Hair care Serums have become an indispensable product in modern hair care processes. Whether it is dry, shiny or damaged hair due to heat styling, a suitable serum can significantly improve the appearance and feel of hair. However, many people are still wondering whether to apply serum to wet hair or dry hair for best results.
According to Dr. Rashmi Sriram, a dermatologist at Fortis Hospital (Rajaji Nagar, Bengaluru, India), the timing of serum use depends on each person's hair care purpose. Each method has its own advantages if applied properly.
Benefits of hair Serum
Hair care serums often have a silicone backing, which helps cover the hairline, creating smoothness, protecting and increasing shine. Unlike hair conditioner applied from scalp, serum should only be used from the trunk to the ends of the hair. This product helps control frizz, reduce sticking and create a protective layer of hair against high temperatures or environmental moisture. However, if used at the wrong time or in too much, serum can make hair heavier and lose fluidity.
What happens when you apply serum to wet hair?
According to Dr. Sriram, applying serum to wet or moist hair is the most popular and effective way. When hair is moist, serum is easily dispersed evenly, without lumps and brings many benefits:
Better moisturizing as serum helps lock in the remaining water in the hair fibers
Reduce frizz and limit gray hair when hair is dry
Helps hair to be easy to comb, reduce breakage
Create a heat-resistant layer if using a dryer or styling tool
This method is especially suitable for dry hair, curly hair, wavy hair or prone to frizz. Just one to two times the hops should be applied to the sides and ends of the hair, avoid contact with the hair roots to avoid causing damage.
What happens when you apply serum to dry hair?
In case the hair becomes dull, dry or frizzy during the day, serum can be used on dry hair as an immediate solution. According to experts, applying serum to dry hair helps:
Rapid increase in ball speed
Control baby hair, static hair
Complete dry or curled hairstyle
However, overusing serum on dry hair can make hair look shiny and heavy. For short or thin hair, just a very small amount is enough.
So should you apply serum to wet hair or dry hair?
No choice is absolutely right. Apply serum to wet hair to help moisturize, smooth and protect hair for a long time, suitable for daily use. Meanwhile, apply Serum to dry hair appropriately for quick editing, increasing shine or smoothing hair before going out.
Dr. Sriram recommends combining both ways: using serum on moist hair after washing and using a very small amount on dry hair to complete hair styling, especially in humid weather conditions or after forming with heat.
How to use serum properly
Apply serum to clean, washed hair
Take a sufficient amount, rub warmly in your palms before applying
From the waist to the hair
Avoid applying it directly to the scalp
Choose Serums that suit your needs such as moisturizing, anti-fiber, heat protection or increased shine
