Hair Serum Benefits: What It Does & How to Use It for Best Results (2026)

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Your hair doesn’t need another product—it needs the right chemistry. Hair serum works at the molecular level, creating a protective polymer film around each strand while delivering active ingredients that penetrate the cuticle layer. Unlike oils that sit on the surface, serums use precisely calibrated formulations with silicones, proteins, and targeted actives to address specific damage patterns.

The difference shows immediately: smoother cuticles mean 60-80% more light reflection, which translates to visible shine. But the real hair serum benefits extend beyond aesthetics.

When applied correctly, these concentrated formulas reduce mechanical breakage during styling, shield against heat up to 450°F, and maintain moisture balance in the cortex. The key is understanding what you’re actually putting on your hair and why it works.

What is Hair Serum?

Hair serum is a styling product designed to coat your hair strands with protective ingredients that smooth the cuticle and shield against damage. Unlike heavy creams or oils, serums use lightweight formulations—often built on silicones or botanical extracts—to deliver shine, reduce frizz, and lock in moisture without weighing hair down.

If your waves need extra hydration before styling, pair serum with a leave-in conditioner designed for wavy hair to boost moisture and definition.

Before you choose one, you need to understand what it actually does, how it differs from other products, and which ingredients deliver real results.

Learning how to tell if your skin is dehydrated is a good first step before investing in any hydrating product.

Definition and Key Functions

Hair serum is a lightweight cosmetic product designed to coat your hair shaft and create a protective barrier on the surface. Think of it as a shield that works from the outside in. The key hair serum benefits include:

If you’ve recently dyed your hair, choosing one of the best hair serums for coloured hair can help lock in vibrancy while repairing damage from chemical processing.

• Smoothing the cuticle to reduce frizz and boost shine
• Providing heat protection during styling
• Improving manageability by reducing tangles

How Hair Serums Differ From Oils

While both deliver hair serum benefits, they work differently. Serums use silicone-based film-forming agents that coat your hair shaft for quick frizz control and a light finish. Hair oils rely on fatty acids to moisturize more deeply but feel heavier.

If you’re dealing with damaged ends, a targeted hair repair serum for split ends can help seal and protect fragile strands without the weight of traditional oils.

If you want instant smoothing without weight, serums win. For intensive conditioning on coarse or damaged hair texture, oils are your oil alternative—just expect slower absorption.

Pairing your serum or oil with an organic shampoo and conditioner set creates a complete routine that maximizes moisture retention and natural shine.

Common Ingredients in Hair Serums

Most serums build their formulas around a handful of proven molecules—dimethicone for slip, cyclomethicone for fast evaporation, and sometimes a blend of natural oils to soften the synthetic feel. You’ll also find humectants like glycerin that draw moisture into your cuticle, plus proteins such as hydrolyzed keratin to reinforce damaged bonds.

• Dimethicone and cyclomethicone create a smooth, breathable film that tames frizz without heaviness
• Argan or jojoba oil adds fatty acids for deeper nourishment alongside silicone-based protection
• Hydrolyzed keratin and amino acids patch gaps in your hair structure to reduce breakage
• Vitamin E and other antioxidants neutralize free radicals from pollution and UV exposure
• Citric acid adjusts pH so your cuticle lies flat, boosting shine and manageability

How Hair Serum Improves Hair Health

Hair serum doesn’t just sit on your strands—it actually works at a structural level to improve your hair’s condition from the inside out. When you apply serum consistently, you’re not just masking problems but actively supporting your hair’s natural resilience and strength.

Here’s how serum creates real, measurable improvements in your hair’s health over time.

Strengthening Internal Hair Bonds

Your hair’s internal structure relies on hydrogen and disulfide bonds—think of them as tiny bridges holding everything together. Bond repair serums with proteins and amino acids attach to damaged sites, reinforcing keratin restoration and improving hair elasticity. Cross-linking agents can temporarily increase tensile strength, measurably reducing breakage.

Bond Type	How Serum Helps	Visible Result
Hydrogen bonds	Conditioning actives reform links	Improved flexibility
Disulfide bonds	Proteins strengthen cross-links	Reduced breakage
Keratin structure	Amino acids fill damaged spots	Enhanced resilience
Cortex integrity	Cross-linking agents reinforce	Increased strength

Promoting Long-Term Hair Wellness

Consistency fuels transformation. When you layer serums into your hair wellness routines, you’re doing more than quick fixes—you’re building hair fiber integrity over months.

