Frizz and dryness can make everyday styling a challenge, but the right hair treatment serum can help restore smoothness, shine, and manageability. The best hair serums are designed to nourish deeply, support your hair’s natural growth phase, and protect it from daily stressors.
Infused with ingredients like argan oil, silicone, and vitamin E, these hair products lock in moisture, reduce frizz, and leave your strands looking soft, glossy, and healthy.
Whether your hair is curly, straight, or wavy, a high-quality serum can make all the difference.
In this guide, we’ve selected the 9 best hair serums to fight frizz, enhance shine, and strengthen your hair from root to tip — helping you achieve your healthiest, most radiant hair yet.
Table of content
Key Takeaways
- The right hair treatment serum smooths frizz, seals in moisture, adds shine, and protects strands through every growth phase.
- Ingredients matter: argan oil, jojoba oil, silicones, peptides, and niacinamide help condition, protect, and support scalp and follicle health.
- Results aren’t instant — most hair growth serums show visible improvements in about six to twelve weeks with consistent use.
- Scalp health = hair health: formulas that nourish the scalp and strengthen follicles can encourage thicker, fuller-looking hair.
- Match the serum to your needs (frizz, split ends, density, shine, bond repair) and your hair type (fine, thick, straight, wavy, curly, oily).
- Apply correctly: use on clean, damp hair for smoothing/shine (mid-lengths to ends); apply growth-focused serums directly to the scalp.
- Our list of the 9 best hair serums spans growth, bond repair, density, nourishment, shine, scalp health, and more.
- Check labels and reviews; avoid high alcohol if you’re prone to dryness, and follow usage directions for the best results.
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What is a hair treatment serum?
A hair treatment serum is a liquid-based hair care product designed to improve the health and manageability of hair. It contains concentrated active ingredients that penetrate deep into the hair shaft, delivering nourishment, protection, and enhanced shine.
Hair serums are versatile and cater to a variety of hair care needs. They come packed with nourishing oils, vitamins, and beneficial compounds that can address a plethora of hair concerns.
From taming frizz and reducing split ends to promoting hair growth and restoring shine, hair growth serums do it all.
Their ingredients can include natural extracts such as argan oil, jojoba oil, and coconut oil, known for their conditioning and protective properties.
Also, many serums contain silicones, which form a protective layer around the hair shaft, smoothing the hair's surface and reflecting light to give your hair a glossy shine.
Depending on the specific formulation, some serums may also contain proteins, amino acids, or other compounds that strengthen the hair, improve elasticity, and help prevent breakage.
Given the high concentration of potent ingredients, only a small amount of serum is typically needed to see visible results.
Read this: Stopping Minoxidil Safely: Must-Know Tips From A Dermatologist
How does hair treatment serum work?
Hair treatment serums work by penetrating the hair shaft and delivering concentrated, active ingredients directly to your hair and scalp. These hair growth products nourish, protect, and enhance your hair, improving its overall health and appearance.
When you apply a hair treatment serum, the active ingredients get absorbed into your hair fibers. Different types of serums cater to diverse hair needs.
For instance, hydrating serums, loaded with moisture-rich ingredients, can help restore hydration to dry or damaged hair.
Antioxidant-rich serums can protect your hair from environmental stressors, like pollution and UV damage.
Others might focus on strengthening hair, reducing hair fall, or promoting growth by nourishing the hair follicles and the scalp.
Furthermore, many hair serums have a smoothing effect on the hair cuticles - the outer layer of the hair shaft. When the cuticles are smooth and lie flat, your hair looks shiny and is less prone to tangling.
This is often achieved with ingredients like silicones, which coat the hair shaft, lock in moisture, reduce frizz, and add a glossy shine.
The combination of nourishment, protection, and smoothing makes hair serums an integral part of a comprehensive hair care routine.
9 Best Hair Treatment Serums
Discover the best hair treatment serums — an expertly curated selection designed to revitalise and restore your hair’s natural strength, shine, and smoothness.
🔹 Best for Hair Growth: Bio-Pilixin Serum – A powerful serum formulated to stimulate hair follicles, support regrowth, and reduce thinning with its nourishing, plant-based ingredients.
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Best for Bond Repair: Olaplex No.9 Bond Protector Nourishing Hair Serum – Protects against pollution and heat damage while repairing broken hair bonds for stronger, healthier strands.
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Best for Density: The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Serum for Hair Density – A highly effective serum that targets thinning hair and promotes a fuller, denser appearance by improving scalp health.
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Best for Nourishment and Soothing: Laaayed Nourishing & Soothing Serum – A hydrating formula that calms the scalp, restores moisture, and leaves hair soft, balanced, and healthy-looking.
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Best for Shine: Sachajuan Shine Serum – Provides instant shine and smoothness, delivering a sleek, polished look without greasiness or weight.
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Best for Anti-Ageing: Alterna Caviar Anti-Aging Restructuring Bond Repair Serum – A luxurious formula that rebuilds hair strength, improves texture, and restores vitality to ageing strands.
