How To Use Serum On Hair ~ Best Practices

A haircare regimen includes several products like hair masks, shampoos, hair oils, conditioners, etc. Despite using these products, do you still deal with frizzy hair? Perhaps, you are leaving the most important product that helps nourish your hair?

If you haven't included hair serums in your hair care regimen, you are surely missing their diverse benefits. It's time to give your hair protection against environmental aggressors (dust, pollutants, harmful air, etc.) with a good hair serum.

How does hair serum work? Well, hair serums contain active ingredients and silicone that locks the hair strands, making them less exposed to dirt and the ill effects of heating tools. Before we learn about its uses and functioning, let's know the meaning and benefits of hair serum.

What is Hair Serum?

Hair serums are a protective coating applied over the hair surface. It is a silicone-based product designed to coat the hair surface to provide shininess and smoothness.

Hair serums contain active ingredients, which penetrate deeper into the hair. It is a liquid-based hair care product that adds shine, fights humidity, and gives smoothness and brightness. According to Skinkraft's dermatologist, Dr Harish Koutam, serums help revive lost lipids preventing cuticle damage.

How to apply hair serum, whether on wet or dry hair, depends on one's preference and styling method. Thus, the hair serums you choose would depend on your hair type. Before we look at the different kinds of serums, here are the primary benefits of any hair serum.

Benefits of Hair Serum

There are several ways a hair serum can benefit you—

1. Helps Control Frizz

Damaged and weak hair is more prone to getting tangled, giving a frizzy look. Generally, it happens when hair strands lose their integrity and start breaking off. But how to use serum on hair to control frizz and split-ends?

Proper use of serum coats the strands with a protective layer that protects against further damage. It helps revive the natural hair pattern while holding strands together. Some serums, usually designed for controlling frizz, contain protein that provides proper nourishment to the strands, preventing exposure to further damages.

2. Improves Hair Curls And Straightness

The silica content in hair serums locks the hair strand and natural curls. Serums for curly hair retain curliness, providing a bouncier and smooth hair texture.

On the other hand, hair straightening serums help lock the hair tresses, as they contain smoothening properties. Hence, the smoother the hair is, the straighter it looks with a serum.

3. Helps Control Damage

Salon experts use various chemicals and heating tools to provide the desired hair look. Such chemical stress includes straightening, colouring, perming, damaging hair cuticles. Similarly, heated styling tools and blow-drying cause heat damage.

Hair cannot withstand such daily wear and tear if you do not choose a good hair care regimen. Hair serums play a vital role in reviving and locking in moisture. One often loses the natural oils from the hair due to excessive styling. The silicone content in serums and the correct techniques of how and when to use hair serum help lock moisture, protecting against further damage.

4. Protects Against Humidity

Humid weather affects the hair shafts, limiting the airflow within the scalp. Reduced airflow causes breakage and leads to flyaways. However, the amino acids and other active ingredients in hair serums go deep into the hair, helping minimise breakage.

Hence, applying suitable hair serums would prevent damage caused due to humid weather.

5. Nourishes Dry Hair And Provides Shine

Dry hair can be a challenge and typically gives a rough feel when you try to style it. Moreover, dry hair is more prone to frizziness. Serums provide an anti-frizz effect that enhances hair smoothness. The silicone coating provides a sleek and polished look to each hair strand.

Most hair serums contain polysiloxane and dimethicone that help protect hair shafts against dryness and heat damage. The silicone content in serums lowers the pH level, helps provide hair nourishment, and protects against dryness.

Serums for Different Hair Types

Before learning how to apply hair growth serum, you should know which serum is suitable for particular hair types—

1. For Dry Hair

Dry hair requires extra nutrition and care. Overnight serums prove beneficial for dry and damp hair. Choosing cream-based serums would be a better alternative to oil-based serums.

Cream-based serums provide better moisturisation than oil serums, often weighing down the hair. Apply it at night before sleep. Overnight, the serum revitalises hair, protecting against further dryness.

