How To Use And Apply Hair Serum The Right Way For Tangle-Free Hair

Does your hair look like Monica Geller’s when you step out of the house? That’s probably because you have frizzy hair. According to a study, South Asian hair is generally coarser and frizzy with oily roots. This suggests that we don’t solely need hydration, but a formula that deeply nourishes, too (while also protecting our locks from the hot and humid weather).

Here stands tall an elixir that not only controls hair fall but also repairs damage, promotes regrowth and makes your mane look fuller and healthier. Hair serums are magical potions that make your hair go from a 1 to a 10 within minutes. However, even after picking the best serum for your hair, it is crucial you know how to use hair serum and how to apply hair serum on the scalp. Read on to know more.

What Is Hair Serum?

A hair serum is a liquid formulation that helps tame frizz to make the mane more manageable. It may either be water-based, gel-based, or oil-based, depending on your hair type, remedy, and the formula. A serum smoothes the hair lengths and strengthens the roots, making it a versatile product that targets specific problems with nearly no side effects. Hair serums are quick-absorbing and offer instant results. They manage frizz, detangle hair, add a boost of hydration, replenish nourishment, and make the strands stronger and shinier with every use. Although some hair serums are oil-based, they are different from hair oils; let’s discuss their differences below.

The Difference Between Hair Serum & Hair Oil

Here are a few differences between hair oil and hair serum:

1. Viscosity

   While hair serums are more viscous, hair oils are more fluid. Even though they boast a similar texture, there is a minor difference when it comes to the viscosity of hair serums and oils. Hair oils flow more smoothly than hair serums, making them slightly messier and harder to manage.

2. Purpose

   Hair oils are usually used to strengthen the roots and applied directly to the hair cuticles to encourage growth and nourishment. Although some hair serums may be formulated to facilitate hair growth and reduce hair fall, they mainly provide a protective layer for hair styling.

3. Order Of Use

   Hair oil is to be applied directly to dry hair before cleansing and conditioning, as an exfoliator or a mask, to reap the benefits. However, you can’t leave hair oil on your scalp for too long, as it may cause stickiness and attract dust and other impurities like dandruff. On the other hand, a serum is a leave-in formulation that is to be applied post-shampoo and conditioning on freshly washed, damp hair.

Benefits Of Hair Serum

There are numerous benefits of hair serum; whether you have dry or damaged hair, there’s a formulation for everyone to get salon-like hair at home.

1. Adds shine

Many serums have ingredients such as coconut oil, argan oil, and almond oil that add a natural shine to your hair making them look smooth and elegant.

2. Protects against heat damage

According to a study, thermal styling leads to the loss of keratin, and serums have keratin that restores the lost barrier and strengthens your hair while styling. Not only do serums add strength, but you can apply these potions beforehand to create a protective layer.

3. Detangles knots

Frizzy, dry, and coarse hair tends to get tangled and becomes impossible to uncoil without breaking a few or more stands. A hair serum flows along every bit of your hair, making it smooth enough to unravel without hair breakage.

4. Enhances natural hair

A serum enhances your hair’s natural look by improving the texture, aroma, and moisture content.

5. Targeted solution

Whether you have dry hair, hair fall, dandruff, or slow hair growth, there is a hair serum for every problem. Look for the ingredients that treat your issue; for instance, onion oil helps with hair growth while tea tree treats dryness and dandruff.

6. UV protection

According to research, UVB radiation is responsible for hair protein loss and UVA radiation is responsible for colour changes. A serum with UV filters helps reverse UV damage for healthy hair.

How To Apply Hair Serum

The advantages of using a hair serum lie in how you use it. Here are a few simple steps on how to use hair serum.

- Wash and condition your hair before applying a serum as product efficacy is drastically improved on a fresh head of hair.

- Take a few drops or pumps of the product and rub it between your palms well. Doing so warms the serum and activates the formulation to make it more absorbent.

- Avoid the roots and focus on your strands and tips. Your scalp will absorb most of the product, leaving it oily and sticky.

- Take a wide-toothed comb and gently brush your hair to spread the product evenly.

- Apply more than the usual amount of the product before using styling tools – especially heated tools – to create a barrier for your hair from thermal damage.

How To Use Hair Serum: Dos & Don’ts

If you’re wondering how to use hair serum, bear in mind the following dos and don’ts before application.

Dos

1. Apply On Clean Hair

   Hair serums are meant to promote strength and act as a barrier, protecting against dust, impurities, pollutants, grime, flakes, and other environmental and styling stressors. If you apply hair serum pre-styling, it can protect the hair from damage caused by high temperatures, pollution, and even UV rays.

2. Apply To Damp Hair

   When your hair is dry, applying a serum will only work to hydrate the hair without offering additional benefits. Whereas, when you apply serum to damp hair, the viscous product glides effortlessly, spreading to larger areas of the hair. Dry hair follicles will simply soak up the product without allowing it to evenly distribute.

