Of course you'd be confused after reading 12 conflicting answers on when to apply your hair serum. But before we answer that question, there’s one thing to get out of the way first.
Hair serums come in all shapes and sizes, but they usually fall into one of two types: scalp serums or strand serums, each with its own application timing and method.
Ahead, I’ll break down the ideal time to apply each type of hair serum and how to use them for maximum results, so that you can avoid greasy roots and the other usual frustrations that come with the wrong technique.
(*If you are using a topical medication like minoxidil, always follow your healthcare provider's specific instructions for your treatment plan.)
Key Takeaways:
- Hair serums come in two main types: strand serums and scalp serums.
- Strand serums handle shine, frizz control, and heat protection. And scalp serums target growth and thinning.
- Scalp serums, including minoxidil, go on a dry or just-towel-dried scalp. Part your hair so you don’t soak your hair strands. That said, hair strand serums go on damp hair, avoiding the scalp. Apply from mid-lengths to ends only.
- Rootique DUO is a mist-based scalp serum and tonic applicator that parts your hair automatically with parting heads and shoots a fine micro-mist straight onto your scalp for 3.5x absorption. Your hair strands perfectly intact and untouched.
- Consistency beats perfect technique every time. A slightly imperfect application done daily beats a flawless one done three times a week.
The Right Timing, Frequency and Technique for Applying Your Scalp Serum
Scalp serums make up a good chunk of hair serums. There are different scalp serums from anti-inflammatory serums to growth-supporting serums, yet the way you apply them is pretty much the same.
What really matters with scalp serums is to target the skin itself instead of the hair shaft, which means being a lot more deliberate about where and how the product lands compared to strand serums. Read on to see when and how you should apply your scalp serum of choice.
When to Apply Your Scalp Serum?
Even though this is not set in stone, it's best to aim for a nighttime hair care routine so you don't expose your scalp to sweat, wind, UV, or anything else that can get in the way before the serum has fully absorbed.
As for how often, if you’re applying topical medication like minoxidil, for example, do it daily on a clean scalp, sometimes twice a day depending on your hair loss patterns and formula of choice. You can apply minoxidil on non-hair-wash days, too, just make sure your scalp is free of styling products and/or heavy dry shampoo.
And when it comes to anti-dandruff scalp serums, you need to tone down on the frequency. You want to use your serum sparingly or you’ll end up making your hair look super greasy. The general rule of thumb is every other day for an anti-dandruff serum. Just make sure to check the bottle, because some dandruff serums are pre-wash treatments that need to be rinsed out in the shower!
How to Apply a Scalp Serum Step by Step?
The hardest part of scalp serum application is making sure you don’t soak the hair strands. You need to part your hair well, otherwise you'll look like you’ve been licked by a tom cat.
Here’s how to apply your scalp serum correctly:
- Step 1: At night, before bedtime (ideally), make sure to part your hair into 4 to 6 sections (Four sections is enough on short hair.)
- Step 2: Apply one or two drops per section and massage it in until fully absorbed. Go light because soaked strands are what leave you flat and greasy.
- *Step 3: If you’re using topical medication like minoxidil, wait at least 30 to 45 minutes for the product to dry completely, or better yet, apply it 1 to 2 hours before going outdoors.
Pro Tip: To avoid the grease and apply your hair serum evenly on your scalp, you can use a scalp serum applicator, and call it a day in 15 seconds without the mess that comes with the manual application. It parts your hair automatically with its parting heads, converts the liquid into mist and shoots it right onto the scalp for 3.5x absorption. No grease, no flat hair.
The Right Timing, Frequency and Technique for Applying Your Hair Strand Serum
Unlike scalp serums, strand serums are absorbed into the hair cuticle rather than the skin, so you don't have to worry about parting your hair or avoiding certain areas. The application is a lot more forgiving.
When to Apply Your Hair Strand Serum?
You should apply your frizz control and repair serums on damp hair right after your morning shower because your hair serum can lock in moisture and create a protective barrier before heat styling and the rest of the day gets to it.
If you apply your hair serum on soaking wet hair, it’ll just mix with the water and slide right off before it has a chance to work…so let’s not do that!
When your hair is damp, you’ve squeezed out that excess surface water, but your hair cuticles are slightly swollen, or “open”, if you will, from the shower. This then leaves the perfect amount of space for the serum to evenly coat your hair strands.
