I’m not one to hype up products without reason, but Paul Mitchell Super Skinny Serum is a game-changer you need on your bathroom shelf.
This lightweight, frizz-taming serum transforms your hair into silky, shiny strands in less time than it takes to brew your morning coffee.
Whether you’re battling humidity or just want a salon-worthy blowout at home, this serum delivers. It’s vegan, paraben-free, and smells like a burst of juicy apples. Trust me, your hair will thank you—grab it now and see the difference for yourself.
My Journey With Paul Mitchell Super Skinny Serum
Let me take you back to a time when my hair was a frizzy, uncooperative mess.
I’m talking about those days when my dark, wavy locks looked more like a bird’s nest than anything resembling a hairstyle.
I’d spent years bleaching my hair to a bright blonde, and while I loved the color, the damage was real.
My strands were dull, dry, and prone to puffing up in the slightest humidity.
I’d pretty much given up on ever having that sleek, glossy look I envied in magazines.
That is, until I walked into an Asian hair salon and my stylist introduced me to Paul Mitchell Super Skinny Serum.
The first thing that hit me was the scent—a vibrant, juicy mix of bergamot, orange, and apple that reminded me of green apple candy. It wasn’t overpowering, just fresh and uplifting.
My stylist rubbed a single pump into my damp hair, and as he started blow-drying, I could already feel a difference.
My hair felt smoother, almost like it was gliding through his fingers. By the time he was done, my blonde locks looked like they belonged in a shampoo commercial—shiny, healthy, and impossibly soft.
I was floored. I chalked some of it up to his professional skills and the fresh trim, but I couldn’t stop thinking about that serum.
A few weeks later, I spotted the bottle at my local drugstore. It was affordable enough, so I figured I’d give it a whirl at home. Now, I’m no hair-styling guru—my version of “styling” is usually a quick blow-dry and a prayer.
But with just one pump of this serum, I managed to recreate that salon magic. My hair dried faster, stayed smooth even in muggy weather, and had this incredible sheen that made me do a double-take in the mirror.
It was like I’d unlocked a secret to effortless hair days. Since then, this serum has been my ride-or-die, whether I’m straightening my waves, curling my ends, or letting my natural texture shine. It’s simplified my routine and made me feel put-together, even on my laziest days.
What Makes Paul Mitchell Super Skinny Serum Special?
Let’s talk about why this serum stands out in a sea of hair products.
Paul Mitchell, a brand that’s been a salon staple since 1980, crafted this serum as part of their Smoothing line.
It’s designed to tackle frizz, speed up drying time, and leave your hair looking polished without weighing it down.
The magic lies in its Super Skinny Complex—a blend of lightweight silicones like cyclopentasiloxane and dimethiconol that penetrate the hair shaft, seal the cuticle, and create a smooth, humidity-resistant barrier.
It’s vegan, gluten-free, paraben-free, and safe for color-treated hair, so it’s a win for just about everyone.
The serum’s texture is another reason I’m obsessed. It’s silky without being greasy, and a single pump is enough for my medium-length hair. You rub it into your hands, apply it to damp strands, and style as usual.
It’s not sticky, doesn’t leave residue, and gives your hair a natural, glossy finish. Plus, that fragrance? It’s like a little mood boost every time you use it. Whether you’ve got curly, wavy, or straight hair, this serum adapts to your needs, making it a versatile addition to any routine.
Pros of Paul Mitchell Super Skinny Serum
- Frizz Control That Actually Works
If you’ve ever stepped outside on a humid day and watched your hair balloon into a frizzy halo, you’ll appreciate this serum’s humidity-resistant formula. I live in a place where summer feels like a sauna, and this serum keeps my hair sleek and smooth no matter the weather.
The lightweight silicones coat each strand, locking out moisture that causes puffiness. After using it, my hair feels like it’s been sealed in a protective shield, and I can go hours without a single flyaway.
It’s a lifesaver for anyone who wants their style to last all day.