3. Warm It Up

   Serums are thicker than oil and water; when you apply it directly to the hair, it can stick and form a blob. Hence, it is ideal you take 2–3 drops of the serum onto your palm and rub it to generate heat before applying it to the strands. This way you can ensure lesser product covers a larger area.

4. Leave It Overnight

   Some serums are meant to be left on overnight for their benefits to fully sink in. If you have extremely dry and frizzy hair, apply the serum and tie your hair into a loose bun to smoothen out the strands and add volume and bounce.

Don’ts

1. Don’t Apply To Roots

   Serums are meant to strengthen and nourish the hair follicles rather than the roots. To avoid your scalp from feeling dense, apply a serum to the lengths. Hair serums are used to control frizz and thermal damage, which is generally observed on the hair shaft more than the scalp.

2. Don’t Apply Too Much

   Less is more when it comes to hair serums. Too much product can make the hair appear greasy and accumulate dust, dirt, and other impurities. Make sure you apply hair serum only when your hair feels dry and frizzy; too much product can weigh the hair down, making it lose volume and bounce.

3. Don’t Choose Blindly

   There are a lot of hair serums for different purposes. Know your hair type, texture, and needs before purchasing a product. Some serums can be heavier than others, depending on what your hair requires. Research, ask your friends, and read reviews before investing in a serum; the right one can do wonders for your mane!

4. Don’t Wash It Out

   Serums are usually leave-in formulas that don't need to be washed out. Unlike oils, shampoos, and conditioners, serums are meant to sit on the hair to protect it from all kinds of damage.

Frizz-free Serums For Different Hair Types

1. Serum For Dry Hair

This product is formulated with a blend of six essential oils – chamomile, rose, lotus, flax, tiare, and jasmine, to give your dry and frizzy hair a hefty dose of hydration. This lightweight, non-greasy formula also offers UV protection while being a great styling aid.

2. Serum For Dull Hair

Trusted by professionals in the hair styling industry, this product is formulated with vitamin-rich avocado oil that tames your hair and grapeseed oil that offers a professional finish. This vegan, cruelty-free, and paraben-free serum provides instant shine, smoothens rough split ends, protects from heat and humidity, and controls frizziness.

3. Serum For Damaged Hair

This is a pre-shampoo hair repair serum made with a blend of maleic acid, transglutaminase, and amino acids to repair and strengthen damaged hair. Moreover, argan oil, squalane, and coconut oil nourish weak and damaged hair bonds caused by UV exposure, stress, heat styling, and colouring, making it soft and healthy.

4. Serum For Colour-Treated Hair

Made with macadamia oil and vitamin E, this product offers 24-hour protection and nourishment. Streax Professional has been in the game for decades now and their formulation is the best for people who often style and colour their hair. It brings the goodness of professional treatment with a touch of everyday care.

5. Serum For Rough Hair

Hair that’s damaged due to UV rays, chemicals, heat, and overwashing, can be repaired with the right formulations and application. This serum from Bare Anatomy is part of their damage repair regime with niacinamide and omega 3, 6, and 9 that restores smoothness and texture by 27% within a few uses.

6. Serum For Thick Or Curly Hair

From fashion shows to hair modelling, you will find this product in every stylist’s vanity backstage. When hair care experts recommend a product, we know it’s a must-have for frizz control and smoother hair.

Factors To Consider While Selecting Hair Serum

Now that you know all about hair serums, let’s discuss exactly how you can pick your perfect match. Different hair serums cater to different hair and scalp types, here’s a lowdown on factors you should consider before making the final choice.

• Lightweight hair serum formulas are ideal for oily scalps as they nourish the hair without weighing it down. Hydrating formulas are better suited for dry scalps and dull hair.
• It's crucial to read the ingredients on the hair serum’s packaging before use, as it may contain allergens. Additionally, the concentration of active substances in the hair serum should also match your needs. Beginners are recommended to start with a lower concentration.
• Know what time of day the product needs to be used and how to use it – the information is always provided with the packaging. Morning serums are usually applied to damp hair or after washing, while night serums should be allowed to soak in completely before bedtime.
• Patch testing is essential to prevent reactions like rashes. If adverse reactions occur, discontinue usage immediately and consult a doctor.

FAQs

1. How to apply hair serum?

   Take a few drops of the serum, rub it between your palms, and apply the product to clean, washed hair. Avoid the roots and apply it to your shaft for a long-lasting effect and a non-greasy finish.

2. Can I apply serum to the roots?

   Yes and no. Serums that are formulated for scalp-related issues such as dandruff, hair growth, and dry scalp can be applied to the roots. On the other hand, serums for frizzy, damaged, and styled hair must not be applied to the roots.

3. Can I apply serum every day?

   Yes, serums can be applied every day; the best practice is to apply it once a day.

4. Can I wash off hair serum?

   Hair serums need to soak into your scalp and it is recommended you leave them on for at least 2–3 hours and overnight if required. You can then wash your hair as per your hair care routine.