Month: May 2025

The Best Hair Serums for Fighting Frizz and Adding Shine

The Best Hair Serums for Fighting Frizz and Adding Shine

Are you struggling with flyaways, humidity, or lackluster strands? You’ll want to check out hair serums for fighting frizz and adding shine to keep your locks looking smooth and radiant from morning until night. A well-formulated hair serum not only tames unruly texture but also seals hair cuticles, locks in moisture, and repels moisture in the air. 

When used regularly, serums can help protect against daily wear – heat styling, brushing, and environmental stressors – so over time your hair feels healthier and looks more polished. Whether your hair is fine, thick, curly, straight, color-treated or natural, there’s a formula here to nourish your type while giving you that coveted glossy finish.

Here are our top hair serums for fighting frizz:

  1. Verb Ghost Oil: BEST FOR FINE HAIR – This virtually weightless serum smooths flyaways without leaving any residue, making hair feel soft and bouncy. It’s completely fragrance-free and won’t weigh down delicate strands.
  2. John Frieda Frizz Ease Extra Strength Serum: BEST FOR COARSE HAIR – Its concentrated silicones and silk proteins form a strong barrier against humidity for up to 72 hours. Even the thickest, unruliest hair stays sleek in muggy conditions.
  3. Moroccanoil Treatment: BEST LUXURY PICK – A blend of argan oil and linseed extract tames frizz, speeds up styling time, and boosts shine. Regular use helps improve elasticity and reduces breakage.
  4. OGX Nourishing + Coconut Milk Anti-Frizz Serum: BEST BUDGET OPTION – Enriched with coconut milk and egg white protein, it restores moisture and adds a soft tropical scent. You get reliable frizz control without stretching your budget.
  5. Bumble and Bumble Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil Primer: BEST HEAT AND UV PROTECTION – This six-oil complex detangles, conditions, and shields hair from heat up to 450°F and UV damage. It leaves strands silky, protected, and primed for any styling routine.

Keep reading to discover more hair serums that will help you fight frizz and add shine to your hair.

Read more: 2 Surprising Tips for Minimizing Hair Issues in Your 50s and 60s.

What Should I Look for in a Frizz-fighting Serum?

Choosing the right serum starts with ingredients. Seek out:

  • Silicones like dimethicone or cyclopentasiloxane. These create a lightweight film on each strand to smooth the cuticle and shield hair from humidity.
  • Nourishing oils such as argan, jojoba, or macadamia. They penetrate and replenish lipids in the hair shaft, preventing dryness and breakage.
  • Light-diffusing polymers that reflect light and enhance shine without weighing hair down.
  • Heat and UV filters if you frequently blow-dry, flat-iron, or spend time outdoors. They help prevent color fade and protect the protein structure of hair.

Reading labels for these components will help you match a serum to your hair’s unique needs: if you have very fine hair, look for minimal oil content; if you color your hair, choose one with UV-protection; if your hair is thick or coarse, pick a formula rich in silicones and oils for extra smoothing power.

How Often and How Do I Apply Hair Serum?

Maximize results by following these tips:

  1. Start small – Dispense a pea-sized amount for mid-lengths and ends of shoulder-length hair – adjust for longer or thicker hair by adding a drop or two at a time.
  2. Distribute evenly – Rub between palms and lightly finger-comb through damp hair after towel-drying, or apply to dry hair to control flyaways and impart shine mid-day.
  3. Avoid roots –  Applying serum too close to the scalp can make hair look greasy; concentrate on areas prone to frizz or split ends.
  4. Layer for protection – If you heat-style, let the serum absorb briefly, then follow with your favorite heat protectant spray before blow-drying or ironing.

Use every time you wash for ongoing smoothness; on non-wash days, a light mist of serum on dry hair can refresh and tame any new frizz.

Can Hair Serum Help Damaged or Color-treated Hair?