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Best for Signature Shine: Goldie Locks Signature Serum – Enhances gloss and smoothness while protecting against environmental stress and heat styling.
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Best for Scalp Health: Nécessaire The Scalp Serum – Improves scalp circulation and nourishes follicles to support healthier, more resilient hair growth.
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Best for Hair Regrowth: Vegamour GRO Hair Serum – A vegan, plant-based serum that promotes thicker, fuller hair by nourishing the scalp and encouraging natural regrowth.
Bio Pilixin Serum
Earning a top spot in our 2023 round-up of the best hair treatment serums, Bio Pilixin Serum has carved a niche for itself with its promising all-natural and potent formula.
This serum is formulated with ingredients that aim to support the health of your hair and offer a natural approach for those experiencing brittle, thinning hair or hair fall.
At the heart of Bio Pilixin Serum's effectiveness is its innovative blend of ingredients.
One key ingredient is Capilia Longa, a derivative of Curcuma longa stem cells, which has been researched for its potential to support hair health and density.
Another key ingredient is Niacinamide, which is known for its role in supporting scalp circulation and thus potentially aiding in nutrient delivery to hair follicles and overall protection of the hair growth cycle.
A unique aspect of this formula includes Vanillyl Butyl Ether, a mild warming agent that aims to support scalp blood circulation, which could assist in nutrient and oxygen delivery to hair follicles.
With a carefully selected blend of ingredients and positive user feedback, Bio Pilixin Serum offers an approach for those looking to support the health of their hair.
What sets Bio Pilixin Serum apart from the crowd is its confident 150 days money-back guarantee.
The brand stands by its product and its effectiveness, allowing customers to try it for an extended period, which is typically enough to see tangible results.
2. Olaplex No. 9 Bond Protector Nourishing Hair Serum
Olaplex's No.9 Serum is the epitome of a multitasking hair serum. This ingenious product ticks all the boxes by hydrating, protecting, and adding shine for all hair types.
It forms a protective shield against pollution for up to 48 hours, tames static and tangles, and guards your hair against heat damage.
A few drops applied to damp or dry hair deliver a silky, lightweight finish without the use of silicones.
Reviewers have raved about its ability to enhance the appearance of health and silkiness, even on damaged hair, and its power to control flyaways throughout the day.
This serum has undoubtedly earned its place at the top of our list.
3. The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Serum for Hair Density
The Ordinary's Multi-Peptide Serum is a savior for those yearning for thicker, fuller, and denser hair.
This product works its magic regardless of the cause of hair loss, whether it's due to alopecia, post-pregnancy, or overplucking.
Simply apply it to your scalp before bedtime, and you'll start noticing fuller hair in just a few months. The serum's inclusivity also stands out, as it caters to all hair types and textures.
4. Laaayed Nourishing & Soothing Serum
The Laaayed Nourishing & Soothing Serum is a brainchild of the founder of PuffCuff, a popular hair clamp brand for thick, curly hair.
This serum specifically targets hair and scalp dryness and helps define your curls, twists, or braids.
Whether applied to wet hair post-detangling or dry hair for hydration, it effectively seals in moisture, improving the overall health of your hair and scalp.
5. Sachajuan Shine Serum
Despite its petite size, the Sachajuan Shine Serum delivers big on promises.
This compact powerhouse offers a protective, shiny finish to your hair while sealing split ends and preventing further damage.
Its lightweight formula, which is also TSA-friendly, quickly absorbs into your hair without leaving behind any residue or weighing it down.
6. Alterna Caviar Anti-Aging Restructuring Bond Repair Serum
Alterna's 3-In-1 Sealing Serum is the perfect example of a multitasking hair serum. It repairs damaged hair, boosts softness and shine, and shields against heat styling in one neat package.
Its unique caviar extract aids in sealing hair cuticles to safeguard damaged hair.
This versatile serum is lightweight and an excellent base for layering heavier products, making it an ideal choice for all hair types.
7. Goldie Locks Signature Serum
For those who prioritize convenience and travel-friendly hair care, Goldie Locks Signature Serum is a must-have.
It's designed to combat the negative effects of sunshine, chlorine, humidity, or sea salt on your hair while you're on the go.
This fast-absorbing serum ensures your hair stays shiny and frizz-free, regardless of your destination.
The secure cap and travel-sized packaging offer a worry-free solution to hair care on the move.
Plus, the brand includes two complimentary hair care samples with every purchase, further enhancing its appeal.
8. Nécessaire The Scalp Serum
In the realm of hair care, maintaining a healthy scalp is often overlooked, despite its critical role in hair health. This is where Nécessaire's The Scalp Serum comes into play.
This unique product is dermatologist-tested and proven to show results. Its hydrating qualities are attributed to hyaluronic acid, while niacinamide is utilized to fortify the scalp.
It's worth noting that a healthier scalp paves the way for thicker, more vigorous hair.
