15 Best Hair Serums In India That Hairstylists Swear By
Give your strands the extra nourishment they need with these leave-in elixirs.
Khamis MaioufHairstylist
Expertise: Barbering
Experience: 20 years
Khamis Maiouf is a professional barber who graduated from Hinckley College in England with a degree in barbering. He has also won several barbering contests and successfully operated a barbershop for the last two decades. As a skilled hair ... more
Shiboli Chakraborti MA (English Literature), Certified Skin Care Coach
Expertise: Skin Care & Hair Care
Experience: 4 years
Shiboli has a master’s degree in English literature from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and is a certified skincare coach with four years of experience. As a commerce edito... more
Image: StyleCraze Design Team
The serum is one hair care product that does it all for your tresses – detangling, conditioning, overnight repair, and heat protection. It is essentially a leave-in product made to instantly tame, hydrate, and nourish your hair, making them manageable. Hair serums lock shine and form a protective layer around the hair to protect it from heat and humidity. In addition, the essential oils and smoothing ceramides in serums help tame flyaways and give your hair a sleek and glistening look! A few serums also target hair ailments like hair fall and hair thinning, reviving curls back to health!
Since there are many serums readily available in the market today, finding the right one for your hair type can be troublesome. To make your day easy, we reviewed and put together a list of serums that we found worthwhile. Check out our list of the 15 best hair serums for women in India below and take your pick!
In This Article
15 Best Hair Serums Available In India 2024
1. Best Nourishing Formula: Schwarzkopf Professional Bonacure Frizz Away Smoothing Oil
The Schwarzkopf Professional Bonacure Frizz Away Smoothing Oil is expertly designed to smooth frizzy, unruly, and coarse hair. It creates a sleek, polished finish that stays intact for up to 72 hours. It also shields your hair against humidity for up to 48 hours. The serum is enhanced with babassu oil, rich in vitamin E, phytosterols, and fatty acids. It not only helps retain moisture but also fights inflammation and wards off bacteria.
This formula goes beyond ordinary frizz control; it serves as a comprehensive hair care solution with multiple benefits. It provides ample slippage to make detangling easy and even offers superior heat protection up to 210°C to prevent breakage. The hair care product also contains a vegan care complex, a premium combination of vegan keratin and cell equalizer technology that increases hair strength from within and makes it appear more resilient and elastic. The nourishing serum fortifies each hair strand and imparts irresistible shine.
Key Ingredients: Babassu oil, Vitamin E, Vegan keratin
Pros
- Clean formula
- Non-sticky
- Paraben-free
- Phthalate-free
- Sulfate-free
- Silicone-free
- Mineral oil-free
Cons
- May weigh down fine hair strands
2. Best For Salon-Like Hair: Streax Professional Vitariche Gloss Hair Serum
Say goodbye to super coarse and hard-to-manage hair with this serum from Streax Professional. This serum gives salon-like glossy, shiny hair instantly. The macadamia oil and vitamin E in the serum make it a multi-tasker. It adds shine, improves vitality, strengthens, and nourishes your hair strands, leaving them perfectly frizz-free and manageable. The unique shine enhancers in the formula give a glossy finish to your hair strands. Massage a few drops of the serum on wet hair, and brush through. The serum untangles your hair and keeps them frizz-free throughout the day.
Key Ingredients: Vitamin E, Almond oil, and Macadamia oil
Pros
- Thick serum
- Non-oily
- Non-greasy
- Refreshing scent
Cons
- Might be sticky
3. Best Serum For Chemically-Treated Hair: L’Oreal Paris Smooth Intense Instant Smoothing Serum
The Smooth Intense serum by L’Oreal Paris gives your hair deep nourishment that lasts for up to 48 hours. It tames unruly hair and makes them more manageable and easier to style. This frizz-control expert is infused with argan oil and silk proteins that shield your hair against dry weather or humidity, making way for shiny, silky, and soft tresses. This creamy serum is suitable for all hair types.
Key Ingredients: Spinosa Kernel oil, and Silk proteins
Pros
- Long-lasting effects
- Non-drying formula
- Soothing scent
- Sulfate-free
- Value for money
Cons
- Greasy texture
4. Best In Budget: Livon Anti-Frizz Serum
For sleek, frizz-free hair, pick up this hair serum from Livon. The formula instantly delivers a boost of hydration to your hair, making it glossier and smooth. It is infused with Moroccan argan oil, which provides deep moisturization to the tresses and aids in defusing frizz. Vitamin E prevents and protects your hair from heat damage, environmental aggressors, and free radical damages.
