When it comes to healthy, great-looking hair, the right styling products can make all the difference – and hair serum is one of the most effective yet misunderstood. Is it a treatment? A protectant? A shine-booster? The answer is… a bit of all three.

With a new generation of natural, silicone-free formulas on the rise – including our own newly launched hair serum – now is the perfect time to get to know exactly what hair serum is, how it works, and why it might be the product your routine has been missing.

What is a hair serum?

A hair serum is a lightweight, leave-in treatment designed to sit on the surface of the hair, forming a protective layer that enhances shine, tames frizz, and shields strands from damage. While the formulas can vary, serums often contain ingredients that coat and smooth the hair cuticle, helping to reflect light (for gloss) and prevent moisture loss.

Unlike rinse-out conditioners, serums are typically applied to damp or dry hair and left in, meaning their effects can last until your next wash.

Hair serum vs hair oil

It’s easy to confuse the two, but hair serum and hair oil are not quite the same thing.

Hair oils penetrate into the hair shaft to nourish from within. They’re often rich in fatty acids and nutrients, making them great for deep conditioning and restoring softness. Oils are best for long-term nourishment rather than instant styling results.

Hair serums, on the other hand, are designed to work more on the hair’s surface. They help to smooth, detangle, add shine, and protect against environmental stressors like humidity and heat.

Think of hair oil as a weekly deep treatment and hair serum as your daily or post-wash styling hero. Many people use both, but at different times; for example, applying serum after washing and oil as a pre-shampoo or overnight mask.

Benefits of using a hair serum

Hair serums can offer a range of benefits depending on the ingredients. Here are some of the most common:

• Frizz control: By smoothing the cuticle, serums help keep hair sleek, even in humid conditions.
• Heat protection: Some serums include ingredients that act as a barrier against heat damage from styling tools.
• Added shine: The light-reflecting surface layer gives hair a healthy gloss.
• Moisture retention: Serums help lock in hydration, making hair feel softer for longer.
• Easier styling: They can make detangling simpler and help hairstyles hold their shape.

What is hair serum used for?

Hair serum is incredibly versatile. You can use it:

• After washing, on damp hair, to lock in moisture and smooth strands.
• Before heat styling, to protect against high temperatures.
• On dry hair, to tame flyaways and add a touch of gloss.
• Before heading into humid weather, to help control frizz.

The key is choosing the right formula for your needs; some are designed purely for shine, others for protection, and many do a bit of both.

How to apply hair serum

Getting the best from your hair serum is all about technique:

• Start small: use 1–3 pumps or drops, depending on your hair length and thickness.
• Apply to mid-lengths and ends: This avoids weighing down the roots or making them look greasy.
• Distribute evenly: Use your fingers or a wide-tooth comb to spread the serum through your hair.
• Style as usual: Blow-dry, straighten, or leave to air-dry.

For an extra-smoothing effect, you can warm the serum slightly between your palms before applying.

 

Which hair types can hair serum be used on?

Our newly launched hair serum is suitable for all hair types, including curly, color-treated, and coarse hair. Upcycled and fermented rice water promotes shinier, stronger and more hydrated hair. Additionally, upcycled protein-rich baobab extract strengthens and nourishes the hair whilst protecting it against UV damage.

A new wave of hair serums

Traditional hair serums often rely on silicones to create their smoothing, protective effect. While silicones can work well in the short term, they’re not biodegradable and can build up on the hair over time, requiring harsh shampoos to remove.

UpCircle’s new natural Hair Serum takes a different approach. Instead of silicones, it uses a Heat Protection Complex. Derived from mushroom extract, it’s rich in natural saccharides like α-glucan and hyaluronic acid. These shield hair from humidity for up to 24 hours, improve straightening, and help styles last longer with less heat.

As you’d expect from any UpCircle product, our serum also features upcycled and plant-powered ingredients:

• Betaine from sugar beet molasses to soften hair and boost elasticity.

• Fermented rice water, upcycled from the food industry, to add hydration and shine.

• Upcycled baobab extract to repair, strengthen, and protect against UV damage.

• Aloe vera extract to calm and soothe the scalp.

• Coconut oil to restore softness without heaviness.

It’s vegan, cruelty-free, and designed to suit all hair types – especially dry, frizz-prone, or heat-styled hair.

Can you use hair serum and hair oil together?

Absolutely, you just need to think about order and purpose. If you’re using both:

• Apply hair oil before washing (as a pre-shampoo treatment) or overnight.
• Use hair serum after washing, on damp hair, for protection and styling benefits.

This way, you’re nourishing the hair from the inside out and protecting it on the outside.

With UpCircle’s newly launched Hair Serum and a Hair Oil launching in October, it’ll be easy to mix and match based on your hair’s needs.

Here’s your sign to add hair serum into your routine

Hair serum is a versatile, hard-working addition to almost any haircare routine. It smooths, protects, and adds shine – all while making styling easier. By choosing a formula made with natural, upcycled ingredients, you can enjoy these benefits without compromising on sustainability.

 

 

Whether you’re looking to tame frizz, shield your hair from heat, or add a healthy gloss, a well-formulated hair serum can make a noticeable difference from the very first use.