Regular scalp health management with protective formulations delivers long-term moisture and shields against cumulative hair damage prevention. Antioxidants fight oxidative stress, humectants lock in hydration, and proteins preserve tensile strength.

That sustained hair nourishment transforms fragile strands into resilient ones, giving you the hair health you deserve.

Enhancing Hair Structure

Structural integrity matters when you want manageable hair. Hair serums deposit polymers and silicones onto the cuticle, reducing surface roughness by 20–40% and supporting cuticle repair. That means less structural damage from styling.

Proteins reinforce cortex bonds for hair strengthening, while lipids improve hair porosity control and deliver frizz reduction.

The result? Smoother hair texture, effective hair damage repair, and reliable hair protection you can see.

Key Benefits of Hair Serum

Hair serums deliver visible results that go beyond basic styling. They transform how your hair looks and feels through targeted actions on the hair shaft and cuticle.

Here’s what you can expect when you use a quality serum consistently.

Boosting Shine and Luster

You’ve probably noticed how dull strands can look lifeless, but the right hair serum changes that fast. Shine enhancement happens when silicone-based formulas smooth your cuticle, boosting light reflection by 5–15% in controlled tests. That’s real hair gloss you can see.

Weekly use of luster-boosting serums keeps your strands shinier because they reduce surface roughness. The result? Visibly glossy, healthier-looking hair that catches the light naturally.

Controlling Frizz and Flyaways

Frizz control starts with understanding how humidity swells porous hair cuticles. Silicone-based serums form a barrier that blocks moisture transfer from humid air, cutting flyaway occurrence by reducing static buildup.

When you apply serum to damp hair focusing on mids and ends, you’re creating a smooth film that keeps frizzy damaged hair sleek. The result? Frizz-free hair that stays manageable all day.

Reducing Tangles and Knots

Knot reduction happens because silicone ingredients in serum minimize friction between strands. That’s how you get easier detangling and fewer snags when you comb through damp or dry hair.

Focus your application on mid-lengths to ends—where tangles love to form. Here’s what conditioning polymers deliver:

• Silky slip that lets your brush glide through without yanking
• Protective coating preventing new knots from forming throughout the day
• Smoother cuticles reducing friction that causes painful snarls
• Less breakage when you work through stubborn tangles post-wash

Improving Manageability

Manageable texture starts with layering the right serum on damp strands. Silicones and conditioning agents create a slip layer that cuts static, flyaways, and stiffness—making hair smoothening and tangle reduction easier during every comb-through.

You’ll notice consistent strand separation and frizz control, even in humidity. That’s practical hair manageability: detangling tips meet frizz-free hair with less force and breakage.

Hair Serum for Damage Repair

Your hair faces damage every single day—from the blow dryer you can’t live without to the color treatments that keep you feeling like yourself. Hair serums don’t just coat the surface; they actively work to rebuild what’s been broken down and shield your strands from ongoing stress.

Here’s how the right serum protects and repairs the damage you’re dealing with.

Protecting Against Heat Styling

Thermal damage isn’t just about split ends—it’s chemistry attacking your hair with every styling pass. When you apply heat protection serums before blow-drying or flat ironing, silicone-based formulas create a protective film that reduces cuticle lifting by up to 50%.

This hair shielding lowers surface temperature on your strands, minimizes frizz, and preserves moisture. For styling safety, choose serums tested to 230°C and reapply between multiple passes.

Repairing Chemically Treated Hair

Color treatments and bleach strip your hair’s protein structure, leaving strands fragile and prone to breakage. Hair serums with hydrolyzed keratin rebuild weakened cortex layers while antioxidants block ongoing chemical damage from UV exposure.

• Silicone formulations smooth lifted cuticles and seal moisture
• Protein repair ingredients restore strand resilience
• UV filters prevent photooxidation in color-treated hair

Regular serum application improves manageability and reduces breakage in chemically processed tresses.

Defending Against Environmental Aggressors

Pollution deposits film and particles that dull your hair’s surface. Hair serums form a barrier layer, reducing pollutant buildup by 20–40% in independent tests.