Key Ingredients: Moroccan argan oil and Vitamin E
Pros
- Non-sticky
- Soothing scent
- Sulfate-free
- Suitable for all hair types
- Salon-like finish
Cons
- Oily texture
5. Best Lightweight: Streax Hair Serum
This is yet another hair serum that has made our list from Streax. It is infused with the goodness of walnut oil that gives your hair a salon-like glossy and polished look. The formula coats each hair strand, minimizing frizz and dryness. You can even use this serum as a heat protectant before blow-drying, straightening, or curling your hair to minimize heat damage. With frequent use, the hair serum leaves your hair luminous and soft.
Key Ingredients: Walnut oil and Vitamin E
Pros
- Works as a heat protectant
- Long-lasting moisturization
- Non-sticky formula
- Non-greasy texture
- Sulphate-free
- Suitable for wet and dry hair
Cons
- Overpowering scent
6. L’Oreal Paris Extraordinary Oil Serum
Get six times more shiny-looking hair with this luxurious oil-based hair serum by L’Oreal Paris. The lightweight formula instantly transforms your dry and lifeless tresses, making them soft and smooth. A nourishing blend of six rare flower oils and botanical extracts fortifies your hair against all weather conditions. The coconut oil, sunflower oil, and soybean oil deeply hydrates your hair strands and seals the cuticles to prevent moisture loss. Use this versatile formula before shampooing to prep your hair or post-shampoo to tame frizz. Just 2 to 3 drops of this serum leaves your hair frizz-free, manageable, shiny, hydrated, and fresh.
Key Ingredients: Chamomile oil, Coconut oil, Sunflower oil, Lotus flower oil, Glycine, Soja oil, Soybean oil, Tahitian gardenia flower extract.
Pros
- Works as a heat protectant
- Can be used as overnight hair treatment
- Lightweight
- Non-greasy
- Suitable for all hair types
Cons
- Overpowering smell
- Expensive
7. Biolage Smooth Proof Deep Smoothing Serum
This deep smoothing serum by Biolage is a definite must-have in your vanity! It is fortified with rich nourishing ingredients that give you instant and long-lasting results, making this serum a favorite among hair stylists. The serum smoothens rough ends, moisturizes dry hair, adds a boost of shine to the tresses, and protects your hair from humidity. Unlike regular serums, this formula contains lightweight oils like grapeseed oil and avocado oil, which instantly diffuses frizz without weighing the hair down. The product also claims to leave your hair frizz-free for up to 72 long hours. You can use this multipurpose product before or after shampooing to minimize frizz and tangles. Or, treat your hair with a few drops of the serum before heat styling to protect the tresses.
Key Ingredients: Avocado oil, Grape seed oil, Sunflower seed oil, Rosemary extract.
Pros
- Instant shine
- Works as a heat protectant
- Non-sticky formula
- Value for money
- Paraben-free
Cons
- Overpowering scent
8. Mamaearth Onion Hair Serum
Is your hair suffering from brittleness, dryness, and hair fall? Then, this onion hair serum by Mamaearth is your holy grail! The all-natural formula infused with sulfur-rich onion seed extracts and vitamin-rich biotin strengthens your hair while adding luster and volume to your tresses. It makes your hair thick and shiny, and smoothes the hair shaft to prevent frizz. The olive oil moisturizes the scalp and keeps itchiness at bay. This formula is suitable for all hair types, including color- or chemically-treated hair. With regular use, your hair will feel sleek, smooth, and healthy.
Key Ingredients: Onion seed extract, D-panthenol, Biotin, Olive oil
Pros
- Dermatologically tested
- Silicones-free
- Sulphate-free
- SLS-free
- Mineral oil-free
- Petroleum-free
- Synthetic fragrance-free
- Artificial colors-free
Cons
- Sticky texture
9. St Botanica Moroccan Argan Oil Hair Serum
If you are someone who regularly styles your hair, then this oil-based hair serum by St Botanica is a must-have! The formula is infused with USDA-approved organic Moroccan argan oil, which boosts shine and fortifies your hair. The serum is lightweight and penetrates deep into your hair shafts to protect your hair against sun damage, heat styling, and environmental damages. When applied to wet hair, this serum speeds up the drying time and smooths your ends as they dry. It instantly controls frizz without weighing down your hair and keeps humidity and flyaway at bay.
Key Ingredients: Moroccan argan oil, Avocado, Olive oil, Grape seed oil.
Pros:
- Cruelty-free
- Non-sticky
- Phthalate-free
- Sulphate-free
- Paraben-free
- Mineral oil-free
Cons
- Might dry out
10. Schwarzkopf Professional OSIS+ Anti-Frizz Shine Serum
This high-quality hair serum by Schwarzkopf Professional instantly transforms your hair into soft and silky tresses. Glycerin and silicone come together to tame frizzy hair while leaving it textured and adds shine. The serum spreads evenly to coat every hair strand.
