6 Best Hair Serums For Colored Hair in 2023.

Smoothing flyaways, controlling frizz, locking in color – the best hair serum for colored hair can transform your life and locks.

A good quality nourishing serum will not only hydrate your scalp with essential oils like argan oil or coconut oil, but also seal in extra moisture. All of which helps to keep your color intact.

It also means less frizz and more shine to boot!

If you’re looking for a color-safe product that won’t strip away any pigment from your locks while still having that color vibrancy and lustre, then hair serums are for you!

Knowing the right product for you and how to apply it can be a slippery silicone minefield.

We’re here to help you get the swishiest, silkiest hair you’ll love!

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What is the best hair serum for colored hair?

Looking to keep your colored hair vibrant and shiny? If so, then you know the importance of using a good hair serum.

With the sheer variety of options to choose from, it can be tricky and overwhelming to narrow down your choices.

We’ve reviewed the top 6 hair serums that are designed specifically to help preserve and maintain color-treated hair.

We’ll also share some tips for proper application and give you all the information you need about each one so you can select the best one for your needs.

From smoothing anti-frizz to ramping up the high-gloss shine, here is the best serum for colored hair you need to keep your dyed locks looking fabulous!

Best Hair Serums at a glance.

Hair Serum	Looks like	Best for	Buy it now
Kerastase Reflection Chromatic Fluid.		Thicker hair.	Check it out on Amazon >>
COLOR WOW Dream Coat.		Long lasting shine.	Check it out on Amazon >>
The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Serum for Hair Density		Healthier hair and scalp.	Check it out on Amazon >>
L'Oreal Paris Elvive Bond Repair Leave-in Serum		Damaged and fine hair.	Check it out on Amazon >>
Aussie Shine On Hair Serum.		Superior shine on a budget.	Check it out on Amazon >>
John Frieda Frizz Ease Extra Strength Serum.		Heat protection for thick hair.	Check it out on Amazon >>

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#1 Kerastase Reflection Chromatic Fluid.

Features & ingredients:

• A softening essence for color-treated or highlighted hair.
• It nourishes and protects hair while providing a perfect radiance.
• Part of the Les Touches Chromatiques, the 1st color correcting ink-in-care for color-treated hair.
• The shampoo and conditioner are both in our top rated products.

Reviewers say:

“Kerastase Chromatique products deliver on the shine and smoothness they promise for color treated hair. It is like having brand new hair switching to this!”

“I’m addicted to this product for my long hair and curls. You can feel and see the effects immediately. It makes a super nice shine, I will be coming back for more! ;)”

“I bought this and carry it around for the gym. I’ve also used it in humid weather and before straightening. It doesn’t feel greasy at all. Highly recommend it to anyone with dyed hair.”

Our experience:

We’ve loved Kerastase forever and their color shampoo and conditioners have long been a must-buy for us with their unique restorative powers.

This is a great addition to the must-have list.

It left our hair feeling soft without any residue. You have to use it sparingly as it’s super concentrated. So it goes a long way, but probably best for thicker hair.

Best for: Thicker hair.

#2. COLOR WOW Dream Coat.

Features & ingredients:

• Heat-activated polymer works to compress, tighten and seal hair strands.
• Hair is supernaturally-sleek, smooth and super-silky.
• Unlike typical “humidity-guard”, Dream Coat will not build up, weigh hair down or make it greasy.
• Activated by heat, effects last through 3 to 4 shampoos.

Reviewers say:

“This product is great it does exactly what it says. It really helps to keep your hair soft, shiny and manageable.”

“I used Dream Filter on my highlighted hair and what a difference. I love it. Dream Coat is just as awesome, my hair is straight and silky. And it lasts for days.”

“So impressed with this product that I ordered the larger bottle so I don’t run out. Love WOW.”

Our experience:

Color WOW have colored hair products nailed. Their root cover up and conditioner for colored hair top our Best Of Lists year on year.

This is a spray that works like a serum. The reviews are excellent and after one application, we could see why.

