Hair Serum NZ | Frizz, Shine & Repair Serums | Zilion NZ
Shop Hair Serum Online in NZ
A good serum is the smallest bottle in most routines and often the one that makes the biggest visible difference. Our hair serum collection has more than 200 products: smoothing serums that keep frizz down on humid Auckland days, shine drops for dull lengths, bond-building elixirs for bleached hair, split end sealers, heat protectant serums and targeted scalp serums for flaking or thinning-looking hair.
Zilion is an official NZ stockist of every brand in this collection, from Wella Professionals, Davines and Olaplex to Nioxin, Goldwell and Arata. Most serums come in 30 to 150ml bottles, and a few lines offer a 30ml mini next to the full size so you can try a formula before committing.
About Our Hair Serum Collection
The word serum covers two quite different products. Lengths serums are leave-in fluids, oils or silicone blends that you smooth through damp or dry hair to seal the cuticle, add slip and reflect light. Scalp serums are usually water-based and are applied at the roots with a dropper, where they deliver actives such as caffeine, peptides or anti-dandruff agents to the skin of the scalp.
Within lengths serums, the formulas split again. Silicone-rich smoothing serums give the fastest frizz control and shine. Oil serums, built on argan, marula or camellia oil, feel more nourishing on dry hair. Repair serums and elixirs carry bond builders, keratin or acids that help strengthen chemically treated hair over time. Choosing well comes down to matching the formula to your hair texture and what you want to fix.
Hair Serum by Concern
Frizz and smoothing. Anti-frizz serums coat the hair so it resists humidity and dries smoother. Wella Ultimate Smooth Miracle Oil Serum, Goldwell Just Smooth 6 Effects Serum and Pureology Smooth Perfection Serum are reliable picks, and you will find more in Frizzy Hair Care.
Shine and gloss. For hair that looks flat even when it is healthy, a few drops of a gloss serum add mirror shine. Browse Shine Oils, Serums & Sprays for gloss drops, crystal fluids and finishing sprays.
Damage and bond repair. Bleached, coloured or heat-stressed hair responds well to leave-in bond care such as Olaplex No.9, Redken Acidic Bonding Concentrate 24/7 Serum and Davroe Fortitude Bond Building Elixir. See the wider range in Bond Repair and Damaged Hair Repair.
Split ends and breakage. Sealing serums glue frayed ends together cosmetically until your next trim. Davines Melu Split Ends Sealing Serum is made for long hair, and Split Ends Repair has more options.
Heat protection. Some serums double as heat protectants, including Olaplex No.9 and Davines Love Smooth Heat Protectant Serum. For sprays and creams as well, see Heat Protection.
Curls and waves. Curl serums add definition and elasticity without crunch. Davines More Inside Curl Building Serum and Goldwell Curls & Waves Serum Spray suit curly and wavy hair, alongside Curl Defining Styling Products.
Scalp, thinning and dandruff. Scalp serums from Nioxin, Arata, Minimalist, Beaver and Natural Look target the roots rather than the lengths. Browse Scalp Treatment and Hair Loss & Thinning Care for the full picture.
Brands in This Category
These are the brands with the most serums at Zilion. Each link opens the brand's full range:
- Arata
- Goldwell
- 12 Reasons
- Beaver
- Davines
- Angel En Provence
- Wella Professionals
- Nioxin Professional
- Alfaparf Milano
- Milk Shake
- System Professional Classic
Top 10 Hair Serums
- Wella Professionals Ultimate Smooth Miracle Oil Serum 100ml: a lightweight oil serum that tames frizz and adds shine, and our best-selling serum this year.
- Olaplex No.9 Bond Protector Nourishing Hair Serum 90ml: a weightless, silicone-free leave-in that Olaplex says protects against heat up to 232°C.
- Redken Acidic Bonding Concentrate 24/7 Night & Day Serum 100ml: a leave-in for processed, damaged hair that you can use overnight or during the day.
- Davines Melu Anti-Breakage Split Ends Sealing Serum 150ml: smooths and seals visible split ends on long hair between trims.
- K18 Molecular Repair Oil 30ml: a concentrated, silicone-free oil for frizz-prone hair with heat protection up to 232°C.
- Pureology Smooth Perfection Serum 150ml: camellia oil and AntiFade Complex smooth frizz on colour-treated hair.
- Davines More Inside Curl Building Serum 250ml: a leave-in that builds defined, bouncy curls with extra elasticity.
