why hair serum is used - #22867
I am noticing that my hair has been so brittle and dry lately, and my friend told me about this thing called hair serum. I mean, I've seen it in stores but never really thought about using it until now. I tried some random brand just to see if it would help, but honestly, I'm still confused about why hair serum is used in the first place. Is it just for shine, or does it actually do more? My texture feels rough, and I don't know if a hair serum can fix that or if I should be looking into something else too. I saw that some serums claim they protect against heat damage – like for when I use my straightener or blow dryer – but how does that even work? And should I be applying hair serum to wet or dry hair? Does it matter? I mean, I’ve tried it both ways and still can’t tell if my hair looks any better. I’m just worried that I might be doing everything wrong or wasting my time on this stuff. Like, am I using hair serum the right way? What’s the real deal on why hair serum is used, like really?
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Doctors' responses
Hair serum can play a key role in addressing issues like brittleness, dryness, and rough texture by providing a protective layer over the hair shaft. Unlike oils, serums are more lightweight and designed to penetrate the hair cuticle rather than just coat it, allowing for targeted treatment of dryness and damage. By creating a barrier, serums help protect hair from environmental stressors, like pollution or UV rays, and reduce moisture loss. Moreover, many serums include ingredients like silicones which can help smooth the hair, reduce frizz, and add shine, which might be why you notice an immediate surface improvement. They also often contain conditioning agents, which can help make your hair feel softer and more manageable over time. When it comes to heat protection, certain hair serums include ingredients like dimethicone or phenyltrimethicone which withstand high temperatures, essentially absorbing and dissipating heat, thereby helping to lessen damage from styling tools. As for the application, most serums can be used on both wet and dry hair, but using it on damp hair can often yield better results because it helps lock in moisture right after washing. Applying to dry hair can enhance shine and manage frizz throughout the day. Start with a small amount, after towel-drying, and apply from mid-length to the ends, as this is typically where more damage occurs. If you’re still noticing ongoing brittleness or roughness, it’s also good to look into using a hydrating shampoo and conditioner, or even a weekly hair mask. And remember, individual products can work differently depending on your specific hair type and needs, so you might need to try a few different serums to find what really works for you.
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