Like a facial serum, a hair serum can serve many purposes in improving and nourishing your hair. Whether you’re looking to tame frizz, smooth flyaways, hydrate brittle ends or add shine, hair serums are a must-have in your haircare routine.
To help find the right one for you, we have rounded up 12 top-rated products to find the best hair serum Australia.
Plus, we include a helpful guide to hair serums covering the benefits and the best way to use them.
12 of the Best Hair Serums to Buy in Australia
Kerastase Nutritive 8HR Magic Night Hair Serum
"Like a skin serum for your hair"
Easily considered one of the best hair serums on the market, the Kerastase 8HR Magic Night Hair Serum deserves its reputation.
This super-hydrating serum is perfect for all hair types and helps to restore and nourish your locks from the inside out thanks to a blend of restorative ingredients like Iris Root extra and a blend of 5 vitamins.
The lightweight, creamy formula is easily absorbed and works to make coarse hair more manageable, hydrate fine hair without weighing it down, and define curls. It also contains a blend of five vitamins to help nurture and protect your hair, as well as aiding with detangling and softening.
This luxurious serum has a dreamy fragrance and is a no-rinse formula, meaning you can just apply and leave it in hair overnight – where it really gets to work!
Mls: 90ml
BondiBoost Rapid Repair Serum
The BondiBoost Rapid Repair Serum is an amazing hair serum known for its efficacy in repairing split ends. It doesn‘t leave any sticky residue, flakes, or build–up and provides improved softness and shine. The hair ends appear thicker and fuller, the hair shaft is noticeably smoother, and the cuticles are partially repaired. This serum is formulated with a natural–based functional ingredient, making it perfect for damaged and distressed hair types with severe split ends.
Mls: 125ml
Aveda – Botanical Repair Strengthening Overnight Serum
At Beauty Space, we love a good overnight hair or beauty product, and Aveda’s Botanical Repair Strengthening Overnight Serum is the perfect solution for hair repair as you sleep.
The lightweight formula creates an invisible veil that mimics the benefits of a silk pillowcase, preventing damage and friction to your hair. The bond-building plant molecule in the serum helps to build new hydrogen bonds deep in the hair’s cortex and strengthens and reinforces the hair’s integrity at the core. The plant-based complex in the serum forms an outer layer to protect hair from future damage.
The highlight ingredients of this hair treatment are the Nangai oil which targets and repairs split ends, and the nourishing macro green blend of certified organic avocado, green tea and sacha inchi oils to smooth and nourish the hair cuticle.
We found it runs through the hair easily and doesn’t weigh it down.
The only downside of this product is the scent – it can be quite overpowering!
Mls: 100ml
Coco & Eve Like A Virgin Miracle Hair Elixir
Coco & Eve’s Like A Virgin Miracle Hair Elixir is your damaged and dry hair’s new best friend. This fast-absorbing hair serum protects hair from breakage and damage from heat styling.
This wonder treatment has several benefits like restoring softness, shine and gloss to lacklustre hair. The formulation is lightweight, non-greasy and has a silky finish.
It can be used in three ways:
- As an overnight leave-in treatment.
- Prior to styling with a hot tool (like a heat protectant!)
- As a finishing oil post-styling
In terms of key ingredients, the formula is packed with nutrients like Coconut & Fig, Prickly Pear, Hyaluronic Acid, and Mangosteen & Papaya. Coconut & Fig is a world-renowned source of fatty acids that helps recover your hair from within and seal split-ends. Prickly Pear is rich in Vitamin C, E, and K to add incredible shine and softness. And finally, Mangosteen & Papaya are rich in antioxidants to add gloss.
The only downsides of the product would be the coconut scent which might be too strong, and that it contains silicones which some people look to avoid in hair products.
Mls: 100ml
The Ordinary Multi-Peptide for Hair Density Serum
Our pick for the best hair serum for those with thinning hair is The Ordinary’s Multi-Peptide Serum for Hair Density.