- Cuts Down Drying Time
One of the biggest surprises was how much faster my hair dries with this serum. I used to dread blow-drying because it felt like an eternity, especially with my thick, wavy hair. But this serum’s Super Skinny Complex constricts the hair shaft, reducing the time it takes to dry.
I’ve noticed at least a 10-minute cut in my routine, which means more time sipping coffee and less time wrestling with a hairdryer. Even when I air-dry, my hair feels smoother and dries more evenly, without that crunchy, uneven texture I used to get.
- Adds Shine Without Greasiness
Shiny hair is my weakness, and this serum delivers without making my strands look like an oil slick. The silicones reflect light, giving my hair a glossy, healthy glow that looks natural, not overdone.
I’ve tried other serums that left my hair feeling heavy or coated, but this one absorbs quickly and leaves no residue. My boyfriend even commented on how “fancy” my hair looked after I started using it, and trust me, he’s not one to notice these things.
It’s the kind of shine that makes you feel like you just left the salon.
- Versatile for All Hair Types
Whether your hair is curly, straight, fine, or coarse, this serum adapts like a chameleon. I’ve got combination wavy/curly hair, and it works whether I’m straightening, curling, or going au naturel.
My friend with fine, straight hair swears by it for taming flyaways without flattening her volume. Even my mom, who has thick, coarse hair, loves how it smooths her strands without weighing them down.
It’s rare to find a product that’s this universal, and it’s why I’ve gifted bottles to practically every woman in my life.
- Long-Lasting and Cost-Effective
A little goes a long way with this serum. One pump is enough for my shoulder-length hair, and the 5.1-ounce bottle lasts me months, even with daily use.
At around $20-$25, it’s not the cheapest product out there, but it’s a steal compared to high-end serums that cost double and don’t perform as well.
The price has crept up over the years, but I’d rather save my pennies for this than waste money on alternatives that don’t measure up. It’s an investment in good hair days, and it’s worth every cent.
Cons of Paul Mitchell Super Skinny Serum
- Pump Issues Can Be Frustrating
I’ve got to be honest—one of the biggest gripes I’ve had is with the bottle’s pump.
Over the years, I’ve bought a few bottles where the pump was either defective or broke after a few uses.
Once, I opened a brand-new bottle to find the pump completely snapped, which was a hassle.
I ended up transferring the serum to an old bottle, but it’s annoying when you’re excited to use a product and hit a snag like that.
Thankfully, Paul Mitchell seems to have updated the pump design recently, and my latest bottle has been smooth sailing.
Fingers crossed they’ve fixed it for good.
- Silicones Might Concern Some Users
The serum’s effectiveness comes from silicones like cyclopentasiloxane and dimethiconol, which smooth and protect the hair. But if you’re someone who avoids silicones due to buildup concerns or a preference for “clean” beauty, this might give you pause.
I haven’t noticed any buildup myself, even with daily use, but I make sure to clarify my hair every couple of weeks with a gentle shampoo.
If you’re silicone-averse, you might want to test it out before committing, though I’d argue the benefits outweigh the drawbacks for most people.
- Can Weigh Down Fine Hair If Overused
While the serum is lightweight, it’s easy to go overboard if you’re not careful, especially if you have fine or thin hair. I learned this the hard way when I accidentally used two pumps and ended up with flat, slightly greasy-looking hair.
My friend with fine hair had a similar experience until she dialed it back to half a pump. The key is to start small and work your way up if needed. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it requires a bit of trial and error to find your sweet spot.
Tips For Using Paul Mitchell Super Skinny Serum
- Apply to Damp Hair for Best Results
To get the most out of this serum, apply it to clean, damp hair before styling. I usually towel-dry my hair until it’s about 80% dry, then rub a single pump between my palms and work it through from the ends up to the mid-shaft.
Avoid your roots unless you’re specifically targeting frizz there, as it can reduce volume. This method ensures the serum absorbs evenly and maximizes its smoothing and drying-time benefits. If you’re air-drying, it still works wonders—just scrunch it into your ends for a polished look.
