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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.

Homemade hair serum with natural ingredients in a glass jar.
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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.

DIY hair serum in an amber colored glass bottle on a wicker mat with dried nettle and a hair comb.

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  

Glass or stainless steel spray bottle 

INSTRUCTIONS 

  1. Bring the water to a boil, then add nettle to steep for 5-10 minutes.
  2. 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)
  3. Stir in the remaining ingredients.
  4. Secure the lid and shake well before using it.
  5. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 months. 
Homemade hair serum for hair growth with aloe vera surrounded by dried flowers and herbs.

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

A small pile of nettle ready to be place in boiling water to make homemade hair serum.
  • 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 diy hair serum in a glass mist bottle on a wooden makeup tray with dried flowers.

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.
DIY hair serum on a white bathroom vanity with a small pile of dried nettle and a hair brush.

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!

4.82 from 11 votes

Homemade Hair Serum

Prep: 2 minutes
Active: 8 minutes
Additional Time: 10 minutes
Total: 20 minutes
Yield: 1 spray bottle
Homemade hair serum is such an excellent product for your hair! Its quick to apply and you'll look great all day!

Equipment

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Ingredients 

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

Store hair serum in the fridge. Shake well before each use.
Tried this recipe?Mention @our_oily_house or tag #ouroilyhouse!
This recipe is for your own viewing pleasure and is not meant for healing purposes. Readers must perform their own research and tests before making any recipe.

About Laura

Welcome to Our Oily House, Iโ€™m so glad youโ€™re here! Explore DIY cleaners, homemade soaps, skincare and hair care recipes, fragrance-free solutions, and sustainable laundry tips for a naturally inspired home.

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4.82 from 11 votes (10 ratings without comment)

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33 Comments

  1. Val says:

    How could I use rosemary every day for my hair. Do I need a carrier?

    1. Laura says:

      You can make a serum or add a couple drops into your shampoo.

  2. 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

    1. Laura says:

      You can use cedarwood instead.

      1. 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?

        1. Laura says:

          It is fine at room temperature.

          1. 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 ๐Ÿ’œ

          2. Laura says:

            I am so glad! You’re welcome!

    2. 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

  3. 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!

    1. 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.

      1. Debbie Lee says:

        Thank you!

  4. 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

    1. 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.

  5. NASSINZI says:

    Ohhhh thanks alot fr surevhave enjoyed ur lecture ur agrt tr thanks alot swthrt

    1. Laura says:

      You’re welcome!

  6. Kim Flores says:

    Hello! Can I skip the nettle? If not, whatโ€™s a good substitute? Thank you!

    1. Laura says:

      Yes you can leave it out if you prefer!

  7. Jackie says:

    My question is when you make your own shampoo do you use scented or unscented castle soap?

    1. Laura says:

      I use the unscented.