Yes! Serums often include conditioning agents like panthenol, hydrolyzed proteins, or botanical extracts that strengthen weakened hair fibers. UV filters and antioxidants guard against sun and pollution damage that can accelerate color fade and dryness. Over weeks of regular use, you may notice fewer split ends, less breakage during brushing, and a more even hair surface that reflects light consistently for that salon-fresh shine.

What’s the Difference Between a Serum and an Oil?

While the terms sometimes overlap, here’s a quick guide:

Serums

Serums blend silicones, polymers, and a small percentage of oils – designed for smoothing and shine with humidity resistance. They typically feel lighter and rinse out more easily.

Pure Oils (Coconut, Olive, Argan) 

Oils focus on deep nourishment, penetration, and sealing in moisture; they can be heavier and may require more careful application to avoid limp roots.

If you want sleekness plus protection against frizz, reach for a serum; if your main goal is intensive conditioning, a pure oil or mask may be better.

Hair Serums to Fight Frizz and Add Shine to Your Hair

Moroccanoil Treatment

Moroccanoil Treatment

A pioneer blend, this oil-serum hybrid merges argan oil with linseed extract. It coats each strand to smooth cuticles, speeds up blow-dry time by up to 25%, and enhances manageability. Regular use can improve elasticity and reduce breakage.

Pros:

  • Fast absorption, no sticky feel
  • Signature scent lingers pleasantly
  • Versatile: works on damp or dry hair

Cons:

  • Premium price point
  • Fragrance can be strong for sensitive noses

John Frieda Frizz Ease Extra Strength Serum

John Frieda Frizz Ease Extra Strength Serum

Powered by concentrated silicones and silk protein, this serum delivers up to 72 hours of humidity defense. Its thick, gel-like texture clings to every fiber, making it ideal for coarse, unruly hair in muggy conditions.

Pros:

  • Exceptional frizz control even in high humidity
  • Widely available in drugstores
  • Budget-friendly

Cons:

  • Can build up without occasional clarifying shampoo
  • May feel heavy on fine or limp hair

OGX Nourishing + Coconut Milk Anti-Frizz Serum

OGX Nourishing + Coconut Milk Anti-Frizz Serum

Rich in coconut milk, coconut oil, and whipped egg white protein, this blend restores moisture and elasticity. It reduces breakage by strengthening weak spots and leaves hair with a soft tropical scent.

Pros:

  • Sulfate- and paraben-free
  • Affordable price tag
  • Effective at reducing mid-length frizz

Cons:

  • Scent lingers more than some users prefer
  • Less smoothing power on very coarse textures

Living Proof No Frizz Nourishing Styling Cream

Living Proof No Frizz Nourishing Styling Cream

Though called a cream, its silky-thin formula acts like a serum thanks to the brand’s patented Humidity Block™ molecule. It smooths strands, seals cuticles, and fortifies hair with conditioning emollients.

Pros:

  • Fragrance-free and non-irritating
  • Lightweight, builds volume without grease
  • Enhances natural waves and curls

Cons:

  • Higher investment for a mid-size tube
  • Difficult to dispense cleanly toward the end

Paul Mitchell Super Skinny Serum

Paul Mitchell Super Skinny Serum

Pros:

  • Noticeably faster blow-dry process
  • Pleasant, mild scent
  • Excellent for detangling

Cons:

  • May weigh down ultra-fine hair
  • Pump can clog if left uncapped

Verb Ghost Oil

Verb Ghost Oil

A nearly transparent blend of argan oil and vitamin E in a water-thin formula. It leaves hair soft without any trace of greasiness or residue, perfect for fine to medium hair looking for a light shine boost.

Pros:

  • Completely fragrance-free
  • Very lightweight – no buildup
  • Mid-range, wallet-friendly price

Cons:

  • Limited frizz-fighting in extreme humidity
  • Does not offer heat protection

Redken Frizz Dismiss Instant Deflate Oil-In-Serum

Redken Frizz Dismiss Instant Deflate Oil-In-Serum

This hybrid uses Smooth-Weight Oil and anti-foam technology to deliver glossy softness and control foam from blow-drying. It smooths on contact and leaves hair feeling silkier with each use.

