How to Use Scalp Serum
If you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This keeps it 100% reader-supported and free of advertisements or sponsorships. Thanks for your support!
Scalp serums and oils have become very popular over the last few years with the increasing interest in scalp health and the “skinification of hair.” They can help you achieve a balanced scalp which is key to overall hair health. Popular scalp serums promise everything from hair growth to added shine, soothed irritation and diminished flakiness.
Adding a scalp serum into your routine for any one of these concerns can be worthwhile, but since scalp serums can be expensive and take a while to see results, it’s worth learning how to use a scalp serum the right way so you can see the best results as quickly as possible.
What Does Scalp Serum Do?
Scalp serums help with issues like scalp irritation, flakiness, and dryness, but they are also popular to stimulate hair growth, add shine and strengthen hair, and balance scalp sebum (oil.)
When picking out a scalp serum, make sure it addresses your concern and if you have fine hair, make sure it is a lightweight formula that won’t weigh your hair down.
How to Use Scalp Serum
Scalp serums tend to have sightly different instructions depending on the concern they address and other details of their formulation, but these are the general steps for using a scalp serum. Check the instructions on your scalp serum for the best results.
1. Get the timing right
Many scalp serums can be used on wet or dry hair, but for some scalp serums dry hair is the way to go to ensure the best penetration into your scalp.
2. Apply the serum
Most serums come with a dropper that can help you target the serum onto your scalp. Apply a few drops to the desired areas.
3. Massage with your fingertips
Gently massage the areas where you applied the serum with your fingertips. This will help the scalp serum further penetrate.
4. Wait at least 20 minutes (or overnight) before washing your hair
Scalp serums need time to fully penetrate your scalp and you don’t want to rinse away the serum before it can do it’s work. Leave the serum on your scalp for hours or even overnight before washing your hair as normal with shampoo.
5. Repeat
Most serums will need to be used daily or perhaps weekly to get good long-term effects. Make your scalp serum a part of your routine long-term for the best results.
Do You Use Scalp Serum Before or After Shampoo?
Scalp serums work by penetrating your scalp over the course of 15-20 minutes, so putting it on dry hair that has not been washed will give your scalp serum the best base from which to penetrate.
Apply your scalp serum 15-30 minutes before you shampoo, or apply it every night before you sleep or every morning when you wake up and let it sit until your next shampoo, whether that’s later in the day or a few days out.
How Often You Should Use a Scalp Serum
Most scalp serums, especially those intended to stimulate hair growth or soothe irritation can be used daily. Others, like clarifying serums, are best used on a weekly basis. Check your specific scalp serum for instruction.
Who Shouldn’t Use A Scalp Serum?
If you have oily hair, you’ll want to look for a lightweight scalp serum or skip it altogether. Scalp serums can make your scalp oilier and create more buildup, so if you do use a scalp serum on oily hair you’ll want to make sure to use a clarifying shampoo occasionally to rinse it out fully.
Scalp serums are aim to solve specific concerns or enhance your hair by adding shine and length, but you can skip it if you aren’t interested in these benefits.
Scalp Serum Conclusion
Scalp serums are a great addition hair care routines for many hair types because of the way they keep the scalp balanced and healthy and promote hair length and shine. There are many different scalp serums for different concerns that can work whether your hair is fine and pin-straight or highly textured. You’ll be amazed at how a scalp serum can enhance your hair’s health and appearance.
