How to Use Hair Serum: Tips and Tricks

Just like the serums we use for our skin, hair serums provide a protective layer against the elements, over-styling and manipulation that can lead to dryness, frizz, split ends and breakage. When used regularly as a part of your hair care routine, hair serum helps your hair to retain moisture leaving it healthy and hydrated. If you’re not using serum on your strands, it’s time to start! We’re breaking down all the hair serum details ahead- including tips for use and choosing the right formula for your hair type.

Hair serum is a hair care product that coats the surface of your hair to provide a range of benefits. Serums typically contain a blend of nourishing ingredients like oils, silicones, and vitamins that work together to hydrate, protect, and rejuvenate your hair. Hair serum is a leave-in formula that can benefit your hair in several different ways, and address a variety of hair concerns. Let’s take a closer look at what hair serum can do for your strands.

One of the benefits of hair serums is their ability to revive dry, dull-looking hair by infusing moisture into each hair strand. 

Serums can help tame dry, brittle, or frizzy hair strands and create a polished finish.

Hair serums smooth the hair, for a detangling effect, making it easier to comb through and manage.

Hair serums improve the natural structure and texture of the hair, for a sleeker, more defined look.

Serum’s coating protects the hair from pollutants, dust, and damage from heat styling. 

With so many options available on the market today, it's important to understand your hair type and specific needs before making a selection. People with thick hair or frizzy hair can benefit from a more nourishing and moisturizing serum to tame unruly tresses. Look for ingredients like castor oil or marula for intense hydration. A lightweight, hydrating curl serum can add bounce and definition to curly hair. Similarly, if you have fine or thin hair opt for a lightweight serum that won't weigh your strands down. People with straight hair who want to boost its straightness can also use serums. As the serum smoothes and moisturizes the hair, the more straight and glossy it will appear. People with damaged hair or split ends should consider keratin serums to add protein back into their hair. Meanwhile, people who use flat irons or blow-dryers regularly should opt for heat-protectant serums.

Wondering when to use serum? Whether you're dealing with frizz, dryness, or simply want to add a dose of shine to your mane, here are some tips on how and when to use hair serum effectively for head-turning results.

Check the labels and compare the hair serums to find one that fits your hair needs. There are lots of different types of hair serum you can use depending on your hair type and preference.

It’s best to apply hair serum to damp hair so that it can easily penetrate the strands. Use 1-2 drops of serum on medium length hair (use more or less depending on the length). Rub the serum between your palms well, and then evenly distribute onto the midsection and ends of hair.

Don’t start with the front or the top of your hair and ruin your look with too much hair serum. Focus on the mid-lengths and ends of your hair — starting at the back and moving forward to the front of your hair.

If you’ve been careful not to over apply your hair serum, you may need to add more. If your hair still looks dry, apply another drop to your hand, and, again, rub it between your palms well. Apply it now to the sides and front of your hair. 

If after a couple hours or a day your hair serum leaves your hair greasy and heavy, you may have picked a serum that doesn’t suit your hair type. It’s common with serums that trial and error may be necessary to find the right one.

If you're looking to maintain healthy, hydrated, shiny hair, adding a quality hair serum into your daily hair care routine is a step in the right direction. These valuable tips will maximize the benefits of hair serum and transform your hair into its best version.

Hair serum is a leave-in product that’s best applied to freshly shampooed, wet hair. Serum’s primary purpose is to protect your hair. Using it on unwashed hair defeats that. Plus, applying it on unwashed hair can make the hair look oily and weighed down.

Most hair serums have a thick consistency, making them difficult to work with. Warming it up by placing a little product into your palm and rubbing it for a few seconds can make it smoother, which helps ensure a more even application.

Make sure to distribute hair serum to the part of the hair that needs it the most- your ends. Applying a serum starting at the roots can weigh down your hair and make it look greasy. Start at the ends and only go as far as the midsection. 

Use a hair serum in place of a hairspray or hair gel to tame flyaways. Just rub the serum through the palm of your hands and then, using 2 fingers, gently apply it to the strands using a pressing motion anywhere you want control.

Hair serums have different formulations, meaning certain hair types will benefit more than others, depending on the serum type. Those with fine hair or prone to oily hair should opt for a lighter formula over a heavy, ultra-moisturizing solution. 

To make the most of your hair serum and avoid common pitfalls, it's crucial to understand how to apply and incorporate it into your hair care routine effectively. Be sure to avoid these “don’ts” when using your serum.

Hair serum can be thick and hard to manipulate. Warming it up in your palm first helps break it down and liquefy it. Creating friction for the serum to heat up is critical to an even application.

Over-applying hair serum can cause your hair to become flat and greasy. Start with a small amount and gradually add more as needed to prevent this.

Hair serums are primarily designed to address the ends of your hair, since the ends are naturally drier. Applying directly on your scalp can lead to an oily residue that’s difficult to wash out.  

One of the bonuses of hair serum is its ability to protect your strands against environmental aggressors. In order for this to work, they should only be used on clean, freshly washed hair. 

Hair serums are leave-in products that work on the hair’s surface to moisturize, smoothen, and protect the hair. Washing it off removes this coating and all of its benefits.

Just like the serums we use for our skin, hair serums provide a range of benefits when added to your everyday hair care routine. From providing a protective layer against the elements, to adding moisture and shine, and reducing damage, split ends and flyaways. Not to mention, enhancing your hair’s natural texture. To make the most of these benefits, choose a hair serum formulated for your hair type and hair goals. The most important things to remember when it comes to how to apply hair serum are to start with a small amount and apply it to freshly washed, damp hair; and avoid applying it to your roots. If you have questions about using hair serum on your hair, book an appointment with one of our expert stylists. Keep these styling tips and hair hacks in your routine and use only the highest quality hair serum on your hair, like the ones from Davines. Our hair care isn’t just good for your hair, it’s good for the planet.

by Jaclyn LaBadia, featured contributor