15 Best Hair Serums That Prevent And Repair Damaged Hair
Get silky, soft hair that is healthy and full of life with these incredible hair serums.
Jill TurnbullHairstylist 
Jill Turnbull is an internationally acclaimed freelance hairstylist, colorist, and makeup artist with over 47 years of experience. She founded her own beauty brand and her work has been featured in editorial magazines worldwide.Jill is... more
shiboli chakrabortiMA (English Literature), Certified Skin Care Coach Experience: 4 yearsShiboli has a master’s degree in English literature from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and is a certified skincare coach with four years of experience. As a commerce editor,... more
krati darakMBA, Certified Skin Care Coach Experience: 3 yearsKrati is an associate commerce editor, a certified skin care coach, and a beauty enthusiast. She has a master’s degree in advertising and publishing relations from DAVV University and three years of ... more
Image: StyleCraze Design Team
No matter how you take care of your tresses – use good hair care products, sleep on satin pillowcases, oil as required – you can’t miss using the best hair serum. After all, the serum adds the final shine and gloss to the hair, fights against aggressors, and protects your damaged hair.
Hair serums are truly the knights in shining armor. They fight hair frizz, tame flyaways, help smoothen and straighten different hair types. Hair serums take care of damaged hair and help treat split ends to give you healthy hair. That’s why you need hair serums to get gorgeous-looking tresses all day, every day. So, have a look at the 15 best hair serums below that you can try and put to the test.
In This Article
15 Best Hair Serums For Every Hair Type – Reviews
1. Best Overall:Herstyler Hair Serum
The Herstyler Hair Serum is formulated with nourishing ingredients like argan oil, aloe vera, and vitamin E. This amazing blend instantly controls unmanageable hair by eliminating frizz and softening the hair strands. It gives an instant makeover to dull, damaged hair.
This hair serum is enriched with argan oil, also called Liquid Gold, which increases elasticity and restores sheen and softness to dull hair. It also creates a protective shield for UV rays and protects the hair from further damage. Vitamin E repairs hair damage and maintains a healthy scalp and hair, and aloe vera leaves the hair smooth and shiny. This hair smoothing serum tames the hair by loosening tangles and fixing split ends. It is non-greasy and works well for curly or straight hair. Check out this video to explore a tester’s experience with this product.
Key Ingredients: Argan oil, Vitamin E, and Aloe vera
Pros
- Non-greasy
- Lightweight
- Ideal for daily use
- Suitable for men and women
- Great for humid environments
- Works well on extensions and wigs
Cons
- Strong fragrance
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The product has received 4,859 positive Amazon reviews from its users, stating its numerous benefits.
2. Best Long-Lasting Effects:Garnier Fructis Sleek & Shine Anti-Frizz Serum
The Garnier Fructis Sleek & Shine Anti-Frizz Serum is powered with Moroccon argan oil that offers long-lasting shine and smoothness. This serum is infused with Kera-system advanced technology that helps to make the hair look sleek. It seeps into dry, unmanageable hair and controls frizz even in 97% humidity. The Active Fruit Protein contains fruit- and plant-derived extracts, vitamins B3 and B6, and citrus protein that make your hair stronger and healthier. This serum is paraben-free. Check this video detailing a reviewer’s experience of using this product.
Key Ingredients: Argan oil and Active Fruit Protein
Pros
- Paraben-free
- Long-lasting effects
- Smells nice
- Gives a volumizing effect
Cons
- Greasy
Pro Tip3. Best For Color-Treated Hair: JOHN FRIEDA FRIZZ EASE Extra Strength Serum
The JOHN FRIEDA FRIZZ EASE Extra Strength Serum hydrates each hair strand to prevent frizz. The blend of seaweed extract and silk proteins has proven efficacy in conditioning the hair, improving manageability, and giving it a smooth, shiny finish. This 6-in-1 serum offers thermal protection to protect your hair from heat.
The serum creates a shield against frizz with bamboo extract and provides nourishment to each strand. It prevents damage from heat styling, repels humidity, and transforms unmanageable locks into gorgeous, silky hair. This weightless serum is suitable for color-treated, natural, and highlighted hair and works well for curly-wavy and medium-thick coarse hair. Watch this video to explore a reviewer’s experience with the product before buying it.