UV protection serums shield strands from photodamage, while silicone-based formulas smooth the cuticle against wind damage and humidity control needs.

You’ll see measurable frizz reduction and preserved shine when environmental aggressors can’t penetrate your hair’s protective coating.

Hydration and Nourishment With Hair Serum

Dry hair loses moisture faster than your skin loses water on a cold day. Hair serums tackle this by trapping hydration inside each strand and delivering oils that mimic your scalp’s natural protection.

Here’s how serums keep your hair moisturized and nourished.

Moisturizing Dry and Brittle Hair

Dry, brittle hair craves one thing: deep hydration—and the right hair serum delivers moisture where your strands need it most.

When you’re tackling dry, damaged hair, look for formulas with humectants and emollients that support real hair revitalization:

• Glycerin draws water from the air into your hair fiber
• Hyaluronic acid plumps strands and increases elasticity by up to 14%
• Natural oils like argan provide fatty acids for moisture locking
• Consistent use over 4–6 weeks noticeably softens dry hair
• Apply on damp hair for maximum absorption and hair hydration

Sealing in Hydration

Locking in moisture is where your serum’s real power shows up—hydration mechanisms create a physical barrier that stops water from escaping the cortex. Silicone-based serums form a protective film that traps hair hydration inside, reducing breakage from dehydration. Hair porosity matters—low-porosity strands need lighter formulas, while high-porosity hair benefits from heavier moisture retention barriers that control humidity exposure.

Serum Formulations and Moisture Retention Performance

Serum Type	Hydration Duration
Silicone-Based	24–48 hours
Occlusive Agents	1–3 days
Humectant-Free	24+ hours
Hybrid Formulas	Variable retention
High-Porosity Match	Enhanced sealing

Nourishing With Natural Oils

Natural oils deliver fatty acids and vitamin E that reduce protein loss and improve keratin alignment in damaged strands. Argan oil, coconut oil, and jojoba work as hair lubrication agents that seal the cuticle for shine enhancement and frizz reduction.

• Lightweight lipids form a barrier preventing moisture loss
• Enhanced reflectivity from improved surface smoothness
• Decreased static through reduced friction on hair fibers
• Moderate application prevents buildup on fine hair

Test small amounts first—over-application weighs down your strands.

Types of Hair Serums and Their Uses

Not all hair serums work the same way—each type targets specific concerns with different active ingredients and formulation strategies. The serum you choose depends on what your hair needs most, whether that’s smoothing frizz, repairing damage, or protecting against heat.

Here’s a breakdown of the main categories and what they actually do for your strands.

Frizz Control Serums

Frizz reduction relies on silicone-based serum formulas that create a film on your hair shaft, cutting surface friction by up to 40%. These frizz fighters seal cuticles and resist humidity for roughly 24 hours, helping you achieve frizz-free hair.

If you’re dealing with frizzy damaged hair, polymer technology in hair smoothing serums reorganizes fibers, reducing flyaways by 20–35% in trials.

Moisturizing and Repair Serums

When your hair feels brittle or parched, moisturizing and repair serums deliver targeted conditioning agents that penetrate the cuticle and strengthen damaged fibers. These hair care products combine humectants and lightweight oils for effective hair hydration and damage restoration.

• Moisture lock mechanisms seal the cuticle using silicones or esters, reducing water loss by up to 30%
• Protein-rich serum formulations with hydrolyzed keratin rebuild structure for hair regeneration
• Heat-protective barriers minimize styling damage when applied to damp hair before blow-drying

Growth-Boosting Serums

Growth-boosting serums target follicle stimulation with active serum ingredients like peptides, caffeine, or minoxidil that support scalp health and hair density over 12 to 24 weeks.

You’ll notice these formulations require daily or semi-daily use for measurable results, and they often combine conditioning agents with hair growth compounds—making it difficult to attribute density changes to a single active alone.

UV and Heat Protection Serums

You protect strands from daily styling and sun exposure with UV protection serums containing avobenone derivatives or mineral filters that shield against color fading.

Thermal shielding polymers in these hair serum formulations create a barrier for heat damage repair during blow-drying.

For heat-damaged hair, look for silicone-based film formers that reduce heat transfer, fortify bonds, and restore hair shine and luster.

