How to Easily Use Hair Serum

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A guide to where to put hair serum & how much to use
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Hair serum can reduce frizz, and add shine, flexibility and strength to your hair. [1] Hair serum is typically for people with dry, wavy or curly hair that is medium to long length. However, the best way to see whether or not hair serum is right for you is to simply to try it. [2] People recommend using hair serums in different ways. You can use it pre-wash, post-wash or post style, but it is most commonly used post style to give your hair shine.

Things You Should Know

  • Apply hair serum to wet hair. Rub 1 to 2 drops of hair serum between your hands to ensure the application is even.
  • Then, run your hands through your hair, starting in the middle of each strand and ending at the tips. [3]
  • If you use heat on your hair often, apply a heat-protectant serum to your hair before you style it.
Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Getting the Right Products

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    Check the labels and compare the hair serums to find one that fits your hair needs. There are different types of hair serum you can use depending on your hair type and preference. If you have thin hair, you may want to try a thickening serum. Or if you have fine hair, there are also lightweight serums for people whose hair does not require as much moisture. If you style your hair often, there are hair serums that also protect against damage due to heat. [4] If you already have damage from styling tools, you may want to purchase a serum with keratin, which can help put protein back in your hair. [5] There are also specifically designed serums to enhance the curls in curly and wavy hair, those that add high gloss, and on the other side, there are hair serums used to create a more natural looking hairstyles. [6]
    • You can find a range of hair serums at any department store or pharmacy.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Apply Serum to Your Hair
    This is an optional step. Some people find that adding serum to the ends of their hair before they wash helps to fight the frizzing and drying caused by the chemicals in shampoos. To protect your hair while you wash, use more serum in your hair than normal. Apply 3-4 squirts of serum to the midsection and especially the ends of your hair. [7]
    • Wash and rinse your hair as normal, making sure to wash all of the soap out of your hair.
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  3. Watermark wikiHow to Apply Serum to Your Hair
    Another way to use serum requires that you apply the serum to soaking wet hair. When you shower, it is a good idea to use a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner that are good for dry hair. Or if you have wavy or curly hair, you can buy anti-frizz shampoo and conditioner or shampoo and conditioner for curly/wavy hair hair.
    • Consider doing a “no-poo” routine for cleansing wavy and curly hair. If you are trying to create more natural waves, there are shampoos without cleaning agents that rough up the cuticle and create frizz.
    • If you are planning on only applying the serum to your styled hair, you can skip this step.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Using the Right Amount of Serum

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  1. Watermark wikiHow to Apply Serum to Your Hair
    Do not towel dry your hair before you apply serum. Hair experts say that it is best to apply hair serum directly to wet hair. Use 1-2 drops of serum on medium length hair. Rub the serum between your palms well, and then evenly distribute onto the midsection and ends of hair.
    • Be careful not to use too much serum, it may make your hair greasy and heavy if you do.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Apply Serum to Your Hair
    Consider using a heat protectant spray on your hair before you style your hair with heat. You want to try to keep your hair as naturally strong and vibrant as possible so you can use less serum.
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Apply Serum to Your Hair
    After you have styled your hair, put a teardrop amount of serum in your hand to start. You can always add more later. If you don’t want to squirt it in your hand, you squeeze out one to two finger tips worth of serum from the nozzle.
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Apply Serum to Your Hair
    Distribute the drop in your palms evenly to help you evenly distribute the serum in your hair. For example, you don’t want all of your serum to end up in one spot on your head.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Applying the Serum

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  1. Watermark wikiHow to Apply Serum to Your Hair
    Don’t start with the front or the top of your hair and ruin your style with too much serum. Instead, use your hands to gently blot the serum into the midsection and tips of your hair- starting at the back and moving forward to the front of your hair. This way, if you apply too much to your hair to start, it won’t be noticeable.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Apply Serum to Your Hair
    If you have been very careful not to over apply serum, you may need to add a little more to your hair. If your hair still looks a little 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. The serum should make your hair less frizzy, more flexible and more vibrant.
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Apply Serum to Your Hair
    After you have blotted your hair with the serum and it has the shine you want, your hair might be due for a last little volume boost. If your hair is a little flat, go back and re-curl/style your hair to re-energize it.
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Apply Serum to Your Hair
    If after a couple hours or a day your hair serum is leaving your hair greasy and heavy, consider shopping for another hair serum. You may have picked a serum that doesn’t suit your hair type. It is common with hair products that trial and error is necessary before you have success.
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    Will hair serum help my hair grow?
    Karen Leight
    Professional Hair Stylist
    Karen Leight is a Professional Hair Stylist and the Owner of Karen Renee Hair, a private salon suite inside the Salon Republic Hollywood in Los Angeles, California. With over 12 years of experience, Karen is a licensed cosmetologist specializing in hair color, balayage technique, and women’s and men’s precision haircuts.
    Karen Leight
    Professional Hair Stylist
    Expert Answer
    Unfortunately, no. However, some serums contain keratin, which can reduce damage and strengthen your hair.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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    Not Helpful 11 Helpful 10
  • Question
    Can I use oil along with serum?
    Community Answer
    You may use oil with the serum, but most serums already contain some sort of oil.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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  • Question
    Should I apply serum before straightening or after straightening?
    Community Answer
    Before straightening would be the better option. Most serums contain heat protectants so it can protect your hair from damage and cause it to be smooth at the same time.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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      References

      1. ↑ Karen Leight. Professional Hair Stylist. Expert Interview. 13 November 2020.
      2. ↑ https://thebeautydepartment.com/2014/12/hair-serums/
      3. ↑ https://www.lorealparisusa.com/beauty-magazine/hair-care/all-hair-types/best-hair-serum-benefits
      4. ↑ Karen Leight. Professional Hair Stylist. Expert Interview. 13 November 2020.
      5. ↑ Karen Leight. Professional Hair Stylist. Expert Interview. 13 November 2020.
      6. ↑ https://thebeautydepartment.com/2014/12/hair-serums/
      7. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OkoGE43oTNc
      8. Videos provided by Glamrs.com

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To apply serum to your hair, first make sure your hair is soaking wet. Then, rub 1-2 drops of serum between your palms and evenly distribute it onto the midsection and ends of your hair. After you style your hair, put a few drops of serum in your hand and work it through your hair. However, be careful to not use too much serum or it could leave your hair looking greasy or weighted down. For tips on how to pick the right serum for your hair type, keep reading!

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      Reader Success Stories

      • Aish Chopkar

        Jul 27, 2017

        "It helped a lot to solve the problem of applying serum. I came to know how to use it correctly."
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