Source: Byrdie.com
Our best overall pick is the Olaplex Bond Protector Hair Serum
by MEGAN MCCARTY UPDATED ON 01/24/23 08:58AM EST
reviewed by SOPHIA EMMANUEL
Trichologist
fact checked by YVONNE MCGREEVY
You can think of hair serum as a protective shield for your hair. Sure, you probably use a conditioner on your hair, but immediately after stepping out of the shower you might blast it with a hair dryer, sizzle it with a curling wand, or expose it to a day in the sun and salt water. That’s where a hair serum can come into play; not only can hair serum safeguard your locks against all of those elements, but invest in a good one and it’ll give your hair a boost of hydration too.
“It is necessary to protect your hair the way you would protect your face with moisturizer,” says Kimberly Gueldner, Amy Schumer’s personal hairstylist. “You would rarely leave the house without moisturizer on your face, and the same philosophy should be applied to your hair.”
To find the best hair serums on the market, we conducted hours of research—evaluating each option based on their active ingredients and benefits. We also looked for any extra features, like if they could work on all hair types or had a clean ingredient list. After consulting experts and considering dozens of formulas, we landed on these top-rated picks.
“Most serums on the market are purely for shine and polish,” says professional hairstylist Marshall Lin. Pai-Shau’s Biphasic Infusion also provides hydration for the hair, which is what sets it apart. “The ingredients in this serum offer both a treatment as well as the cosmetic benefits of shine.”
The best part of Biphasic Infusion, says Lin, is that it’s oil-free, which is rare for a hair serum. Instead, this formula contains a mix of five steeped teas that each nourish your hair and scalp. “It’s genius, actually,” Lin says. Use this on wet hair for a treatment and then again on dry hair once styled for shine. “Since it’s oil-free, you can keep applying it and reapplying without having the oily look or having your hair look weighed-down,” he says.
Price at time of publish: $24
Key Ingredients: Pai-Shau’s signature tea complex | Hair Type: All | Size: 1 oz. | Cruelty Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes
