It was not until 3 months ago that I met up with a friend of mine, whose hair looked so much more luscious than the last time I saw her.
When asked what was her secret to having hair like that, she told me between laughs, “Hair serum! I told you before!” It was then that I decided: I should really start pampering my hair before it gets overly damaged due to my negligence and laziness.
What Is Hair Serum?
Just like skin serums, hair serums are formulated with a potent concentration of active ingredients to control frizz, set hairstyles, and protect the hair from environmental aggressors (source: skinkraft.com).
Unlike hair oils, hair serums treat the hair at its surface level instead of penetrating the cuticles. Some of the other benefits of applying hair serums include removing tangles, adding gorgeous shine to the hair, nourishing dry hair, and reversing hair damage.
How to Use Hair Serum
Hair serums should be applied to shampooed hair. When done with your shower, towel-dry your hair and wait till it remains slightly damp.
Depending on your hair length and hair condition, pump an appropriate amount of serum onto your palm and rub both palms together to heat it up.
Distribute the serum evenly throughout your locks by working it downwards from the ear-level to the ends, focusing on the tips of your hair! Finish off by brushing your hair downwards.
This is important because it will help to easily disentangle your hair.
Be careful not to use too much serum because it may make your hair greasy and feel heavy if you do!
Top 10 Must-Try Hair Serums
There are tons of hair serums to choose from in the market. Every manufacturer calls its own the best. But which serum is really worth the shot? Here, I’ve simplified the process for you so you just simply have to choose between 10 of the most popular hair serums.
Do note that all the prices I’ve listed below are indicative and may be subjected to changes.
- Garnier Fructis Sleek and Shine Anti-Frizz Serum
Source: pinterest.com
Formulated with Moroccan argan oil, this affordable and highly effective serum soaks deep into frizzy, dry, and unmanageable hair to hydrate and smooth each strand.
You can purchase it from
- Amazon for $21.06 (pack of 3)
- OGX Nourishing Coconut Milk Anti-Breakage Serum
The blend of coconut oil and keratin proteins helps to repair damaged hair cuticles, seal split ends, and curb frizz so that your hair looks healthier and feels softer. Many have also raved about how heavenly it smells!
You can purchase it from
- Carousell for $12.50
- Amazon for $20.33
- Qoo10 for $26.60
- Kiehl’s Silk Groom Serum
Source: kiehls.com
Infused with a blend of natural oils — sunflower, sesame, and soy — it smooths hair, conditions dry ends and tames frizz in order to achieve a groomed look with a glossy shine.
You can purchase it from
- Sephora for $18
- Amika Blockade Heat Protectant Serum
Source: sephora.com
Made up of Cyclopentasiloxane, which is a good heat protective agent, this lightweight serum shields hair from heat styling and blow-drying by forming a protective, humidity-proof layer around each hair strand. In doing so, it prevents moisture loss and ensures that your hair achieves a frizz-free, smooth, and shiny finish.
You can purchase it from
- Sephora for $25
- Amazon for $35.17
- Paul Mitchell Super Skinny Serum
Source: ulta.com
This highly raved hair product has received praises from many for its humidity-resistant formula that contains lightweight silicones that condition and seal the cuticles, leaving hair frizz-free in any weather. It also conditions your hair, making it super smooth and noticeably shinier!
You can purchase it from
- Qoo10 for $36.90
- Lazada for $39.90
- L’Oreal Paris Elseve Smooth Intense Anti-Frizz Serum
Source: pinkbeauty.com.sg
Upon application, the serum gets absorbed along the length of the hair, smoothing out frizz and protecting hair up to 75% humidity. It claims to leave hair feeling 4 times smoother, silkier, sleek and manageable through its formulated 48-hour anti-frizz protection.
You can purchase it from
- Venus Beauty $12.90
- Lazada $13.90
- Watsons $17.90
- Dove Advanced Hair Series Regenerative Nourishment Serum-in-Oil Treatment
Source: dove.com
Formulated with Red Algae, this serum deeply repairs colored, chemically treated or heat damaged hair reduces breakage and fights split ends. It has been named one of Dove’s most potent formula to date because of its ability to instantly restore the healthy appearance of extremely damaged hair, making it shiny and soft.
You can purchase it from
- Guardian $15.90
- Watsons $15.90
- Mise En Scene’s Perfect Serum (Original Edition)
Source: amazon.com
With over 60 million bottles sold worldwide, this serum has been specially formulated with 7 different naturally-derived oils — natural argan, marula, olive, apricot, coconut, camellia and jojoba oil — to repair and revive even the severest of hair damage within 3 days!
You can purchase it from
- Qoo10 for $13.90
- Watsons for $15.90
- Venus Beauty for $15.90
- Shopee for $15.90
- Sunsilk Smooth and Manageable Instant Smoothening Cream
Source: watsons.com.sg
Containing a powerhouse of botanical oils — almond, argan, coconut, jojoba and olive oil — and keratin yogurt nutri-complex, this serum provides instant smoothening for unmanageable hair and leaves it smelling subtly floral.
You can purchase it from
- Watsons $6.50
- Guardian $7.90
- IGK Crybaby Anti-Frizz Smoothing Serum
Source: sephora.com
This serum-in-oil formula eliminates frizz, smoothens and softens the hair while leaving it non-greasy and lightweight. The added coconut oil nourishes the hair while antioxidant-rich prickly pear cactus extract adds colour dimension and shine!
You can purchase it from
- Sephora for $25
Conclusion
It took me a while to adapt to my new hair care routine but I’m so glad I did! I have tried some of the hair serums recommended above and I have to say that mise en scene’s perfect serum has become my holy grail hair product.
My hair has never felt this soft, tangle-free, and most importantly, significantly less frizzy. I really do hope that you’ll be able to find a hair serum that will help you to curb your hair problems too!
Alicia Goh