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12 Best Hair Serums to Fight Off Frizzy Hair
Make frizzy hair a thing of the past.
When summer rolls around, most people start thinking about vacations, happy hours, and days spent sunbathing by the pool. I, on the other hand, spend a good amount of time thinking about how I’m going to keep my hair from frizzing up due to the heat and humidity. Since frizz is primarily caused by dryness and humidity, it’s important to stock up on products to help lock in moisture. Whenever my conditioners, masks, and creams aren’t enough for my hair to fight off the inevitable puffiness that comes with the summer heat, I reach for a serum for an extra boost. Similar to serums that we use for our skin, hair serums provide a protective layer as somewhat of a safeguard against the elements, or the excess styling and manipulation that lead to dryness and frizz. “Moisturizing your [hair] is key! Dryness and splitting is the number one issue that causes tangles, frizz and brittle ends,” says professional hairstylist, Sidney Sha’don. “Hair serums coat the hair creating a sleek polished look. Some help reduce frizz and prevent heat damage.”
When used regularly as a part of your hair routine, serums help your hair to retain moisture leaving it shiny, hydrated, and defined. To ensure that we all will be able to spend ample time outside this summer sans frizz, I scoured the internet and consulted with hair experts to bring you a list of the 12 best hair serums for frizzy hair.
Paul Mitchell Super Skinny Serum
Pros
- Effective
Cons
- Can leave hair greasy
Paul Mitchell products were always a part of my hair routine as a kid and this product recently reminded me why. This cult favorite product is everything you could want in a serum. With a humidity resistant formula, this product works best as a primer for heat styling, helping to shorten drying time, while adding lustrous shine and body to your hair style without the frizz.
Size: 5.1 oz
Hair Type: All hair types
Ulta rating: 4.7/5 stars
“The only thing I love more than how soft and smooth this serum makes my hair feel, is the fact that I don't have to worry about the humidity ruining my style. My coily hair is prone to frizz especially in humid weather, and I can always count on this serum to keep my hair looking sleek.” — Tasha Nicole Smith, Beauty Assistant
Aveda Nutriplenish Replenishing Overnight Serum
Aveda Nutriplenish Replenishing Overnight Serum
Pros
- A little goes a long way
Cons
- Some don't like the watery consistency
If you've ever dreamed about going to sleep and waking up with perfect hair, this product might be just what you need. A serum and hair treatment-in-one, this product is packed with ingredients, such as mango butter, coconut oil, and pomegranate-seed oil, to help soften, moisturize and revive limp hair overnight. The light formula penetrates the hair cuticle to boost hydration and replenish strands for healthier hair.
Size: 3.4 oz
Hair Type: All hair types
Nordstrom rating: 4.8/5 stars
A Nordstrom reviewer says: “I have naturally dry, coarse hair but this leaves my hair feeling so soft and hydrated. My ends look so much more smooth in the morning and overall-- refreshed!”
Olaplex No. 9 Bond Protector Nourishing Hair Serum
Olaplex No. 9 Bond Protector Nourishing Hair Serum
Pros
- Protects against heat damage
Cons
- Can leave a sticky residue
While serums are great for sealing in moisture, they also have added benefits like heat protection. This serum protects hair from thermal styling up to 450 degrees, helping to minimize hair damage and frizz ,without weighing hair down. Use this product before stying for healthy shiny results every time.
Size: 3.0 oz
Hair Type: All hair types
Sephora rating: 4.6/5 stars
A Sephora reviewer says: “This makes my hair so shiny and healthy. It is lightweight and a must-have in my hair routine.”
Garnier Sleek & Shine Anti-Frizz Serum
Pros
- Affordable
Cons
- Some don't like the pump dispenser
If this is your first time adding a serum to your hair routine, this affordable option is perfect product to try. Made with sustainably sourced organ oil, this serum enhances shine and helps to control frizz for manageable hair, no matter the style.
