Meet The New Sell-Out Serum With A Waitlist of 23,000 That Promises To Combat Hair Loss

Hair loss has 'skyrocketed in the last few years,' according to dermatologist and hair expert, Dr Aamna Adel. Changing Faces, a non-profit, concurs explaining that in the UK eight million women and those assigned female at birth experience some form of hair loss. It is no wonder we mark the increasingly prevalent condition with campaigns like Hair Loss Awareness every August, followed by Alopecia Awareness Month in September each year - both spark important conversations around hair loss and the impact it has on patients. In fact, according to a new study by trichological hair and scalp care brand Philip Kingsley, when it comes to physical appearance, hair thinning tops the list of the most distressing. 61% of respondents say their self-esteem has been affected by hair loss.

It's something Dr Adel, who is also a member of the Grazia Beauty Panel, is all too familiar with. As a dermatologist who treats the condition in clinic (dermatologists specialise in not only skin but hair and nails, too), she notes 'cases themselves have definitely increased, especially since the pandemic (COVID related hair loss) and the use of weight loss injections'. But her brush with hair loss is also a personal one. It inspired her to launch Rhute, a dermatologist developed hairscience brand, which racked up a waitlist of 23,000 people ahead of going live and sold-out every single unit of its inaugural product, the Density & Repair Scalp Serum, £55, within an hour.

'My own hair loss journey was definitely one of the biggest catalysts for creating Rhute,' she shares exclusively with Grazia. 'Experiencing unexpected hair shedding and density changes firsthand was incredibly emotional. As a woman my hair has always been such a big part of my identity, I was always known as someone who had "good hair" so when it changed overnight it had a huge impact on how I felt about myself. It affects confidence in ways people don’t always understand. I know what it feels like to cancel plans because your hair doesn’t look right, and I wanted to create something that addressed both the science and the human side of hair loss.'

What is Rhute?

That 'science' has helped to develop an evidence-based and clinically effective scalp serum that is guided by research, safety, and real-life experiences of patient needs. And that's what gives that brand a unique edge in the market. 'Unlike formulas that chase a quick fix in shine or thickness, Rhute treats the scalp with the same dermatological rigor we apply to skincare,' explains Dr Adel. 'What truly sets Rhute apart is perspective. I bring the clinical insight from treating real patients and understanding their nuanced needs, and I’ve paired this with the expertise of formulators to deliver effective, transformative products. It’s this unique blend of science and lived experience that so many hair brands are missing - and why Rhute is leading a new era in scalp-first hair care.'

But science isn't everything. Rhute also stands for community, where everyone can come together to openly talk through scalp and hair health no matter how sensitive the subject seems. It's the reason why Dr Adel intentionally made the serum suitable for all hair types at any stage of its hair journey. 'Hair loss doesn’t discriminate, it affects men and women, every age, every texture, every background. From the start, I created and tested Rhute across diverse hair types and hair journeys – post-partum, menopausal, early male pattern thinning, traction related hair thinning, those with naturally thin hair – to make sure the formula felt elegant and effective for everyone. Inclusivity in haircare has to go beyond marketing – it’s about making sure no one is excluded from results.'

Shop: Rhute Density & Repair Scalp Serum

Is the Rhute Density & Repair Scalp Serum really worth the hype?

There is good reason why Dr Adel chose to launch her brand with one single product (for now). Developed over three years, the serum is an all-in-one solution that goes big on a holistic 360º approach to hair health. 'We designed it with multiple pathways in mind - targeting different parts of the hair growth cycle, increasing blood flow and incorporating DHT (an androgen that causes hair follicles to shrink and fall out) blockers. It contains ingredients that reduce shedding, others that stimulate the follicles for regrowth, and others that repair the scalp barrier to create the healthiest environment for hair,' she says.

And it certainly comes with a punchy cocktail of ingredients. Stem cell extracts from turmeric reactivate dormant follicles and extends the growth phase of the hair cycle, while a bioactive peptide blend strengthens the anchoring of hair to reduce shedding by stimulating collagen production at the base of the hair follicle, as well as doubling up as an antioxidant to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation which can contribute to hair thinning. There's also niacinamide, panthenol and post biotics in the mix to help balance the scalp barrier and ensure an optimal environment for hair growth, while caffeine boosts circulation and salicylic acid gently exfoliates and regulates oil production meaning a less greasy scalp. The formula also tackles DHT in three folds through caffeine, saw palmetto and clover flower extract, which not only blocks the effects of the androgen but reduces shedding and increases hair density.

While the serum is currently sold out, our sources tell us the next drop is coming soon. Watch this space...

Sameeha Shaikh is Grazia's beauty writer, covering all categories to bring you insights on the latest trends, industry news and the products you need to know about, viral or not (most probably viral).