Key Ingredients: Glycerin
Pros:
- Frizz-free
- Weightless hold
- Washes out easily
- Instant shine
- Easy to use
- Non-greasy formula
- Long-lasting results
Cons
- Might dry out
- Expensive
11. Khadi Natural Herbal Hair Serum
Looking for an all-natural alternative to hair serums? This herbal hair serum by Khadi Naturals is the perfect choice for you. It is formulated with essential plant extracts –brahmi, amla, and shikakai–that induce a natural shine and prevent premature greying. The jojoba and badam oil strengthen your hair roots and intensely moisturize your strands. It controls frizz and tangles while instantly rejuvenating your dry and withered hair.
Key Ingredients: Nariyal jal, Dudhal, Manjishta, Nimbu, Jojoba oil, and Badam tail
Pros:
- Easy detangling
- Value for money
- Non-sticky
- SLS-free
- Paraben-free
- Soothing scent
Cons
- Thick formula
12. BBlunt Intense Moisture Hair Serum
Tired of super dry and unruly hair? Give this hydrating serum by BBlunt a try! It is specifically formulated for extremely frizzy hair that needs an extra boost of nourishment. With regular use, it leaves your tresses manageable, smooth, and soft. The formula is packed with the goodness of argan oil, jojoba oil, and avocado oil that seal in hydration and strengthens your roots. The vitamin E in this serum protects your hair from heat damage, environmental damage, hard water, and sun damage.
Key Ingredients: Avocado, Vitamin E, Jojoba, and Argan oil
Pros:
- Non-sticky formula
- Easy-to-use
- Sulphate-free
- Cruelty-free
- Paraben-free
- SLS-free
Cons
- Can dry the hair
13. Wow Skin Science Red Onion Black Seed Oil Hair Serum
This hair serum by Wow Skin Science revives your tired, dull, and dry hair back to health. The red onion seed oil, rich in flavonoids, helps improve blood circulation and induces new hair growth. Antioxidant-rich black seed oil helps relieve dryness, scalp irritations, dandruff, and hair loss. The essential fatty acids help condition, smoothen, and improve your hair texture. The pro-vitamin B5 helps strengthen your hair follicles and makes it softer. The Indian cress, which is rich in vitamin C, prevents hair breakage and strengthens your strands.
Key Ingredients: Red onion seed oil extract, Pro vitamin B5, Black seed oil, Saw palmetto seed oil, and Indian cress
Pros
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Artificial color-free
- Silicone-free
- Pleasant fragrance
Cons
None
14. TNW – The Natural Wash Black Seed Hair Serum
This Ayurvedic hair serum by The Natural Wash is formulated with essential oils and natural ingredients. This frizz-controlling formula leaves your hair manageable without weighing down your hair. It helps seal your strands to lock out humidity and gives a fresh look throughout the day. The serum also protects your hair against dermal and heat damage while styling. The combination of almond oil, argan oil, and jojoba oil intensely moisturizes your strands, and tames flyaways. The black seed oil and fenugreek oil reverses hair thinning, itchy scalp and helps maintain the natural color of your hair. The banana and grape seed oil prevent split ends and condition your rough and damaged hair.
Key Ingredients: Fenugreek oil, Almond oil, Black seed oil, Banana oil, Argan oil, Jojoba oil, Grapeseed oil, and Olive oil
Pros:
- 100% natural and herbal
- Non-sticky
- Easy to use
- Pleasant scent
- Paraben-free
- Can be used after shampoo or before hair styling
- Vegan
Cons
- Watery texture
15. L’Oreal Paris Serie Expert Absolut Repair Serum
This deep conditioning serum by L’Oreal Paris provides 13 times more resistance to hair damage. The Lipidium Complex Technology powered by lipids, phyto-keratin, and ceramides reconstructs the hair shafts to prevent breakage. The combination of wheat germ oil and rice bran oil seal your hair strands and strengthen them deep from inside. The nourishing formula hydrates your hair and repairs damaged hair. The serum is lightweight and does not leave a greasy residue or weigh down your hair. With regular use, your hair will feel softer and smoother to touch.
Key Ingredients: Wheat germ oil, Rice bran oil, and Linalool
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Good scent
- Professional formula
- Value for money
Cons
- Greasy texture
Apart from taming frizz, your hair serum does a lot more for your tresses. Let’s check them out.
What Are The Benefits Of Using Hair Serum?
Benefits of using a hair serum:
- They help tame static flyaways and leave your hair more manageable.
- Serums also help smoothen your hair and polish your strands.
- They help your hair to appear sleek.