Pros:

  • Dual action: smoothing plus anti-foam
  • Salon-grade performance
  • Long-lasting frizz defense

Cons:

  • On the higher end of pricing
  • Fragrance may be too bold for some

Garnier Fructis Sleek & Shine Anti-Frizz Serum

Garnier Fructis Sleek & Shine Anti-Frizz Serum

Infused with Moroccan argan oil and apricot extract, this lightweight elixir locks out humidity for up to 72 hours. It reinforces strands to resist breakage and promotes a glass-like shine.

Pros:

  • Excellent value for money
  • Long-wearing humidity protection
  • Easily found in most stores

Cons:

  • Contains sulfates earlier in the line (not in serum)
  • Strong apricot scent

Kérastase Discipline Keratine Thermique Blow-Dry Primer

Kérastase Discipline Keratine Thermique Blow-Dry Primer

A pre-styling milk that acts like a serum, smoothing frizz with keratin and shielding hair from heat up to 450°F. It also provides light hold and a silky finish that lasts all day.

Pros:

  • High heat-protection level
  • Strengthens hair fiber over time
  • Fine mist spray for even coverage

Cons:

  • Premium cost
  • Requires spray plus additional styling product for hold

Bumble and Bumble Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil Heat/UV Protective Primer

Bumble and Bumble Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil Heat/UV Protective Primer

This six-oil blend (coconut, argan, macadamia, almond, grapeseed, mineral) detangles, conditions, and protects against heat and UV damage up to SPF 25. It leaves hair feeling soft, light, and luminous.

Pros:

  • Broad-spectrum sun and heat protection
  • Luxurious texture and subtle scent
  • Multi-use: leave-in, pre-styling, touch-ups

Cons:

  • Higher price bracket
  • Too rich for very fine or oily hair types

With these ten serums in your regimen, frizz stands no chance – and each drop brings you closer to smooth, shiny hair – day after day. Don’t be afraid to experiment: start with small amounts, layer products when needed, and find the combination that makes your hair feel healthiest and look most luminous. Enjoy the confidence that comes with salon-quality shine at home!

Why These Products Were Chosen for Our List

We selected these ten serums based on a combination of performance, ingredient quality, user feedback, and versatility:

  • Proven Frizz Control: Each formula relies on smoothing agents – like silicones or advanced polymers – that are clinically shown to repel humidity and seal the hair cuticle.
  • Nourishing Ingredients: We looked for blends containing natural oils (argan, jojoba, coconut) and conditioning proteins to restore moisture and strengthen strands over time.
  • Broad Appeal: From lightweight, fragrance-free options for fine hair to richer, oil-infused serums for coarse or color-treated hair, there’s a match for every texture and concern.
  • Heat & UV Protection: Many include heat protectants or UV filters, so you can style with hot tools or spend sunny days outdoors while keeping your hair’s health and color intact.
  • Accessibility & Value: Our list balances luxury salon-grade picks with drugstore finds, ensuring you can discover an effective serum within your budget.
  • Positive User Reviews: We gave top weight to products with consistently high ratings and repeat recommendations from stylists and consumers alike.

This criteria ensures that every serum here not only tackles frizz and adds shine but also supports long-term hair health and fits seamlessly into your routine.

Read more: 10 Best Caffeine Shampoos.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

Do you battle frizzy hair? Do you use hair serums or oils? Which brand is your favorite and why? Tell us about it in the comments below.

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More Than Muscles: The 3 Surprising Sources of Lasting Energy After 60

More Than Muscles The 3 Surprising Sources of Lasting Energy After 60

Let’s be honest – there’s more to energy than a good cup of coffee (though we’re not giving that up anytime soon!). After 60, staying energized isn’t about pushing harder or doing more. It’s about tuning in. The women we admire most – the ones still laughing loudly, dancing freely, and chasing their grandkids or dreams – they all have one thing in common: they protect and replenish their energy with intention.

