15 Best Hair Serums For Curly Hair (2024), As Per An Expert
Pamper your beautiful curls with these effective hair care essentials that soften rough hair.
Yvey Valcin is a celebrated master stylist based in Seattle, WA, and was one of the highest rated stylists at the flagship Gene Juarez salon in Seattle. He is known for his superior cutting technique and has styled for top editorial and fashion events, such as New York and Paris Fashion Week.
Read full bio of Yvey Valcin
Experience: 4 yearsShiboli 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 editor, she guides her team members on the best practices to create crisp and authentic content.
Read full bio of Shiboli Chakraborti
Experience: 5 yearsAditi Naskar has a postgraduate degree in English literature from Presidency University, Kolkata, a bachelor’s degree in education from WBUTTEPA, Kolkata, and a diploma in health and wellness. She is an associate commerce editor with 5 years of experience and specializes in reviewing fitness and health products.
Read full bio of Aditi Naskar
Experience: 8 yearsArshiya Syeda is the Co-Editor-in-Chief of StyleCraze with 8 years of experience. Prior to that, she was a content writer who combined her writing and research skills to write over 200 high-performing articles on hairstyles, hair care, and skin care.
Read full bio of Arshiya Syeda
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It is true curly hair needs a lot of pampering. Even though it might feel like a task at times, the good news is, all you need is the right hair product to tame the curls. If you have been looking for the best hair serums for curly hair, the wait ends here. Serums have been best friends with natural curls as they perfect dryness, tame frizz and flyaways, and keep the curls nourished and manageable. Curly hair types often face the damaging effects of heat styling and if you have been styling your hair too often, the serum will also reverse the heat damage and help you flaunt gorgeous hair. So, what are you waiting for? Go through the list of 15 chosen hair serums crafted for curly hair needs now! All the products have garnered several positive reviews on multiple forums, proving their efficacy.
In This Article
15 Best Hair Serums For Curly Hair
1. Best Humidity-Resistant Formula: Paul Mitchell Super Skinny Serum
Are you looking for the best blowout hair serum to give a smooth finish to your curly hair? Try using Paul Mitchell Super Skinny Serum that reduces the blow-dry time of your hair. The anti-humidity formula seals the cuticles and leaves your hair frizz-free for three days in any climatic conditions. It contains lightweight silicones that improve the silkiness of the hair. The formula is ideal for frizzy hair and has a vibrant juicy scent with notes of apple, orange, and bergamot. Several reviewers have spoken highly of the pleasant scent and the hair-smoothing effects of this product. Check out this video to explore a reviewer’s experience with this product before buying it.
Pros
- Reduces blow-dry time
- Humidity-resistant formula
- Lightweight
- Pleasant fragrance
- Vegan
- Paraben-free
- Gluten-free
Cons
- Inconvenient pump
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
This product is so liked by shoppers that it has gained over 14,281 great reviews on Amazon.
2. Best For Healthy Hair Growth: Pureauty Naturals Biotin Hair Serum
This hair strengthening serum from Pureauty Naturals is formulated by combining biotin, d-panthenol (pro-vitamin B5), pea sprout extract, and other active ingredients that help moisturize hair and soften its texture. This serum stimulates hair roots and helps in curl retention and growth of healthy-looking curls. It is designed with an advanced topical formula that stimulates the roots, promotes hair growth and nourishment, and improves overall hair health. Numerous reviewers have appreciated the product for its delightful fragrance and the silky-smooth results it imparts to the hair. Check out this YouTube video detailing a tester’s experience with this product to learn about its benefits.
Pros
- Stimulates hair roots
- Softens hair
- Promotes healthy hair growth
- Suitable for all hair types
- Soothing fragrance
Cons
- None
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
This product has made it to our top favorite list with more than 1,002 rave reviews on Amazon.
3. Best Hydrating Formula: Herstyler Hair Repair Serum
If you are looking for a non-greasy all-natural serum, the Herstyler Hair Repair Serum is a great choice. It is enriched with argan oil that rejuvenates dry and damaged hair, aloe vera that nourishes and stimulates dormant hair follicles, and vitamin E that seals moisture and conditions your hair. The anti-static hair shine formula gives instant hydration, reduces frizz, and leaves your tresses soft and manageable. It also tames hair, loosens tangles, and lessens split ends. Several reviewers have highlighted the product’s wonderful fragrance and how it leaves the hair silky smooth. Check out this video on YouTube to explore a tester’s experience of using this product to learn more about it.