Dream Coat promises a ‘waterproof coat’ but there’s nothing plasticky about it.

It makes your hair smooth and shiny and still lasted after one wash on our color treated hair. This tops the list for us.

Best for: Long lasting shine.

#3 The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Serum for Hair Density

Features & ingredients:

• A concentrated formula specially designed to support hair health.
• Works to promote a thicker, denser, fuller and healthier-looking head of hair.
• Ultra-lightweight and has an emollient base for effective penetration and maximum results.

Reviewers say:

“I’m a 25 year old woman, and whether from using heat tools or coloring my hair a lot, my hair had started to really thin above my temples. Now you would never know. It does take time but long term usage definitely pays off.”

“I use this almost every night before bed, and I can see that my baby hair has finally started growing longer. The good thing is that it doesn’t leave the hair greasy.”

“I have a very itchy, flakey, irritated scalp, so I got this to moisturise and exfoliate. When I use this regularly I notice a lot less hair shed and my scalp has no itchiness or flakes. I can also go longer in between shampoos now!”

Our experience:

Stripping back unnecessary packaging and ingredients, The Ordinary has shaken up the skin care industry with their high-performing products.

Now they’re turning their attention to hair and as big fans of their skin care, we had to give this hot new product a go.

Promising thicker, denser, fuller and healthier hair, this concentrated formula is different from a styling product.

It unites natural extracts, peptides and caffeine to nourish your hair from root to tip.

We found it worked wonders on our scalp which was dry from all the processing it goes through. Use this to keep your hair and scalp healthy and in the best condition for color.

Best for: Healthier hair and scalp.

#4 L’Oreal Paris Elvive Bond Repair Leave-in Serum

Features & ingredients:

• 20% Citric Acid Complex to shield hair bonds and boots shine
• Targets weak hair bonds. Hair is restored to its original strength.
• Up to 98% less breakage, 90% more shine, 82% stronger hair & 12x less split-ends
• Lightweight and Non-Greasy: No one likes a greasy look, right? This leave-in serum is lightweight and non-greasy, keeping your hair feeling fresh and light all day long.
• Deep Repair Action: Say goodbye to weak, fragile hair. This serum dives deep into hair fibers, repairing bonds and bringing back the strength your hair needs.

Reviewers say:

“I’m absolutely in love with this leave-in serum! My hair feels stronger and shinier than ever before.”

“The non-greasy formula is a total game-changer. It gives my hair a fresh look and feel all day.”

“I don’t worry about split-ends anymore. This has given my hair a new lease on life.”

“Finally, a product that tackles hair damage! It’s like this serum has done a deep repair on my hair.”

We say:

One of the facts of life we live with at Coloured Hair Care is hair breakage.

The processing and dyeing, straightening, crimping and waving we love to do plays havoc with our locks and makes them prone to breaking.

This one is a heavily formulated wonder potion to help repair your hair bonds and prevent breakage.

It’s great for using in places where your hair naturally thins. This is the best for damaged and fine hair.

Best for: Damaged and fine hair.

#5 Aussie Shine On Hair Serum. 

Features & ingredients:

• Bring some shine to your locks with Shine On.
• It leaves hair soft, protects colored hair AND turns up the shine at the same time.
• All you need is a coin-sized amount of the rich formula that’s lovingly infused with Jojoba Seed Oil.

Reviewers say:

“Love this so much! It’s the best one I’ve tried. My hair being bleached is so dry and this really does give the shine back.”

“My hair has a slight curl and it’s quite long. Sometimes it can look flat and lifeless. Aussie did great things and got compliments from work mates. Thanks Aussie. x”

“I love this! My hair was dry, damaged and not looking very good,after i used this it was so shiny and smooth!”

Our experience:

This one smells amazing! It’s a thinner formula than some of the others on the list but it really feels like your hair is drinking it in.

It gives instant smooth and a high-gloss shine. And it’s cheap as chips to boot.

Best for: Superior shine on a budget.