Size: 5.1 oz
Hair Type: All hair types
Target rating: 4.5/5 stars
“This was a staple in my hair routine for years when I went natural. I especially loved using this on my ends after conditioning or to take down my braids. My hair would feel so soft and smooth and smelled amazing!” — T.N.S
Vegamour GRO Hair Serum
Pros
- Aids in hair regrowth
Cons
- Pricey
If you have ever struggled with thinning hair or are looking for a product to stimulate hair growth, Vegamour's Gro Hair serum might be the next product to add to your stash. Made with turmeric and red clover, which have been shown to aid in hair growth and prevent hair growth, this product improves hair density for thick, fuller hair.
Size: 1 oz
Hair Type: All hair types, fine thin hair
Sephora rating: 4.4/5 stars
A Sephora reviewer says: “The serum is so incredibly lightweight and doesn't make my hair feel oily. I use it once a day, every day and then use my scalp massager - it makes [it] feel healthy, look shiny, and I've totally seen a difference in hair thickness.”
pattern Jojoba Oil Hair Serum
Pros
- Hydrating
Cons
- Thick consistency
Made with a blend of jojoba, rosehip, olive, safflower and lavender oils, a little of this serum goes a long way. Only a few pumps of this serum will have your curls and coils feeling nourished and looking unbelievably sleek. Use on wet or dry hair for bouncy defined curls, and even massage this oil into your scalp for added hydration.
Size: 3.9 oz
Hair Type: Curly, coily textures
Amazon rating: 4.5/5 stars
“The curly hair queen, Tracee Ellis Ross, has done it again! A recent addition to my beauty stash, this oil is quickly becoming a go to product for whenever my hair needs a moisture boost. It absorbs so nicely and leaves my curls shiny all day long.” — T. N. S.
The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Serum
Pros
- Promotes thicker hair
Cons
- Takes a while to see results
Made with peptides and a blend of plant extracts, this serum is just want you need for visibly thicker, more voluminous hair. Best used as a nightly leave-in treatment, massage it into the scalp to promote healthier, fuller hair.
Size: 2 oz
Hair Type: All hair types, fine, thin hair
Sephora rating: 3.9/5 stars
A Sephora reviewer says: “I’ve tried many hair products before and none of them make a difference in my hair. I bought [this one] and didn’t really expect it to be different than the others, but honestly, this one surprised me! I’ve never had a such remarkable result!”
Virtue Hydrating & Heat Protectant Healing Hair Oil
Virtue Hydrating & Heat Protectant Healing Hair Oil
Pros
- Smells great
Cons
- Can cause build-up
The ultimate healing oil for dry damaged hair, Virtue's hydrating serum is packed full with a blend of plant extract and oils to strengthen hair and protect it from harsh climate and environmental pollutants. It is also infused with keratin proteins to help repair damaged, brittle strands. The oil can be used as a leave-in treatment to reveal visibly healthier, lustrous hair.
Size: 1.7 oz
Hair Type: All hair types
Sephora rating: 4.7/5 stars
“My mom and I text regularly and one day she texted me that she really thought the “hair thing in the blue bottle was pretty good.” On my next trip home, I realized she meant this product from Virtue. I like putting this on the ends of my hair after a shower when it’s still damp. It sounds strange, but it’s an oil that feels like a weightless dry oil, that isn’t slippery or silicon-y feeling -- I almost feel like it almost sucking up the dryness from my hair. (On a more scientific note, it contains keratin protein, a natural form of Vitamin E, and Kalahari Melon oil to nourish). My hair and my mom’s (and note, she’s had perms for 30 years) both feel noticeably softer the day after using this.” — Kathleen Hou, Beauty Director
The Hair Elixir
Pros
- Versatile
Cons
- Pricey
Who doesn't love a multi-use product? This versatile hair serum works on wet and dry hair and is also great as a deep conditioning treatment. This rich oil penetrates the hair shaft to promote strong radiant hair. Packed with vitamins, this serum also works as a heat protectant to shield hair from excess thermal styling.
Size: 1 oz
Hair Type: All hair types
14th Night rating: 5/5 stars
A 14th Night reviewer says: "This hair elixir has been a game-changer in my routine! My hair is so soft and the serum makes it easier and faster to blow dry my hair. I also use it every other day before bed to add some moisture to my curly hair which tends to get dry. I am noticing my hair texture and overall health is improving .”
