Admittedly, I never used to care too much for finishing products for my natural hair. When I rocked my flat ironed hair before transitioning, I ALWAYS had serums and sprays on deck and they were all full of silicones too. However, I didn’t really see a purpose in using them for my wash and go or braid outs.
That was until I tried a few.
Now, I’m hooked on that final step of my regimen (once my hair is dry). Finishing serums have elevated shine, tamed frizz, improved smoothness, and in some cases helped prevent split ends. I’m sure some of you are thinking, why not just use _____(insert oil here)? And absolutely, you can. I just personally find that serums function better as a finishing product, are more lightweight and pack a bit more punch than most oils can do alone.
The best thing about these serums now? They’re ALL silicone, mineral oil and petroleum-free. Not that I’m against silicones, I find them beneficial, particularly as a heat protectant when I choose to flat iron or blow out my hair. However, for my naturally unaltered hair, all those silicone-based products just sit on top and condition or mask damaged and problem areas. These serums, on the other hand, are full of ingredients that actually help heal and revitalize the hair, amongst numerous other benefits. They’re lightweight and perfect for all textures (including fine hair and transitioners). Check them out:
1. Deepthi Organics – Organic Verdana Leave-In Conditioning Serum
Organic argan, jojoba, pracaxi, coconut and other oils are combined in this lightweight mixture to help seal cuticles, enhance elasticity and shine and smooth hair. This all-natural, nutrient packed serum works well on straight, kinky, coily and curly hair types to help fight free-radicals and environmental damage to hair.
2. Kinky Curly – Perfectly Polished
Blended with apricot, argan, abyssinian and wheat germ oil, this lightweight polishing serum promotes high shine and helps undo environmental damage to the hair. Ceramides within the wheat germ oil also penetrate to help bond damaged or highly porous hair.
3. Curls – Blissful Lengths Oil Elixir
Formulated with soybean, coconut, kuikui, sweet almond and other oils, this little bottle is raved about by naturals all around. It provides shiny, lightweight, smoothness for all hair types; while helping to improve elasticity and reduce frizz and friction in the hair.
4. Taliah Waajid Hydrating Curl Shine
Featuring avocado, coconut and olive oil, this lightweight spray gives hair a healthy dose of omegas, which are vital to the health, elasticity and bonding of the hair cuticles. If you prefer spray serums that can better evenly coat the hair, this one is for you!
5. Rapunzel The Future Of Hair – Hair Silk
A nutritious blend of olive, castor, sweet almond, safflower and wheat germ, this silky serum is versatile enough to be used on any texture of hair (even straight). Packed with omegas and ceramides, this nutrient rich blend helps improve elasticity, ward off breakage and provides the hair with ceramides essential to helping repair damaged hair and correct porosity issues.
6. Jojoba Oil
If you’re not feeling the fancy serums, or don’t need yet another product stuffed into your already overcrowded stash, jojoba oil is the perfect standalone oil that can double up as a finishing serum. It is incredibly light and a little goes a long way. The molecular composition of jojoba is incredibly similar to the sebum our scalp naturally produces, making it an oil that responds well to virtually all hair types.
Do you use serums in your natural hair regimen? Share your favorite products or DIY blends below!