Pros
- Instantly conditions the hair
- Smoothens hair
- Adds shine
- Hydrates hair
- Prevents split ends
Cons
- Unpleasant fragrance
Pro TipWhy We Think It's Worth Buying
Almost 4,859 happy users have mentioned the value and quality of this product.
Paul Mitchell Super Skinny Serum Best Humidity-Resistant Formula | Pureauty Naturals Biotin Hair Serum Best For Healthy Hair Growth | Herstyler Hair Repair Serum Best Hydrating Formula | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hair Type | Ideal for Frizzy Hair | - | Dry |
| Dimensions | 1.6 x 1.6 x 7.43 inches | 5 x 1.42 x 1.42 inches | 4 x 4 x 13 inches |
| Weight | 6.4 Ounces | 2.89 Ounces | 0.04 Ounces |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 14,281 | 1,002 | 4,859 |
| Price | - | $22.99 | $9.99 |
4. Best Heat-Protectant: John Frieda Frizz Ease Extra Strength Serum
The John Frieda Frizz Ease Extra Strength Serum is ideal for thick, coarse hair. This anti-frizz formula nourishes unmanageable hair and leaves your locks with a silky, smooth finish. It protects hair from heat damage and humidity. The formula contains silk proteins and seaweed extract that help tame unmanageable hair and control flyaways. This weightless hair serum repairs dry, damaged, frizzy, and dull hair. The color-protection formula is suitable for highlighted, color-treated, and natural hair too. The product’s captivating scent and its ability to leave the hair incredibly smooth have earned it acclaim from several reviewers who have tested the product.
Pros
- Heat-protectant
- Weightless
- Color-safe
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- EDTA-free
Cons
- None
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The overwhelming 16,654 positive reviews on Amazon show how popular this product is with happy users.
5. Best Hair Strengthening Formula: OGX Nourishing + Coconut Milk Anti-Breakage Serum
This nourishing coconut milk anti-breakage serum from OGX is a leave-in hair treatment for damage prevention and heat protection. The nourishing anti-frizz formula contains coconut oil that adds luster, softness, and shine to rough curly hair. It is packed with coconut milk that has proven efficacy in strengthening and smoothing hair. It is also infused with whipped egg white protein for smoother, healthier-looking curls. This anti-breakage hair serum is suitable for all hair types and textures.
Pros
- Anti-breakage formula
- Strengthens your hair
- Suitable for all hair types
- Pleasant fragrance
- Sulfate-free
Cons
- None
Pro TipWhy We Think It's Worth Buying
With over 2,780 Amazon acclaimed reviews, this product is sure to find a place in everyone’s shopping bag.
6. Best Lightweight Formula: John Frieda Frizz-Ease Original Serum
John Frieda Frizz-Ease Original Serum is a lighter version of their extra strength serum. It is great for medium to thick curly hair. The formula has a great combination of enriching ingredients including ginseng extracts, which strengthen hair follicles, prevent hair breakage, and offer deep hydration. The serum eliminates frizziness, tames uncontrollable hair, and protects hair from the effects of styling tools. It also hydrates parched hair. With just a dime-sized amount, this serum tames those stubborn flyaways and makes your curls manageable and bouncy.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Repels humidity
- Prevents heat damage
- Hydrates hair
- Boosts shine
Cons
- Overpowering fragrance
Pro Tip7. Best For Color-Treated Hair: OGX Smoothing + Liquid Pearl Luminescent Serum
This shine-enhancing serum from OGX smoothens hair to reflect light and luster. It is infused with sea kelp and pearl extract that make your hair look sleeker and shinier. This serum helps moisturize hair and the natural ingredients in the formula hydrate your curls and add bounce to them. The serum is safe for color-treated hair and promotes healthier hair.
Pros
- Adds shine
- Smoothens hair
- Adds bounce to curls
- Safe for color-treated hair
Cons
- Unpleasant fragrance
Pro Tip8. Best For Dry, Damaged Hair: Perfect Hair Coconut Oil Hair Serum
The Perfect Hair Coconut Oil Hair Serum is a smoothing formula for frizzy, dry, and damaged locks. This shine-enhancing serum is a powerful blend of nourishing ingredients like fractionated coconut oil, raw virgin olive oil, sweet almond oil, vitamin E oil, aloe vera, and keratin that help revive dry and damaged hair. The coconut oil fatty acids stimulate hair for healthy growth, protect hair from heat, and offer a silky finish. This serum offers frizz control and prevents flyaways.
