Paul Mitchell Super Skinny Serum Dupes & Cheaper Alternatives
From 13 Reddit threads · Updated November 3, 2026
Silicone smoothing serum delivers glassy shine and frizz control; too much goes limp. The catch: overuse makes hair go limp and flat. Here's what Redditors reach for instead.
The short answer
Best for FrizzSoft, defined curls without a crunchy cast
#1
Best Overall Alternative
The why
This aloe-based, pectin-containing styler works best scrunched through soaking-wet hair, giving waves and curls definition without crunch. It suits wavy hair needing lightweight hold, but the learning curve is real: too much leaves hair sticky or difficult to scrunch out.
Both recommended for Frizz.
“This gives me thicker, more defined curls with hardly any frizz, and I don't have to refresh it for 2-3 days”
— Reddit, r/curlyhair
The original, at a glance
- Why people love it
- Glassy shine with a silky, watery-glass finish
- Price
- $28.99 · 150.8 ml · $0.19/ml
#2
Best for Frizz
Advanced Climate Control Heat & Humidity Gel
Ouidad·Hair Styling
See alternativesSoft, defined curls without a crunchy cast
The why
A watery styling gel with Polyquaternium-28 and hydrolyzed wheat protein, it shapes curls while blocking humidity-driven frizz. It suits curly and wavy hair wanting soft hold, though fine strands and some users may find it heavy or sticky.
Both recommended for Frizz.
“It also prevents my hair from getting making me 6 and a half feet tall on a humid day”
— Reddit, r/Wavyhair
Other alternatives worth a look
Strong hold with a reliable cast · 13 recs
Soft hold with touchable definition · 12 recs
Lightweight definition for fine, voluminous 3A hair · 12 recs
Frizz
Thin gel texture for fine hair · 10 recs
Lightweight
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