Hair Serum 101: What is Hair Serum and What Are the Benefits?

With all of the different kinds of hair care products on the market, it can be a little overwhelming to think about what you need to add into your personal routine. After you’ve found the right shampoo, conditioner, hair mask and stylers, you should also try a hair serum. This versatile product is great for all hair types, and specific formulas can even help with hair loss, humidity, frizz, and loss of shine. Learn more about why you’ll love adding this hair essential into your routine below.

Hair serums coat the surface of your hair, coming in a wide range of densities, textures, and end benefits for all hair types. Some of the most common benefits of using hair serum are:

• Boosts shine
• Fights frizz and flyaways
• Helps protect against humidity 
• Also protects against heat damage
• Detangles
• Can help define your hair’s natural texture

So many factors can affect the health of your hair — things like chemical treatments, excessive styling, and even the environment can lead to breakage and have you looking for information on how to repair hair damage. Hair serum works by coating the hair shaft, acting as a protective agent that can provide both reparative and visual benefits for your hair.

Whenever you want! Different hair serums will have different recommended instructions for use (especially those that are meant for more targeted treatments like hair loss or thinning), but in general you’re free to use hair serums on both wet and dry hair. Play around with your serums to see what works with your hair texture and styling preference, and always feel free to ask your stylist  for recommendations (and to dispel any common hair myths you might have).

With all of the possibilities out there, you might not be sure where to start when it comes to finding the right hair serum for your hair type. Here are some options to get you started:

Dealing with thinning hair or hair loss can be extremely frustrating, which is why it’s smart to work the right serums for hair loss into your care routine. Energizing Superactive improves scalp tone, controls overproduction of oil, and reduces hair loss while also improving hair density. And for the most effective results, be sure to pair this serum with a shampoo for thinning hair.

If you have an irritated or sensitive scalp, try adding Calming Superactive into your routine. This soothing scalp serum immediately relieves irritation, and features a long-lasting soothing action that will help curb any uncomfortable feeling on your scalp. If your scalp sensitivity is also paired with noticeable dryness, Elevating Scalp Recovery Treatment will fight irritation and dehydration. This leave-on treatment serum hydrates while reducing itching and redness, thanks to anti-inflammatory active ingredients that provide immediate relief. 

While thick hair is undeniably gorgeous, sometimes you might need a little assistance when it comes to fighting frizz. LOVE Smoothing Perfector is the perfect hair serum for the job — this lightweight anti-frizz serum protects from heat damage while smoothing down your strands. If you want a smoothing finishing serum that can also add shine and nourishment, run some OI Oil through your lengths and ends when you’re finished styling.

If you want your hair to look fuller and shinier, try the Replumping Hair Filler Superactive. This leave-in serum helps to compact and re-plump the hair structure, leaving you with more voluminous-looking locks. And as an added bonus, it also helps your styles last longer by protecting against the effects of humidity. For general hair health, you want to try a serum that promotes overall well-being like Renewing Serum Superactive. This product promotes longevity and natural beauty of your hair and scalp, leaving your hair looking softer, shinier, and more full-bodied.

An essential hair serum for curl prep is LOVE Curl Primer. This moisturizing leave-in fluid detangles and adds definition to your curls and waves, making it easier to style them. It also has the benefit of being anti-humidity and a smart way to protect against heat, meaning your spirals will last longer.

Another serum from our Essential Haircare family is MINU Hair Serum, and it’s a match made in heaven with colored hair. The Salina caper blossom extract in MINU is a great source of protective quercetin and color-protecting polyphenols, helping to illuminate and extend the life of your color. For natural and cosmetic blondes, Heart of Glass Sheer Glaze is essential before any blow-dry or heat style. This brightening thermal fluid provides hydration, shine, heat protection, and elasticity thanks to its Fortifying Botanical Shield.

If you’re in the market to add a new hair product into your routine, we definitely recommend trying out a hair serum. It can cover so many bases with just one product — heat protection, nourishment for the hair shaft, frizz-fighting and even helping to make sure your color lasts longer. Be sure to ask your Davines stylist for any recommendations if you’re not sure where to begin, and comment below any other tips or tricks you have for working hair serum into your care and styling routines.

by Lauren Hannel, staff contributor