The £8 hair growth serum that promises to help strands grow by 25%

A common myth in beauty ideology is that hair growth serums only need to be expensive in order to really work. The Hair Lab by Mark Hill range, however, blows that theory out of the water, proving that some of the most effective haircare products and those that prevent hair thinning (opens in new tab)can be found in the high street beauty aisle.

Particularly noteworthy is The Hair Lab by Mark Hill Strength & Growth Tonic, a leave-in hair growth serum that is packed with a blend of science-driven ingredients including caffeine, red ginseng, biotin and takanal. 

Mark Hill Strength & Growth Tonic, £11.99, Boots (opens in new tab)

All proven follicle stimulants, clinical trials on the Growth Tonic showed 25% more hair growth after 11 weeks on areas where thinning was an issue.

Take caffeine, for example. Numerous studies have shown it helps to increase blood circulation, which promotes healthy hair follicles, making it supremely effective scalp care (opens in new tab). It also causes hair cells to produce more ATP, which is a form of energy which encourages hair to grow. Win-win.

The rest of the range addresses three core concerns: hydration, smoothing and strengthening, all of which include a shampoo, conditioner and treatment. There’s also a styling edit with blow dry (opens in new tab) cream, hairspray, and heat styling protection (opens in new tab) to help you achieve salon-worthy results.

We’re talking about Kerastase-level formulations but at less than half the price housed in monochrome bottles that wouldn’t look out of place in an Aesop shop. (While we’re on the subject of bottles, the whole range is made from 100% non-virgin plastic and is fully recyclable).

As well reversing heat damage to strands, the damage to your bank account is minimal, too, with nothing costing over £11.99.

Here’s our run-down of the best of the rest…

Best For Dry Hair: The Hair Lab By Mark Hill Hydrating Treatment, £10.99, Boots (opens in new tab)

This super concentrated formula should be left on the hair for 5-10 minutes to help reform bonds damaged by heat and colour and to ramp up moisture levels (think Olaplex vibes for under £11).

Best For Frizz-Prone Hair: The Hair Lab By Mark Hill Smoothing Serum, £11.99, Boots (opens in new tab)

A smoothing serum, which tames frizz and adds shine courtesy of nourishing oils such as argan, sunflower and jasmine. 

The Hair Lab By Mark Hill Strengthening Foam Conditioner, £8.99, Boots  (opens in new tab)

One of the only volumising conditioners on the market that directly pumps 'air' into roots for maximum lift. The featherlight texture won't weigh strands down either.