This isn’t another list of what you should do. It’s an invitation to notice what already fuels you – and gently expand it.

Let’s explore three parts of your day that hold surprising power to spark your vitality.

1. Morning Momentum: Set the Tone, Not the To-Do List

What you do in your first hour shapes your whole day. But many of us jump straight into emails, news, or taking care of others – and forget ourselves in the process.

Instead, try this:

  • Let light in. Open a window or step outside for a few breaths.
  • Move a little. Not a workout – a sway, a stretch, a walk around the block.
  • Hydrate before caffeine.
  • Do one thing that’s yours alone. Maybe it’s a journal prompt, your favorite song, or five minutes of stillness.

You don’t need a long routine. You need something yours. Something that tells your body: “I’m safe, I’m cared for, and I’m ready.”

2. Midday Maintenance: Protect the Spark

It’s not about having boundless energy all day long. It’s about not letting your spark burn out before 2pm.

Energy dips in the afternoon are common – but avoid reaching for sugar or another cup of coffee as a reflex. Instead, think of midday as a gentle check-in.

Ask yourself:

  • Have I moved in the last hour?
  • Have I eaten something with protein?
  • Have I connected with a human (or even a pet)?
  • Is my body asking for stillness – or stimulation?

Sometimes, just stepping outside, calling a friend, or drinking a glass of water can reset your system more than a nap.

3. Evening Recharge: Wind Down to Wake Up Better

Many of us treat sleep like an afterthought – something we collapse into, rather than prepare for.

But sleep is your body’s greatest repair system. And the hours leading up to it matter more than you might think.

Try one of these tonight:

  • Shut down screens an hour before bed.
  • Lower the lights in your home.
  • Do a slow, seated stretch or breath practice.
  • Keep a notebook nearby – not for to-dos, but to let go of thoughts.

Even a 5-minute routine can train your body to rest more deeply. You deserve rest that restores, not just rest that recovers.

Bonus: Spot the Sneaky Zappers

We often blame age or stress for fatigue. But the real culprits might be quieter:

  • Saying yes when you mean no.
  • Trying to “stay strong” instead of asking for help.
  • Endless scrolling that leaves your brain buzzing.
  • Clutter (digital or physical).
  • Overgiving without receiving.

Noticing these leaks – and gently plugging them – can create more energy than any green smoothie.

The Real Secret? Joy Gives You Stamina

Play. Laughter. Curiosity. Awe. These aren’t luxuries. They are fuel.

Whether it’s dancing in your kitchen, painting a terrible watercolor, planning a trip, or learning a new language – the things that make you feel most like yourself are the things that keep you glowing.

You’ve spent decades showing up for everyone else. Now’s your time.

One Final Thought:

You don’t need to be perfect or overhaul your life. You just need to ask: What gives me life today? And follow the answer.

Every day, in every season, you deserve to feel vibrant.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

What gives energy to your day, every day? Do you have a routine that energizes your body and mind? What does it look like and when did you implement it?

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How to Move Abroad Without Losing Your Mind (After Choosing Your New Life)

How to Move Abroad Without Losing Your Mind (After Choosing Your New Life)

You’ve done the brave work already. You’ve chosen your destination, secured your visa, and imagined your new life abroad in great detail. But now, reality sets in: how to move abroad without losing your mind becomes the real question.


Here’s a special podcast version of this article so you can absorb the ideas while walking, packing, or sipping your morning coffee.


Let this be your companion as you prepare for your next big adventure.

Because moving abroad isn’t just about paperwork and packing – it’s about navigating emotions, parting with belongings, and learning how to adapt to new rhythms of life. With the right mindset and a little guidance, you can take each step with confidence and clarity.

Let’s explore how to move abroad without losing your mind – emotionally, practically, and with heart.

Also read, Visas for the Over-60 Expat: What Retirees Need to Know Before Moving Abroad.