Pros
- Stimulates hair growth
- Prevents breakage
- Sulfate-free
- Paraben-free
- Mineral oil-free
- Perfect for all hair types
Cons
- Overpowering fragrance
9. Best For Frizzy Hair: Davines Curl Building Serum
The Davines Curl Building Serum is a leave-in serum for curly hair. This frizz-resistant serum is crafted with advanced technology that improves hair elasticity and prevents heat damage. It enhances curl definition and makes hair bouncy and shiny. The moisturizing formula nourishes dry, dehydrated hair and protects it from humidity.
Pros
- Promotes hair elasticity
- Softens rough hair
- Humidity-resistant
- Paraben-free
- Talcum-free
- Added colorant-free
Cons
- Flaky
- Unpleasant fragrance
10. Best Non-Greasy Formula: tgin Argan Replenishing Hair & Body Serum
The tgin Argan Replenishing Hair & Body Serum is formulated with nourishing ingredients like coconut, argan, jojoba, and vitamin E oils that help seal moisture for soft and smooth hair. This scented serum promotes healthy hair growth, reduces hair breakage, and increases moisture retention for healthy locks. The non-greasy formula is ideal for twist-outs, blow-drying, curling, roller setting, and hot oil treatments.
Pros
- Non-greasy formula
- Non-irritating
- Absorbs easily
- Reduces hair breakage
- Pleasant fragrance
Cons
- None
11. Best Nourishing Formula: Honey Nectar Hair & Scalp Elixir
The Honey Nectar Serum is a hair & scalp elixir made with a custom blend of natural & organic ingredients, making it perfect for managing conditions like damaged hair or scalp problems. It contains more than just basic oils, it also has argan kernel oil, a fatty, oily substance that makes the serum rich in nutrients. It is rich in antioxidants that fight free radical damage from UV rays & trap & seal in moisture. Additionally, prickly pear and sea buckthorn oil help to soothe and regulate your scalp’s inflammation & irritation. It improves both hair and scalp health.
Pros
- Reduces hair breakage
- Pleasant fragrance
- Adds bounce to curls
- Safe for color-treated hair
Cons
- None
"This natural hair serum has become a staple in my routine. I love the fact that it has clean ingredients and zero silicones. It makes my hair silky and easy to manage."
12. Best Thermal Protection: Mixed Chicks Straightening Serum
The Mixed Chicks Straightening Serum is the best thermal protectant hair serum for heat styling your curls. It is infused with amino acids, hops, rosemary, chamomile, and witch hazel extracts that help eliminate frizz and create sleek styling.
Chamomile extracts fight dandruff and soothe scalp irritation, silk amino acids strengthen hair and protect against moisture loss, and goldenseal extracts improve the overall hair health. The hops extract in the formula has astringent properties and prevents hair loss, witch hazel helps tame locks into a sleek finish, and rosemary extract increases blood circulation in the scalp and promotes healthy hair. The humidity-resistant formula protects your hair and keeps it smooth and shiny.
Pros
- Reduces drying time
- Offers thermal protection
- Humidity-resistant formula
Cons
- Overpowering fragrance
- Liquid consistency
13. Best For Split Ends: Mizani Thermasmooth Smooth Serum
The Mizani Thermasmooth Smooth Serum is a lightweight, thermal protectant hair formula. It protects against split ends and hair breakage and contains coconut oil that protects against heat and repels humidity for a frizz-free and smooth blowout look. This serum contains cationic polymers and ceramides that prevent humidity from making the hair frizzy. The serum smoothens fragile and brittle hair, prevents split ends and hair breakage, and adds shine.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Protects against heat damage
- Repels humidity
- Adds shine
- Sulfate-free
- Paraben-free
- Suitable for all hair textures
Cons
- Inconvenient pump
14. Best Vegan Formula: Sachajuan Shine Serum
The Sachajuan Shine Serum is designed to protect and repair damaged ends, add shine to hair, and protect against thermal heating. It smoothens hair cuticles and prevents split ends and the associated damage. It is fast-absorbing. It does not weigh your hair down or leave any greasy residue. The formula strengthens and maintains natural hair health and gives a salon-like finish all day.