2. For Chemical Or Color-Treated Hair

Cream-based serums containing argan, jojoba oil, or coconut oil, along with some green tea extracts, are ideal for chemical-treated hair.

Moreover, these serums are lightweight and help with hair nourishment while enhancing moisturisation.

3. For Curly Hair

Serums containing hydrating oils like sweet almonds, jojoba, marula, and argan are ideal for curly hair. Curly hair requires more attention as it is more prone to frizziness, making it difficult to manage.

Serums form a protective coating over lifeless curly tresses, providing better moisture. Moreover, a serum helps make hair bouncier and shinier.

4. For Split-End Hair

Split ends are a common issue that causes hair breakage. One of the benefits of hair serum containing keratin is that it provides protein to hair strands, preventing split-ends and breakage.

How to Apply Hair Serum

The benefits of hair serum depend on how well you apply the serum. For the best results, follow these steps:

Choose the perfect serum as per your hair type.
Hair serum works best when applied to shampooed hair. Hence, wash your hair with mild shampoo and conditioner.
Let any excess water dry out, or towel dry your hair. Now, depending on the length of the hair, take two to six drops of hair serum.
Flip the hair forward and apply the serum over the strands. Gently massage the ends to work in the serum well on split-ends.
Avoid applying over the scalp.
Again, take two to four more drops and massage the hair thoroughly for deep penetration of serum.
Slightly brush the hair downwards for easy detangling after you apply the serum.
Blow-dry the hair to avoid dust from getting trapped in damp hair.

It would be best to use hair serums before using any heating tools like blow-dryers or flat irons.

How to Use Serum on Wet Hair?

Experts recommend applying serums on wet hair, allowing better penetration into the strands. Here are the steps for how to apply hair serum after hair wash:

Take two to three drops of hair serum for medium-length hair in your palm.
Thoroughly distribute it in the midsection, and then the hair ends.
However, if you want to use heat appliances, consider using a heat protection spray to avoid significant damage to the hair.
Blow-dry the hair to prevent dust, germs, and pollutants from sticking to the damp hair.

How to Use Serum on Dry Hair?

Many hair experts recommend using hair serums after any hair styling other than the hair spray or mousse. Generally, hair mousse dries and weakens the hair strands. But how to apply hair serum on dry hair?

Take 3-4 drops of hair serum (for medium-length hair) in your palm.
With light hands, start applying the serum to the back of your hair. Then, move to the midsection and the front.
This technique of applying serum from back to front on dry hair prevents your hairstyling from getting ruined.
Do not use too much serum and avoid a greasy look.

Homemade Serums for Hair

Sometimes, the high chemical content in commercial serums does not suit individuals. In such cases, homemade serums are the best option. Here are some serums you can make at home:

1. Castor Oil Hair Serums

Castor oil provides moisture, ideal for dry and frizzy hair. Here are the steps to make castor oil serums at home:

Mix 100 ml of castor oil and lavender/rosewood oil.
Shake well and store it in an airtight bottle.
If the prepared serum is too dense, add a few drops (15-20 drops) of coconut oil to provide a light texture.

2. Lavender Oil And Aloe Vera Gel Serum

Lavender oil works miraculously for brittle hair. The combination of aloe vera and lavender oil revives hair health and prevents further damage. Here are the steps to make it:

In a cup of slightly hot water, add a tablespoon of fenugreek seeds and a few basil leaves. Let the mixture boil for 15 minutes on low heat.
Strain the mixture on cooling.
Add the strained water to aloe vera and mix 100 ml of lavender oil.
Mix thoroughly and store in an airtight container.
Now use the serum on damp hair or before bed to avoid brittleness.

3. Avocado Oil Hair Serum

An avocado oil-based serum provides silky and shiny hair. Here are the steps to make it at home:

Mix four tablespoons of avocado oil with two tablespoons of argan oil, almond oil, jojoba oil, and grapeseed oil. Jojoba oil is ideal for achieving perfect consistency in serums.
Pour it into an opaque bottle or in dark glass to prevent its concentration from direct exposure to sunlight.