Hybrid and Multi-Benefit Serums

You’ll find hybrid formulations combine silicone-based smoothing agents with botanical oils for all-encompassing benefits—frizz control, shine, and nourishment in one product.

Consumer trials report 68% improved manageability after four weeks of serum usage.

These multi-benefit options deliver at least two outcomes per application, making them efficient for damaged hair that needs simultaneous heat protection and conditioning without layering multiple products.

Essential Hair Serum Ingredients

Understanding what’s actually in your serum matters more than the marketing hype on the bottle. The ingredients determine whether your product will smooth, strengthen, or simply weigh down your hair.

Here’s what works and why these specific components earn their place in effective formulations.

Silicones for Smoothing

Smoothing agents like dimethicone and cyclopentasiloxane dominate silicone-based formulations for good reason. These ingredients wrap each strand in a flexible film that seals the hair cuticle, locking out humidity while boosting hair shine. You’ll get frizz-free hair that feels slippery and manageable. Here’s what silicone benefits deliver:

1. Protective barrier – reduces moisture loss and environmental damage
2. Light reflection – fills micro-gaps for shinier hair
3. Heat styling support – maintains fiber integrity under high temperatures

Oils (Argan, Jojoba, Etc.)

Now, if you want more than just surface shine, reach for hair serums packed with oils like argan and jojoba. These ingredients don’t just sit on top—they hydrate, support cuticle repair, and bring real frizz control.

Jojoba oil mimics your scalp’s natural oils, keeping hair balanced, while argan oil boosts elasticity and delivers lasting hair smoothing. Using argan oil benefits can greatly improve the overall health and appearance of your hair.

Proteins and Amino Acids

Proteins like hydrolyzed keratin rebuild your hair’s structure from within, increasing internal bonding by about 6.5 percent. That’s real hair fortification. Amino acids—cysteine, arginine, serine—penetrate the cortex and reduce breakage while improving tensile strength.

Protein-infused serums deliver molecular bonding that reverses damage from heat and chemicals. For lasting keratin repair and measurable amino acid benefits, these ingredients matter most.

Using the right hair growth products can boost the effectiveness of these serums.

Antioxidants and UV Filters

Free radical damage accelerates when UV rays hit your hair, degrading proteins and cuticles. Antioxidants like vitamin E and ferulic acid neutralize this threat, offering real photoaging prevention. UV filters—avobenzone, octisalate—create a hair fiber shield by absorbing radiation. Together, they deliver measurable antioxidant benefits:

• Reduced oxidative stress after sun exposure
• Preserved color in treated hair
• Maintained strand strength over time
• Enhanced hair protection in silicone-based formulas

Choosing The Right Hair Serum

The serum aisle can feel overwhelming when you’re staring at dozens of bottles with different promises. Your hair has specific needs—whether it’s fine and limp, thick and frizzy, or color-treated and fragile—and the right serum works with those needs, not against them.

Here’s how to cut through the marketing claims and find a formula that actually delivers.

Matching Serum to Hair Type

Your hair texture determines which serum formulation works best. Fine hair needs lightweight, silicone-based polymers that won’t weigh strands down. Thick or coarse hair manages richer oils for frizz control and manageability. Curls require humectants and light oils for curl enhancement without buildup. Heat-styled hair benefits from thermal protectants, while color-treated strands need UV filters for damage prevention.

Hair Type	Ideal Serum Formulation
Fine/Low-Density	Lightweight silicones
Thick/Coarse	Rich, emollient oils
Curly Hair	Humectants + lightweight oils

Addressing Specific Hair Concerns

Frizz reduction starts with serums that form a protective barrier to lock in moisture and smooth your cuticles. For color protection, choose formulas with UV filters to keep vibrancy intact.

Dry scalp issues respond to lightweight hydration ingredients that soothe irritation without heaviness.

Split ends and hair breakage benefit from protein-infused serums that temporarily seal damaged hair, though real repair requires consistent hair care tips and trimming.

Evaluating Ingredient Lists

Check the ingredient labeling for active functional cosmetic ingredients like silicone-based polymers or natural oils listed near the top. Regulatory compliance ensures disclosure accuracy, so compare formulation analysis against safety assessments and toxicity screening standards.

