\n
Truth be told, hair serums are the only styling product I use regularly. My hair is very thick, very fine, but also incredibly fine, which means anything heavy\u2014hair creams, oils, lots of leave-ins\u2014can take it from freshly washed to flat and matted in about thirty seconds. Hair serums, on the other hand, give me benefits without that heavy feeling. A drop or two on the edges adds shine, smoothness, and keeps it looking and feeling healthy.<\/p>\n
That being said, hair serum is no longer a specific product. Others are about glazing and polishing\u2014the kind that smooths the edges after air-blasting when you want a glass-like finish. Others focus on strengthening damaged strands or conditioning frizz throughout the day. And my latest favorites are designed to work all night, helping to support hair health while you sleep.<\/p>\n\nAs celebrity hairstylist Glen Operazna explains, the right nighttime formula can quietly do the heavy lifting: in the morning, hair should feel “softer, healthier, smoother, and more resilient, with improved shine and manageability.” He also points out that many of these formulas now include heat protection, which helps protect strands from the styling damage that often follows the next day.<\/p>\n
Below are the hair serums I reach for most often\u2014and the different roles they play in my routine.<\/p>\n
Night Shift<\/span><\/h2>\nMy favorite type of hair serum is formulated to do its best work while you sleep. These overnight formulas often rely on repairing oils, peptides, or bond-building ingredients that help support damaged strands. I like to apply them from mid-lengths to ends after my nightly shower and just before bed. The formula absorbs overnight\u2014in the morning, my hair feels noticeably softer and ready for work the next day.<\/p>\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
K\u00e9rastase<\/p>\n
Chronologist Overnight Youth Serum<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
\n
\nThis is the brand new serum from K\u00e9rastase that I have been patiently waiting for. I’m already a fan of the Nutritive 8H Magic Night Hair Serum, so I had high expectations. When I first used it, I woke up with smooth, soft hair. It also appears thicker, thanks to its ability to increase the density of each hair cuticle. It’s also perfect for dry, mature hair, so you can trust it to deliver maximum moisture and shine.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
R+Co Bleu<\/p>\n
Night repair serum Sleeping Masque<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
\n
\nOnce you get past the price point, this luxurious hair mask serum does wonders for your hair. Think of this as a really rich night face cream that locks in ingredients that hydrate skin for super smooth skin\u2014the Sleep Masque does the same thing, except for your hair.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
Glass-Hair Finish<\/span><\/h2>\nNo one can deny the power of super shiny, super shiny hair. It looks good and it’s expensive. These serums are all about polishing, smoothing the cuticle so that light can reveal the hair evenly.<\/p>\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
JVN<\/p>\n
Renew Rapid Repair Bond Gloss<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
\n
\nThis serum is a little different than the others as it is an in-shower treatment that is used after shampooing and conditioning. Once installed, leave it on for 60 seconds, then rinse. Treats split ends and smoothes the cuticle. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
A dry bar<\/p>\n
Liquid Glass High-Gloss Finishing Hair Serum<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
\n
\nAnything with the name “Liquid Glass” I pay attention to, and apparently, many others, as it sells well and has glowing reviews. Powered by a nourishing formula, this finishing serum infuses hair with an abundance of hyaluronic acid for continued hydration.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
Frizz Fighters<\/span><\/h2>\nHumidity, heat styling, and sweat all leave my hair in a state that is often difficult to repair. That’s why I prevent it from happening in the first place with a hair serum that smoothes and seals the cuticle. This helps control frizz and prevents moisture from entering the hair shaft, preventing chick<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
R\u014cZ<\/p>\n
Milk Hydrating Leave-In Conditioner Hair Serum<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
\n
\nThe MC team is passionate about all R\u014cZ hair care products. This milk serum works on all hair types, making it a great universal product for banishing frizz and flyaways thanks to its hydrating power. It also acts as a great detangler, helping to prevent breakage that leads to frizz.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
Kenra<\/p>\n
A serum for shiny shiny hair<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
\n
\nSmooth hair equals less frizz, and this leave-in shine provides moisture resistance for hours on end. I apply this before I heat my hair, and it helps protect it from further damage. And it smells great, courtesy of the fruit and orange scent.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
Damage Control<\/span><\/h2>\nIf your hair has been through bleach, color, hot tools, all of the above<\/em>-these formulas help to strengthen weak strands. Many contain bond-supporting technology, proteins, or strengthening oils that temporarily fill in weak spots along the hair shaft, making hair feel stronger and look flawless.<\/p>\n\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
Olaplex<\/p>\n
Number 9 Bond Protector Hair Serum<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
\n
\nI can’t name a bond repair treatment without first offering Olaplex, that is, the brand that has made repairing damaged hair their motto. No. 9 Bond Protector is the best in string strengthening and the entire line\u2014which, spoiler, is the best.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
Pureology<\/p>\n
Power Cure Dream Healer Serum<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
\n
\nI am in a committed relationship with Pureology shampoos and conditioners, and I recently welcomed this serum into the family. The formulation relies on a combination of acids that strengthen weak bonds, reduce future breakage, and visibly smooth cracks in the hair cuticle.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n