7 Proven Hair Serums to Tame Those Stubborn Flyaways

Medically reviewedby Dr. Amy Revene M.B.B.S.
WrittenbyLuat Duong
Last updated

Flyaways can be a constant battle, leaving your hair looking untamed and unruly. The right hair serum can help smooth and control flyaways, providing a sleek, polished look without the heaviness.

Formulated with ingredients like silicone, argan oil, and frizz-fighting agents, these serums work to seal moisture, add shine, and prevent static.

In this guide, we’ve selected the 7 best proven hair serums designed to effectively tame flyaways, reduce frizz, and leave your hair looking effortlessly smooth and manageable.

Whether you have straight, curly, or wavy hair, these serums offer the perfect solution to combat stubborn flyaways and give you a polished finish.

Why do flyaways happen?

Flyaways occur due to various factors, including damage, dryness, static, and hair type. Damaged or dry hair has raised cuticles, leading to frizz and flyaways as the hair strands do not lie flat. Static electricity can also cause hair to stand up and create flyaways, especially in drier climates or conditions. 

Finally, certain hair types, particularly curly or wavy, are more prone to flyaways due to their structure. Regular conditioning, using anti-static products, and maintaining hair health can help reduce the occurrence of flyaways.

Let's elaborate on this in detail.

Flyaways are primarily caused by damage to the hair shaft and dryness. The hair strand's outer layer, called the cuticle, lies typically flat, giving the hair a smooth appearance. 

However, when the hair is damaged or dry, these cuticles are raised, which leads to a rough hair texture and causes the hair strands not to lie flat. 

This results in the frizziness and flyaways we often see. Damage can be due to various factors, such as heat styling, chemical treatments, or environmental stressors like sun and wind.

Static electricity is another common cause of flyaways. This occurs when negatively charged electrons move from one place to another, leaving positively charged atoms behind. 

In drier climates or conditions, such as during the winter or in air-conditioned rooms, the lack of moisture in the air makes it easier for this transfer of electrons to occur, leading to static electricity. 

When your hair picks up an electrical charge from the environment, it can cause the strands to repel each other and stand up, creating flyaways.

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Best Hair Serums for Flyaways

🔹 Best Overall: Moroccanoil Hair Treatment – A versatile serum that smooths flyaways, tames frizz, and adds shine, making it a go-to for all hair types.

🔹 Best for Repair: L'Oréal Paris Total Repair 5 Serum Smoothing & Repair – Targets damaged hair, smoothing flyaways while providing nourishment and strengthening.

🔹 Best for Shine: Schwarzkopf Professional Osis+ Magic Anti Frizz Shine Serum – Instantly tames flyaways and adds a polished, shiny finish to your hair.

🔹 Best for Frizz Control: Matrix Biolage SmoothProof Deep Smoothing Hair Serum – Provides long-lasting frizz control, smoothing flyaways and keeping hair manageable.

🔹 Best for Leave-in Treatment: Kiehl's Smoothing Oil-Infused Leave-in Concentrate – An oil-infused serum that smooths flyaways and adds moisture without weighing down the hair.

🔹 Best for Extra Strength: John Frieda Frizz Ease Extra Strength Hair Serum – Provides maximum frizz control and smoothness for stubborn flyaways, especially in humid conditions.

🔹 Best Budget Option: Soapbox Argan Oil Smoothing Serum, Anti-Frizz Serum – A wallet-friendly serum that smooths flyaways and nourishes hair with argan oil for a silky, frizz-free finish.

1. Moroccanoil Hair Treatment

hair serum for flyaways

This famous formula is your answer if you're not keen on serums that leave an oily after-feel.

Offering a clean, residue-free finish, it integrates well with other products in your haircare routine and accelerates your drying time in case you find yourself caught in a sudden downpour. 

With this formula, you no longer have to worry about greasiness or being unprepared for an unexpected shower outdoors. It's truly a game-changer in your haircare regime.

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2. L'Oréal Paris Total Repair 5 Serum Smoothing & Repair

best hair serum for flyaways

Occupying a spot on many beauty shelves, this versatile product is a true multitasker addressing a wide range of hair concerns. 

It tackles hair fall, humidity-induced frizz, and flyaways, providing a comprehensive solution to various hair challenges. 

But its prowess doesn't end there. This gem also replenishes moisture to dehydrated, heat-damaged strands, reviving them back to their optimal health. 

It's more than just a hair serum - it's a comprehensive tool for ensuring your locks always look and feel their best.

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3. Schwarzkopf Professional Osis+ Magic Anti Frizz Shine Serum

flyaways hair serum

If you're weary of unruly flyaways sabotaging your well-styled hair the moment you step outdoors, it's time to fortify your defences with this anti-frizz solution. 

Offering a silky-smooth finish, this formula combats frizz and flyaways, ensuring your hair stays in place even under challenging conditions. 

Moreover, it delivers these results without weighing down your hair, maintaining its natural bounce and volume. 

Therefore, not only does this serum keep flyaways in check, but it also ensures your strands remain light and full of life.

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4. Matrix Biolage SmoothProof Deep Smoothing Hair Serum for Frizzy Hair 

flyaways serum

Chances are, you have witnessed your hairstylist opting for this much-loved salon-grade formula post-blowdry to set your style perfectly. 

The benefits of incorporating it into your home hair care routine are considerable. 

Expect a sleek, frizz-free finish and hair that not only looks vibrant and healthy but also exudes vitality with every bounce. Embrace this professional touch at home, and your hair will thank you.

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5. Kiehl's Smoothing Oil-Infused Leave-in Concentrate

hair serum for flyaways

This formula, infused with nourishing argan oil, is a powerful opponent to frizzy, dry hair. It is expertly designed to tame those unruly locks, making them manageable and lustrous. 

