Hair serum: benefits, how to use & price comparison
Most hair serums are leave-in products with silicones or light oils that coat the hair shaft, which may reduce frizz, tangles and breakage and add shine; Reviews of hair cosmetics describe these effects as cosmetic and temporary; they wash off and do not change how hair grows.
Listed MRP per ml ranges from ₹2.99 to ₹11.98 across 7 products.
Price comparison
| Brand | Product | Key actives | Size | MRP | ₹ / ml | As on |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mamaearth | Mamaearth Onion Hair Serum with Onion & Biotin | Onion, Biotin | 100 ml | ₹299.00 | ₹2.99 | 19 October 2026 |
| Livon | Livon Hair Serum for Dry & Frizzy Hair | Vitamin E, Argan Oil | 100 ml | ₹390.00 | ₹3.90 | 19 October 2026 |
| Chemist at Play | Chemist at Play Ultra Smoothing Hair Serum | Vitamin E, Omega 3, 6 & 9 | 100 ml | ₹475.00 | ₹4.75 | 19 October 2026 |
| Pilgrim | Pilgrim Argan Oil Hair Serum with Camellia & White Lotus | Argan Oil, Camellia, White Lotus | 100 ml | ₹500.00 | ₹5.00 | 19 October 2026 |
| Minimalist | Minimalist Maleic Bond Repair Complex 5% Hair Serum | Maleic Bond Repair Complex 5% | 50 ml | ₹499.00 | ₹9.98 | 19 October 2026 |
| Deconstruct | Deconstruct Keratin Hair Serum with SPF 50 | Keratin Complex 1%, Argan Oil 1%, Macadamia Oil 2% | 50 ml | ₹499.00 | ₹9.98 | 19 October 2026 |
| Minimalist | Minimalist Frizz Control Complex SPF 30 Hair Serum | Frizz Control Complex, SPF 30 | 50 ml | ₹599.00 | ₹11.98 | 19 October 2026 |
These are cosmetics. A cosmetic cannot treat or prevent a skin, scalp or hair condition. Product names and claims are the brands' own; Medyzen has not tested these products. MRPs are as listed on the date shown and may have changed. Listing is by price per ml/g, not a recommendation.
What it does
- Most hair serums are leave-in products with silicones or light oils that coat the hair shaft, which may reduce frizz, tangles and breakage and add shine.
- Reviews of hair cosmetics describe these effects as cosmetic and temporary; they wash off and do not change how hair grows.
- Some serums add bond-repair ingredients, keratin or UV filters, which may help protect lengths from heat and sun damage.
- Scalp "hair growth" serums are a different category, and their evidence is limited.
How to use
Take 2 to 3 drops (more for long or thick hair), rub between your palms and smooth over damp or dry lengths and ends, avoiding the scalp unless the label says otherwise. Use before heat styling if it is labelled as heat-protecting. Wash out with your regular shampoo. Patch-test on your inner arm if you have sensitive skin, and keep away from the face if you are acne-prone.
Can be combined with / Avoid combining with
Can be combined with
- Conditioner after shampoo
- Heat protectant if your serum is not one
- Wide-tooth comb
Avoid combining with
- Heavy oils plus serum on fine or oily hair
- Applying to the scalp if you have dandruff or acne along the hairline
Possible side effects
- Greasy or heavy hair if overused
- Breakouts on the forehead or back if it rubs onto skin
- Scalp itch from fragrance in some people
Who should avoid it
- Anyone allergic to an ingredient in the product
- People with acne along the hairline should keep serum off the skin
Frequently asked questions
How to use hair serum?
Apply a few drops to damp or dry lengths and ends, not the scalp, and style as usual.
Can I apply hair serum daily?
Yes, most people can. Use less if hair looks greasy.
Hair serum on wet or dry hair?
Both work. On damp hair it helps detangling; on dry hair it smooths frizz.
Does hair serum help hair growth?
Regular smoothing serums do not affect growth. Scalp serums for hair fall have limited evidence; see a doctor for real hair loss.
Livon hair serum: what's in it, and is it for frizzy hair?
Livon lists vitamin E and argan oil and is a silicone-style smoothing serum. It may reduce frizz and add shine; results wash out.
Can I use hair serum after oiling?
Usually not needed. Oil and serum together can make hair heavy.
Do hair serums damage hair?
Not usually. Build-up can make hair dull; a clarifying wash now and then helps.
Is a hair serum a heat protectant?
Only if it says so. Some serums include heat or UV protection; check the label.
Sources
- PubMed: Hair cosmetics: an overview (19 October 2026)
- American Academy of Dermatology: Tips for healthy hair (19 October 2026)
- NHS: Hair loss (19 October 2026)
Medyzen Editorial Team · Last updated
This page is general cosmetic information, not medical advice. A cosmetic cannot treat a skin condition; see a doctor or dermatologist for acne, pigmentation or any persistent skin problem. Terms