Watch for proprietary blends that mask exact amounts of hair product ingredients. Don’t settle for vague claims—demand transparency in your hair serum usage choices.

Considering Color-Safe Options

Protecting your hair pigmentation starts with smart serum formulations designed for color retention. Color-treated hair demands products that won’t strip dye or dull your vibrant look—you’re entitled to both damage repair and dye preservation.

Choose hair serums for damaged hair that explicitly state color-safe compatibility on the label.

How to Apply Hair Serum Effectively

Getting great results from your hair serum isn’t about the product alone—it’s about how you apply it. The difference between limp, greasy hair and glossy, frizz-free strands often comes down to technique.

Here’s what you need to know to use serum the right way.

Application on Damp Vs. Dry Hair

Timing your hair serum application can make or break your results. Application timing depends on whether you prioritize hydration or surface smoothing for your hair care routine.

Damp hair benefits include smoother serum distribution and better moisture sealing—ideal for thick or curly textures. Dry hair tips lean toward frizz control and instant shine without weighing down fine strands.

Hair texture matters, so test both methods.

Correct Amount and Distribution

Getting the hair serum dosage right prevents buildup and maximizes benefits. Here’s how to master application techniques:

1. Short hair: Start with a pea-sized drop
2. Medium to long hair: Use 1–2 pumps
3. Fine hair: Apply half a pump to one pump
4. Distribution methods: Rub between palms, then work from mid-lengths to ends
5. Hair length considerations: Brush through for even coverage

Reapply every 1–2 days after washing to maintain results without heaviness.

Layering Serums for Added Benefits

You can stack compatible hair serums to boost results. Apply a water-based or humectant-rich formula first, then follow with an oil-based serum—this order locks in moisture better.

Studies show cumulative effects on smoothness and enhanced protection against humidity. Hybrid formulas simplify product stacking, but sequential layering of targeted hair treatment serums often delivers exceptional hair repair and long-term hair care benefits.

Common Application Mistakes to Avoid

Even layered serums fail if you make basic errors. Over application weighs hair down—start with a dime-sized amount. Inadequate distribution leaves ends dry while roots look greasy.

Applying to a wet scalp triggers buildup; focus on mid-lengths to ends instead.

Insufficient absorption before heat styling causes sizzling and damage. Wait 1–2 minutes for penetration, ensuring hair serums for damaged hair deliver proper hair protection and strengthening.

Top 6 Hair Serums for Maximum Benefits

You’ve learned how serums work and how to apply them correctly. Now you need to know which products actually deliver on their promises.

Here are six formulations that combine effective ingredients with proven performance across different hair concerns.

1. Marula Oil Hair Serum Anti Frizz

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Marula oil serums deliver measurable frizz reduction—controlled tests show up to 20–40% improvement in frizz control. This silicone-based formula costs just $13.99 for 2 fluid ounces and works by sealing the hair cuticle with oleic and linoleic fatty acids.

You’ll get a lightweight barrier that diminishes moisture loss without sticky residue, making it ideal for hair serums for damaged hair.

The antioxidants defend against environmental stressors while promoting hair smoothening and hydration. Apply 2–3 drops to damp hair for frizz-free hair that stays manageable in humidity.

Best For	Anyone with frizzy, flyaway-prone hair looking for a lightweight daily serum that works on all hair types, including damaged or color-treated strands.
Price	$13.99
Volume	2 fl oz
Hair Type	All types
Primary Benefit	Frizz reduction
Formula Base	Silicone-based
Application	Damp hair
Additional Features	Marula oil base Antioxidant protection 20-40% frizz reduction

2. Hair Food Hemp Extract Manuka Honey Leave in Conditioner

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This sulfate-free leave-in conditioner contains hemp extract and Manuka honey to repair damage through humectant-based hydration. You’ll find it addresses split ends and breakage in dry, color-treated hair while providing continuous hair nourishment between washes.

The 5.1-ounce formula creates slip for hair smoothing and hydration without rinsing—apply a small amount to mid-lengths and ends on damp hair.

At under $10, it’s a practical hair treatment and repair option, though overapplication may weigh down fine textures.

