Best Hair Moisturisers & Serums
Georgiemane 10 Minute Hair Mask
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This hair mask worked wonders for my hair. It left my strands softer, smoother, and noticeably more hydrated after just one use. The scent is lovely without being overpowering, and it rinses out easily. Perfect for reviving dry or damaged hair.
Bondi Boost Intensive Growth Spray
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Reaction – Used it twice all over my scalp and then got an allergic reaction. Scalp has been so itchy with sore spots. looks like dermatitis. Show details
Bondi Boost Growth Miracle Mask
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Does nothing, expensive, negative reviews deleted – Bondiboost skew reviews to make their products look favourable. I purchased this mask form Priceline. This mask did nothing to my hair. It smelt… Read more
nice, but wasn't any softer, less frizzy, longer or healthier in appearance or feel. It left a thick coating on my hair that made it stiff and dandruffy. I wrote a review on the Bondiboost website, they deleted it, then I re-sent the review and they didn't publish it (all reviews are reviewed by the company before publishing!). Their practices are so misleading. I know the hair repair and growth products can be effective, but this product is ineffective, expensive, and falsely overrated by Bondiboost. I purchased another brand for $6 that is much more effective.
MooGoo Scalp Cream
Terrible Product! – This product has caused a very bad reaction on my baby!! why would they put tea tree oil and lavender and rosemary oils for babies knowing that their… Read more
skin are sensitive?. I have always used moo goo products but I wont be using them now. Very upsetting seeing my baby upset and itchy. It has caused a bad rash!
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This is the only product that works for my little 4yo coarse curly hair. I’ve tried all of the other kids ones and her hair still gets knotty. I just wish it was a bit cheaper but all of the kids products are so expensive these days. Show details
A very cleansing scrub ! – Been using the pink salt scrub for the last 2 months now and can seriously notice a difference in my scalp health. I would struggle with a… Read more
combination of too oily on some days and dry and flaky on other days but since using the scalp scrub there's definitely a noticeable balance. Love this Bondi boost product and would definitely keep re-purchasing !
Bondi Boost Rapid Repair Serum
Save my locks from the chop – After just two week (= 2 hair washes) of using the super shine oil my hair looks and feel great, in addition Blow out brush saves me at least 45 mins… Read more
of styling (it literally takes 15mins now) as I don’t need to straighten as well as blow wave, I also give it a refresh mid week with the BOB (hahaha not battery operate boyfriend any more, now the BlowOut Brush ), I love how it leaves my hair looking straight but not flat instead it looks full of bounce….. these two combine stopped me cutting off my hair as it was looking dead and life. Even my ‘notice nothing’ partner has commented on how nice my hair is looking & he wouldn’t notice if the house was on fire now to save up for the wave wand…
2weeks…..
Bondi Boost Elixir Oil
Amazing results!! – I noticed results from my first use! I used pre-shampoo and my hair was so soft after blow-drying. It takes two washes to wash out completely - but it's totally worth it.
Purchased these products from Olaplex due to the rave reviews from customers but my experience was it made my hair very dry like straw, hair did not shine and is not coloured so all natural and hair was frizzy. Expensive purchase and never again.
Well protected from heat – So happy I have this now it just recommended my sister and I've been using this for months now. It's really nice to have this and my hair is well protected. I've stocked 3 more bottles of these. Show details
Bad buy – Don't buy this product. Made no difference to my curly frizzy hair at all. Scam alert Show details
The holy grail of hair conditioners – I have fine, oily, flat, long hair that is prone to dandruff and spilt ends. It's almost impossible to keep my hair not looking oily and has that… Read more
healthy shine with volume. You get what you pay for with this product. This was not one of those experiences when you buy a beauty product from Wish and you get some dodgey product that may burn a hole in to your soul nor is it one of those experiences you have when you pop in to Chemist Warehouse, see a Pantene Treatment on special and buy it out of sheer convenience. This stuff is in a whole other league. It is my power product and I now go out of my way to ensure I do not run out of it. You can feel the difference in ingredients, product consistency and treatment outcome. This is one of those moments where spending the extra money will make a huge difference. It smells like candy and bubble gum. When I run it through my hair and really massage it in, my hair feels like seaweed (not in a disgusting way but silky with no knots whilst wet). When I blow dry my hair after, my hair feels light, smooth and healthy. If there is a product you want to splurge on, you need to try this. Even if it's only for one time. This conditioner has changed my hair game and I haven't been able to find a dupe for this thus far and I've been using this product for at least 10 years and not once has this disappointed me.
used this product once and it immediately caused servere burning sensation to scalp which lasted for several days. I washed my hair with my normal… Read more
shampoo soon after the burning sensation occurred to try and remove the product. I had a healthy scalp before I used this Plantur product. I emailed the company and reported my concerns and requested a refund. They said they were deeply sorry but generally do not offer refunds. I returned the product to place of purchase and explained what happened. They told me to contact the company and also did not offer a refund. Avoid this product.
