Maybe you thought you had every hair product you would ever need. But then there’s this product called hair serum; it’s easy to make, protects the hair from environmental damage, reduces unwanted frizz, and promotes natural shine. To learn how to make a nourishing hair serum, try out the recipe below.
This post was originally published on March 29, 2019
What is hair serum & what does hair serum do
Hair serum is a liquid solution, usually with a water base, that is used primarily as a styling product. It’s not so much a hair spray where it provides a firm hold, but more of provides a light coating to soften the hair in order to smooth out frizz.
Many hair serums provide a layer of protection over the hair strands as well to protect against environmental damage.
How does hair serum differ from hair oil
Hair serum differs from homemade hair oils in that hair serum is more for styling while hair oil is primarily used to provide nourishment and hydration to the hair and scalp.
A lot of different hair serums, this one included, really enhance the hair’s natural color and promote shine without leaving a greasy finish.
Many serums also provide some level of sun protection. While some sun is good for the hair, over-exposure to the sun can cause dry, brittle hair, prone to breakage and split ends.
can we use hair serum daily
Apply hair serum as often as you need it. However, most experts recommend using hair serum only after washing your hair, or 3-4 times a week.
Most hair types will not need a serum every day. Limit use to an as-needed basis. If you have extremely frizzy hair that can’t be contained, then use the serum more frequently.
I like to use it just a couple of times a week, and use a rosemary water spray on the other days.
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How to make hair serum at home
INGREDIENTS
- 1 cup of water
- 1 tablespoon of dried nettle ( Find it here.)
- 2 tablespoons of aloe vera (Find it here.)
- 1/2 teaspoon of jojoba oil (Find it here.)
- 5 drops of rosemary essential oil
- 5 drops of lavender essential oil
- 3 drops of sandalwood essential oil
Glass or stainless steel spray bottle
INSTRUCTIONS
- Bring the water to a boil, then add nettle to steep for 5-10 minutes.
- Strain the tea, then use a funnel to pour it into the spray bottle. (make sure the tea has cooled before adding it to the glass bottle)
- Stir in the remaining ingredients.
- Secure the lid and shake well before using it.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 months.
How to use hair serum
Apply the hair serum to wet or dry hair, preferably after showering. Your hair type will determine how often you will need this product.
Lightly mist the serum over the hair. Then, use your fingertips to coat the hair, starting at the base and working your way to the ends.
Give this homemade hair serum some time to soak into the hair and then style like normal. There is no need to rinse it out.
I use this serum in the evening before bed, followed by a quick brush in the morning. (which is about all I have time for most mornings!)
Related: Say bye to greasy hair with this cornstarch dry shampoo.
Homemade hair serum ingredients
- NETTLE – Nettle has amazing properties for the hair. It can protect against hair loss, promote hair growth, and helps restore hair color.
- ALOE VERA- Aloe can reduce dandruff by repairing dead skin cells on the scalp and will leave the hair with a more full and shiny appearance.
- JOJOBA OIL – Jojoba oil does a great job of taming frizzy hair by sealing in moisture. In addition, because of its moisturizing properties, jojoba oil is a prominent ingredient in dandruff shampoos. As if that’s not enough, using jojoba oil can also prevent hair loss and give hair a thicker appearance.
- ROSEMARY- If you look up essential oils for hair, rosemary is going to be a top 10 on any list. And for reasons too many to list here. So add rosemary to your daily hair care routine to help with hair growth, prevent hair loss, hydrate, and help with circulation.
- LAVENDER-Lavender produces more hair follicles to help thicken and strengthen hair. In addition, lavender has a beautiful floral aroma that can promote calmness and reduce stress; stress can be a common factor in hair loss.
- SANDALWOOD- Sandalwood can be nourishing to the hair, and like the other essential oils, it can promote hair growth and thickness.
Other oils that benefit the hair include:
- Peppermint
- Cedarwood
- Tea Tree
- Bergamot
- Roman Chamomile
Natural hair care & picking the right serum
I love making natural hair products because I know exactly what is in them, and I am able to save SO much money by doing so.
Because a plethora of hair products are loaded with toxins and chemicals that are harsh and damaging to the body, when I do buy skin care or hair care products, I try and make sure the product I am buying is environmentally friendly, organic, and contains only natural ingredients.
Many natural hair care products contain many similar ingredients, which help keep costs down overall. You will find many of these ingredients in this homemade shampoo and even my homemade hair conditioner.
Key takeaways:
- Homemade hair serum is simple to make, using minimal ingredients.
- The added aloe will help protect the hair from UV damage.
- This homemade hair serum works for all hair types, including men’s hair.
