Hair Serum: PART I

It would seem as if every other shampoo and conditioner line has a hair serum as well. So, I decided to do some investigating of my own to answer the queries I had about hair serums.

Why and When of hair serum

Phytocyane Revitalizing Serum

If your hair is frizzy, curly or lacking body and lushness, then maybe you may want to use a hair serum. Simply put, a serum:

• tames the frizz
• detangles hair
• makes hair more manageable
• restores shine/gloss to dull looking tresses
• protects against thermal damage

If you think of it, our hair can go through a pretty mean routine on a daily basis: flat-ironing, blow drying, brushing, applying product and styling. Products such as holding gels and sprays tend to dry the hair as well. And that has nothing to do as yet with the humidity produced by Mother Nature. A protein deficiency may also be responsible for frizzy hair as more than 80% of our hair is made of protein.

You see, once the natural oils are zapped from our hair due to the kind of daily routine mentioned above, hair strands become coarse, dry and sometimes brittle. And, brittle hair leads to breakage, something that none of use wishes to deal with. We are happier when our hair is healthy and strong. Sometimes, genetics has a part to play in the texture of our hair, in this case frizzy hair.


Generally, what's in a serum?

BB Growth Serum

Regular application of the serum also goes a long way in restoring and maintaining hair's manageability. Why? Hair serum products contain silicone. On hair, silicone acts as a protective coat, of sorts, locking in the goodness of the shampoo and the serum itself; thus, retaining moisture and allowing the hair to be revitalized. That is why it is advised to use the serum AFTER you shampoo. 


Apart from silicone, the average serum contains ingredients which attract and retain moisture in the hair shaft and keep your hair looking shiny and vibrant. These ingredients are called 'humectants'. Some agents are: Panthenol, Sorbitol, Elastin, Keratin, Collagen, Glycerine and Dipropylene Glycol.


Packaging and labeling 
Some hair serum brands market their product as a 'shine serum', 'hair gloss' or 'spray' and display such catch phrases as - 'anti-breakage', 'heat protector' and even 'anti-fizz'. 


They are also bottled in a variety of sizes and shapes. Some bottles have the regular bottle opening, while others have pump dispensers, spray nozzles or applicator tips. 


In PART 2, I will showcase a few brands and a price range to give some idea of things to consider.

How to use/apply
Applying the hair serum seems very simple:

John Fried Frizz-Ease Hair Serum

• First, shampoo or cowash your hair as you normally would
• Next, dab a couple drops of the liquid (or spray) into the palms of your hands and rub together. Many of these products seem very concentrated so be careful with the amount you use
• Most brands suggest applying the serum onto wet or damp hair - although one brand I came across, 'Ouidad', suggested either apply to wet or dry hair.
• Move from the ends up but avoid applying directly to the roots. Evenly distribute the product, allowing the strands to be fully coated 
• Dry hair and style

Buyer Beware
If you have fine hair, it is advised not to use a serum as it may weigh down the strands.


My final thoughts 
Don't forget that what you put into your body also helps with the healthy look and life of your hair: A nutritious diet and drinking water does help to maintain a lovely head of hair.