9 Best Hairstylist-Approved Silicone-Free Hair Serums Of 2024
Prevent dry hair caused by silicone-based hair and switch to these healthier alternatives.
Alexandro Vasquez has been a hairdresser since 1997 and has worked in various countries, including Brazil, Spain, Ireland, Indonesia, Singapore, and UAE. His experience spans salon brands such as Toni&Guy, Aveda, and Leekaja. He specializes in traveling and training hair salon staff around the world.
Read full bio of Alexandro Vasquez
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: 11 yearsRamona is an editor at StyleCraze with 11 years of experience in writing and editing. She has authored over 200 articles on skin and hair care. She graduated from the University of Calcutta, West Bengal, and did her post-graduation from the University of Kalyani, West Bengal.
Read full bio of Ramona Sinha
Image: StyleCraze Design Team
Silicone is one of the worst ingredients you can use for your hair, and hair serums are full of it. This may be why you should swap your current one with the best silicone-free hair serum for improved hair texture. Serums with silicone cause buildup and end up accumulating on your skin after regular use. Not only do they damage the hair follicles, but they also make your strands brittle. To help you with your search for the perfect one, we’ve listed the 9 best silicone-free hair serums with numerous positive reviews.
In This Article
9 Best Recommended Silicone-Free Hair Serums For Shiny Hair (2024)
1. Best Vegan:HAIRFINITY Infinite Edges Spot Serum
The Infinite Edges Spot Serum from HAIRFINITY is a hair growth product enriched with vitamins that reduce hair loss and thinning while treating conditions like poor scalp micro-circulation, alopecia, follicle atrophy, and follicle aging caused by DHT. This hair stimulant treatment reactivates the hair follicles to grow again. This hair care product restores hydration, improves smoothness, and protects the hair and scalp with active vitamins and botanicals. Multiple reviewers are highly impressed that this serum comes with a massaging rollerball applicator, making it convenient to focus on the problem areas. This video of the tester’s experience will help you know more about this restorative product.
Key Ingredients: Glycerin, Hyaluronic acid, Hydrolyzed wheat protein, Licorice root extract, White tea leaf extract, Vitamins E, A, and C, and Panthenol (Provitamin B5)
Pros
- Sulfate-free
- Paraben-free
- Phthalates-free
- Mineral oil-free
- Petroleum-free
- Vegan
Cons
- May irritate the scalp.
2. Best Gluten-Free:re:line Biotin Thickening Serum
The Biotin Thickening Serum from re:line is a lightweight, unique formulation containing biotin, coconut oil, saw palmetto, aloe, and witch hazel. These ingredients work in tandem as hair thickening agents and DHT blockers while detangling your locks, providing moisture, and protecting weak hair against sun and pollution exposure. Reviewers rave about the serum’s non-greasy texture that makes the hair soft and shiny without leaving any heavy buildup. This gentle formula from a clean hair care brand is free of parabens, gluten, and other harsh chemicals and safe for colored hair.
Key Ingredients: Biotin, Saw palmetto, Coconut oil, Aloe barbadensis leaf juice, and Witch hazel
Pros
- Sulfate-free
- Paraben-free
- Gluten-free
- Phosphate-free
- Phthalate-free
- Cruelty-free
- Amazing smell
Cons
- None
Pro Tip
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
It has received 1,323 reviews on Amazon and is a popular choice among shoppers.
3. Best Color-safe:SheaMoisture Daily Hydration Finishing Oil Serum
The SheaMoisture Daily Hydration Finishing Oil Serum combines the properties of milk with a hair growth oil. The lightweight and potent blend of virgin coconut oil with organic shea butter leaves the hair feeling smooth and silky. This serum tames flyaways, nourishes the hair to enhance hair health, locks in moisture, and protects the hair strands from damage. It adds a healthy shine to your hair and makes it look lustrous. This product is made using a common ingredient for conditioning hair- fair trade shea butter, and does not contain sulfates, parabens, phthalates, or mineral oil.