Pros
- Smoothens hair cuticles
- Prevents split ends
- Adds shine
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
- Paraben-free
Cons
- None
15. Best UV-Safe Formula: Keratin Cure Shine Hair Serum
The Keratin Cure Shine Hair Serum is a non-greasy and lightweight UV protection formula infused with nourishing ingredients like biotin, organic coconut, argan, and marula oils that help seal the hair shaft and hair moisture. This hair serum reduces frizz and adds shine to your hair. It is suitable for damaged or color-treated, dry, or frizzy curls. It is enriched with UV filters that block sun damage and is suitable for daily use.
Pros
- Adds shine
- UV-safe formula
- Lightweight
- Non-greasy
Cons
- None
These were some of the best hair serums that can give your hair the necessary care it needs. But you must consider the following factors before you choose one.
How To Choose The Best Hair Serum For Curly Hair?
- Ingredients
People with curly hair should stay away from products that contain sulfates, mineral oils, alcohols, and silicones as they cause product buildup and make your curls look limp and flat. Instead, look for a professional-grade serum with dimethicone, which can control frizz. If you are looking to add shine to your hair, buy one with argan or macadamia oil.
- Hair Concerns
Choose hair serums that address specific concerns and hair issues like frizz, heat damage, environmental damage, and hair breakage. Some products also add natural shine to hair, moisturize hair, or repair hair damage. If you have a sensitive scalp and weak hair, side with a dermatologist-recommended product that is free of chemicals. You can also consult a hair expert to know more.
These are the important factors to consider while choosing hair serums for your curly hair. But how to use these hair serums correctly?
How To Use Hair Serums For Curly Hair?
- Take a few drops of the serum onto your palm and rub your hands together.
- Use the fingertips to gently work from the mid-length of your hair to the ends. Avoid the roots and apply on extremely wet hair.
- Add more product depending on the length and thickness of hair.
- Do not rinse out.
Infographic: Hair Serums For Curly Hair: Benefits & Easy Application Tips
Serums are essential for maintaining the shine and health of curly hair. They help tame the frizzy coils and style them. Check out the infographic to learn more about how serums benefit curly hair. It also takes you through the dos and don’ts of using hair serum to retain the natural luster and bounce of your coils. Scroll down. Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
The Bottom Line
Coiled hair is difficult to maintain and style. You need to put quite some effort and the right hair care products into your hair routine to define and tame your short ends. The hair serums for curly hair repair damaged hair, hydrate the locks, nourish the curls, and make the hair smooth and flowing. These serums are color-safe, paraben-free, and act as heat protectants by forming a protective barrier. Try the Paul Mitchell Super Skinny Serum for its anti-humidity formula, the Herstyler Hair Repair Serum for its anti-static and non-greasy formula, or the John Frieda Frizz Ease Extra Strength Serum for the anti-frizz, nourishing formula. However, some products may have unpleasant fragrances. Use the buying guide and read the reviews well to pick the right hair products that fit your styling preferences. Yvey Valcin, a celebrated master stylist says, “Curly hair has always been looked at as a project or as hard to maintain. As I review the list of the products, there are some good ones out of the list. I like the detailed instructions on how to use the products because the hardest thing about curly hair is the order of how the products are used.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a serum help curly hair?
Hair serums can control frizz and keep the curls glossy and manageable. Also, they protect your curls from heat and humidity.
Can you apply hair serum to dry hair?
Yes, you can apply hair serum to dry hair. However, it is more effective on slightly damp hair.
Is serum or oil better for frizzy hair?
Serum and oil both have different qualities and benefits. Hair serum is a styling product that makes your hair smooth and shiny. Hair oils, on the other hand, nourish and improve your hair’s health.
How often should you use hair serum?
If your hair is brittle and dry after washing, use hair serum every time after washing hair. It helps protect your hair from environmental aggressors and prevents the accumulation of dirt and oils. Some formulas also give you a boost of moisture. If you have rough hair that is prone to breakage, you can apply some hair serum to the strands before brushing them.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
Shiboli Chakraborti is a certified skin care coach passionate about recommending the right skin and hair care products. She performs extensive research on trusted websites to select high-quality products that meet the users’ requirements. She has compiled this list of best hair serums for curly hair by carefully analyzing their features and user reviews. These serums are perfect for hydrating and nourishing your hair. Shiboli also explains how to use this product and offers a buying guide to help you make the right choice.
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