Hair serums are effective in reducing frizz while enhancing shine, elasticity, and overall hair strength. They are particularly suited for individuals with dry, wavy, or curly hair of medium to long length. However, the best way to determine if a serum works for you is through personal experimentation. Serums can be applied in various ways—before or after washing, or post-styling, with the most common method being after styling to add a glossy finish.
Steps
Select the Right Product

Consider your options before purchasing a hair serum. Check labels and compare different serums to find the one that best suits your needs. There are various types of hair serums available, tailored to different hair types and preferences. For thin hair, opt for a concentrated serum. If your hair is strong, try a lighter serum designed for hair that doesn’t require much moisture. For frequent styling, use a heat-protectant serum. Additionally, there are serums specifically formulated to enhance curls for wavy or curly hair, often providing high shine, as well as natural styling serums.
- You can find a wide range of serums at any supermarket or shopping center.
Apply a small amount of serum to your hair before shampooing. This step is optional. Some people find that applying serum to the ends before washing helps reduce dryness caused by shampoo chemicals. To protect your hair during washing, use more serum than usual. Press the pump 3-4 times to dispense the serum, then apply it to the mid-lengths and especially the ends of your hair.
- Shampoo and rinse your hair as usual, ensuring all shampoo is thoroughly washed out.
Shampoo and condition your hair before styling. Another way to use serum is to apply it while your hair is still wet. During your shower, it’s best to use a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner for dry hair. Alternatively, if you have wavy or curly hair, opt for anti-frizz shampoo and conditioner designed for curly or wavy hair.
- Consider a 'no-poo' routine to cleanse curly or wavy hair naturally. For a more natural curl pattern, try sulfate-free shampoos that don’t stiffen the cuticle or cause frizz.
- If you only want to apply serum to styled hair, you can skip this step.
Use the right amount of serum
Gently run a few drops of serum through damp hair. Avoid towel-drying your hair before applying serum. Hair experts recommend applying serum directly to wet hair for the best results. Use 1-2 drops for medium-length hair. Rub the serum between your palms and apply it to the mid-lengths and ends.
- Avoid using too much serum, as it can make your hair look greasy and weighed down.
Style your hair as usual. Consider using a heat protectant spray before using heat styling tools. Maintaining naturally strong and vibrant hair can help reduce the amount of serum needed.
Dispense a small amount of serum into your hands. After styling your hair, start by placing a drop of serum in your palms. You can always add more later if needed. If you prefer not to use your hands, press the pump with 1-2 fingertips to collect the serum.
Rub the serum between your palms. Evenly distributing the serum across your hands ensures it spreads uniformly through your hair. You wouldn’t want all the serum concentrated in one spot.
Apply the serum
Start by applying serum to the back sections of your hair. Avoid beginning with the front or top sections to prevent overloading your style with too much product. Instead, gently work the serum into the mid-lengths and ends, starting from the back and moving forward. This way, even if you accidentally use a bit too much, it won’t be noticeable.
Add more serum as needed. If you’ve been careful not to overapply, you might need a bit more. If your hair still feels dry, dispense another drop of serum, rub it between your palms, and apply it to the sides and front sections. Serum helps reduce frizz, boost elasticity, and add vitality to your hair.
Curl small sections of your hair. After applying serum and achieving the desired shine, it’s time to add volume. If your hair looks flat, continue curling or styling to give it more life and bounce.
Evaluate the effectiveness of the serum. After a few hours or a day, if the serum leaves your hair greasy or sticky, consider switching to a different product. You may have chosen a serum that doesn’t suit your hair type. Experimenting with various hair products is essential to find the perfect match.
Warnings
- Using too much serum can make your hair look greasy and weighed down.