Versatile in use, you can apply it on damp hair as a styling aid, helping shape your hair as it dries. 

Alternatively, use it on dry hair to impart a quick, last-minute shine before you step out. It is your trusty ally for achieving smooth, glossy locks, regardless of when you need it.

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6. John Frieda Frizz Ease Extra Strength Hair Serum

best hair serum for flyaways

This distinctive serum, explicitly curated for frizzy, curly hair, offers vital nourishment that tames unruly locks, leaving them a glossy, smooth finish. 

Its extra-strength formula is an efficient barrier against heat damage and humidity, ensuring optimal frizz control. 

Devoid of aluminium, this lightweight serum, featuring bamboo extract, repairs and revitalizes dry, damaged, and frizzy hair. 

Furthermore, this salon-grade serum is safe for all hair types, including natural, colour-treated, or highlighted hair, safeguarding their curls, colour and vibrancy.

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7. Soapbox Argan Oil Smoothing Serum, Anti-Frizz Serum 

flyaways hair serums

This smoothing and hydrating serum suit all hair types, whether dry, damaged, colour-treated, curly, or suffering from split ends.

Its primary role is to enhance shine, resulting in a polished and sleek appearance. 

The infusion of argan oil and a five-fold smoothing blend, including shea butter, sunflower, rice bran, rosemary extracts, and vitamin E, offers superior control over flyaways while deeply hydrating the fine hair. 

This vegan-friendly hair care serum, made in the USA, is cruelty and gluten-free, devoid of harsh chemicals, parabens, sulfates, and phthalates. 

With a clean, long-lasting scent, this non-sticky formula requires a tiny pump to completely nourish frizzy and damaged hair, effectively guarding against styling damage.

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Flyaways tamed, what's next? Encouraging hair growth with Bio-Pilixin

best hair serum

The Bio Pilixin Activation Serum has made a significant impact in the plant-powered hair care space, boasting a unique, potent formula that helps hair loss while promoting new growth.

Especially useful for those with brittle hair, this serum aids in restoring hair to its natural health.

The serum features Capilia Longa, derived from Curcuma longa stem cells, which has shown remarkable results in reducing hair loss and enhancing hair density.

It also contains Niacinamide, which supports sustained hair growth by improving scalp blood flow and protecting hair follicles.

A unique addition to the formula is Vanillyl Butyl Ether, a mild warming agent that enhances scalp blood circulation, optimizing nutrient and oxygen delivery to hair follicles.

With its potent blend of innovative plant-powered ingredients and positive user feedback, the Bio Pilixin Serum is an excellent choice for those seeking to naturally combat hair loss and boost hair density.

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How to get rid of flyaways?

To get rid of flyaways, follow these steps:

  1. Hydrating wash and condition: Use a hydrating, anti-frizz shampoo and conditioner to moisturize your hair and smooth the cuticles, which helps minimize frizz and flyaways.

  2. Gentle drying method: Dry your hair with a microfiber towel or a t-shirt instead of a regular towel to reduce friction and prevent breakage and frizz.

  3. Wide-tooth comb for detangling: Use a wide-tooth comb to gently detangle your hair, which helps prevent breakage and reduces flyaways.

  4. Application of hair serum or oil: Apply a lightweight, non-greasy hair serum or oil to smooth down the hair, focusing on the ends, to add shine and tame flyaways.

Limiting the use of heavy styling products can help prevent further frizz and flyaways.

Conclusion

Managing flyaways effectively requires a holistic approach to hair care, from washing and conditioning to applying hair serums or oils. 

The key to keeping those rebellious strands in check lies in maintaining your hair's overall health and hydration. 

You can ensure your hair remains smooth and frizz-free by choosing the right hydrating products, drying it gently, detangling it with minimal damage, and regularly using hair serums or oils. 

Ultimately, treating your hair with care and feeding it with the proper nutrients will not only tackle flyaways but will also result in healthier, shinier locks that are resilient against future hair challenges.

Remember, great hair doesn't happen by chance; it results from consistent care and attention.

FAQs

What causes flyaways and how can hair serums help? 

Flyaways are often a result of dryness, damage, static electricity, and certain hair types. Hair serums, particularly those enriched with moisturizing and soothing ingredients, can help to hydrate the hair, smooth the cuticles, and reduce static electricity, thus minimizing the occurrence of flyaways.

How do I apply hair serum to control flyaways? 

Start by using a small amount of serum onto your palms, rub them together to spread the serum evenly, and then gently work it through your hair, concentrating more on the mid-lengths and ends. You can apply the serum on damp hair after a wash or on dry hair to tame flyaways and add shine throughout the day.

Can I use hair serum for flyaways on colour-treated hair? 

Yes, most hair serums are safe for colour-treated hair. However, it's always recommended to read the product label or consult your hairstylist to ensure the product suits your specific hair type and condition.

Can hair serums for flyaways also provide heat protection? 

While some hair serums offer heat protection, they vary from product to product. If you often use heat styling tools, look for serums that specifically mention heat protection on the label. These will protect your hair from heat damage while controlling flyaways and frizz.

References: 

  1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3509882/ 
  2. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/357737989_Development_and_Evaluation_of_Herbal_Hair_Serum_A_traditional_way_to_Improve_Hair_Quality 

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Luat Duong

Luat Duong is a Copenhagen-based writer and content strategist specializing in hair loss and health. His work has been featured in MyHealthGuide, The Right Hairstyles, and Woman's Era. He is a graduate of Vaasa University. You can connect with him on LinkedIn.