When it comes to the frequency, use your hair serum right after you wash your hair every time. If you skip the serum after one shower, it…well, defeats the product’s whole purpose because a hair serum is as much a preventive measure as it is a treatment.
How to Apply a Hair Serum for Frizz Control and Damaged Hair?
On hair-wash days:
- Step 1: Towel-dry your hair. Gently squeeze your hair until damp. Never rub, or you’ll cause even more frizz.
- Step 2: Start with 1 to 2 pumps of serum into the palm of your hand (depending on your hair length and thickness).
- Step 3: Spread the product evenly by rubbing your palms together for a couple of seconds.
- Step 4: Begin applying at the very tips of your hair first and work your way up, avoiding the roots.
- Step 5: It’s best to brush your hair with a wide-tooth comb or a flexible detangling brush to evenly distribute the serum and gently untangle any knots without causing breakage.
- Step 6: If you’re heat styling, now’s the time to blow-dry or flat-iron.
Pro Tip: If you’re short on time and can’t wash your hair, use a mist bottle to lightly dampen your hair with water before you apply any product. NEVER apply your strand serum on dry hair as the moment you touch dry hair with a serum, the hair immediately drinks it up in that exact spot and you get heavy, greasy patches.
How to Apply Both Scalp and Strand Serums Together?
So, what if you use both? You'll want to hit your scalp first while it's still towel-dried, then give it about 15 or 20 minutes to completely sink in before you touch anything else. After that, just damp down your mid-lengths and ends and work your strand serum from the tips up. This might sound like a no-brainer, but doing this manually is where most people start cutting corners after a while.
A Smarter Solution for Applying Your Scalp Serum
When it comes to long-term results, consistency is key. That said, a lot of people get tired of the mess (grease, flat hair, etc.) that comes with the manual application of hair serums. For the fastest and most hassle-free hair serum application, use Rootique DUO to cover your entire scalp with hair tonics and water-based serums in just 15 seconds.
You don’t even have to worry about parting your hair and soaking your hair strands because the device has built-in parting heads that do the work for you. All you have to do is glide it all over your head and shoot your serum/tonic/topical medication like minoxidil on your scalp without your hair getting stuck in between.
With the precise dosing mode, it beeps every 1ml so you always know exactly how much minoxidil or serum hit your scalp, and you don't over-apply on one area by accident. On top of all that, Rootique’s IntelliMist technology turns scalp tonics into a micro-mist for more targeted delivery, which absorbs 3.5x better than the liquid.
And the best part about this hair serum applicator is that a single full-charge goes a long way. It takes around 2.5 hours to fully charge, but will last you for up to 40 total uses. If you, for example, apply your serum twice a day, then you’ll recharge it once every twenty days.
Final Thoughts
If you’re using a hair serum to treat frizz or damaged hair, apply your product after shower on damp, towel-dried hair. Don’t rub hair or you’ll cause even more frizz. That said, if you’re using a scalp serum, like minoxidil, apply your product on a clean, dry scalp on both hair-wash and non-hair-wash days. As long as your scalp is clean, you’re good to go.
FAQs
Is hair serum good for your hair?
Yes, as long as you’re using the right type. Strand serums protect your hair from heat, frizz, and environmental damage. Scalp serums, like minoxidil, work on thinning at the root. If you’re consistent with the application, both do their job well.
Should I apply hair serum on wet or dry hair?
Hair strand serums go on damp hair, right after towel-drying. That said, scalp serums go on a dry or just-towel-dried scalp. Don’t apply a serum to wet hair, it gets diluted and isn’t absorbed well, if at all.
Can I use hair serum every day?
Yes. Scalp serums like minoxidil are designed for daily use. Just be consistent with it. You’ll start to see results in 3-6 months after the shedding period ends. Strand serums can be used daily too, just keep the amount small to avoid buildup.
Can I apply hair serum without washing my hair?
For scalp serums, yes, as long as your scalp isn't loaded with dry shampoo or product buildup. For strand serums, just lightly dampen your hair with a mist bottle first so the serum spreads evenly instead of absorbing into one greasy patch.
How long does it take for hair serum to work?
Strand serums work immediately, you will see the difference after the first use. Scalp serums for thinning and growth take much longer, usually three to six months of consistent daily use before visible results show up.
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