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Best Tips on How to Use Hair Serum And Get Beautifully Tamed Hair
Hair serums can magically revive your hair. Here are some best tips on how to use hair serums and get soft tresses.
A hair serum is an excellent addition to your hair care routine as it can help you achieve glossy, tamed, and healthy hair. To help you understand how to use hair serum, we are here to provide a detailed guide. You may find a variety of hair serum options on the internet as they are manufactured to target specific hair issues. While some serums protect your hair from heat, like hot styling tools or the sun, others help with its growth or appearance.
Our contributor Kristle Jones, a licensed cosmetologist, says, “Some hair serums may be able to help you reach your hair growth goals. Serums have nutrient packed ingredients that are proven to grow hair and might be considered to take good care of hair.”
Imagine if your hair is a bit messy or doesn't shine like you want it to. That's where hair serum comes to the rescue. Therefore, using hair serum correctly can help you save lots of time in styling and managing your hair. It's like a superhero for your hair! Just a little bit of serum can make a big difference in how your hair looks and feels. So, let us dive into all the dos and don'ts of using a serum to achieve eye-catching locks. 
What Are Hair Serums?
A hair serum is like a special potion for your hair. It's a liquid or gel that you put on your hair to make it look and feel better. These serums may be targeting issues like dryness, frizz, protection, etc., which usually offers faster results. However, there are also serums that offer nutrients to your hair and target issues like hair fall, thinning, breakage, etc. Therefore, you must first understand your requirements and then select the perfect serum that will help you fulfill them. Hair serums are usually applied on the ends of the hair, not the top of your head. But while using serums that target your hair internally such as hair growth serums, you must apply it only on the roots.
Benefits of Hair Serums to Know About
As we discussed, there are different hair serums developed to offer several benefits for different hair types and concerns. Here are some of the key advantages of using hair serum:
- Frizz Control: Hair serums can effectively reduce frizz and tame unruly hair, leaving it smoother and more manageable. They do so by creating a moisture-protective barrier between the hair strands and the surrounding environment, thus protecting it from humidity and moisture loss.
- Shine Enhancement: Serums can add a healthy shine to dull or luster-lacking hair, making it appear more vibrant and glossy.
- Heat Protection: Many hair serums contain heat protectant properties, which shield the hair from damage caused by heat styling tools like hairdryers, curling irons, and straighteners.
- Moisture And Hydration: Hydrating serums contain key ingredients that can replenish moisture in dry or damaged hair, helping to restore its softness and vitality.
- Split End Prevention: Some serums contain ingredients that create a layer around the hair strands that seal split ends, temporarily improving the appearance of damaged hair and preventing further splitting. They also help reduce friction and prevent further damage to the hair.
- Detangling: Hair serums can make detangling easier by reducing knots and tangles, making the hair more manageable.
- UV Protection: Certain serums offer protection against UV rays, helping to prevent sun damage and color fading in color-treated hair.
- Enhanced Styling: Hair serums can provide a smooth base for styling, making it easier to achieve desired hairstyles and preventing flyaways.
- Reduced Breakage: By strengthening hair strands and providing a protective barrier, serums can reduce hair breakage and strengthen hair cuticles.
- Fragrance: Many hair serums have pleasant fragrances that leave the hair smelling fresh and clean.
- Long-term Benefits: Regular use of hair serums can lead to long-term improvements in hair health, such as increased moisture retention and reduced hair damage.
- Customization: Hair serums come in various formulations to address specific concerns, allowing individuals to tailor their choice to their hair type and needs.
Dos And Don’ts of How to Use Hair Serums
Using serum the right way ensures that you reap the maximum benefits from the product. Therefore, it is essential to follow certain do’s and don’ts of how to use a hair serum to get shiny, healthy, and flowy locks:
Do’s:
- Start with Clean Hair: You should wash your hair before serum application, as it allows the serum to be absorbed more effectively.
- Use the Right Amount: Use a few drops of hair serum to avoid overloading your hair.
- Warm It up: Before applying the serum to the hair, rub it between your palms to warm it up and activate its ingredient for better distribution and effect.
- Choose the Right Serum for Your Hair Type: Consider your hair type and hair goals while selecting a serum to tailor it to your specific needs like anti-frizz, shine, heat protection, etc.
- Read Product Instructions: Always follow the manufacturer's instructions on the product label for the best results.
- Store Properly: Keep your hair serum in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight or extreme temperatures, to prevent changes in consistency or efficacy.
- Consult a Professional: If you have specific hair concerns or are unsure which serum to use, consult a hairstylist or dermatologist for personalized recommendations.
- Apply Before Heat Styling: If your serum offers heat protection, apply it before using heat-styling tools. This will help shield your hair from damage caused by heat.