- Hair serums also leave your hair shiny.
- Some serums with special formulae can help straighten your hair.
- Serums specifically formulated for curly hair add an additional dose of moisture to the tresses, creating bouncier curls.
- Regular use of serums can reverse hair damage from chemical processing, like straightening, perming, or coloring.
- They coat your hair strands and help reduce mechanical stress due to repeated styling.
- They protect your hair from heat damage caused by blow-drying or styling tools.
- Serums equipped with UV filters protect your hair from sun exposure and environmental aggression.
What Are The Types Of Hair Serums Available In The Market?
Here are few hair serums readily available in the market:
1. Oil-Based Serum
Oil-based serums are infused with essential and carrier oils, like almond oil, argan oil, and coconut oil. They are super concentrated and rich, as they do not have any water content. They are best for very dry and untamable hair.
2. Curl-Defining Serum
Curl defining serums are super lightweight, as thick hair serums can weigh down your curls. They helped leave your hair bouncy and define your natural curls.
3. Spray Serum
Spray-type serums are the best option for on-the-go application. They give you a salon-like hair finish anytime and anywhere. Thus, they are perfect for carrying during vacations.
4. Water-Based Serum
If you have very thin hair, then a water-based serum is the best option for you. It does not weigh down your hair, and yet leaves it luscious and sleek.
5. Serums For Hair Issues
Many serums target specific hair issues like hair fall, low viscosity, fizziness, etc. These serums have nourishing and rejuvenating ingredients like avocado oil, vitamin E, argan oil, coconut oil, and essential extracts.
6. Silicone-Based Hair Serums
If you have very weak and brittle locks, silicone-based hair serums smooth your hair instantly and induce luster.
Here is a quick guide on how to apply the serum to your hair
How To Apply Hair Serum?
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to apply hair serums.
- Make sure your hair is damp or clean for the best results.
- Take 1 to 2 drops of hair serum in your hand, and rub it between the palm of your hands for roughly five seconds.
- Now, part the hair into sections and work the hair serum from the middle to the end of each partition. Try to spread the product as evenly as possible. Also, stay away from the roots, as applying serum to the roots can make your hair look greasy.
- Once you are done, use a wide-tooth comb to brush your hair from the middle to the ends to help evenly distribute the serum.
- Style your hair as needed and reapply the serum anytime of the day if necessary.
Hair serums come in different shapes and sizes and addresses various hair concerns. The following guide will help you choose the right serum for your hair.
Things To Consider Before Buying A Suitable Hair Serum
While buying a hair serum, keep these pointers in mind. This can help you in choosing the right product for your hair.
1. Hair Concern
Hair serums are used for addressing different hair issues. You will get frizz control, volumizing, and heat protectant serums on the market. Some products add shine, reduce dryness, or repair hair damage. Pick a product that matches your hair concern
2. Check The Ingredients
For frizz control, look for a serum with dimethicone or any silicone-based hair serum. If you are looking for a hair repair serum, go for one that is rich in proteins. If you are looking for a serum to add gloss and shine to your hair, buy one that contains natural oils like argan oil or macadamia oil.
Adding a serum to your regular hair care routine makes your tresses manageable, nourished and hydrated. Make sure to invest in a serum that suits your hair type, length, and viscosity to obtain maximum results from your serum. Pick one of these best hair serums in India, and give your tresses a new lease in life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use hair serum daily?
Yes, you can use hair serums daily on your hair. Using a serum, especially while drying or styling your hair, will protect your hair from thermal heat, allow your hair to retain moisture, and help tame frizz.
Can I use hair serum on my scalp?
No, using hair serums on your scalp can leave your scalp greasy and encourage dandruff on the long go. It also weighs down your hair and makes it look unappealing.
Are there hair serums specifically formulated for oily or greasy hair?
Yes, there are hair serums specifically formulated for oily or greasy hair that reduce excess sebum. Use water-based or spray serums that don’t weigh down oily hair. Products like L’Oreal Paris Extraordinary Oil Serum, Schwarzkopf Professional OSIS+ Anti-Frizz Shine Serum, and Streax Hair Serum offer a non-greasy and oil-free texture to hair.
How long do the effects of a hair serum last?
The effects of a hair serum usually last until the next hair wash session.
Can hair serums be used on both wet and dry hair?
Yes, hair serums can be used on both wet and dry hair to suit different purposes. It helps lock in moisture, smooth the cuticles, and tame frizz when applied to wet hair. Apply the serum on dry hair to add shine and reduce flyaways.
Can I use a hair serum along with other hair care products?
Yes, you can use a hair serum with other hair care products such as hair oil or cream. For best results, use the hair serum first and then follow it up with the other products.
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