Key Ingredients: Bamboo extract, Hydrolyzed silk, and Seaweed extract
Pros
- Heat protectant
- Safe for color-treated hair
- Lightweight
- A little goes a long way
Cons
- Does not work in high humidity
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
It has gained over 16,654 positive reviews on Amazon, making it an all-time best-seller.
Herstyler Hair Serum Best Overall | Garnier Fructis Sleek & Shine Anti-Frizz Serum Best Long-Lasting Effects | JOHN FRIEDA FRIZZ EASE Extra Strength Serum Best For Color-Treated Hair | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hair Type | Dry | Dull, Wavy, Curly, Straight | Dull, Frizzy, Dry, Damaged, Curly, Color Treated |
| Dimensions | 4 x 4 x 13 inches | 2.34 x 2.34 x 5.22 inches | - |
| Weight | 0.04 Ounces | 5.28 Ounces | - |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 4,859 | 2,463 | 16,654 |
| Price | $9.99 | $6.97 | $10.49 |
4. Best Gluten-Free Formula:Paul Mitchell Super Skinny Serum
The Paul Mitchell Super Skinny Serum is a bestselling blowout primer. The award-winning formula speeds up the drying process to give you silky smooth hair faster.
This hair straightening serum contains lightweight silicones that seal and condition each cuticle, keeping the hair free of frizz under any weather conditions. This breakthrough formula is humidity-resistant and has an invigorating scent – a blend of orange, apple, and bergamot. This serum works well for oily hair, normal, or dry hair.
Key Ingredients: Cyclotetrasiloxane, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethiconol, andCyclotrisiloxane
Pros
- Lightweight
- Smells great
- Vegan
- Gluten-free
- Paraben-free
- A little goes a long way
Cons
None
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
A whopping 14,281 reviews on Amazon make it obvious that users genuinely love this product.
5. Best Vegan Formula:GIOVANNI 2chic Repairing Super Potion Hair Oil Serum
If your hair needs serious repair and rejuvenation, go for the GIOVANNI 2chic Repairing Super Potion Hair Oil Serum. The Dual Repairing Complex helps strengthen and smoothen your mane. This complex is a blend of coconut oil and freshly ripened blackberries to tame dry, unruly hair.
This serum also contains shea butter, keratin, and jojoba that nourish and soften your hair. It does not strip your hair of its color or nutrients. This oil-based serum reduces frizz, helps with split end repair, and makes the hair soft, manageable, and lustrous. It is cruelty-free and does not contain sulfates, parabens, artificial dyes, and chemicals. Several Amazon reviewers reported that their hair looked visibly shinier after using this formula.
Key Ingredients: Coconut oil, Blackberries, Shea butter, Keratin, and Jojobaoil
Pros
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
- Color-safe
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- Makes the hair greasy
"This serum softens and smoothes out my hair. It moisturizes the dry ends of my tresses and reduces breakages. I have also noticed a reduction in my split-end troubles. I can spread and massage this product seamlessly on my hair."
Pro TipWhy We Think It's Worth Buying
The product has more than 5,965 reviews claiming its efficacy.
6. Best For All Hair Types:Vitamins Keratin Hair Serum
If you have dry, frizzy hair, check out the Vitamins Keratin Hair Serum. It is enriched with Moroccan argan oil, keratin, wheat germ oil, and vitamin E that protect and heal your hair from damage caused by the sun, heat, and flat irons. This weightless serum repairs and softens damaged hair and adds gloss and shine.
It repairs split ends and provides Anti-Breakage Transformative Hair Therapy. This hair smoothing serum leaves the hair stronger, fuller, and silky. It is lightweight, non-oily, and suitable for all types of hair. The anti-humidity protein serum is free of parabens, sulfates, and alcohol.
Key Ingredients: Vitamin E, Keratin, Moroccan argan oil, and Wheat germ oil
Pros
- Non-greasy
- Lightweight
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- May leave residue
7. Best For Fine Hair:GK Hair Serum
The GK Hair Serum contains argan oil that locks in moisture and balances oil production and Juvenix, a keratin anti-aging protein that restores the hair and prevents future damage. Other natural extracts revitalize the hair follicles, stimulate cell renewal, and promote healthy hair growth.
