A hair serum can be a helpful addition to your hair care routine as it serves a couple of purposes, mainly focused on improving hair texture and appearance. Typically made with silicone-based ingredients, hair serum is designed to coat the surface of the hair, which can help to reduce frizz, add shine, and make the hair appear smoother. The serum essentially acts as a protective layer against environmental factors, like humidity or heat from styling. For hair that feels dry and brittle, a serum can moisturize and bring life back to your strands, but it’s more of a quick fix than a deep treatment for underlying issues.
When it comes to application, using serum on damp hair helps it distribute more evenly, as the moisture allows the product to glide over the hair shaft. However, if you’re short on time or just looking for a little extra shine, applying it to dry hair is fine. Just use it sparingly to avoid weighing your hair down.
In terms of frequency, this depends on your hair type and needs. Some people might need to use it daily for frizz control, while others might find that using it a couple of times a week is sufficient. Especially if you apply heat regularly, daily use can protect and tame the hair. Regarding working it into your routine, a small amount to start on the mid-lengths to ends, where damage is most prevalent, is a good approach.
It’s also good to note that while serums help with external appearance, if dryness persists, examining your hair’s internal health is crucial according to Siddha-Ayurvedic principles. Consider what’s contributing to vata aggravation, which often manifests as dryness. Assess diet, hydration, and overall lifestyle to ensure your inner and outer balance. Incorporating a nourishing diet that supports the health of the sapta dhatus, especially rasa (plasma) and rakta (blood), can also improve hair health from within. For practical steps, consider oils like sesame or coconut, which are tridoshic—balancing to vata, pitta, and kapha—and incorporate them into your routine by massaging the scalp regularly.