- For best results, only apply hair serum on clean hair.
This spray-style homemade hair serum is a great way to tame frizzy hair and protect it from any type of environmental damage.
If you try this recipe, be sure to leave a comment below and let me know how it worked out for you! And if you want more great hair care products, check out some of these favorites below!
- DIY Sea Salt Spray (for wavy beach hair)
- Simple DIY Dry Shampoo
- Baby and Kid Shampoo DIY
- DIY Detangler Spray
- Homemade Clarifying Shampoo
- DIY Curl Enhancing Cream
- Homemade Dandruff Shampoo
Homemade Hair Serum
Equipment
- Small saucepan or double boiler
Ingredients
- 1 cup of water
- 1 tablespoon of dried nettle
- 2 tablespoons of aloe vera
- ½ teaspoon of jojoba oil
- 5 drops of rosemary essential oil
- 5 drops of lavender essential oil
- 3 drops of sandalwood essential oil
Instructions
- Bring water to a boil, then add nettle to steep for 5-10 minutes.
- Strain the tea, allow it to cool then pour it into the spray bottle using a funnel.
- Add in the remaining ingredients, secure the lid, and shake well.
- Mist onto clean hair and use your fingertips to coat the hair. Start at the base and work your way to the tips.
Notes
Jess says
Hi there! I have lots of nettle growing in my yard. Does it need to be dried or could I steep it fresh?
Also I have aloe water, not gel. Will that work as well?
Thank you!:)
Laura says
You should have no problems using fresh nettle!
I have not used this with aloe juice.
Savannah says
Can you use fresh Aloe Vera? Or would that mold?
Laura says
You certainly can! However, you’ll want to keep it in the fridge to prevent spoiling.
Savannah says
Oh perfect! how long being stored in the fridge is it good for?
Laura says
I have not used fresh aloe before, so I would suggest keeping an eye on it, and if at any point it looks or smells rancid, throw it out.
DJ says
What size bottle? I can’t find where it says.
Laura says
4-ounces
Connie says
How do you print out your Recipes? I scroll from top to bottom to find a print option and cannot.
Laura says
It is at the bottom in the recipe card.
Lisa E says
Hello,
I am curious as to why does it need to be refrigerated after making? What happens if you leave on counter? Thank you for your guidance. Have a great day.
Laura says
It will last longer refrigerated.
Val says
How could I use rosemary every day for my hair. Do I need a carrier?
Laura says
You can make a serum or add a couple drops into your shampoo.
Praj says
Hi Laura
I am going to try this since my hair is in a really bad shape and I really want oils that will stimulate hair growth. I know the properties of Lavender and rosemary so is sandalwood important in this or can i substitute it with any other
thanks
Laura says
You can use cedarwood instead.
Praj says
Hi Thanks will do that
Also, we will be approaching colder months here in Australia very soon, Should i still put this serum in fridge?
Laura says
It is fine at room temperature.
Praj says
Thanks Laura
I will be on the bandwagon of homemade products and solutions once all my desired oils arrive by the end of this month hopefully. Thanks so much for all the inspiration 💜
Laura says
I am so glad! You’re welcome!
Anna says
Hi Laura, I am really loving these recipes and I’m about to order ingredients to make them too! But I have a question: Both rosehip and jojoba oil are good for skin and hair, so can I substitute one for the other? For example, could I make this serum with rosehip oil, or it will be too different and won’t have the same results? Thanks
Debbie says
My daughter has thick curly hair with dandruff problems. I’m looking to have her use this daily when styling her hair instead of just spraying it with water. I thought it would be a more nourishing approach. But she’s a teenager and i don’t think she will use it if she has to go to the fridge. Could it be left out for a period of time and/or could I add anything to help preserve it for longer? Thanks for your help!
Laura says
Yes, you can leave it out at room temp. You can add an antioxidant like vitamin E antioxidant or rosemary antioxidant to help extend the shelf life of the product if desired.
Debbie Lee says
Thank you!
Inne says
does the serum makes the hair greasy ? I use shampoobars and it dries the hair a little bit and I need something that nourishes the hair but doesnt make it greasy. I hope you can help me. Thankyou
Laura says
You can use it at night and then wash it out in the morning if it does. It works great with my hair type.
NASSINZI says
Ohhhh thanks alot fr surevhave enjoyed ur lecture ur agrt tr thanks alot swthrt
Laura says
You’re welcome!
Kim Flores says
Hello! Can I skip the nettle? If not, what’s a good substitute? Thank you!
Laura says
Yes you can leave it out if you prefer!
Jackie says
My question is when you make your own shampoo do you use scented or unscented castle soap?
Laura says
I use the unscented.