Key Ingredients: Organic shea butter and Virgin coconut oil
Pros
- Paraben-free
- Fast-absorbing
- Phthalate-free
- Mineral oil-free
- Sulfate-free
- Cruelty-free
- Color-safe
Cons
- Not travel-friendly
HAIRFINITY Infinite Edges Spot Serum Best Vegan | re:line Biotin Thickening Serum Best Gluten-Free | SheaMoisture Daily Hydration Finishing Oil Serum Best Color-safe | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hair Type | All | - | Normal |
| Dimensions | 1.25 x 1.25 x 7 inches | - | 1.5 x 1.5 x 6.5 inches |
| Weight | 0.63 Ounces. | - | 4 Ounces. |
| HAIR TYPES | - | All | - |
| Package Dimensions | - | 7.44 x 2.72 x 2.01 inches | - |
| Weight | - | 4 Ounces | - |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 1,166 | 1,323 | 553 |
| Price | $29.99 | $19.97 | $17.42 |
4. Best Paraben-Free:MARC ANTHONY Bye.Bye. Frizz 8-In-1 Serum
The MARC ANTHONY 8-In-1 Serum makes your hair frizz-free without weighing it down. It contains a balanced mix of hydrolyzed silk, dual keratin, and natural oils to block out humidity and lock in moisture in curly hair by creating a natural barrier. This lightweight serum enhances curl shine and can be reapplied for touch-ups as it smoothens, softens, and repairs damaged hair. It is free of parabens, sulfates, and other harmful chemicals.
Key Ingredients: Abyssinian oil, Sunflower oil, Amino acids, and Silk protein
Pros
- Sulfate-free
- Paraben-free
- Phthalate-free
Cons
- Strong smell
5. Best Cruelty-Free:LOVE beauty AND planet Scalp Serum
The LOVE beauty AND planet Scalp Serum is infused with the nourishing and nutrient-rich hemp seed oil that moisturizes an unbalanced, dry scalp, while nana leaf extracts soothe and calm the nerves. This 94% natural serum is also infused with coconut oil, which helps in revitalizing the scalp and is safe for all hair types, including curly, wavy, or straight hair. The mixed fragrance of earthy hemp oil and enriching nana leaves has garnered praise from reviewers as it provides gentle massaging aromatherapy to the scalp, leaving you feeling refreshed. The brand also offers tried and tested results of consumers noticing visible reduction in hair thinning in 28 days.
Key ingredients: Hemp seed oil, Nana leaf, Coconut oil
Pros
- Paraben-free
- Dye-free
- Cruelty-free
- Phthalate-free
- Vegan
Cons
- Unpleasant scent
Pro Tip6. Best Multipurpose:Verb Moringa + Jojoba Treatment Oil
The Verb Moringa + Jojoba Treatment Oil does much more than your conventional hair serum as it is a multipurpose oil for dry scalp and damaged hair. It contains jojoba oil that repairs and moisturizes brittle hair, while moringa oil, rich in fatty acids, hydrates the hair to make it smooth and silky. You can use it on dry hair to tame flyaways and repair your split ends or on wet hair as a pre-treatment. This hydrating serum is suitable for all hair types, including straight, curly, and wavy hair to maintain overall scalp and hair health. Check out this video of a tester’s experience to know more about this product.
Key Ingredients: Jojoba oil, Moringa oil
Pros
- Lightweight
- Suits all hair types
- Multipurpose
- Fragrance-free
Cons
- None
7. Best Natural Formula:Celuxe Hair Serum Smoothing Secret
The Celuxe Hair Serum Smoothing Secret is a natural hair serum formulated for fragile and damaged hair. It is made with organic virgin argan oil, vegetable oils, and phospholipids that repair and strengthen hair, prevent breakage and make hair manageable for easy detangling. Formulated by an advanced hair brand, the serum hydrates hair, prevents hair loss, and promotes healthy hair growth. This color-protecting serum works best for color-treated, damaged hair or hair that has undergone damage due to heat styling tools. Additionally, it tackles frizzy hair and adds natural shine, making your tresses look gorgeous.
Key Ingredients: Phospholipids, Argan oil, and Vitamin E.
Pros
- 99.5% natural ingredients
- Color-protect
- Thermo-protect
- Paraben-free
- Vegan-friendly
Cons
- None
Quick Tip8. Best Moisturizing:L’OREAL PARIS EVERSLEEK Intense Serum
L’OREAL PARIS EVERSLEEK Intense Serum offers a hair smoothing system free of heavy chemicals like sulfates or silicones. It is infused with sunflower, argan, jojoba, and olive oils, which moisturize and smooth the hair and control frizz for up to 48 hours. This serum also controls frizz and wild flyaways, seals split ends, and adds shine to the hair.
Key Ingredients: Argan, Sunflower, Jojoba, and Olive oils
Pros
- Sulfate-free
- Cruelty-free
- Vegan
- A little goes a long way
Cons
- Does not control heavy frizz.
- Not suitable for normal to oily hair types.
Quick Tip9. Best Nourishing:drybar Jump Start Quick Dry Blowout Serum
The Jump Start Serum from drybar is formulated with heat-activated rice proteins that offer heat protection up to 450°F during hair styling. The pliable polymer blend coats each hair strand and guarantees long-lasting style memory. This nourishing formula fights frizz and minimizes the blowout time. It is fortified with fruit extracts for nourishing the hair, increasing moisture, and boosting shine. The floral fragrance has hints of black pepper, jasmine, and sandalwood.
