Everybody LOVES hair serum, right?
Most people know that hair serum can give your hair a healthy shine and protect it from the sun and other environmental factors, but not many people know how to use hair serum correctly.
So how would you use hair serum correctly?
You might be surprised to know that there are a few things you should and shouldn’t do when using hair serum. For example, did you know that you should avoid using hair serum on wet hair?
If you use it on wet hair, the serum will actually weigh your hair down and make it appear greasy.
Shocking RIGHT?
In this article, we will explore the pros and cons of using hair serum and provide some tips on how to use it correctly for optimal results!
Hair Serum Pros and Cons
It might be obvious that hair serum is good for your hair but actually, there are both pros and cons to using hair serum.
Let’s take a look at both sides:
Hair Serum Pros:
- Gives hair a healthy shine, so if you are suffering from dry and dull hair, using hair serum can help to revive it.
- Protects hair from the sun and other environmental factors.
- Can help to detangle knots and make your hair more manageable.
- Oils are often used to provide lightweight moisture and nutrients. Serums keep moisture in place and may assist with dullness due to a lack of shine.
- It protects your hair from the heat. It forms a barrier on the strands of your hair to provide protection. It keeps the moisture in and eliminates any frizz you may have.
Hair Serum Cons:
- Can actually weigh your hair down and make it appear greasy if you use too much or don’t apply it correctly.
- If you have fine hair, using hair serum can make your hair appear flat.
- Expensive! Hair serum can be quite pricey, depending on the brand you buy.
- Hair loss is a possibility. The serum’s chemicals might induce hair to fall out.
- Long durations of hair washing can leave your head feeling thin and fragile. You may also feel self-conscious about this area of your body when you don’t wash it for a long period of time, which is why you should only use as much shampoo as required to achieve the desired cleanliness.
What Serums Are Best For Your Hair?
Now that we know the pros and cons of using hair serum, let’s take a look at what serums are best for your hair type.
Fine Hair –
If you have fine hair, avoid using hair serums with oils such as coconut oil or argan oil. These types of oils will actually weigh your hair down and make it appear greasy. Instead, opt for a lightweight hair serum that will add shine without making your hair appear flat.
We recommend trying our favourite hair serum for fine hair: Kérastase Nutritive 8H Magic Night Serum.
Thick Hair –
If you have thick hair, you can afford to be a little more generous with your hair serum usage. Opt for a hair serum with oils such as coconut oil or argan oil as these will help to add moisture and tame any frizz.
We recommend trying our favourite hair serum for thick hair: OGX Renewing + Argan Oil of Morocco Hair Serum.
Dry Hair –
If you have dry hair, look for a hair serum that is packed with nourishing ingredients such as vitamin E or avocado oil. These types of ingredients will help to add moisture and leave your hair looking healthy and shiny.
We recommend trying our favourite hair serum for dry hair: L’Oreal Paris Elvive Extraordinary Oil Nourishing Serum.
Oily Hair –
If you have oily hair, you might be surprised to know that you can still benefit from using a hair serum.
Just be sure to choose a light formula that won’t weigh your hair down. Look for a hair serum with ingredients such as grapefruit seed oil or lemon essential oil as these will help to control excess oil and add shine.
We recommend trying our favourite hair serum for oily hair: Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Lemon Sage Thickening Serum.
Damaged Hair –
If you have damaged hair, you will want to look for a hair serum that is packed with antioxidants and nutrients. These ingredients will help to repair and protect your hair from further damage.
We recommend trying our favourite hair serum for damaged hair: Moroccanoil Treatment Light.
How To Use Hair Serum
Now that we know the pros and cons of using hair serum and what serums are best for your hair type, let’s take a look at how to use hair serum correctly.
As we mentioned earlier, you should avoid using hair serum on wet hair as this will weigh your hair down and make it appear greasy. Instead, apply a small amount of hair serum to dry hair, focusing on the ends.
If you have fine hair, only use a small amount of serum as using too much can actually make your hair appear greasy. If you have thick hair, you can afford to be a little more generous with your hair serum usage.
Another important tip to remember is to avoid using hair serum on roots as this can make your hair appear greasy.
And there you have it! Now you know how to use hair serum correctly for optimal results. Just remember to focus on the ends of your hair, use a small amount if you have fine hair and avoid using it on wet hair.
Blow-Drying With Hair Serum
It’s crucial to remember while blow-drying your hair that you need to protect it from the heat by sealing in moisture and forming a barrier. Heat can damage your hair by causing it to appear lifeless, altering the makeup of each strand’s follicle.
If you have any type of hair serum, now’s the time to use it.
Apply a small amount of hair serum evenly throughout your towel-dried hair before blow-drying.