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Why does this smell like mould when it washes out, its horrendous. It works to relax hair and make it smooth but my lord the smell... Show details
Applies well, smells great – I love this. I have straight, colour-damaged hair. I apply it when my hair is a bit damp and I find that it makes it easier to brush and manage. It… Read more
also smells so good! I sometimes use olaplex no.3 and I use redken all soft shampoo and conditioner, and find there is a bit of a difference in general manageability on the off chance I don't use the no. 6.
Also I bought this almost two years ago and am still on my first bottle - I use a small amount every time I wash my hair (every 2-4 days depending on what I can get away with).
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Amazing smell and fabulous texture ,nice!! – I have dreadlocks and it was amazing ,softened the dryness, stiffness and added a small amount of flexibility…not damaging stayed soft until I washed… Read more
my hair…the only thing was the product was very difficult getting off my scalp ….I normally wash and rinse for 20 minutes with dreadlocks ,however 45 to remove excess product on scalp ……I still have a lot of product in my hair …I really loved this product .never mind ..x Zoe
Another fabulous product from georgiemane. Does exactly what promised. No frizz smooth curls. Love it. Show details
This oil will leave you satisfied! – My hair was thirstier than a group of cougars having a divorce party at Thunder From Down Under. Enter Heavenly Hydration. This oil quenched my… Read more
hair’s thirst like it was being touched for the very first time. I put a dime size in my praying hands and slid them straight down that dry hair shaft. The result was immediate. The oil absorbed beautifully and left me with silky, hydrated locks that can now pick up their heels, take off last night’s makeup, and walk home with dignity.
WOW WOW WOW – Soooo excited my package arrived today. Raced home just so I could wash my hair I have super super frizzy hair so I couldn't wait to see what this… Read more
product everyone's talking about could do. Well..... washed the hair and ... I'm impressed Yes 90% of the frizz is tamed I honestly thought there would not be a product out there that could tame my main Thanks be sure I will spread the word .
Miracle in a bottle ! – I have fine, slightly longer than shoulder length hair, which is touched up for regrowth every six weeks, along with streaks every so often. This… Read more
product has been a saviour for my dry ends ! It's very lightweight, and you only need a small amount, about the size of a 5 cent piece. I apply it to the ends after towel drying, then again after blow drying. It really smooths everything down and gets rid of the fly aways.
It's also very economical - I bought the smallest size, I think 67mls, and it's lasted 6 months.
Highly recommended both for performance and price. smooths away flyaways, very economical
A Must Have When Going Blonde – This hair mask has saved my hair multiple times especially when going Blonde, When using this mask less is more as it’s heavy on the hair but repairs… Read more
it. I found the best results are after shampooing apply on damp hair, add mids to ends and leave it in, if you have thick hair like I do, I replace it instead of conditioner. Kerastase is not cheap by all means but definitely deliver the goods
Ordered this product and got told incorrect price advertised! Would not deliver - even though in stock! Show details
This is my holy grail haircare product! I use it the night before a wash day, letting it sink in overnight before washing it out on the morning and… Read more
it makes my hair beautifully soft and tangle free right through to the next wash! A little goes a very long way. I have hip length hair which I wash once a week, and a bottle of this oil lasts me around 6 months.
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Im only just trying it for the first time i thought you buy one and get one free offer but I only got one was not happy with that and I got the 6 in one press powder as well
Fudge membrane gas - is amazing !! – I love this Fudge product as I have fine short hair, thinning due to cancer treatment. This product is the best ever to get those spikes to stand up… Read more
all day. In over 50 years - yes 50 !!!!!! I have never struck a product that has done that. Over the years I have literally spent a fortune on trying different products. Thanks Fudge, you invented a wonderful product 10/10 for sure and all the gold stamps and stars possible. I also hope and pray you don’t take this off the market?? I am very fussy abt my hair so it’s a number 1 for me!! Thanks again.
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EELHOE hair mask – I should have read ALL the reviews before purchasing. The jar is very small for the price paid. I haven’t used it yet, let’s see how it really works! Size is 1.75 oz
People All in One Treatment (Coles) – People All in one Treatment (Coles) Fantastic product, great value for money $16 Eliminates frizz, smooths hair, has heat protection, easy spray… Read more
pump, doesn't leave residue. Perfect for over 50's menopause hair which is so uncontrollable. Most anti frizz products cost over $20.