- Nioxin Diaboost Advanced Hair Thickening Serum 100ml: thickens individual strands for fuller-looking hair and helps reduce breakage.
- Arata Hair Growth Intensive Serum 30ml: a water-based night scalp serum with Redensyl, Procapil, Kopexil and caffeine for thinning-looking hair.
- Minimalist CPH Complex + Oligopeptide 0.8% Anti-Dandruff Serum 50ml: a non-greasy scalp serum that combines anti-dandruff agents with an antimicrobial peptide.
Best Sellers at Zilion
- Wella Professionals Ultimate Smooth Miracle Oil Serum 100ml ($64.00)
- Minimalist CPH Complex + Oligopeptide 0.8% Anti-Dandruff Serum 50ml ($24.55)
- Theorie Argan Oil Restoring Serum 60ml ($31.50)
- Wella Professionals Ultimate Smooth Miracle Oil Serum 30ml ($32.00)
- Wella Professionals Ultimate Repair Day & Night Duo Gift Set ($66.00)
- System Professional Classic LuxeOil Reconstructive Elixir 30ml ($30.00)
- Nak Hair Signature Styling Polish 100ml ($28.90)
- Davroe Fortitude Bond Building Elixir 95ml ($42.95)
- System Professional Classic LuxeOil Reconstructive Elixir 100ml ($80.10)
- ghd Dramatic Ending Smooth & Finish Serum 30ml ($44.10)
Benefits of Using a Hair Serum
- Frizz control that lasts. A thin film over the cuticle slows down how fast hair absorbs moisture from the air, so a blow-dry stays smoother for longer.
- Instant shine. Smoothing the cuticle lets hair reflect light evenly, which is why a pea-sized drop can make lengths look healthier straight away.
- Easier detangling. The slip from a serum helps a brush or comb glide through, which means less pulling and less breakage on wet hair.
- Protection from heat. Serums rated for heat, such as Olaplex No.9 and K18 Molecular Repair Oil, add a buffer before you use a dryer or straightener.
- Stronger, better-behaved ends. Bond-building and keratin serums support chemically treated hair, while sealing serums make split ends far less visible.
- Targeted scalp care. Scalp serums put actives where they are needed, at the roots, without weighing down the lengths.
- A little goes a long way. Most people use one to three pumps per application, so even a 30 to 50ml bottle lasts for months.
Hair Serum Buying Guide
Match the weight to your hair. Fine hair needs a light fluid or a single drop of oil, applied only from mid-lengths down. Thick, coarse or curly hair can take richer oil serums and a generous amount.
Decide between smoothing and repair. If your main goal is frizz control and shine for the day, a smoothing serum such as Goldwell Just Smooth or Wella Ultimate Smooth does the job. If your hair is bleached or breaking, choose a repair serum like Redken Acidic Bonding Concentrate or Davroe Fortitude and use it consistently.
Think about heat. If you straighten or curl most days, pick a serum that states a heat protection temperature, or layer a dedicated heat protectant underneath.
Coloured hair. Colour-care serums such as Pureology Smooth Perfection and Joico Colorful Anti-Fade Serum are designed to help colour stay vibrant for longer.
Scalp serums are a separate step. Apply them to a clean scalp with the dropper, massage in and leave them. Most work best with daily or nightly use over several weeks, and they do not replace a lengths serum.
Start small. Where a 30ml mini is available, such as the Wella Ultimate Smooth and SP LuxeOil Reconstructive Elixir minis, it is an easy way to check you like the feel before buying the full size.
Why Shop Hair Serum at Zilion
- Official NZ stockist. Zilion is an official stockist of the brands we sell, so every serum is genuine stock.
- Free shipping over $85. Orders under $85 ship for a flat $7.99 to metro and rural addresses.
- Afterpay and Zip. Spread the cost of a bigger order over interest-free instalments.
- Same-day dispatch. In-stock orders placed before 9am leave our warehouse the same business day.
- Minis and full sizes. Many serums come in a 30ml mini as well as the standard bottle, and you can pair them with matching washes in Packs & Bundles.
- Help when you need it. Email care@zilion.co.nz with your hair type and what you want the serum to do, and we will suggest one that suits.
Delivery Across New Zealand
We deliver hair serums right across the country, to Auckland, Hamilton, Tauranga, Wellington, Christchurch, Dunedin and Queenstown, and to rural addresses in every region. Metro orders usually arrive in 1 to 4 business days and rural orders in 3 to 7.
Hair Serum FAQs
What does a hair serum do?