This serum creates a protective layer on each hair shaft and keeps it youthful. It fills up gaps in the hair follicles to make your hair smooth and frizz-free without weighing it down. This serum tames flyaways and transforms dull, dry hair into smooth, healthy, and glossy locks. It also combats damage caused by coloring and smoothing treatments. This color-protecting product is suitable for straight, wavy, and curly hair types and can be used by men and women. It has received multiple positive reviews on Amazon, all praising its ability to intensely moisturize the tresses and make them look more manageable.
Key Ingredients: Argan oil and Juvexin
Pros
- Lightweight
- Non-greasy
- A little goes a long way
- Suitable for fine hair
Cons
- Strong fragrance
"I love how smooth and shiny my hair looks after applying this serum. It nourishes my hair while controlling my scalp’s sebum production. The formula revitalizes my tresses and stimulates my hair follicles. It tames my flyaways within seconds."
8. Best Non-Sticky Formula:OGX Smoothing + Liquid Pearl Luminescent Serum
The OGX Smoothing + Liquid Pearl Luminescent Serum is the best hair shine serum. It contains sea kelp and pearl extract that imparts shine and smoothness to the hair.
This sparkly serum makes your hair look fuller, whether it is straight and smooth or curly and bouncy. It has a sensual, invigorating fragrance, and it hydrates and moisturizes the hair and removes scented cream residue. This shine-enhancing serum also protects color-treated hair and makes it look sleek and shiny.
Key Ingredients: Sea kelp and Pearl extract
Pros
- Color-safe
- Non-sticky
- Lightweight
- Contains organic ingredients
Cons
- Strong scent
9. Best For Porous Hair:davines This Is A Curl Building Serum
This leave-in serum defines your curls, coils, and waves and makes them bouncy. It blocks humidity and frizz, promotes elasticity, and adds shine to your hair.
This curl building serum nourishes your curls and protects them from heat damage. It provides a soft, flexible hold and locks in moisture to prevent humidity from penetrating the hair follicles. This conditioning serum is suitable for porous hair and brittle hair that is prone to breakage and split ends. Many reviewers on Amazon were amazed at how bouncy and healthier their curls looked after using this formula.
Pros
- Defines curls
- Paraben-free
- Smells nice
- No artificial colorants
Cons
- May make the hair crunchy
10. Best For All Curly Hair:Redken Curvaceous Full Swirl Cream-Serum
This 2-in-1 cream-serum formula locks in moisture and repels humidity. It controls frizz, enhances curl definition for all curl types, and prevents hair breakage. This serum features the Curl Memory Complex, an exclusive technology that helps the curls retain moisture while coating the cuticles to smooth frizz and strengthening the strands.
The Interlock Protein Network in the serum conditions and strengthens the hair and enhances surface protection, while the UV filters protect the hair from UV damage. Moringa oil keeps the hair hydrated, and the sugar crystals activate the shape of the curls.
Key Ingredients: Curl Memory Complex, Moringa Oil, Sugar Crystals, UV filters, and Interlock Protein Network
Pros
- Provides UV protection
- Defines curls
- Pleasant scent
- Value for money
Cons
- Makes the hair crunchy
11. Best For Split Ends:Eufora Nourish Beautifying Serum
The Eufora Nourish Beautifying Serum is a moisturizing solution for your hair, skin, and scalp. Enriched with natural oils, this lightweight serum easily penetrates the hair shaft and restores shine, prevents breakage, and eliminates split ends. The breakthrough formula is infused with neem oil that helps relieve itchiness, dandruff, and infections on the scalp. The Argan oil in the formula nourishes your hair and protects it against UV damage. The formula is also enriched with the antioxidant properties of cranberry oil that prevent oxidative damage-related hair loss, while the Kukui nut oil treats scalp inflammation and boosts hair growth. This fragrance- and preservative-free blend is safe for color or heat-treated hair. It is free of animal testing.