Effective for me and my daughter after 2 sets. My daughter and I had quite a lot of hair lost. I am 42 years old and she is 13 years old. I decided… Read more
to have blood test and change our shampoo products. We both have lower iron from our blood result. And i bought a set of L'Oréal Paris L'Oréal Paris Elvive Growth Booster Anti-Fall Scalp Serum and shampoo and conditioner. Also, my daughter stopped using any hairmask since day 1. We started iron tablets twice a week and changed the hairwash products. After using 2 full sets, our hair lost dramatically improved. My daughter washes her hair every second day. It is very effective for both of us. Very happy about it. It has been 3 months, we will continue using it. I would recommend it.
This product is absolutely amazing. I have very thin wispy hair and its has given it more body and moisture. Its not your every day softening conditioner so I mix it with another Garnier mask. I didn't realise how good it was till I stopped using it. Show details
Great conditioner for dry hair – I tried this conditioner on the recommendation of a curly girl YouTuber. It helps my hair not be so dry and frizzy, and is reasonably priced. Can also be used as a leave-in treatment. It’s my favourite conditioner atm. Show details
What do hair moisturisers and serums do?
What is hair moisturiser used for?
It’s all in the name - a hair moisturiser gives your hair strands an intense dose of moisture to make them stronger, smoother, and shinier. Most of the time, they have a creamy consistency.
Depending on the type of moisturiser you use (you can find hair masks, hair creams, and leave-in hair moisturisers), a hair moisturiser can be left in for anywhere from 10 minutes to overnight for all the nourishing properties to soak in and take effect.
They’re often used after you’ve rinsed out your shampoo and conditioner, however some can be used on dry hair, while others don’t require any rinsing out.
What does hair serum do?
A hair serum is a product (most are a gel or oil-like consistency) that coats the surface of your hair to help repair, strengthen, and thicken each strand.
Generally speaking, this has the effect of reducing frizz, adding moisture, preventing and repairing damage, and smoothing flyaways to make hair stronger and shinier. Different serums have different purposes however, so you should choose one depending on your own hair goals and concerns.
So, what are the advantages and disadvantages of hair serums and moisturisers?
Choosing a product based on your hair concern
The right hair moisturiser or serum for you will largely depend on your hair type, texture, density, as well as your own personal preferences and specific hair concerns.
Think about what you want your hair care product to achieve - we’ve listed some hair goals below.
Prevent and repair damage
Doing things like bleaching, colouring, and heat styling our hair can cause it to fray, split, and break.
While a cream or serum can’t glue your split ends back together (the only real way to get rid of them is to cut them off), you can partially mend these damaged hair strands and strengthen them to prevent further splitting and breakage.
Cream-based and oil-based formulas tend to be more effective at preventing and repairing damage. You can also use a hair oil, as these penetrate the hair cuticle and treat the hair follicle, while a serum sits on the hair’s surface.
Some moisturisers and serums that help repair damage include the georgiemane 10 Minute Hair Mask, the Kérastase Masque Extentioniste, and the Olaplex No. 3 Hair Perfector.
Protect against heat and pollution
If you live in a humid climate, use heat styling tools regularly, or are concerned about air pollutants damaging your hair, then it’s recommended that you opt for a quick-absorbing, lightweight formula that won’t leave your hair feeling greasy.
Reduce frizz and maintain your natural hair
Whether you’ve got bouncy ringlets or dead-straight hair, frizz is not your friend. The right anti-frizz hair smoothing serum can detangle knots and reduce overall hair dullness to add shine to your locks and make them easier to manage.
Even if you’re after a sleeker do, don’t opt for a cream or a product with a thick consistency if you have finer hair, as these could weigh your hair down and make it look oily. Some products that can help make your hair silkier include John Frieda Frizz Ease and Biosilk Silk Therapy.
Add hydration
If your hair is parched, cream-based (if you have coarse, denser hair) and oil-based formulas tend to be more effective in replenishing your hair’s moisture - particularly if you have coloured or chemically-treated hair.
You can also opt for overnight treatments, letting you wake up with shiny, nourished hair.
Promote hair growth
Whether you’re experiencing hair loss or thinning, or you just want your hair to grow longer, quicker, a hair growth oil or serum - such as the Bondi Boost Intensive Growth Spray - may help. You can also find dedicated hair loss treatments that sometimes deliver better results.