A lengths serum coats the hair to smooth the cuticle, control frizz, add shine and make styling easier. A scalp serum is applied to the roots to deliver actives to the skin of the scalp.
What is the difference between a hair serum and a hair oil?
Hair oils are made mainly from plant oils and feel more nourishing. Serums are often lighter fluids, sometimes silicone-based, and focus on smoothing and shine. Many products sit between the two, such as oil serums.
Should I apply serum to wet or dry hair?
Most lengths serums work on both. On damp hair they help with detangling and blow-drying; on dry hair a tiny amount tames flyaways and adds shine. Always check the directions on your product.
How much serum should I use?
Start with one pump or a pea-sized drop for short or fine hair and two to three for long or thick hair. You can always add more, but too much leaves hair greasy.
Where should I apply hair serum?
Apply lengths serums from mid-lengths to ends and keep them away from the roots. Scalp serums are the exception and go directly on the scalp.
Can I use hair serum every day?
Yes. Most smoothing and shine serums are made for daily use. If hair starts to feel heavy, use less or wash with a clarifying shampoo once a week.
Will a hair serum make fine hair greasy?
It can if you use too much or apply it near the roots. Choose a lightweight fluid, use a single drop and keep it on the ends.
What is the best hair serum for frizz?
Smoothing serums such as Wella Ultimate Smooth Miracle Oil Serum, Goldwell Just Smooth 6 Effects Serum and Pureology Smooth Perfection Serum are designed specifically to control frizz.
What is the best serum for dry, dull hair?
An oil serum with argan, marula or camellia oil adds softness and shine. Theorie Argan Oil Restoring Serum and Milk Shake Incredible Serum are good places to start.
Which serum is best for bleached or damaged hair?
Look for leave-in bond care or keratin serums. Olaplex No.9, Redken Acidic Bonding Concentrate 24/7 Serum, Davroe Fortitude Bond Building Elixir and Wella Ultimate Repair Night Serum are made for damaged hair.
Can a serum repair split ends?
No product can permanently join a split end, but sealing serums such as Davines Melu make them far less visible and help stop the split travelling further up the hair. A trim is the only true fix.
Do hair serums protect against heat?
Some do. Olaplex No.9 and K18 Molecular Repair Oil state protection up to 232°C, and Davines Love Smooth is a heat protectant serum. If your serum does not mention heat, add a heat protectant before styling.
What is a bond-building serum?
It is a leave-in that supports the internal bonds of hair weakened by bleach, colour or heat. Used regularly, it helps hair feel stronger and break less.
What is a night serum?
Night serums, such as Wella Ultimate Repair Night Serum, are designed to be applied before bed so the treatment works while you sleep. Apply to dry hair and style as normal in the morning.
Are there serums for curly hair?
Yes. Davines More Inside Curl Building Serum and Goldwell Curls & Waves Serum Spray add definition and bounce without the crunch of a gel.
Which serum suits coloured hair?
Colour-care serums such as Pureology Smooth Perfection and Joico Colorful Anti-Fade Serum help colour stay bright while smoothing the hair.
What is a scalp serum?
A scalp serum is a usually water-based treatment applied to the scalp with a dropper. It targets scalp concerns such as flaking, oiliness or thinning-looking hair rather than the lengths.
Do hair growth serums work?
Scalp serums with actives such as caffeine, peptides, Redensyl or Procapil are designed to support the scalp and the look of thicker hair with consistent use. They cannot treat medical hair loss, so see your GP if shedding is sudden or patchy.
What is in the Arata Hair Growth Intensive Serum?
According to the product information it combines 3% Redensyl, 3% Procapil and 5% Kopexil with caffeine, onion extract, rice water, amla and turmeric, in a water-based formula for nightly use.
What does the Nioxin Diaboost serum do?
Nioxin Diaboost Advanced Hair Thickening Serum is designed to thicken individual strands for fuller-looking hair and to help reduce breakage in fragile hair.
Is there a serum for dandruff?
Yes. The Minimalist CPH Complex + Oligopeptide 0.8% Anti-Dandruff Serum is a non-greasy scalp serum, and Arata also makes an anti-dandruff serum. If flaking persists, ask your pharmacist or GP.
How long should I leave a scalp serum on?
Most scalp serums are leave-in and should not be rinsed out. Follow the directions on your product for how often to apply.
Can I use a scalp serum and a lengths serum together?
Yes. Apply the scalp serum to the roots first, then put a small amount of lengths serum through the mid-lengths and ends.
Are silicone serums bad for hair?