Key Ingredients: Neem oil, Argan oil, Cranberry oil, and Kukui nut oil.
Pros
- Suitable for all hair types
- Lightweight
- Absorbs quickly
- Non-greasy
- Cruelty-free
- Vegan
- Paraben-free
- Fragrance-free
- Sulfate-free
- Mineral oil-free
Cons
- Unpleasant fragrance
12. Best Sulfate-Free Product:Fantasia IC Frizz Buster Serum
If you are struggling to manage your unruly, frizzy hair, try the Fantasia IC Frizz Buster Serum. This lightweight, non-greasy formula transforms frizzy, heat-damaged hair to smooth and shiny locks. The serum makes your hair manageable and offers styling control. It strengthens the cuticles and moisturizes the hair to make it healthy.
Pros
- Alcohol-free
- Sulfate-free
- Lightweight
- Non-greasy
- Works well for human hair extensions and wigs
Cons
- Difficultto wash off
13. Best pH-Balanced:Olaplex No. 9 Bond Protector Nourishing Hair Serum
The Olaplex No. 9 Bond Protector Nourishing Hair Serum is a beautiful, lightweight, leave-in formula that nourishes, protects, and leaves your hair feeling luxuriously soft and silky. Powered with the Olaplex Bond Building Technology of this pH-balanced serum strengthens your hair and maintains its shine.
The serum also imparts heat protection up to 450°F and can be used before blow drying or heat styling your hair. It contains red algae extracts that protect your hair from pollutants. Further, this anti-static and anti-tangle formula works on all hair types.
Key Ingredients: Red algae extract
Pros
- Suitable for all hair types
- Lightweight
- Anti-tangle formula
- Value for money
- Cruelty-free
- Vegan
- DEA-free
- Aldehydes-free
- Phosphate-free
- Gluten-free
- Formaldehyde-free
- Silicone-Free
- Nut-free
Cons
- Sticky
14. Best For Chemically Treated Hair:Obliphica Professional Seaberry Hair Serum
The Obliphica Professional Seaberry Hair Serum incorporates the wisdom of Ayurveda, Eastern, and Traditional medicinal practices and uses seaberry oil as the main ingredient for its miraculous healing powers. Seaberry oil contains vitamins, amino acids, bio-active compounds, omega fatty acids, and flavonoids that create an antioxidant shield for the hair from environmental aggressors.
This hair serum is the ultimate solution for undernourished and weak hair. It helps regenerate damaged hair and provides long-lasting protection from frizz and split ends. The luxurious formula provides instant rejuvenation and soft silky hair. This serum promotes optimum nourishment for healthy hair growth while taming wild, unruly hair. It reduces static and flyaways and works well as a detangler. It is suitable for all hair types and claims to reduce frizz up to 30% after 8 hours in high humidity.
Key Ingredients: Seaberry oil
Pros
- Lightweight
- Non-greasy
- Smells amazing
- Protects chemically treated hair
Cons
- Expensive
15. Best Clinically-Tested Formula:Mise En Scene Perfect Serum
The Mise En Scene Perfect Serum is formulated with seven naturally derived oils: argan, olive, coconut, apricot, marula, jojoba, and camellia. This anti-breakage leave-in serum is suitable for all hair types. It’s clinically proven to make the hair glossy, healthier, and smooth.
The hydrating serum nourishes the hair, reduces hair roughness, and smoothes split ends for healthy-looking hair. In addition, it provides heat protection to hair to prevent damage caused by heat styling. It also strengthens hair and improves its sleekness and elasticity, leaving the hair detangled and manageable.
Key Ingredients: Argan oil, Olive oil, Coconut oil, Apricot oil, Marula oil, Jojoba oil, and Camellia oil
Pros
- Free from harsh chemicals
- Non-sticky
- Clinically-tested
- Suitable for all hair types
- Pleasant scent
Cons
- May weigh the hair down
Hair serums are crucial in your hair care routine; they repair damaged hair, hydrate dry strands, and offer protection. If you have damaged hair, using the right hair serum according to your hair’s needs can do wonders. Therefore, here is a buying guide on how to select the best hair serums for damaged hair.
