How-To: Hair Serums

Hair serums, aka the good stuff, are just like skin serums. They are the fun extra you probably don’t need, have too much of, or the key to making your hair look alive and healthy.

Hair serums. We’re here to debunk the mystery behind them and maybe save you some cash along the way.

WHEN TO NOT USE A HAIR SERUM

Save your money if your hair is generally well-behaved (read: healthy and resilient) and you’re more likely to work with your hair rather than against its nature. May we suggest putting some of that savings into a new straightening iron or the hair towel you never knew you needed? 

 

WHEN AND HOW TO USE A HAIR SERUM

Use a hair serum on freshly washed, damp hair. Apply after warming in your palms. Take care not to go to close to your roots and focus on evenly distributing the serum from mid-length to the ends.

 

HAIR SERUMS FOR EVERY OCCASION

 
File this for next summer: Serums to help undo the damage from all that summer fun–chlorine, UV-damage, and sea salt (spray).

High-end pick: Solaire Protective Summer Fluid, Beautylish

 

Best budget buy: Yarok Feed Your Sunshine, well.ca
   

For the urban dweller: These protective serums help undo the damage done by pollution (such as dull, dry hair).

High-end pick: Power Drops Hydration & Anti-Pollution Booster, Beautylish

 
Best budget buy: The Sheen Queen Nourishing Miracle Serum, Shoppers Drug Mart
 
 
For the color chameleon: Dying can be rough for hair, especially if you’re a (not so natural) platinum blonde. Protect and preserve your color from the elements, including the sun!

High-end pick: Power Drops Color Preservation Booster, Beautylish

 
Best budget buy: EverPure 10-in-1 Color Miracle, Shoppers Drug Mart

 

For the heat tool obsessed: Protect your hair from the temperature with these products.

High-end pick: Blockade Heat Defense Serum, Sephora

 
Best budget buy: Olive Oil Heat Protection Serum, Shoppers Drug Mart

 
 

Hair serums for thicker growth: Have you got thin or fine hair? These serums won’t change your type, but they will give you the appearance of fuller hair.

High-end pick: Follicle Boosting Serum, Nordstrom

 

Best budget buy: Multi-Peptide Serum for Hair Density, well.ca

 

Hair repairing serums: Dry, damaged hair has no chance against these serums.

High-end pick: CAVIAR Anti-Aging Restructuring Bond Repair 3-in-1 Sealing Serum, Sephora

 

Best budget buy: 2chic Repairing Super Potion Hair Serum, well.ca

 

Frizz busting serums: If our frizz busting tips weren’t enough, these hero products are here to save the day!

High-end pick: Nutritive Oil Serum for Dry Frizzy Hair, Sephora

 
Best budget buy: Frizz Ease Extra Strength serum, Shoppers Drug Mart

 
 

Curl hair serum: Protect, define and de-frizz curls with these gentle and moisturizing products.

High-end pick: Biphasic Infusion Rejuvenating Concentrate for Hair, The Bay

Best budget buy: Nourishing Coconut Milk Anti-Breakage Serum, Shoppers Drug Mart