- Use on Dry Hair for Shine: Applying serum to dry hair can enhance shine and control frizz. It's especially useful as a finishing touch to your hairstyle.
Don’ts:
- Rinse the Serum After Application: Serums are hair care products that are formulated for after-wash application that need to be left on the hair to achieve its benefits. Therefore, washing off serum defeats the whole purpose of application.
- Apply to Unwashed Hair: Applying hair serum to dirty or unwashed hair may not yield the best results. It's more effective when used on clean, freshly washed, or conditioned hair.
- Don’t Overapply Serum: Using too much hair serum can leave your hair feeling greasy and heavy. Start with a small amount and adjust as needed to avoid product buildup.
- Apply on roots: Avoid applying hair serum directly to your scalp or roots, as it can make your hair look oily. Focus on the mid-lengths and ends, where hair typically needs the most nourishment and protection.
- Avoid Relying Solely on Serum for Hair Health: While there are many benefits of hair serums, they are not a substitute for a balanced diet and proper hair care. Don't rely solely on serum for maintaining healthy hair.
- Don’t Mix Incompatible Products: Avoid combining hair serums with incompatible products, such as oil-based serums with silicone-based ones, as they may not work well together and could create a heavy or sticky residue.
What Type of Hair Serum Works Best for Different Hair Types?
The type of hair serum that works best for different hair types depends on individual needs and concerns. Here are some guidelines for choosing the right hair serum for various hair types:
- Dry Or Damaged Hair: Look for hydrating serums with ingredients like argan oil, shea butter, or glycerin to moisturize and repair damaged hair.
- Frizzy Hair: Anti-frizz serums can help smooth and tame frizz-prone hair.
- Fine Or Thin Hair: Lightweight serums that won't weigh down the hair are ideal. Opt for serums that provide volume and thickness without causing greasiness.
- Curly Or Wavy Hair: Choose serums designed specifically for curly or wavy hair to enhance definition, reduce frizz, and promote curl bounce.
- Straight Hair: Serums with a lightweight formula can add natural shine and protect straight hair from heat damage without making it greasy.
- Oily Hair: Go for serums that are oil-free or have a mattifying effect to control excess oil without adding weight.
- Color-treated Hair: Color-protecting serums with UV filters can help maintain the vibrancy of dyed hair and prevent fading.
- Heat Protection: Heat protectant serums with ingredients like keratin provide a barrier against damage from heat-styling tools (1).
- All Hair Types: There are versatile serums suitable for all hair types. These often provide a balance of hydration, shine, and heat protection.
- Scalp Health: Some serums are designed for the scalp, containing ingredients like tea tree oil or salicylic acid to promote a healthy scalp environment (2), (3).
How to Pick the Right Serum?
Selecting the right hair serum for your specific hair type involves considering your hair's unique needs and characteristics. Here's how to choose the appropriate serum:
- Identify Your Hair Type: Determine whether you have fine, coarse, curly, straight, oily, or dry hair. Understanding your hair type is essential as it dictates the kind of serum that will work best.
- Define Your Hair Concerns: Identify your primary hair concerns, such as frizz, dryness, split ends, heat damage, or lack of shine. Different serums target specific issues.
- Read Product Labels: Look for serums labeled to address your specific concerns to get all the benefits of a hair serum.
- Check Ingredients: Examine the ingredient list for beneficial components like argan oil, coconut oil, keratin, or vitamins (e.g., vitamin E). Avoid serums with ingredients that may exacerbate your hair issues.
- Consider Hair Goals: Think about your long-term hair goals. Some serums may offer additional benefits like promoting hair growth or color protection. Choose a serum that will help you achieve your hair care goals.
- Texture And Weight: Hair serums come in various textures, from lightweight sprays to thicker oils. Choose a texture that suits your hair type and preferred styling routine.
- Allergies And Sensitivities: Be aware of any allergies or sensitivities to certain ingredients in hair products. Opt for serums that are hypoallergenic or free from known allergens.
- Brand Reputation: Research reputable brands known for producing quality hair serums. Reading reviews and seeking recommendations can also help you make an informed choice.
Conclusion
Hair serums can be an excellent addition to your haircare routine, provided a correct process is maintained. Therefore, here we have explained how to use hair serum to gain its benefits. The benefits of hair serums range from short-term benefits like adding shine, and moisture to your hair to long-term benefits like enhancing the strength, and growth of your hair. There are various serums you may find in the market that are produced to target different hair concerns. To choose the perfect serum for you, you have to identify your hair type and concerns. Although these serums are formulated with potent ingredients, you may have to be patient as results may take time.
Contributor: Kristle Jones, Licensed cosmetologist and Owner - Kate Lane Salons
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