How To Choose The Best Hair Serums For Damaged Hair
- Hair Type
Consider your hair type while choosing a hair serum for damaged hair. Silicone-based hair serums will be the best option if you have dry, thick, and frizzy hair. For dull hair, use hair serums that include argan oils, almond oils, and vitamin E. These nourishing ingredients are good for weak and brittle hair too. If you have thin and frizzy hair, go for lightweight and quick-absorbing hair serums. For curly and thick hair, go with a hair serum that has a viscous formula. For dry and damaged hair, it is best to go for serums that help in detangling. Finally, if your hair is colored, go for chemical-free, moisturizing, rich cream-based formulas in hair serums.
- Ingredients
You must choose high-quality hair serums with rich ingredients that can offer maximum benefits to repair damaged hair. You can go for hair serums that include natural ingredients and oils, such as vitamin E, hydrolyzed silk, tea tree extract, green tea extract, glycerin, shea butter, jojoba oil, coconut oil, and argan oil.
On the other hand, avoid using harsh ingredients in hair serums such as mineral oil, petroleum jelly, PVP copolymer, sodium Laureth sulfate, polyethylene glycol, benzene, phthalates, parabens, sulfate, formaldehyde, dyes, sodium hydroxide, and drying alcohol. Perform a small patch test on a small section of your scalp or hair to assess how your skin and hair react to the products.
- Frequency Of Use
Some hair serums are based on lightweight formulas, and some are on thicker or oilier formulas. Lightweight hair serums provide frizz control and a smoothing effect and can be used for daily styling. However, thicker, oilier options are intended for once or twice weekly hair treatments.
Infographic: Hair Serums: Usage Tips & Benefits
Using a good hair serum can be life-changing for your hair. It can tame frizz and reverse dryness. The following infographic explains the dos and don’ts of using a hair serum. It also lists the benefits of using it. Let’s take a sneak peek! Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
The Bottom Line
Hair serums prove beneficial in repairing damaged strands and hydrating your scalp. They can offer your strands moisturization and nourishment while making sure that your hair appears shinier, silkier, and smoother. Hair serums can eliminate frizz and soften the locks that have been damaged. The Herstyler Hair Serum eliminates frizz and provides deep nourishment to dull and damaged hair, the Paul Mitchell Super Skinny Serum provides salon-quality smoothing and conditioning, and the Olaplex No. 9 Bond Protector Nourishing Hair Serum excels in repairing and protecting the hair against heat and environmental damage. While choosing the best hair serums, side with the ones that have been crafted with clinically tested natural ingredients. It is better to avoid serums that come with chemicals, harmful additives, and toxins.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do hair serums really work?
Yes, especially if you style your hair regularly. A hair serum forms a protective layer over the hair, protecting it from environmental aggressors. It also optimizes scalp conditions, which, in turn, improves the quality of hair.
Can we use a hair serum daily?
Preferably not. For frizzy and unruly hair, you can use an oil-based serum everyday. It is best to limit the use of serums for days you wash your hair or for special occasions and hairstyling.
Is a hair serum harmful?
Hair serums with silicones can be harmful in the long run if used excessively. The chemicals in some serums can cause the hair to dry out and lead to breakage. However, it is important to remember that serums primarily coat the hair shafts and do not penetrate the scalp. Hence, they will not cause harm if used correctly and in limited amounts.
Does a hair serum stop hair fall?
Not primarily. A hair serum coats the hair shafts and does not penetrate the cuticles like oil. It does not change the structure of the hair. Instead, it controls frizz and enhances curls. A nourishing serum gives you healthier hair, which, in turn, could reduce hair fall.
Can a serum help hair grow?
Not all serums promote hair growth. However, they may encourage the follicles to produce shinier and thicker hair. This may make your hair look fuller.
Where do you apply hair serum?
Apply it to the hair strands. Avoid direct application to the scalp to avoid a greasy look.
What comes first: oil or serum?
Serum comes first. Hair serum should be applied after washing and towel-drying the hair. For a better finish on very dry or frizzy hair, a small amount of oil can be applied after the serum while avoiding the roots to prevent a greasy appearance.
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