Fable & Mane MahaMane Smooth & Shine Hair Oil
Fable & Mane MahaMane Smooth & Shine Hair Oil
Pros
- Provides great shine
Cons
- Strong scent
Fable & Mane's MahaMane Oil is a potent blend of fruit oils. including passion fruit for added nourishment to strengthen your strands. With additional heat protecting benefits, this serum also instantly smooths your hair whether you're curling, straightening or just wearing your natural texture.
Size: 1.8 oz
Hair Type: All hair types
Sephora rating: 4.3/5 stars
“As someone with long hair, summer makes my scalp and hair feel like it’s in an Easy Bake oven. Indian haircare brand Fable & Mane's oil is based on the traditional Indian practice of hair oiling. I like taking just a few drops post-shower, and using my fingertips to gently smooth it around my head, focusing on the ends, temples and crown. I find that even just doing it for two minutes, relieves a lot of tension. My hair looks and feels smoother and shinier, too.” — K. H.
Seen Magic Serum
Pros
- Lightweight
Cons
- Can feel oily
Coined the magic serum for a reason, this serum is fragrance-free and made with clean ingredients specifically to help those who struggle with skin and scalp sensitivity. Perfect for all hair types, the Seen Magic Serum transforms dry, dull strands for shinier stronger hair with more body and movement. The light and airy formula also doesn't weigh down your hair so regardless of how you choose to style it, your hair will be hydrated, without the excess greasiness.
Size: 1.0 oz
Hair Type: All hair types
Ulta rating: 4.5/5 stars
An Ulta reviewer says: “I love the seen Magic Serum! It adds amazing shine and isn't greasy, like other serums. It's the best I've ever used, and I've tried dozens.”
John Frieda Frizz Ease Extra Strength Hair Serum
John Frieda Frizz Ease Extra Strength Hair Serum
Pros
- Easy to use
Cons
- Not long-lasting
Formulated particularly for waves and curls, this affordable serum provides salon quality results for any style. With ingredients like bamboo extract, this easy-to-use serum locks in moisture, taming any unwanted frizz, and nourishing strands to help repair damage.
Size: 1.7 oz
Hair Type: Wavy, Curly textures
Amazon rating: 4.4/5 stars
“This was my first hair serum, before I even knew what a hair serum was. Now I know a hair serum does all the heat-less styling things that a shampoo/conditioner/genetics can’t do – it helps to soothe dryness, smooth down flyaways and frizz, and just generally make your hair look and feel better. This has been a classic for over a decade for a reason, and is one of Amazon’s most beloved hair serums.” — K.H
What ingredients should I look for in a good serum? What ingredients should I avoid?
"A lot of hair serums have many ingredients in them, but it’s best to do your own research and find what suits your hair needs. If you're someone who’s looking to use a hair serum that is more natural I would suggest looking for key ingredients like argan oil, coconut oil, marula oil, or aloe vera. Ingredients I would recommend avoiding are parabens and sulfate. They can dry and strip the hair from its natural moisture," says Sha'don.
What techniques do you suggest when using serum to help tame frizzy hair?
"Applying serum when wet is best because your cuticles are open and it will allow your hair to retain moisture," says Sha'don. "Also, using a silk scarf or investing in a silk pillowcase will also protect your hair from frizz."
Meet the Expert
Sidney Sha'don is a licensed professional hairstylist based in Baltimore, Maryland
Why Trust ELLE Beauty?
As a leading publisher of fashion, lifestyle, and beauty content, ELLE.com is committed to highlighting the best products in various categories by personally testing the latest and most innovative products, interviewing countless experts, and vetting customer-loved items. For this piece, ELLE.com editors spoke with hair experts about the absolute best hair serums for frizzy hair. The authors personally tested a number of these products and scoured reviews for the top-rated products on the market.
Tasha Nicole Smith is ELLE Magazine's beauty assistant. She loves all things hair, makeup, and skincare so you’ll find her talking about it here. She enjoys Marvel movies, a good pair of heels, and lemon drop martinis and also shares a birthday with Beyoncé, which is her go to fun fact.
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