No. Silicones are what give many serums their slip and shine. They can build up, so a weekly clarifying wash keeps hair feeling light. Silicone-free options such as Olaplex No.9 and K18 Molecular Repair Oil are also available.
Should I use serum before or after heat protectant?
If your serum is not a heat protectant, apply the heat protectant first and the serum after styling as a finish. If it is rated for heat, it can go on before you blow-dry.
Can men use hair serum?
Of course. A drop of smoothing serum controls frizz on longer styles, and scalp serums from Nioxin, Arata and Angel En Provence suit men with thinning-looking hair.
Can I put serum on my beard?
Beard serums are made for facial hair and skin. Modern Pirate Superior Crystal Beard Serum is in this collection, and our Beard Oil range has more.
Can I use serum on keratin-smoothed hair?
Yes. A light smoothing serum keeps the finish sleek. Alfaparf Milano Keratin Therapy Lisse Design Keratin Serum is made for smoothed hair.
How do I stop a serum weighing my hair down?
Use less, apply it only to the ends, and rub it between your palms first so it spreads thinly. A lighter fluid suits fine hair better than a rich oil.
Can a serum replace conditioner?
No. Conditioner softens and detangles in the shower; a serum is a finishing or treatment step after. Most routines use both.
How long does a bottle of serum last?
Because you only need a few drops each time, a 30 to 100ml bottle usually lasts several months of regular use.
Do serums come in travel sizes?
Several do. Wella Ultimate Smooth, Wella Ultimate Repair Night Serum and System Professional LuxeOil Reconstructive Elixir all come in 30ml, and our Travel Sizes collection has more minis.
Can I use serum on extensions?
Light serums are usually fine on human-hair extensions, but keep oils away from bonds and tapes. Check your extension specialist's advice first.
Is hair serum safe to use during pregnancy?
Cosmetic lengths serums are generally used without issue, but if you are unsure about a scalp serum's actives, check the ingredients with your midwife, GP or pharmacist.
Which serum gives the most shine?
Gloss-focused serums such as Nak Hair Mirror Gloss Serum, Osmo Blinding Shine Gloss Serum and DesignMe Gloss.Me give a high-shine finish.
Can I use serum on my child's hair?
A tiny amount of a gentle detangling or smoothing serum can help with knots. Avoid scalp serums with active ingredients unless the product says it is suitable for children.
Why does my hair feel sticky after serum?
Usually too much product, or a serum applied to damp hair that was not rinsed of conditioner. Use less and make sure hair is properly rinsed.
What is a hair elixir?
Elixir is a name brands use for rich, often oil-based treatment serums. System Professional LuxeOil Reconstructive Elixir and Davroe Fortitude Bond Building Elixir are examples.
Should I patch test a scalp serum?
Yes. Scalp serums with active ingredients should be patch tested on a small area of skin 48 hours before first use.
How quickly will I see results from a scalp serum?
Smoothing and shine serums work straight away. Scalp serums aimed at thicker-looking hair usually need several weeks of consistent use, as directed on the pack.
Is Zilion an official stockist of these serum brands?
Yes. Zilion is an official NZ stockist of every brand in this collection, including Wella Professionals, Davines, Olaplex, Nioxin and Arata.
Are the serums you sell genuine?
Yes. As an official stockist we only sell genuine products.
How much does shipping cost?
Shipping is free on NZ orders over $85. Orders under $85 cost a flat $7.99 to metro and rural addresses.
How long does delivery take?
In-stock orders placed before 9am are dispatched the same business day. Metro deliveries take 1 to 4 business days and rural deliveries 3 to 7.
Can I pay with Afterpay or Zip?
Yes. Afterpay and Zip are both available at checkout.
Can I return a product I have opened?
No. For hygiene reasons, opened or used products cannot be returned unless they are faulty.
What is your returns policy for unopened items?
Unopened, unused items in original packaging can be returned within 30 days for a change of mind. Return postage and a restocking fee of $10 or 10% (whichever is less) apply.
What if my order arrives leaking or damaged?
Email care@zilion.co.nz within 5 days of delivery with your order number and photos. We will arrange a replacement or refund.
Do you deliver to PO Boxes or overseas?
No. Our couriers do not deliver cosmetics to PO Boxes, and we ship within New Zealand only.
Who can I ask for serum advice?
Email care@zilion.co.nz with your hair type and what you want to fix, and our team will recommend a serum.
Build the rest of your routine with Hair Oil, Leave-In Treatment and Hair Mask, or save on matching sets in Packs & Bundles.