Applying a hair serum is not simply a matter of depositing a few drops onto the hair. The method, timing, and dosage directly influence its effects on hair fibers and the scalp. Do you know how to get the most out of your hair serum? Read on for our practical tips.
How to use a hair serum?
Summary
Published on September 16, 2025, updated on September 16, 2025, by Pauline, Chemical Engineer — 4 min of reading
Themes:
Key points to remember.
Not all hair serums are applied in the same way (to dry hair, to damp hair, before shampooing, daily, weekly…), hence the importance of carefully reading the instructions printed on the product.
For the scalp, it is generally recommended to part the hair strands and apply a few drops directly onto the skin, gently massaging to enhance the absorption of active compounds.
For mid-lengths and ends, dispense a few drops into the palms of your hands, rub them together to distribute the formulation evenly, then apply the treatment strand by strand.
The efficacy of a serum depends as much on its formulation as on its application method, frequency, and regularity of use.
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What is the purpose of a hair serum?
A hair serum is a treatment designed to act in a targeted way, whether on the scalp or on the hair fiber. For the scalp, this type of serum can, for example, stimulate microcirculation and thus promote hair growth through molecules such as caffeine. Hair serums intended for the scalp can also combat excess sebum, soothe irritations and reduce itching, or even decrease dandruff by rebalancing the skin microbiome. On lengths and ends, composed of dead matter, the role of hair serums is primarily mechanical and protective. These treatments work to nourish, protect, and minimize hair fiber breakage. Some hair serums targeting the lengths also aim to tame frizz and impart shine.
The efficacy of hair serums depends on the match between the serum type, the needs of the scalp or hair fibers, and the nature of the hair.
Hair serum: how to use it?
Because not all hair serums are applied in the same way, it is essential to carefully read the product’s usage instructions.
Some are suitable for both the scalp and the hair lengths, but this is quite rare. Most of the time, hair serums target one area or the other. When it comes to treatments designed for the scalp, they can be applied before or after the shampoo, depending on the formula. Leave-in hair serums are usually intended for daily or every-other-day application. To apply them, it is generally advised to separate the hair into strands and apply a few drops directly onto the skin, avoiding overloading the scalp and making it unnecessarily greasy. You can then perform a gentle scalp massage, which will optimize the treatment's penetration into the skin and thus its effectiveness.
Some scalp serums are applied before shampooing and then rinsed off. These formulations are often richer or more concentrated, designed for targeted action a few times per week. The frequency depends on the targeted concern and on the scalp serum composition: some can be used daily, while others are applied on a weekly basis.
For hair lengths and ends, there are both rinse-off and leave-in serums. Those that don’t require rinsing are generally used after shampooing and/or styling. Some hair serums are applied to dry hair—primarily to control frizz—while others are intended for use on damp hair. To fully harness their benefits, we recommend dispensing a few drops into the palm of your hand, then rubbing your palms together to distribute the serum evenly. You can then work the product through the lengths, focusing on the ends.
Thermo-protective serums, often in spray form, must in this case be applied before using your hair dryer, your flat iron, or your curling iron. These products are intended to form a protective film around the hair fiber to limit breakage and heat-induced moisture loss. The frequency of use corresponds to that of the heated tools—ideally with every styling session.
How to use Typology’s restorative hair serum?
At Typology, we offer a restorative hair serum enriched with hyaluronic acid and plant-based keratin. Formulated with 99% naturally derived ingredients, this non-greasy treatment hydrates and fortifies the hair fiber to minimize breakage while imparting shine and softness. This hair serum can be used daily on the lengths, focusing on the ends, on dry or damp hair. Depending on your hair type, one pipette (fine hair) to two pipettes (thick hair) is sufficient.
