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Another serum?! I can see your eyes roll back at yet another seemingly unnecessary product to fawn over, buy and add to an already complicated grooming routine. But not so fast! Hair–and scalp–serums may earn their place in your hair care lineup, after all!
Are hair serums bunk or science?
Hair and scalp serums can help with a multitude of hair issues. Scalp serums, coupled with an occasional scalp massage, may boost the quality of hair growth.
How to Use Hair Serums
First things first: serums really shine with a fresh canvas. If you have a lot of product buildup, use a clarifying shampoo. Get your scalp clean with a good massage and a scrub to eliminate any buildup. Cleansing the scalp can help with flakiness and dandruff. For those conditions, a scalp toner is your best bet.
The efficacy of hair serums really depends on what you’re looking to treat and what you’re using. Use a hair serum that would be right for your hair type. If your hair is super dry and fine, refrain from going after the heaviest serum you can buy. It will weigh your hair down.
Use a few drops of hair serum at a time. Too much can actually be a bad thing–bogging down your hair and making it greasy. Depending on your use and length, spread 1-4 drops of hair serum evenly throughout your hair–either wet or dry.
See a list of our favorite organic hair and scalp serums.
Conditions that might thrive with a hair serum
Detangling
Hair serum can make detangling a pain-free experience. Spread a few drops evenly through damp hair and follow through with a wide-toothed comb.
Styling
Heed the mantra of less is more when styling with serum. Use either on damp hair before you style or on dry hair after styling. On dry hair, a serum will make hair look glossy and polished. On wet hair, the serum can mold hair and protect it–especially if you’re using your favorite heat tool.
If frizz is your biggest nemesis–looking at you, curly types!–try a hair serum before you start styling. However you style your hair, don’t bring the hair serum too close to the roots. If the hair serum you’re using is heavy, it can weigh down your roots and leave you with flat hair.
Hair growth
Hair growth starts with a healthy scalp. Hair growth is cyclical. Follicles are constantly shedding and going through the growth process. Since it’s a cycle, a serum won’t change the pace of your re-growth. It can, however, impact the quality of hair growth.
Repairing minor hair damage
For very damaged and overly-processed hair, a hair serum just won’t cut it. If that’s the case, opt for a hair mask. Or a full chop, if it’s really bad. For minor hair damage, such as dry ends, opt for a hair serum. Dull hair may also improve with a hair serum.
Protecting hair from the elements
Hair serum can protect against UV rays, heat, and pollution. The moisture in a hair serum will make hair more resilient to damage.
Conclusion
There’s a lot a hair serum can do–and a lot it can’t do. For most minor conditions, a hair serum can add moisture to your hair and make it more resilient and pliable to styling.
Check a serum’s ingredients and its consistency to figure out what works with your hair best. The perfect hair serum won’t weigh your hair down or be too lightweight–it’ll be just right.
Have you tried a hair serum? If so, leave us the name of your favorite in the comments below!
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