- Use Sparingly to Avoid Buildup
Less is more with this serum. One pump is plenty for most hair lengths, and if you’ve got fine or short hair, half a pump might be enough. I made the mistake of thinking more product would mean better results, but it just left my hair looking heavy.
To prevent buildup, I clarify my hair every two weeks with a sulfate-free clarifying shampoo. This keeps my strands feeling fresh and ensures the serum continues to work its magic without any residue weighing things down.
- Pair with Heat Protectant for Extra Care
While the serum offers some heat protection (up to 450°F, according to Paul Mitchell), I like to layer it with a dedicated heat protectant spray when I’m using high-heat tools like a flat iron.
This extra step gives me peace of mind, especially since my hair’s been through the bleaching wringer. Apply the serum first, then mist your heat protectant over your strands before styling. It’s a small effort that goes a long way in keeping your hair healthy and damage-free.
- Store Properly to Maintain Quality
I’ve learned the hard way that leaving the bottle in a steamy bathroom isn’t the best idea. The heat and humidity can sometimes cause the pump to clog or the serum to separate slightly.
Now, I store mine in a cool, dry place, like a drawer or cabinet, to keep it in top shape. Also, make sure the cap is on tight to prevent leaks—trust me, you don’t want to waste a single drop of this stuff.
- Experiment with Application for Your Hair Type
This serum is versatile, but how you use it depends on your hair’s needs. For my wavy/curly hair, I focus on the ends to tame frizz and define my texture. If I’m straightening, I distribute it more evenly for a sleek finish.
My friend with straight hair uses it only on her ends to smooth flyaways without flattening her roots. Play around with where and how much you apply to find what works best for you. It’s forgiving, so you can tweak your routine until it’s perfect.
Comparison of Paul Mitchell Super Skinny Serum With Other Brands
I’ve tried my fair share of hair serums and smoothing products, so I wanted to see how Paul Mitchell Super Skinny Serum stacks up against some popular contenders: Bed Head After Party Smoothing Cream, John Frieda Frizz Ease Serum, and Olaplex No. 7 Bonding Oil.
Each has its strengths, but I’ll break down how they compare head-to-head with Super Skinny Serum in terms of performance, texture, scent, and value. Here’s my take on how they measure up.
- Paul Mitchell Super Skinny Serum Vs. Bed Head After Party Smoothing Cream
Bed Head After Party Smoothing Cream is a cult favorite, promising to tame frizz and add shine with a creamy, lightweight formula.
I gave it a whirl, curious if it could rival Super Skinny Serum’s sleek results.
The cream has a thicker texture, which feels luxurious but can be a bit heavy on my wavy hair.
It smoothed my strands well, especially on dry hair for touch-ups, but it didn’t match Super Skinny’s ability to speed up drying time—a huge perk for my busy mornings.
After Party’s shine was decent, but it lacked the glossy, salon-like finish I get from Paul Mitchell.
The scent is a fun, fruity cocktail vibe, though I prefer Super Skinny’s crisp apple-bergamot burst for its freshness.
Price-wise, Bed Head is slightly cheaper, often retailing around $15-$20 for 3.4 ounces, but Super Skinny’s longer-lasting bottle (5.1 ounces) and superior frizz control make it the better deal.
If you’re after a cream for styling touch-ups, After Party is solid, but for all-day frizz protection and faster drying, Super Skinny takes the crown.
- Paul Mitchell Super Skinny Serum Vs. John Frieda Frizz Ease Serum
John Frieda Frizz Ease Serum is a drugstore staple I’ve reached for in a pinch, known for its frizz-taming prowess and budget-friendly price.
I applied it to my damp hair, expecting results similar to Super Skinny Serum.
Frizz Ease did a respectable job controlling flyaways, especially in humid weather, but it felt stickier and less absorbent than Paul Mitchell’s silky formula.