As you might expect, serums with natural oils work best for this purpose. Oils like avocado, jojoba, and grapeseed can all be found in many different serums on the market.
Not sure if you’re using the right amount? A good rule of thumb is to apply enough serum so that your hair looks and feels damp, but not soaked.
You should also avoid using any other leave-in products like conditioners or styling creams before blow-drying, as this can weigh down your hair.
Once you’ve applied the serum, it’s time to break out the blow dryer. Set it on a low or medium heat setting and use a diffuser attachment if you have one.
Gently scrunch your hair as you dry it, pointing the nozzle down the length of each strand. If your hair is prone to frizz, you can also try using a boar bristle brush while blow-drying.
Once your hair is about 80% dry, turn off the blow dryer and finish air-drying your hair. This will help to minimize heat damage and give your hair a natural, healthy-looking finish.
Hair Serum: What Ingredients to Avoid
When looking for any hair goods, it’s critical to choose those that include healthy ingredients. You should also avoid items that contain elements like:
Sulfates
Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and sodium Laureth sulfate (SLES) are harsh detergents that can strip your hair of its natural oils. They’re often found in shampoos, conditioners, and other hair products.
Parabens
Parabens are synthetic preservatives that can be found in many different cosmetics and skincare products. They’re used to prolong the shelf life of products by preventing the growth of mould and bacteria.
Chlorine
Chlorine is a chemical found in many pool water treatments. It’s known to cause dryness, frizz, and damage to your hair.
Ingredients to Look For
When looking for the best hair serum for your needs, be sure to choose one that contains healthy ingredients like:
- Avocado oil
- Jojoba oil
- Grapeseed oil
- Argan oil
These natural oils are packed with nutrients that can help to nourish and protect your hair. They can also help to give your hair a healthy shine.
Hair Serum Benefits
When used correctly, hair serum can offer a number of benefits for your hair. These include:
- Providing a healthy shine
- Protecting against heat damage
- Nourishing and protecting your hair
- Helping to tame frizz
- Preventing split ends
- Making your hair easier to style
Giving your hair a healthy shine
Hair serum can help to give your hair a healthy shine by sealing in moisture and forming a barrier against the sun and other environmental factors.
Protecting against heat damage
When used before blow-drying, hair serum can help to protect your hair against heat damage. This is because it helps to seal in moisture and form a barrier around each strand of hair.
Nourishing and protecting your hair
Hair serum can also help to nourish and protect your hair by providing it with a number of healthy nutrients. These include vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
Helping to tame frizz
If you have frizzy hair, hair serum can help to tame it by sealing in moisture and forming a barrier around each strand. This can help to prevent the frizz from forming in the first place.
Preventing split ends
Hair serum can also help to prevent split ends by keeping your hair well-nourished and moisturized. This can help to reduce the amount of damage that your hair sustains over time.
Making your hair easier to style
Hair serum can also make your hair easier to style by helping to tame frizz and flyaways. It can also help to protect your hair against heat damage.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Often Should You Use Your Serum?
You should use your hair serum as often as you need to in order to achieve the desired results. If you have dry or damaged hair, you may need to use it more often than someone with healthy hair.
How Much Serum Should You Use?
The amount of serum that you use will depend on the length and thickness of your hair. If you have short or thin hair, you will need to use less than someone with long or thick hair.
Can You Apply Hair Serum to Dry Hair?
Yes, you can apply hair serum to dry hair. In fact, this is often the best way to use it. This is because it can help to seal in moisture and protect your hair against heat damage.
Do I Need to Rinse Out My Serum?
No, you don’t need to rinse out your serum. You can simply apply it to your hair and style as usual.
How Should I Store My Serum?
You should store your hair serum in a cool, dark place. This will help to prolong its shelf life.
When To Apply Hair Serum After a Hair Wash
The best time to apply hair serum is after you’ve washed your hair and towel-dried it. This is because your hair will be slightly damp, which will help the serum to penetrate your hair shaft and nourish your strands.
Conclusion
Hair serum can be a great way to give your hair a healthy shine and protect it from the sun and other environmental factors. But it’s important to use hair serum correctly in order to achieve these benefits.
Looking at both pros and cons, here are some tips on how to use hair serum correctly for optimal results!
When using hair serum, be sure to focus on the ends of your hair and use a small amount if you have fine hair. You should also avoid using it on wet hair or on roots as this can make your hair appear greasy.
Blow-drying your hair with a small amount of hair serum can help to protect it from heat damage. Be sure to choose a serum that contains healthy ingredients like avocado oil, jojoba oil, or grapeseed oil.
And avoid products that contain harsh chemicals like sulfates, parabens, or chlorine. following these tips will help you get the most out of your hair serum and achieve healthy, shiny hair!