#6 John Frieda Frizz Ease Extra Strength Serum.

Features & ingredients:

• Instantly eliminate chronic frizz.
• Repels humidity for glossy, silky-smooth style.
• Extra Strength formula, expertly formulated with an unique blend of silicones.
• Seals in moisture, prevents drying and makes hair glossier and stronger. 

Reviewers say:

“Does what it says on the tin! Smooth and no frizz. Would purchase again. Would recommend for people with thick or fizzy hair.”

“I have the worst ‘humid’ hair ever! I used this on wet hair and dried it in sections. I gave it the ultimate test and walked to end of the beach and back on windy humid day and AMAZING my hair looked the same as it did when I left the house!”

“This is an absolute game changer. My hair is very frizzy and thick and this just completely smooths my hair out.”

Our experience:

Not strictly a colored hair serum but this makes our list as it’s the best for thick, coarse hair. Put it on when wet for the best results and fabulous heat protection.

Frizz Ease overall is an excellent brand that we trust with all of our frizzy hair needs. This is one of their best.

Best for: Heat protection for thick hair.

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TOP PICK!

COLOR WOW Dream Coat.

Best for: Long lasting shine.

Dream Coat promises a ‘waterproof coat’ but there’s nothing plasticky about it.

It makes your hair smooth and shiny and lasted after one wash on our color treated hair. This is the best for colored hair for us.

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Buyer’s guide: How to choose the right hair serum for you.

Choosing a hair serum can be overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. A good place to start is by understanding your hair type & texture and setting your hair goals.

Once you know what you’re looking for, you can narrow down your choices until you find the perfect serum for you. Let’s get started!

#1 Hair type & texture

The first step in choosing the right hair serum is determining your hair type & texture.

The best way to do this is by considering how much oil or moisture your scalp produces naturally. If your scalp tends to produce a lot of oil, then you probably want a lightweight serum that won’t weigh down your strands and will help control frizz without making your hair look greasy.

On the other hand, if your scalp tends to produce less oil, then you should look for a heavier serum with more moisturizing ingredients like argan oil or shea butter that can help protect and strengthen dry strands.

#2 Hair goals

Once you know what type of serum you need, the next step is figuring out what kind of results you want from it.

Are you looking for something that will add shine? Reduce frizz? Help define curls? Or tame flyaways?

Different serums are designed to accomplish different things, so make sure to read labels carefully and choose one that meets all of your hair care needs.

#3 Formula & ingredients

Finally, make sure to pay attention to the formula and ingredients in each product before making a purchase decision.

Look for products with natural ingredients like aloe vera or coconut oil which are known for their hydrating properties, as well as vitamins and antioxidants which help nourish and protect damaged strands.

Avoid products with harsh chemicals like sulfates or parabens which can strip away natural oils from the scalp and leave behind residue on the hair shafts which can cause build-up over time.

With these tips in mind, you’re ready to start searching for the perfect serum!

How to use hair serums step by step.

If you’re new to hair serums, you might be wondering how to use them. Here’s everything you need to know to get the best results for you.

#1: Choose the right serum for your hair type

Before you start applying hair serum, make sure you have picked the right one for your hair type, otherwise, you might end up with lackluster results.

If you have fine hair, you need a lightweight serum that won’t weigh down your strands.

For damaged hair, look for serums that contain proteins and ceramides to strengthen hair fibers.

If you have curly hair, opt for serums that contain natural oils like argan or coconut to provide nourishment and define curls.

#2 Apply on damp hair

Hair serums work best when applied on damp hair after washing, as the moisture helps to distribute the product evenly throughout your strands.

Take a dime-sized amount of the serum and rub it in your palms to warm it before applying it from mid-length to the ends of your hair.

Avoid applying it on your scalp, as it could give a greasy look.

#3 Don’t overdo it!

While hair serums can work wonders, remember that a little goes a long way.

Over-applying can make your hair look greasy or oily.

A dime-sized amount of product is usually enough for medium-length hair. If you have long hair, increase the quantity slowly and adjust according to your needs.

