When it comes to our hair care routines, we keep things relatively streamlined. You know, shampoo, conditioner and maybe a biweekly mask. But there’s one step that we admit we’re missing. We’re talking about hair serums.
While usually reserved for skin care, serums are a growing category in the hair care space. They’re more lightweight than hair oils and offer many benefits. They increase hydration making them great for dry or damaged tresses. The formulas also help combat frizz so you can get shiny, smooth hair even in the middle of summer.
These serums are real multitaskers. Most double as heat protecting treatments. So you can apply right before blowdrying and a few even cut down on overall drying time. If you color your hair, you’ll want to look for one that helps maintain your chosen shade. If your scalp is causing you trouble, opt for a recipe that tackles itchiness and flaking.
Prices can vary. We found quality options from under $5 all the way up to $69. So you’re sure to find a formula that suits your hair and your budget.
Scroll down to discover the hair serums that are worth adding an extra step to your hair care regimen.
Hair Serums
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Hair Serums #1
Olaplex No. 9 Bond Protector Nourishing Hair Serum, $28 at Sephora
From the brand beauty editors can’t stop raving about comes this hair serum. Its weightless, leave-in formula boasts lots of antioxidants to guard your locks against pollution and future damage. Ideal for all hair types, the silicone-free serum even offers heat protection up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.
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Hair Serums #2
Pattern Jojoba Oil Hair Serum, $25 at Ulta Beauty
Are your curls or coils parched? Then you need this best hair serum. The blend of safflower oil, jojoba oil (natch), rosehip oil, olive oil and lavender oil also reduces breakage. Try massaging it into your scalp to reduce itchiness and flaking.
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Hair Serums #3
IGK Cash In Instant Repair Serum, $34 at IGK
Thanks to vegan silk and biomimetic bond-building technology, this pick reduces breakage and repairs damage. The silicone-free formula also softens strands and helps seal split ends. Plus, it supplies heat protection up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.
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Hair Serums #4
Garnier Fructis Sleek & Shine Anti-Frizz Serum, $4.94 at Amazon
If you’re on a budget, you can’t beat this frizz-fighting serum. It relies on Moroccan argan oil to deliver lasting smoothness and shine. Which is important since summer (and humidity) will be here before you know it.
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Hair Serums #5
Shu Uemura Essence Absolue Overnight Nourishing Treatment, $69 at Sephora
Sleep your way to a shiny and soft mane courtesy of this nourishing treatment. Infused with Japanese red camellia oil, the formula is nongreasy and absorbs in a flash so you don’t have to delay your tip to dreamland. It’s even safe for color-treated locks.
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Hair Serums #6
Paul Mitchell Super Skinny Serum, $23 at Paul Mitchell
The brand’s beloved serum serves as a dynamite blowout primer. It speeds up drying time while lightweight silicones condition and seal hair cuticles. All you need is one pump applied to clean, damp hair to see real results.
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Hair Serums #7
Nuele Hair Serum, $34 at Nuele
A blend of oils is the secret to this hair serum’s success. It deeply moisturizes as it detangles, restores and protects against heat styling. The formula is super lightweight and won’t leave any residue behind.
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Hair Serums #8
Alterna Caviar Infinite Color Vibrancy Serum, $36 at SkinStore
Alterna’s serum is designed for colored hair. Caviar extract prevents fading and weakness so your shade remains vibrant, hence the name. The formula also adds moisture and shields strands from UV damage and environmental toxins.
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Hair Serums #9
Sunday II Sunday Hair Flourish Daily Nourishing Serum, $28 at Ulta Beauty
You’ll definitely want to use this serum on the daily. It contains biotin, sunflower seed oil and banana extract to strengthen and nourish hair while stimulating regrowth. The formula actually protects against the stress of gathering your hair into ponytails, buns or braids. You can even use it as an overnight treatment.
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Hair Serums #10
Kérastase Resistance Serum for Severely Damaged Hair, $39 at Sephora
This serum can bring even the most damaged manes back to life. It repairs and bonds strands for conditioned and hydrated locks. Amino acids and its FIBRA-KAP formula also offer heat protection up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.
