Hair serums are a staple in many people’s hair care routines, but despite their popularity, there’s still some confusion about how to use them correctly. Over-application, improper techniques, and misunderstanding their purpose can lead to greasy, weighed-down hair instead of the sleek, shiny, and healthy strands everyone hopes for. With the launch of Lu's brand-new, Ready to Shine Hair Serum, we're diving into everything you need to know about how to use these products properly, when to apply them, and how to avoid the dreaded oily look that may have caused you to reject serums in the past.
What Is Hair Serum?
At its core, hair serum is a thin, lightweight silicone or collagen-based product designed to coat the hair, providing smoothness and shine. serums don’t hydrate or moisturize the hair in the same way that leave-in conditioners do. Instead, they work to lock in moisture, tame frizz, and create a glossy, polished finish. Some serums also offer additional benefits, such as heat protection or color preservation.
We're sure you've heard of hair and scalp serums that are marketed as cures for thinning hair and hair loss, and while there are plenty of hair growth serums and hair oils out there, that doesn't mean there's a magic elixir that will cause you to sprout new growth. But a serum formulated with key ingredients for healthy hair can certainly produce visible results for your hair density and overall shine.
When used properly, the best hair serums can transform your hair from dry and frizzy to smooth, satiny, and luxurious. However, using too much or applying it incorrectly can make your hair greasy, flat, or weighed down.
Who Needs Hair Serum the Most?
Hair serum can be used for anyone—including all hair textures, types, and colors—for an instant touch-up on the go or post-wash glow-up in the morning. But if you’re experiencing any of the below, it might be a sign your locks need some extra help that our Ready to Shine serum can provide.
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Frizz: The best hair serums are excellent for taming frizz and smoothing flyaways. If humidity or static gives you trouble, Ready to Shine will help keep things under control.
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Dry Hair: If your hair is dry, brittle, or prone to split ends, a serum can provide added moisture and protection to prevent further breakage.
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Fine or Thin Hair: Lightweight serums like Ready to Shine can add a healthy shine and smoothness without weighing hair down, making them ideal for finer textures.
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Curly or Wavy Hair: Curly hair tends to be more prone to frizz and dryness. Our serum helps define curls while controlling unruly strands.
The Dos and Don'ts of Using Hair Serum
If you've tried a hair serum and were unhappy with the results, it could simply be that you weren't using it correctly or for the right reasons. Let's go over the basic dos of using this hair product:
1. Apply on Damp Hair
The ideal time to apply a hair serum is when your hair is damp, not soaking wet. After you shower, towel dry your hair to remove excess moisture, then apply your serum. Damp hair gives you the best results because it helps the serum spread evenly without getting clumpy or sticky. It also ensures proper absorption, giving you that sleek, frizz-free finish.
2. Use a Small Amount
Hair serums are concentrated formulas, so a little goes a long way. Start with just a few drops, usually one to three, or no more than one pump, depending on the length and thickness of your hair. If you apply too much, it can weigh down your locks and leave them looking greasy. It’s always better to start with less, and if necessary, add a bit more.
3. Focus on the Ends
Most hair serums should be applied primarily to the ends of your hair, where dryness and split ends are most likely to occur. These areas are more porous and can benefit from the serum's smoothing and moisturizing effects. Avoid applying it directly to your roots or scalp, as this can give the appearance of limp or oily hair. Make sure you don't apply it directly on the scalp or roots. Your scalp is naturally oilier than the rest of your hair, so the addition of serum can make your strands look greasy and flat. And when that happens, you probably won't reach for the serum ever again.
4. Evenly Distribute Your Serum
After applying the serum to your palms, rub your hands together and gently smooth it through your hair. Use your fingers to comb through the strands and distribute the product evenly from mid-length to the ends. This ensures that the serum doesn’t clump in one spot and that your hair gets a uniform finish.
5. Use Heat Protection Serums Before Styling
Before styling your locks with hot tools like a flat iron, curling iron, or blow dryer, apply your serum on damp hair to create a barrier against heat damage. Many hair serums are formulated with added heat protectant ingredients, which can help minimize the damage caused by styling and help you avoid dry scalp.
6. Don’t Skip the Shampoo and Conditioner
While hair serums are great for adding shine and protecting your hair, they aren’t a substitute for regular washing and conditioning. If you use a serum on dirty hair, it will simply sit on top of the grease, causing product buildup and creating an even heavier, greasy look. Make sure you’re starting with clean, freshly washed hair with Lu's Freedom, Control, or Rescue haircare systems before applying any serum.
7. Tailor the Serum to Your Hair Type
Not all hair serums are created equal, and choosing the right one for your hair type can make a huge difference.
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For Fine Hair: Look for a lightweight formula that won’t weigh down your hair. Avoid anything too thick or greasy.
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For Curls: A thicker serum can help tame frizzy hair and define curls without leaving them crunchy or stiff.
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For Dry, Damaged Hair: Go for richer, more hydrating serums that focus on nourishing your hair follicles and restoring moisture.
When in doubt, go for a serum that works for all hair types and needs, like our new Ready to Shine Hair Serum. Made with a potent blend of hemp oil, argan oil, and moringa seed oil, it delivers instant shine, nourishment, smoothness, and protection against frizz, whether you’re aiming for bouncy curls or a sleek, straight texture. And, like all of Lu's products, our serum is made with Impossible Keratin™️, our unique blend of vegan keratin, collagen, and silk amino acids that deeply strengthens hair, enhancing its shine and health with every application.
The Truth Serum on Hair Serums
Most hair experts agree that, when used correctly, hair serums are a powerful addition to your hair care arsenal. With the right technique (and avoiding common mistakes) they can be a game-changer that not only gives you an instant mood-lifting boost of brilliantly beautiful hair, but healthy, glossy, and frizz-free locks all day long.