How Are You Feeling About the Move?

Let’s be honest – starting over, even by choice, stirs up big feelings. Excitement, fear, grief, joy, nostalgia… sometimes all in the same day.

Ask yourself: What emotions are showing up for me right now as I begin this move?

Recognizing your emotions is the first part of staying grounded. You’re not overreacting – your life is shifting. That awareness is part of how to move abroad without losing your mind.

What Will You Take – and What Will You Let Go?

This is where your courage meets your closet.

As you sort through a lifetime of belongings, one of the most powerful ways to reduce overwhelm is to use these four categories:

  • Keep  – Essential or joyful
  • Sell – Valuable but not necessary
  • Donate – Useful to others
  • Gift – Treasured, with meaning

Ask: Is this item part of the life I’m stepping into, or the life I’m leaving behind?

Knowing how to move abroad without losing your mind means lightening your load, physically and emotionally.

The Storage Dilemma: Temporary Relief or Long-Term Anchor?

Storage units can feel like an easy solution, but they often delay closure and rack up long-term costs.

Ask yourself: Am I holding on to these things out of love – or out of guilt, fear, or indecision?

Learning how to move abroad without losing your mind may mean saying goodbye to some things so you can say yes to something bigger.

Saying Goodbye to Family Treasures

This might be the hardest part: parting with family heirlooms, photos, and items tied to memory.

Try this:

  • Take photos and make a digital memory album.
  • Give cherished items to family and tell them the stories behind them.
  • Celebrate what those objects meant – and let them go with grace.

Remember: your history lives in you – not in your furniture.

Your Essential Logistics Checklist

Mastering how to move abroad without losing your mind requires handling the details early. Here’s a short list of practical questions to guide you:

What’s the Plan for Your Car?

  • Sell it?
  • Store it?
  • Gift it to someone?

What About Your Pets?

  • Can they come with you?
  • Are there quarantine rules?
  • Is rehoming a better option?

Are You Medically Prepared?

  • Stock up on essential medications.
  • Get copies of your medical records.
  • Research healthcare at your destination.

How Will You Manage Your Mail and Banking?

  • Set up a forwarding service.
  • Notify banks and pensions.
  • Prepare for international banking or digital access.

Are Your Legal Documents in Order?

  • Is your passport valid?
  • Are your visas confirmed?
  • Do you need to update powers of attorney or wills?

Adjusting to Daily Life: Roads, Crosswalks, and Culture Shifts

Here’s a part of how to move abroad without losing your mind people rarely talk about: daily life works differently.

  • Crosswalks might be ignored.
  • Drivers may not yield.
  • Sidewalks could be uneven or even used as store space.
  • Honking may mean “hello” or “move now,” it’s not always aggressive.

Ask: How can I observe and adapt, instead of assuming things will work like they do back home?

Adapting your instincts is one of the most empowering and humbling parts of your journey. It’s how you become a citizen of the world.

You’ve Already Started – Now Keep Moving Forward

You said yes to a new life. That took courage.

Now, step by step, you’re learning how to move abroad without losing your mind – with compassion, organization, and open eyes.

This isn’t about perfection. It’s about presence.

You don’t need to have all the answers before you go.

You just need to keep asking the right questions, trusting your intuition, and taking one step at a time.

You’re not just moving – you’re becoming.

Bonus: Your Free Moving Abroad Essentials Checklist

After years of working with expats and global movers, we’ve created a free, printable checklist to help you stay calm, organized, and in control of the details.

It covers:

  • What to keep, sell, donate, or gift.
  • Handling pets, cars, and legal docs.
  • Cultural shifts to expect – and how to adapt.

Click here to review the moving abroad essentials checklist. We also include some different perspectives on How To Move Abroad After 60 Without Losing Your Way.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

On a scale from 1 to 10, how prepared are you to move abroad? What important questions still need answering? Do you feel comfortable moving to live in a different country?

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