Do's and Don'ts for Hair Serum

The primary factor in obtaining the vital benefits of hair serum is its proper use. Here is the list of dos and don’ts for using hair serums:

Select The Serum as per Your Hair Type: Before you learn how to use serum on hair, it is essential to choose the correct serum as per your hair type. TIGI Control Freak Serum is an excellent option for getting rid of frizz
Don't Over Apply the Serum for Hair Growth: Coin-sized amounts of serum are enough to provide lustre and shininess to your hair. A serum for hair growth is unique. If you apply excess serum, it will give a greasy finish
Apply Serums on Clean Hair: Serum is not an alternative to skipping a hair wash. Adding a layer of serum over a greasy, oily, and dirty scalp causes build-up Moreover, a dry scalp soaks up the serum. Hence, apply hair serum on a clean scalp or wet/damp hair for the best results
Don't Apply Serums on the Scalp: When you apply serums over the scalp, it only causes build-up and blockage. Use serums over the tresses for getting the maximum benefits of hair serums

Hair Oil Vs Hair Serum

Both hair oil and serum come with distinct qualities that help enhance hair health and provide nourishment. However, the primary differences between them are as given below:

Hair oil is a nourishing hair care product that boosts hair health internally. Hair serum is a styling product that coats the hair strands, providing shine and protection.
Generally, hair oil contains fatty acids that lubricate the shafts and replace the lipids for better protection against split ends. Hair serum is a silicone product that seals the hair cuticles and locks natural curls.
Almost every hair oil is suitable for all hair types, including straight, curly, or wavy. Oiling hair at least two times a week retains hair health. However, there are different hair serums for every hair type. It provides a glossy, smooth, and shiny finish to the hair.

Hair Serum Side Effects

The benefits of hair serum have helped revolutionise hair care. However, every person’s skin and scalp react distinctly to serum ingredients. Some probable side effects of using serum are described here:

Using serums for a prolonged period is dangerous for hair health. They contain chemicals that can damage hair shafts.
Many hair serums (containing paraben and sulfate) dry up hair. Hence, limit the frequency of hair serums to avoid potential side effects.
Applying too much serum causes a build-up of oily substances, resulting in a dull and matted effect.

Summing Up

There are several benefits of hair serums, but how you use them matters the most. Consider both the pros and side effects and apply a suitable quantity now and then to protect hair from further damage.

Including hair serums in your hair care regimen helps protect against heat damage and external aggressors. Use them appropriately and limit the use to prevent any side effects.

FAQs

How Often Should I Use Hair Serum?

Hair serums are not a daily-use product. Use them on special days or the day you wash your hair. Commercial serums contain a high amount of chemicals and are not ideal for daily use.

For frizzy hair, use a serum when the hair is damp or before doing any hairstyling. Straight hair does not require serums every day. However, one can use homemade serums daily for curly or wavy hair.

How Much Serum to Use on Hair?

Use 2-3 drops of serum on medium-length hair. Using too much serum makes the hair heavy and greasy rather than lustrous. If you want to style your hair, use a hair protectant spray to keep the hair naturally strong.

After styling the hair, use a teardrop amount of serum and apply it over the hair using your fingertips.

How Does Hair Serum Work?

A hair serum contains silicone that provides brighter and stronger hair. It also reduces the pH level that minimises the hair damage from heating. Amino acids and the active ingredients go deep in the hair, reducing breakage due to frizziness. Moreover, it replenishes lost lipids that prevent cuticle damage.

Serums form a coating over the hair, providing an instantly smooth and shinier touch and ensuring easy detangling of your hair.

Can I Use Hair Serum Daily?

No, ideally you should not use hair serum daily. Commercial serums contain heavy chemicals and sulphates. Although the product provides instant shine, it leads to gradual damage. Hence, using it daily may expose your hair to further damage.