This powerful serum uses a cocktail of natural extracts, peptide complexes and caffeine powder to encourage circulation and promote healthy hair follicles, resulting in thicker, denser hair. The lightweight, emollient base ensures maximum absorption, and the serum can be used once daily, in the evening preferably.
Suitable for all hair types, this unique product from The Ordinary will help you achieve the beautiful hair you’ve always wanted.
Mls: 60ml
MOROCCANOIL Mending Infusion
MOROCCANOIL Mending Infusion is the perfect serum for repairing split ends and restoring your hair’s natural strength and lustre. Packed with conditioning argan oil and nourishing baobab extracts, this luxurious serum transforms dry, brittle ends into healthy, silky strands.
Quinoa protein helps to strengthen hair and protect against further damage while taming frizz and flyaways.
Use after styling or while blow-drying for best results.
Mls: 75ml
OGX Coconut Milk Anti-Breakage Serum
Our pick for the best affordable hair serum is the OGX Coconut Milk Anti-Breakage Serum.
It contains a unique blend of organic weightless coconut oil and silk and keratin proteins to instantly repair dry, damaged, coarse, and chemically treated hair. This luxurious serum helps resurface the hair, repair damaged hair and cuticles, and mend split ends and frizziness.
Coconut Milk Anti-Breakage Serum adds strength and elasticity to weak, brittle, and damaged hair and promotes longer hair by helping reduce everyday damage. Plus, the light, refreshing coconut milk scent will leave your hair smelling amazing!
Mls: 118ml
Sunday Riley Clean Rinse Clarifying Scalp Serum
Looking for a refreshing, clarifying scalp serum that reduces oiliness and addresses flaky/dry scalp? Look no further than Sunday Riley’s Clean Rinse Clarifying Scalp Serum.
This colour-safe, AHA/BHA-infused serum cleanses the scalp of product buildup, excess oil, dead skin, and pollution for a healthier-looking scalp and refreshed hair. Glycolic acid exfoliates the surface of the scalp, removing hair-follicle-clogging debris and styling-product buildup from the hair and scalp, while salicylic acid helps dissolve sebum buildup inside of the follicle to support optimum hair health. Niacinamide promotes healthy hair growth.
Plus, this clarifying serum has a gentle, micellar water base to lift away dirt as it rinses out of your hair.
Mls: 120ml
Paul Mitchell Super Skinny Serum
The best hair serums should be one that doesn’t have too many chemical compounds to it which is exactly what Paul Mitchell hair serum is all about.
It is gluten and paraben-free and will suit even those who are vegan. This is best used as a blowout primer because it protects strands from heat styling tools. It speeds up the drying time for damp hair and it also tames the frizz that seems to pop out when you least expect them. The Super Skinny is lightweight that not only smoothens your mane but it also seals any damage to it too.
You don’t have to use a lot of this product to style your hair, one pump will suffice. Rub the serum on your hands then apply it on clean, damp hair. Afterwards, you can get to style your mane with relative ease. Keep in mind that this is a concentrated type of serum and must be used in small amounts to get the best results.
Mls: 150ml
Olaplex No.7 Bonding Oil
Another hair serum that I would suggest is this bonding oil from Olaplex. This hair serum is highly concentrated so you need to use a small amount on your mane. It is a restorative and reparative serum that can help restore damaged strands with repeated use. It makes your hair shinier, softer, and have more vibrancy in terms of colours. I am impressed that it can help bring back the natural texture and appearance of damaged locks with just a small amount.
You’ll be happy to know that it doesn’t contain any harmful chemicals like parabens, sulphate, phthalates, and phosphate. It works on all types of hair, which is another reason why you should get this. It can protect your hair strands from intense heat coming from your styling tools so you don’t end up with dry hair.
