day or in the evenings for an overnight treatment. I opted for the former and applied it for the very first time post-wash as my hair was drying. I was immediately enamored with the texture – even though the serum was thick, it completely absorbed into my scalp without requiring me to rub it in.

What to Consider Before Trying the Act + Acre Cold Processed Stem Cell Scalp Serum

Though I’ve already seen great results with the Act + Acre Cold Processed Stem Cell Scalp Serum, it’s worth noting that regrowth doesn’t happen overnight. You’ll need to consistently use the serum to see a difference in your hair.

After Using the Act + Acre Cold Processed Stem Cell Scalp Serum

Is the Act + Acre Cold Processed Stem Cell Scalp Serum Worth the Splurge?

Hair thinning is a natural part of aging and a beauty obstacle that many people face, but this serum has made it a lot easier to deal with. Because of that, I consider it to be worth the splurge. My hair feels thicker and stronger, and I no longer feel the need to part it a certain way to cover the area. I can’t wait to see how the growth progresses as I continue using it in my regimen.

Where Is the Act + Acre Cold Processed Stem Cell Scalp Serum Available?

The Act + Acre Cold Processed Stem Cell Scalp Serum is available at Sephora, Amazon, Bluemercury, Neiman Marcus, Revolve, Anthropologie, Free People, Saks Fifth Avenue, and the brand’s website.

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