#4 Use the serum as a finishing touch

Hair serums are not only great at protecting and repairing damaged hair, but they can also be used as a finishing touch after heat styling to provide a sleek and polished look.

After blow-drying your hair, apply a small amount of hair serum on your ends to give them a healthy shine and prevent frizz.

#4: Experiment with different serums

You might have to try a couple of different serums before finding the right one that works for you.

Don’t be afraid to experiment. Sometimes the best way to discover what you like is to try new things!

Watch and learn: how to use hair serum like a pro!

Here’s a great video tutorial that shows you the right way to use hair serum step by step – including how much to use and where exactly to apply it for the best results!

Best hair serums FAQs

What are hair serums?

You know that feeling when you’ve spent hours on your hair, only for it to turn into a ball of frizz by lunchtime? Hair serums could be the answer you’ve been looking for.

These multitasking products are designed to nourish and hydrate, smooth your hair cuticles, and add shine to your hair follicles.

They’re thicker than hair oil as a substance and they can work wonders regardless of your hair type or hair texture.

They contain active ingredients and nourishing properties like jojoba oil, coconut oil, argan oil, amino acids and keratin,

Whether you struggle with frizz, dryness, or damage, a good hair serum can help tame your mane and give you the confidence you deserve.

Don’t let bad hair days bring you down – give a hair serum a try and see the difference for yourself!

Hair serum before and after.

What do hair serums do?

Hair serums help to tame frizz, add shine, hydrate dry locks, and even protect your hair from heat damage.

The serum formula gives your hair a protective barrier. It can be used as a quick-fix to control frizz, damaged hair, split ends and flyaways.

It’s no wonder they’ve become a staple in many people’s hair care routines.

Whether you’re dealing with unruly curls or lackluster strands, a hair serum may just be the secret weapon you need for gorgeous, healthy-looking hair.

They coat your hair without dulling its color. Giving it a super shine and an extra protective barrier against the elements.

It’s an essential for keeping colored locks smooth and silky. As with most styling products, it’s all in the application.

Do I put hair serum on wet or dry hair?

You can apply hair serum on both wet and dry hair, depending on what you’re looking to achieve.

If you’re going for a sleek, polished look, try applying a small amount of serum to your damp hair before blow-drying.

This will help to smooth down any frizz and flyaways, leaving you with a glossy finish.

If you’re looking to add some extra shine and hydration to your locks throughout the day, then feel free to apply a tiny bit of serum to your dry hair.

Just be careful not to go overboard, as too much serum can weigh down your hair and make it look greasy.

Are hair serums good for colored hair?

Hair processing and coloring can make your ends dry and your hair’s overall sheen flat.

Hair serums can help to lock in your color to prevent dulling, fading, and damage. 

Picking which one is right for you depends on the condition and thickness of your hair.

If you have thin hair, you may want to try a thickening one, or a lightweight one that won’t weigh down your hair.

If you have thick, dry hair, these products are made for you!

There are even solutions that enhance curls in curly and wavy hair.

For us colored hair lovers, we need color protection and have shiny hair goals. If you style your hair often, they will also protect against damage due to heat. 

Is serum good for bleached hair?

If your hair is damaged and dry from bleaching, a hair serum can help to repair your hair.

Bleaching your hair removes natural oils and proteins which can cause dryness. Serum helps to replenish what was lost during bleaching while adding shine back into your locks.

Serums coat the hair strand and give it a smooth, sleek finish. They can also add shine to your locks by restoring moisture and softness. Everything bleached hair needs.

Parting words.

So now you know if these glaze-making miracles are right for you and your colored hair.

Essentially, they’re like leave-in frizz-taming conditioners for your hair, but they’re much more potent than regular ones.

They coat the hair shaft and seal in moisture to keep it looking smooth, shiny and healthy.

You can use them before or after you shampoo your hair, depending on what kind of look you want.

There are a lot of different types out there with varying degrees of hold strength, so find one that best suits your needs! Good luck!