Adding to its potency, the serum also includes a peptide blend that's been scientifically demonstrated to accelerate hair growth.
As an added bonus, this product is oil-free, making it suitable for various hair and scalp types.
9. Vegamour GRO Hair Serum
With over 2,000 positive reviews, Vegamour’s GRO Hair Serum is a crowd-favorite when it comes to boosting hair volume and thickness.
Its plant-based formulation is brimming with nutrient-rich ingredients like mung bean, curcumin from turmeric, and antioxidant-packed red clover.
These natural elements work together to reduce shedding and enhance the thickness of your hair. According to Vegamour, with daily use, you can expect fuller hair within three to four months.
This serum not only caters to your hair needs but also speaks to the conscious consumer with its eco-friendly glass bottle, echoing the brand's commitment to sustainability.
How to choose the best hair treatment serum?
Choosing the best hair treatment serum largely depends on your specific hair type and concerns. Identify your hair's needs - such as moisture, volume, shine, or strength - and look for a serum that targets those areas.
Also, consider your hair type: whether it's straight, wavy, curly, or oily, and if it's fine, medium, or thick, as certain serums are specifically formulated for different hair types.
Understand your hair’s needs
Firstly, you must recognize what your hair needs the most. Do you struggle with dryness, frizz, lack of volume, or hair damage? Choose a serum that tackles your primary hair concerns.
For example, if you have dry hair, a hydrating serum with ingredients like argan, coconut or rosermary oil would be beneficial.
Consider your hair type
Hair serums are not one-size-fits-all. A serum that works great for fine, straight hair might weigh down curls or not be moisturizing enough for oily hair.
Be sure to read the product descriptions to find out if a serum is right for your specific hair type.
Check the ingredient list
Look for high-quality, nourishing ingredients that will benefit your hair. These can include natural oils, vitamins, proteins, and more.
However, be wary of products with a high alcohol content, as these can dry out your hair.
Read reviews and recommendations
Take the time to read product reviews from people with similar hair types and concerns. This can provide insight into how well a product works.
Also, consider recommendations from professionals such as hairstylists or trichologists.
Conclusion
Hair serums are an effective way to address various hair issues and concerns.
These potent potions not only target specific problems like dryness, frizz, or thinning, but they also overall enhance the health and appearance of your locks.
The nine serums featured in this blog post, including Bio Pilixin Serum known for combating hair loss, represent some of the best on the market in 2023, each catering to diverse hair types and concerns.
Selecting the right hair serum for you largely depends on understanding your hair type and needs.
Always consider the ingredients, read reviews, and consult with professionals if you're unsure.
Remember, your hair deserves the same level of care and attention as any other part of your body.
With the right hair treatment serum, you can enhance the vitality of your hair, flaunting radiant and lustrous locks that not only look good but also feel healthy and strong.
Step up your hair care game, delve into the world of serums, and let your hair shine to its fullest potential!
FAQs
Can I Use Hair Serum Every Day?
Yes, you can use hair serum every day. The frequency of use can depend on the type of serum and your individual hair needs. Some serums can be used daily, while others might be best used a few times a week. Always follow the instructions on the product packaging and adjust as needed based on how your hair responds.
Can I use a hair serum on oily hair?
Yes, certain hair serums can benefit oily hair. Look for lightweight serums or ones specifically formulated for oily hair. These can help to balance your scalp's oil production while still offering the protective and enhancing benefits of a serum.
Do hair serums really work?
Yes, hair serums really do work — provided you use the right one for your hair type and concerns. A well-formulated hair treatment serum can smooth frizz, lock in moisture, and protect your hair from heat styling and pollution. Some advanced formulas even support the hair growth phase by nourishing the scalp and strengthening follicles.
With consistent use, you can expect softer, shinier, and more manageable hair within a few weeks. For best results, apply your serum to clean, damp hair, focusing on the mid-lengths and ends to avoid weighing down the roots.
How long does it take for hair growth serum to work?
Most hair growth serums need some time to deliver visible results — usually between six and twelve weeks of regular use. This period aligns with your hair’s natural growth phase, as follicles strengthen and new strands begin to appear.
Can hair serums help with hair loss?
Yes, some hair serums, like Bio Pilixin Serum, are formulated with ingredients aimed at nourishing hair follicles and supporting scalp health and potentially promoting hair growth.
Can I use a hair treatment serum if I have colored or chemically treated hair?
Absolutely! In fact, hair that's been colored or chemically treated often needs extra nourishment and protection, which hair serums can provide. Look for serums that are specifically safe for colored or treated hair, and that offer benefits like hydration, shine, and color protection.
Should I apply hair serum to wet or dry hair?
It depends on the specific product and your hair type. Some serums are best applied to damp hair after washing, as this allows for better absorption and distribution. Other serums might be designed for use on dry hair to tame frizz, add shine, or provide heat protection. Always check the usage instructions on the product.
References:
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8808739/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7522433/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33061509/
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