If you’re experiencing hair loss, it’s a good idea to see a medical professional to find out the root cause for this, as well as eating a healthy, balanced diet.
Common ingredients in hair moisturisers and serums
Ingredients to look for
This isn’t an exhaustive list, but the following ingredients in a hair moisturiser or serum are known to repair and nourish hair.
- Argan oil can moisturise your hair, promote hair growth, and protect it from damage. It can also reduce the incidence of breakage and split ends, keeping your hair healthy as it grows.
- Coconut oil helps maintain your hair’s natural proteins, which can often be lost when hair is heated or brushed.
- Avocado oil softens hair, making it useful for treating damaged hair.
- Jojoba oil keeps the hair and scalp moisturised.
- Shea butter is packed with vitamin A, vitamin E, and essential fatty acids, all of which help lock in moisture and tame frizzy hair.
- Macadamia seed oil is moisture-rich and is packed with antioxidants that protect and strengthen hair.
- Castor oil, including Jamaican black castor oil, nourishes the scalp which can help grow hair faster.
- Keratin can help maintain the structural integrity of your hair and protect it from the damage caused by sun exposure, dye, and chlorine.
- Biotin is important for hair health, as it helps prevent hair loss and brittle hair, making it a great ingredient in hair and scalp serum.
- Glycerin is a humectant that helps your skin and hair retain moisture, making it a great ingredient to look out for if you're suffering from hair dryness.
Ingredients to be wary of
These ingredients can be damaging to your hair, so it’s a good idea to do some digging into what’s in a moisturiser or serum before you buy it.
- Parabens extend the lifespan of your hair product by preventing the growth of bacteria, but are known to cause skin irritation and are a suspected carcinogen.
- Silicone makes hair shinier, but this is a skin-deep benefit, as it also dries it out and prevents moisture from penetrating it, leading to frizz and breakage.
- Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and Sodium laureth sulfate (SLES) can cause skin and eye irritation, so you’re better off avoiding them if you experience skin sensitivity.
- Phthalates make a hair product softer to the touch and easier to apply, but they’re also thought to interfere with hormonal activity.
- Triclosan is in many hair products to prevent the growth of bad bacteria, but it can also irritate your skin.
- Polyethylene glycols (PEGs) are a thickening agent found in hair care products that often strip the moisture from your hair.
While it’s difficult to avoid all of these ingredients, it’s helpful to be aware of the potential damage they can do to your hair so you can do your own research on products that might be right for you.
At the end of the day, these aren’t the ingredients that will nourish your hair, so your hair care routine can do without them.
Other considerations
"Green" beauty
With consumers becoming more and more concerned with ethical beauty products, there are plenty of hair care products on store shelves that are kinder to the planet.
You can find cruelty-free products that haven’t been tested on animals, vegan products, and products that don’t have ingredients whose harvest is known to be harmful to the environment (such as palm oil).
You can also look for products with minimal, plastic-free packaging to help reduce landfill waste.
Skin sensitivity
If you have sensitive skin, you should consider avoiding synthetic fragrances and colours. They serve no other purpose than to make your hair moisture cream or serum smell and look nice, and they’re known to cause skin irritation.
Price
The price of a hair moisturiser or serum can vary greatly, with a tub or bottle costing anywhere from $5 to $300 and upwards. A higher price often indicates higher quality ingredients, however there will be a big mark up if you’re buying from a luxury brand.
If you’re interested in a pricier hair treatment but don’t want to fork out money for something that may not even work for your hair, check whether you can get or buy a smaller amount to try it out.
Hair masks, for example, often come as individual sachets for 1 or 2 uses, and can cost anywhere from $2.50 to $15. You can also often get free testers for products from the beauty counters at many department stores - you’ve just got to ask.
Application tips
These are some general tips for how to make the most of your hair moisturiser or serum, but you should consult the product label for its recommended use.
- Start by applying the hair moisturiser or serum to the ends of your hair and working your way up to the middle - this will help ensure you apply product where you need it most (that is, your drier ends).
- Add 1-2 pumps of serum to damp hair before you blow dry it, and a few drops after it’s dry. You can also apply a small amount on days that you don’t wash your hair.
- Avoid applying serum to your roots or scalp, as this can cause a build-up of product and make your roots look oily.
The bottom line
It’s easy to be swayed into buying "holy grail" products, but the truth is, a product can be life-changing for one person and totally ineffective for the next.
Reading reviews, doing your research into a product’s active ingredients, and considering your own hair concerns should help you find a serum or moisturiser that makes your locks look and feel great.