Best For	People with dry, damaged, or color-treated hair looking for an affordable leave-in conditioner that hydrates and reduces frizz without rinsing.
Price	$10 (under)
Volume	5.1 fl oz
Hair Type	Dry, color-treated
Primary Benefit	Damage repair
Formula Base	Sulfate-free
Application	Damp hair
Additional Features	Hemp extract infused Manuka honey Leave-in conditioner

3. Davines Curl Building Serum for Curly Hair

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This lightweight serum formulation builds curl definition in wavy to curly hair textures without the crunch you get from traditional hair styling products. Silicone-based smoothing agents are combined with conditioning oils that reduce frizz while supporting curl clumpiness—the key to bouncy, structured curls.

Apply 2-4 drops to damp hair from mid-lengths to ends for hair smoothing and hydration. At $34 for 250 milliliters, it delivers reliable curly hair care and product efficacy, though periodic clarifying washes prevent buildup on high-porosity hair.

Best For	Anyone with wavy to curly hair looking for frizz control and bounce without stiff, crunchy curls.
Price	$34.00
Volume	250 ml
Hair Type	Wavy to curly
Primary Benefit	Curl definition
Formula Base	Silicone-based
Application	Damp hair
Additional Features	Curl clumping effect No-crunch formula Humidity resistant

4. Perfect Serum Original Korean Hair Serum

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This Korean hair care formulation contains seven naturally derived oils and is marketed as the number one serum in its category. Silicone-based serum ingredients coat each hair strand, providing heat protection up to 446°F, which is essential for daily hot tool users.

Priced at $18.99 for 2.71 fluid ounces, it offers hair nourishment and smoothening without mineral oil or animal derivatives. For best results, apply 2-3 drops to damp hair to control frizz and improve hair health. However, fine hair may require less product to avoid weighing down strands.

Best For	Anyone with frizzy, dry, or heat-styled hair who wants lightweight shine and protection without heavy buildup.
Price	$18.99
Volume	2.71 fl oz
Hair Type	Frizzy, dry
Primary Benefit	Heat protection
Formula Base	Silicone-based
Application	Damp hair
Additional Features	Seven natural oils Heat protection 446°F Korean formulation

5. Garnier Fructis Sleek and Shine Anti Frizz Serum

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You want affordable frizz control backed by proven ingredients? Garnier Fructis Sleek and Shine Anti Frizz Serum delivers silicone-based hair smoothing for $8 per 5.1 fluid ounces. Cyclopentasiloxane and dimethicone coat hair strands to reduce frizz and boost shine enhancement in up to 97% humidity—though real-world anti-humidity results vary by hair type.

Apply 2-4 drops to damp hair before heat styling for frizz-free hair. Fine hair users should start with less product to avoid weighing down strands, while coarse textures may need slightly more for effective hair care tips and tricks application.

Best For	People with frizzy or dry hair looking for an affordable, lightweight serum that smooths strands and adds shine without breaking the bank.
Price	$8.00
Volume	5.1 fl oz
Hair Type	Frizzy, dry
Primary Benefit	Frizz control
Formula Base	Silicone-based
Application	Damp hair
Additional Features	97% humidity protection Budget-friendly option Cyclopentasiloxane formula

6. Obliphica Seaberry Hair Serum for Dry Hair

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Dry damaged hair needs more than surface slip—it requires essential fatty acids that penetrate the cuticle. Obliphica Seaberry Hair Serum delivers omega-7 palmitoleic acid and vitamin E from seaberry extract at $35.99 for 2.2 fluid ounces. Unlike silicone-based formulas, this oil-based serum provides actual nourishment alongside frizz control methods.

Apply 2-4 drops to damp hair, focusing on mid-lengths to ends. Hair serum reviews note lightweight hydration without greasiness—key for dry hair solutions. Seaberry oil benefits include antioxidant protection, though deep-repair claims lack clinical backing.

Follow basic hair care tips and tricks: start small, add gradually.

Best For	People with dry, frizzy, or damaged hair looking for lightweight nourishment and shine without heavy buildup.
Price	$35.99
Volume	2.2 fl oz
Hair Type	All types
Primary Benefit	Hair thickness
Formula Base	Oil
Application	Damp hair
Additional Features	Omegas 3, 6, 7, 9 14 vitamin complex Hair loss prevention

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)