Key Ingredients: Rice proteins, Polymer blend, and Fruit extracts
Pros
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Phthalate-free
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- Makes the hair stiff.
Silicone in hair serums can be detrimental to your hair. When you use a silicone-based hair serum regularly, it may cause damage to your hair. This is why you need to switch to silicone-free hair serums. Silicone-free serums are great for all hair types as they aren’t heavy or damaging. Use this guide to get what you want in your quest for the best silicone-free hair serums.
What To Consider When Buying Silicone-Free Hair Serums
- Ingredients
Silicone-free hair serum should have clinically tested, shine-enhancing ingredients that aid in hair repair and nourish your hair. Look for nourishing ingredients like vitamins, shea butter, coconut oil, biotin, licorice root extract, amino acids, and protein. Do not forget to check the ingredients list of the hair serum before buying.
Apart from silicone, you should also avoid other ingredients in the hair serum. For example, avoid a formula loaded with chemicals like paraben, mineral oil, dye, phthalate, sulfate, and artificial fragrances. The chemicals can affect someone with sensitive skin or scalp and may have an allergic reaction on your scalp or body.
- Identify the need
The silicone-free serum is available for many types of problems and needs. So check for the area of concern, then buy the serum accordingly. For instance, if you are looking for heat protection, try a serum that has heat protection up to 450°F. For frizz control, look for a lightweight serum that hydrates and controls frizz for up to 48 hours.
- Check for other benefits
While buying a silicone-free hair serum, look for a lightweight, volume-enhancing, non-sticky, and non-greasy formulation. Also, look for other benefits like anti-static, non-toxic, color-safe, multipurpose usage, and suitability for all hair types. Your hair serum should improve hair strength, aid in split end repair, provide UV protection, and leave your hair with a glossy finish.
- Travel-friendly
If you often travel, buy a hair serum that is small in size so that it can fit into your purse or luggage. It should be under 350 ml as it is more convenient to carry. It will help you take it wherever you go.
Infographic: How To Use A Hair Serum
Hair serums are an integral part of all hair care routines. They help moisturize the hair strands and make them frizz-free and more manageable. Check out the infographic below to learn about a few healthy practices for applying hair serums. Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
Silicones are one of the most harmful ingredients in hair products, especially serums. The best silicone-free hair serums are must-haves for damaged, unmanageable, and dry hair. Serums with silicone might damage your hair strands and make them brittle. The silicone-free products listed in the article are enriched with natural ingredients. They are free from other harmful chemicals like phthalates, sulfates, and paraben that might damage your hair. They help soften coarse hair, add shine, and tame flyaways. You can try the HAIRFINITY Infinite Edges Spot Serum for improved growth and moisture retention. the LOVE beauty AND Planet Scalp Serum to relieve dry and irritated scalp, and Celuxe Hair Serum Smoothing Secret for easy detangling and color protection. Alexandro Vasquez, an expert hairdresser says, “Products free of silicone are now in trend and the reasons are because in certain countries these products will make the hair more heavy and greasy and make the life of the user somewhat difficult. If your hair is an oily type, I would recommend you to use silicone free products. A good deep cleaning shampoo is also a good option.”
Why Trust Stylecraze?
Shiboli Chakraborti is well-versed in hair care. She loves to write comprehensive articles on beauty and lifestyle for her readers. After sifting through various product specifications and reliable user reviews posted on trusted e-commerce sites, she has curated this list of the best silicone-free hair serums. She recommends using these products as they are mostly chemical-free, do not leave residue behind, and have lightweight formulas.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens to hair when you stop using silicone?
When you stop using silicone hair cream or serum, your hair will regain its shine and become smooth and manageable. It will also help other hair care products such as a hair mask, oil, etc., work better.
Is Loreal serum silicone-free?
Yes, the L’OREAL PARIS EVERSLEEK Intense Serum is silicone-free.
Can I use silicone-free hair serum every day?
Yes, silicone-free hair serum does not have any side effects. They do not damage your hair causing hair fall or dryness.
Is silicone-free serum better than hair oil?
No, a serum is a hair styling product to make your hair smooth and shiny. On the other hand, hair oil is to nourish your hair and scalp.
Does silicone cause hair loss?
Yes. The buildup from silicone-based products may cause hair loss. So, it is better to switch to silicone-free products to prevent buildup, damage, and dryness, and also to control hair fall.
Read full bio of Alexandro Vasquez
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