Mls: 30ml
OUAI Hair Oil
While I was searching for the best hair serums, I came across this hair oil from OUAI and I liked what I read about it. What you will get with this product is a serum that protects your coloured hair from fading, solves split ends, prevent UV rays from damaging your strands further, plus, it does give your hair that extra shine too. It makes use of ama, African galanga, and Asian borage oils for protecting strands and ensuring that they remain smooth regardless of how often you use a styling tool on them. Just run one to three drops of this oil on your wet hair or use it on dry hair even after a blowout to help maintain the style for a day or two. The best part? You can even use it as a hydrating mask for your damage strands!
There are no harmful ingredients in it but rather high-quality oils that are chosen to improve one’s hair. Products like this are worth investing in if you want to bring back the natural beauty of your mane.
Mls: 45ml
Advantages of Using a Hair Serum on Your Strands
There are several reasons why finding serums to use on your hair is a good idea. If you have been dealing with split ends or damaged hair lately, I think you will be surprised by the benefits that you can get from this product. I researched on this beauty product and here’s what I have learned so far.
- Tame hair. Frizzy hair and flyaways won’t bother you anymore when you apply this product on your strands. Instead of controlling them with hairspray, using hair serum is a better option.
- Nourishment. Dry hair can make your mane appear dull and lifeless, plus prone to breakage too. Applying hair serums can provide protection against humidity while bringing back shine to your strands once more without making it appear greasy. This is a huge benefit because you don’t want to end up with oily strands clinging to your head.
- Soft hair. Damaged hair can be hard to the touch, but applying this product will bring back its natural softness to it making it easier to manage.
- Add shine. The best hair serum can make your dull hair appear shinier which makes your mane look healthier too.
- Protect from humidity. There are some hair types that simply poof up with the changing seasons, but this won’t be a problem when you apply a serum to your strands.
- Treat damaged hair. If your hair has been damaged because of your constant use of hair colour and heat styling tools like me, applying this product is a great way to helping it bring back to its natural way. It’s because this kind of hair product can bring back moisture to your damaged strands.
What’s the Best Way to Use a Hair Serum
Who would have thought that hair serums come packing with several benefits? Well, in order to experience them, it is important to learn the right way for using serums for hair which I am more than happy to share with you. If you want better-looking hair, try these tips out.
- Choose the right product for your hair.
This is important as you will need to look for serums that are specific to your hair type and condition. You should also consider the ingredients used as there are some that may contain chemicals that may not work well on you. Do some research to see which type will be suited for your own hair. - Give your hair a thorough wash.
One thing that you need to keep in mind about serums is that they are meant to be used on shampooed hair only. This is because it is meant to be a source of nourishment for dry hair or even one that is brittle. I recommend that you choose a product that comes with shampoo and conditioner that have the same formulation as the serum for a complete treatment. - Apply the serum.
Add two to six drops of the product on the palm of your hand then rub them together before applying on damp hair. Flip hair forward then apply from the roots to the tips, paying extra attention to split ends. Flip your hair back then add two more drops to your palms and massage it on your scalp. You can give your hair an extra boost by running another coating of the serum on your strands once you are done with the first two steps. - Brush hair.
Brush your hair after to help remove any tangles. Blowdry your mane afterwards or use a heat styling tool to straighten or curl your strands. Experts recommend that you use a hair serum first prior to using straightening tools because it adds protection to your mane against the heat.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hair Serums
What does a hair serum do?
Hair serums are these silicone-based products that coat strands to make them shinier and healthier. A good serum for the hair should be able to prevent tangles from occurring. It is also supposed to make your hair softer and frizz-free. Applying this product on your hair must be able to protect it against the sun and exposure to dust, grime, and other pollutants for that matter.
Using a hair serum can also help with minimizing hair loss and even protect it against heat especially when using styling tools like flat irons and curling wands. With numerous brands in the market today, it is not that easy finding the best hair serum to use.
Is hair oil better than hair serum?
This depends on what you are trying to achieve. A hair serum is typically used when styling hair to tame frizz and flyaways for a smooth and shiny result. Hair oil, on the other hand, can be used as a hair treatment and works to deeply nourish, condition and improve the overall health of your hair.
When should we apply serum to hair?
