Many serums come to mind when it comes to finding the perfect solution for dry and damaged hair. But how often should you be using these products, and are they doing more damage than good? We are also quite curious and have done our research into this very topic. Let's discuss.
According to what we have found, using a serum on your hair is ideal about two to three times per week. This is equivalent to every time you shower if your schedule is every other day. It is essential to assess your hair's texture and damage before purchasing a serum, so you don't end up developing new issues with your hair and scalp.
As we get into this post, we will be diving into the best ways to use a hair serum and even tag some helpful related products. When it comes to this type of hair product, less will work better than more, so keep that in mind. With that said, let's figure this out.
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What Is A Hair Serum?
For those wondering what qualifies as a hair serum, it is a silicone-based agent that sits on the top of your hair to make it appear smoother and healthier. Most serums promise to reduce frizz and add shine to your hair after use. You can expect to spend anywhere between $20 to $100 on a serum or hair kit, depending on the brand and ingredients. Remember only to apply a serum to your hair if it has been freshly washed and is damp, not soaking wet.
Paul Mitchell Super Skinny Serum For Smooth Finish
Here is a smooth finishing serum from Paul Mitchell that has excellent reviews from customers online. This serum has a fruity scent and promises to fight frizz and dry, damaged hair.
Follow this link to see it on Amazon.
Is Hair Serum Better Than Oil?
Deciding between using a serum versus an oil for your hair depends on what you intend to use them for. Oil tends to be better for actual hair health and deeply penetrates your scalp, while serum is better used as a styling product. The main visual difference between using oil or serum is a shininess effect achieved with the serum and more of a hidden split end with the oil. Both are beneficial to your hair, just at different levels.
Global Keratin GK Hair Smoothing Serum
Here we have a serum for your hair from GKHair that promises to help smooth and add shine to your hair's overall look. This serum is made with pure argon oil and comes in a few different sizes measured in ounces.
View this hair serum on Amazon here.
Carol's Daughter Goddess Strength Hair Oil
Here is a top-rated hair oil from Carol's Daughter that promises to fix weakened or broken hair. This oil is made with a blend of castor and black seed and comes in various sizes.
Check this oil out on Amazon here.
Is It Bad To Use Hair Serum Too Often?
It's safe to say that too much of anything can cause more trouble than it's worth, which applies here. But how much is too often --can you use hair serum every day? Using hair serum more than a few times a week can cause your scalp to overproduce oil and make your hair look greasy. This product should be used sparingly and only after your hair has been washed and has no other products in it. It's recommended to only use a few drops of serum for your entire head of hair.
L'ANZA Healing Strength Hair Serum
Here is a nourishing hair serum from L'ANZA that promises to have your hair looking silky smooth in no time. This serum is made from organic botanicals and is sulfate-free.
Does Hair Serum Have Side Effects?
The products you put in your hair can have damaging side effects if the ingredients used in them are not safe for your scalp. Serums are formulated for your hair's shaft and not the roots, so you must keep them away from that area. Common side effects associated with hair serums include dryness, breakage, and even hair loss. We recommend checking out the ingredient list on your serum and making sure there aren't any harsh chemicals or parabens.
VEGAMOUR GRO Vegan And Cruelty-Free Hair Serum
Here are a vegan and cruelty-free serum we found from VEGAMOUR GRO that is a safe hair option. This serum promotes hair growth and is made with plant-based ingredients, and is paraben and hormone-free.
View this vegan hair serum on Amazon here.
Bios Apothecary Amaranth Natural Hair Serum
Here we have a natural amaranth hair serum from Bios Apothecary that promises to heal damaged hair and give it a smooth look. This product is made with natural botanicals and is flower-infused.
Check out this serum on Amazon here.
Perfect Hair Coconut Oil Hair Serum
Here is a natural hair serum from Perfect Hair that promises to heal damage and reduce frizz. This serum is infused with raw virgin olive oil, sweet almond, keratin, and sulfate/paraben-free.
View this serum on Amazon here.
Does Hair Serum Work With All Hair Types?
When choosing a serum for your hair, it is essential to know what ingredients will work best with your hair type. If your hair is on the thicker and curlier side, we suggest trying a serum with jojoba, almond, or argan oil. If you have straighter and thinner hair, try finding a serum with castor oil, keratin, or biotin to soothe your follicles and encourage growth. Everyone's hair is unique, so mixing and matching products until you find the perfect one is a good idea.
Garnier Fructis Sleek And Shine Unmanageable Hair Serum
Here is a good serum for those reading with thicker, curlier hair from Garnier Fructis. This serum is made with Moroccan argon oil and comes in a pack of two.
Follow this link to see this product on Amazon.
BOLDIFY 3X Biotin Hair Boosting Serum
Here is a biotin hair-boosting serum from BOLDIFY that is perfect for those of you with thinner hair. This serum is safe to use on colored hair and is cruelty and chemical-free.
Check this hair-boosting serum out on Amazon here.
Hair Serum Alternatives
For those reading who are not entirely sold on the hair serum idea, you have other options. Opting out of serum and moving toward a homemade hair mask using various ingredients is a safe way to know exactly what you are putting in your hair. There are plenty of tutorials and easy-to-follow recipes for DIY hair care that can promote your hair's health and growth. We recommend using jojoba or avocado oil in your mix due to their proven track record with healing damaged hair.
DIY Hair Mask Example
Here is a great at-home hair mask to help strengthen and smooth out your hair using ground coffee. This is just one idea of the thousands online that are affordable and, most importantly, all-natural. Coffee beans have many healing attributes and are also great for your skin. Mixing one of the oils that we suggested with a mask like this is also a great idea to smooth out and protect your beautiful head of hair.
Kate Blanc USDA Certified Organic Jojoba Oil
Here we have a USDA-certified organic jojoba oil from Kate Blanc that is a great serum alternative and can be used with other products at home. This oil has a rose scent and can be used on hair, skin, and nails.
View this jojoba oil on Amazon here.
Zatural Virgin 100% Avocado Oil
Here is an all-natural avocado oil from Zatural that will work great in a DIY hair mask recipe. This oil is vegan and cold-pressed for the highest quality.
Click this link to view this product on Amazon.
Our Final Thoughts
Choosing to purchase a serum for your hair is an excellent idea if you notice damage and dryness to your overall hair's appearance. The essential function of hair serum is to coat your hair with a smooth finish and lock in as much moisture as possible. We suggest looking for vegan and cruelty-free ingredients because they are better for the planet and your hair and scalp health. Remember not to overuse your serum because it can cause irritation and hair loss and none of us want that. The recommended amount of uses per week should stay around three or less, and you should use your product sparingly.
Want to check out even more helpful related posts? Look no further!
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