You switch on the TV and there are umpteen number of hair product commercials that claim to instantly transform your dry, dull hair into thick, luscious locks. In addition to that, you have numerous celebrities and influencers sharing skin and hair care tips with you every now and then. Now, who doesn’t love thick, shiny, and flowy hair? There is surely a famous person whose hair we love and wish to have someday. But with our fast-paced lives and hectic schedules, nurturing and nourishing the hair every day can be unlikely. So, we tend to turn towards instant products that can make the hair look bouncy and lustrous. In the arsenal of products we use for hair care, there is a constant companion that gives your hair the shine it deserves – hair serum.
Hair serums essentially tackle dry and frizzy hair but there are specific hair serums suited for specific type of hair which can even prevent hair breakage and split ends. You can also try homemade hair serums if the chemical ones do not suit your hair type. But before we jump to what kind of hair serum suits your hair, first and foremost, it is necessary to understand what the uses of hair serum and how is it beneficial.
Now many of you might wonder, what’s the difference between hair oil and hair serum? Just so you know, there is one major difference between the two. While hair oil penetrates the hair cuticles and roots, and can cause a change in the hair structure, hair serum on the other hand is a silicone-based hair care product that coats just the surface of your hair. Essentially a hair serum is designed for detangling of hair and giving it a soft texture along with lustre. Additionally, every time you step outdoors, a good hair serum even protects the hair from exposure to the sun, dust, and grime. Once you have the perfect serum for your hair, it is essential that you use it regularly for maximum benefits.
There are a ton of hair serums available in the market but choosing the right one for your hair is paramount. So, what are the different types of hair that hair serums are made for? Let’s take a look.
There are a variety of hair serums that have different use for different hair types but essentially it will add shine, reduces frizz and dryness and prevent the hair from getting tangled. Here’s a guideline to picking the right hair serum for your tresses.
To Get Rid Of Split-Ends
Split ends are the main cause of hair-breakage and frayed hair. If your hair is prone to split-ends, applying a hair serum can definitely improve the appearance of the hair. However, ensure you pick a hair serum that contains keratin as it will repair your hair from split-ends and prevent hair strands for splitting.
To Protect Against Heat And Pollution
Living in a tropical country, we are exposed to a hot and humid climate. While most of us believe that stepping out in the sun can be harmful to the skin, we give hair care a miss. But as much as your skin, your hair too needs that extra care when exposed to the sun. To shield and protect your tresses against heat and pollution, pick a serum that nourishes the hair and retains its moisture, such as hair serums that contain jojoba and lavender oils. Lavender oil especially detangles your hair and protects it against the prickly heat. Note, such serums are lightweight and absorb into the hair quickly.
For Chronically Dry Hair
Dry hair without a doubt needs extra care. There are some hair serums available in the market that need to be applied overnight which revitalise your hair while you sleep soundly. For dry hair, a cream-based serum is more effective than an oil-based serum as it moisturises the hair instead of weighing it down. When it comes to dry hair, you can apply the serum overnight on both dry and damp hair.
For Thick And Textured Hair
For thick and textured hair, a hard working serum works the best as it gives your tresses that extra hydration. Hair serums infused with argan oils and Moroccan oils will tame your hair and give it a nice shine.
For Curly Hair
As you may already know or have heard, curly hair is the most difficult to manage. And if you add frizz to it, it can get quite nasty. Serums with intense moisturising properties are the best for curly and wavy hair. Pick serums that have hydrating oils such as jojoba, argan, sweet almond and marula which give those bouncy curls gloss and shine.
For Coloured Hair
Chemically treated or coloured hair needs cream-based serum with coconut, jojoba, and argan oils to work well for it.
While serums are seen as this magical product for the hair, it has to be understood that serums come in two different, distinct varieties:
- The regular daily serum is best applied on damp or towel-dried hair
- If you are using a serum for styling then it needs to be applied on dry hair
Let’s understand what the difference between the two is and how to use serum on wet and dry hair, differently.
How To Use Serum On Wet Hair?
- Take a couple of drops of serum on your palm
- Gently blot the hair serum between your palms
- Massage it onto the partings and ends of the hair
- Flip your hair forwards and apply it in the vertical direction going from tips to roots
- Massage the tips well to prevent split ends
- Take 2-3 more drops of hair serum and massage it onto your scalp
Remember, if you are applying hair serum on wet hair, blow drying it is essential or the dust and grime can stick to the scalp and worsen the hair texture.
How To Use Serum On Dry Hair?
- Take 3-4 drops of serum on your palm
- Apply it to the back of your hair first, then front and finally mid-section of the hair
- Take a couple of drops more if you think your hair still looks lacklustre
Again, remember not to go overboard when it comes to using serum as that can you’re your tresses look limp rather than lustrous.
Taking good care of your hair is vital to keep your hair nourished, moisturised, and hydrated. A hair serum can aid in turning your hair into lustrous, bouncy tresses. If you wish to know more ways to nourish your hair, just go through the articles on the Skin & Hair Academy website.