Oils and Serums for Hair Repair

Whether you’re trying to repair damage from coloring your hair at home, looking to mend parched ends, or just want to de-frizz from summer mugginess, there’s an oil or serum for you.

- SHERRIE STRAUSFOGEL

Hair oils are treatments that improve the condition of your hair. Their molecules absorb into the hair and scalp, moisturizing with essential fatty acids that help prevent split ends and breakage. If your hair is damaged or dry, coat your hair with oil from the scalp to ends, leave on for at least 20 minutes, then wash out. Thicker oil may require two shampoos. You can also use just a few drops on wet or dry hair to smooth, tame dry ends, and add shine.

Although most hair serums include oils in their formulas, they are usually lighter and coat the hair rather than sinking into the strands. Serums add ingredients that help smooth, protect against humidity, and enhance shine. They work best when you apply them to wet hair prior to styling. Many serums are formulated to protect hair from sun, pollutants, and heat styling tools.

Choose your hair oil or oil-packed serum based on the condition and texture of your hair:

AVOCADO and MORINGA OILS are especially light and ideal for fine hair that can lose volume. Apply them sparingly, focusing on the ends up to the middle portion of your hair, avoiding the scalp so as not to weigh hair down or make it look oily.

ARGAN OIL smooths, removes frizz and flyaways, and adds shine to thick, curly, or extra-dry hair.