My hair looked smooth but lacked the vibrant shine and softness I’ve come to expect from Super Skinny.
Drying time was another letdown—Frizz Ease didn’t speed things up like Super Skinny’s Super Skinny Complex does, which shaves minutes off my routine. Scent-wise, John Frieda’s is subtle and inoffensive, but it doesn’t have the uplifting, juicy fragrance that makes Super Skinny a sensory treat.
At around $10 for 1.69 ounces, Frizz Ease is wallet-friendly, but you get less product, and I found myself using more to achieve decent results. Super Skinny’s versatility across hair types and longer-lasting effects make it worth the extra bucks for me.
- Paul Mitchell Super Skinny Serum Vs. Olaplex No. 7 Bonding Oil
Olaplex No. 7 Bonding Oil has a loyal following for its reparative claims, so I was eager to see how it compared to Super Skinny Serum.
This oil is marketed as a multi-tasker that smooths, shines, and strengthens damaged hair.
On my bleached locks, it did soften my ends and add a subtle glow, but it felt heavier than Super Skinny’s featherlight serum.
Frizz control was decent, but it didn’t hold up as well in muggy conditions, and I noticed flyaways creeping back by midday.
Unlike Super Skinny, Olaplex didn’t noticeably cut my drying time, which was a bummer for my impatient self. The scent is mild and slightly floral, which is fine but lacks the zesty, mood-lifting punch of Super Skinny’s apple-orange blend.
Both products are priced similarly—around $20-$30—but Olaplex’s 1-ounce bottle feels less economical compared to Super Skinny’s 5.1 ounces. If your hair is severely damaged and you want a reparative boost, Olaplex is a great pick, but for everyday frizz-fighting and styling ease, Super Skinny Serum outperforms it with its lightweight, long-lasting results.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Paul Mitchell Super Skinny Serum is a smoothing blowout primer that tames frizz, speeds up drying time, and leaves hair shiny and silky. Its lightweight silicone-based formula seals the hair cuticle, creating a humidity-resistant barrier that keeps flyaways at bay. It also penetrates the hair shaft to smooth and condition, giving you a polished, salon-like finish. Whether you’re blow-drying, air-drying, or styling with heat, it’s designed to make your routine faster and your hair sleeker.
Absolutely, and that’s actually the best way to use it! Apply one pump to clean, damp hair after towel-drying, focusing on the mid-lengths to ends. Rub it between your palms and work it through your strands before styling. This helps the serum absorb evenly, reduces drying time, and maximizes its frizz-fighting and shine-enhancing benefits. You can also use a tiny amount on dry hair to tame flyaways, but damp hair is where it shines.
Yes, it’s completely safe for color-treated hair. The serum is formulated to be color-safe, meaning it won’t strip or fade your dye job. I’ve used it on my bleached blonde hair for years without any issues, and it actually helps keep my color looking vibrant by smoothing the cuticle and adding shine. Its vegan, paraben-free, and gluten-free formula is gentle enough for chemically treated hair, so you can use it with confidence.
It’s fantastic for curly hair! I have combination wavy/curly hair, and this serum defines my curls while keeping frizz under control. It smooths without flattening, so your natural texture still bounces and shines. Apply it to damp curls, scrunch, and either air-dry or diffuse for a frizz-free, polished look. It’s also great for straightening curly hair, as it cuts drying time and leaves strands sleek. Curly-haired folks will love its versatility and lightweight feel.
Conclusion: Your Hair Deserves This Serum
If you’re tired of wrestling with frizz or spending ages drying your hair, Paul Mitchell Super Skinny Serum is your answer. It’s transformed my routine, giving me shiny, smooth strands that look like I just left the salon.
From its frizz-fighting power to its time-saving magic, this serum is a must-have for anyone who wants gorgeous hair without the hassle. It’s vegan, color-safe, and smells amazing—what’s not to love? Do yourself a favor and add it to your cart today.
You won’t regret it.