What is a hair serum?
A hair serum is a lightweight hair treatment that forms a protective shield over the hair shaft to smooth and nourish strands. While serums have a weightless feel, they’re still rich in vitamin and nutrients – so they can tackle a wealth of hair concerns, without leaving residue on strands. Unlike shampoos and conditioners, serums are a leave-in product, so they work their magic while you’re sleeping or going about your day.
What does a hair serum do? 7 benefits of hair serums
As highly concentrated formulas enriched with hair-loving ingredients, serums offer some of the most transformative benefits for dry, dull, coarse, or damaged strands.
- Controls frizz: Serums tame frizz and flyaways instantly, giving your hair a smooth and polished appearance even in humid or windy conditions.
- Smooths hair texture: By sealing the hair cuticle, serums make hair feel softer and silkier to the touch, improving manageability and making styling easier.
- Enhances shine: Serums prevent moisture loss and have smoothing properties – both of which help make hair appear shinier overall.
- Reduces breakage and split ends: Hair serums help reinforce hair bonds and smooth the cuticle – reducing the appearance of split ends and breakage.
- Provides heat protection: Many serums form a protective layer on your hair that shields it from the damaging effects of heat styling tools.
- Hydrates dry hair: Hair serums help seal the cuticle, which improves moisture retention and keeps your strands hydrated for longer.
- Shields hair from environmental stressors: Pollution, UV rays, and harsh weather can all weaken your strands, but serums create a barrier that protects hair from these external aggressors.
Hair serum vs hair oil: what's the difference?
Hair serums and hair oils can both be used to provide targeted hair care, but they rely on different types of ingredients and textures to get the job done.
- Serums: Your go-to for targeted treatments. Think proteins, peptides, and antioxidants that tackle specific issues like damage, frizz, and dullness. Lightweight and fast-absorbing, hair serums are perfect for styling.
- Oils: The ultimate hydrators. Packed with fatty acids, hair oils deliver deep moisture and shine but can have a heavier texture. They’re most effective as deep conditioning treatments or to add a glossy sheen to strands.
How to use hair serum: dos and don’ts
Hair serums are typically designed for use on clean, damp hair – although some serums can be used for touch-ups on dry hair throughout the day.
Below, we’re going to guide you through some application tips on how to use hair serums – and when to use hair serums for optimal results.
Do: Choose the right serum for your needs
Some serums are better suited to your hair needs and goals, so it’s important to factor this in when selecting your formula.
For frizz control and humidity protection, we recommend the Frizz Dismiss Instant Deflate Oil-In-Serum. Suited to all hair types, this serum helps smooth the hair surface and enhance shine, while ensuring strands are easier to manage.
If you’re on a journey to revive dry, brittle, overprocessed strands, you’ll need a hair serum for damaged hair. And we have the perfect hair care saviour for your tresses: the Acidic Bonding Concentrate 24/7 Night & Day Serum. This serum helps combat daily aggressors and actively works ‘round the clock to repair hair bonds.
Don't: Apply directly to the roots
While hair serums are known for their weightless texture, you can still experience product buildup on your roots if you apply a serum too close to the scalp. Instead, focus your application on your mid-lengths and ends – the oldest, most damaged parts of the hair shaft. This will help seal moisture into the cuticle, which minimises frizz and enhances shine.
Do: Apply to washed hair
A major benefit of a hair serum is its ability to protect hair against environmental aggressors like pollution and dust. To maximise its potential, serums are most effective when applied to clean and freshly washed hair. This way, they act as a shield against outdoor pollutants.
Whenever possible, apply the serum to damp hair before the rest of your styling products to lock in these protective benefits. You can use a wide-tooth comb to distribute the serum while gently detangling strands. Some serums can be used for touch-ups on dry hair throughout the day, but the initial application should be on clean hair.
Don't: Over-apply
Remember the old saying, “too much of a good thing”? Well, it applies to hair serums, too.
No matter how thick or long your hair is, a little goes a long way. Keep your limits in check by only applying less than a pea-sized amount for fine hair and a quarter-sized amount if your hair is on the thicker side. Two to three drops is usually a good frame of reference!
Do: Use hair serum to control dry, unruly strands
The best serums for frizzy hair are designed for use on both damp and dry hair. In this sense, the Acidic Bonding Concentrate 24/7 Night & Day Serum and the Frizz Dismiss Instant Deflate Oil-In-Serum both work double duty.
In lieu of hairspray or hair gel, you can apply a small amount of either hair serum onto dry hair to instantly smooth frizz, impart lasting moisture, and give strands a sleek, luminous finish. Rub the serum through the palm of your hands, then use two fingers to gently apply it to the strands using a pressing motion anywhere you want to control frizz and flyaways.
Don’t: Apply a hair serum right away
We know you’re eager to enjoy the nourishing benefits of a hair serum, but we recommend warming the product up in your hands before spreading through your tresses.
Instead of working overtime to make the product blend seamlessly into the hair, rub your serum of choice between your palms for about five seconds. This will help soften up the product and give it more slip – which ensures more even distribution along the hair shaft.
Keen to know more about how hair serums for damaged hair work? Explore our in-depth guide on Redken’s ABC 24/7 Night & Day Serum.