A hair serum is a leave-on conditioner that endows the hair with shine, softness and de-entangles the hair as well.

Frizzy hair days; lacklustre hair; static that could put an electric pole to shame; hair that’s gone coarse due to being chemically treated rather frequently; bushy hair; long hair that simply insists on getting tangled - the list of hair troubles can run rather long. Thankfully, many of these troubles can be considerably reduced or curbed even, by one product alone - a hair serum.

The irony about this product is that even though it’s such a great product for our hair, not many people are aware of it or even use it. Reasons vary from a lack of easy availability in the markets until a few years back to hair stylists not taking the trouble to educate their clients about the uses of a serum. So, what exactly is a hair serum? “Put simply, a hair serum is a leave-on conditioner that endows the hair with shine, softness and de-entangles the hair as well. It prevents knotting of the hair and other problems like split ends. The ‘magic’ ingredient in a serum is silicone. Serums coat the hair shaft with a very thin layer of silicone which smoothens the hair and seals the cuticle against moisture. They give the impression of thickness. They even offer sun protection. Most people who use serums on a regular basis swear by its quick and long lasting effects.

Serums can be used when your hair is wet, towel dried, or even dry. Just make sure that your hair isn’t soaking wet. You could need between one to three drops depending on the length, volume and dryness in your hair. The most important part about using a serum is figuring out the quantity that you need to use for your hair. Too much of it will weigh your hair down and make it limp. As far as serums are concerned, more can actually be less. There are also spray serums in the market. The deal with spray serums is that they are lighter and chances are that they have better moisturizing properties. In terms of control, even though most people prefer to apply serum with their hands, spray serums can be just as easy to apply.

You can use ‘combinations’ for some interesting results. Instead of chasing deep conditioning products, you can take your regular conditioner, put in a drop or two of silicone serum and one drop of safflower oil and rub into just the ends of your hair and not the roots — unless you have a dry scalp or very full hair that you’re trying to control, in which case the roots can take this treatment too. Let the mixture soak in for a while. Then, just rinse it off. If you are interested in using the serum for styling the hair - mix it with a drop of hair styling gel. The gel gives the serum more ’slip’, so you can more easily distribute it through your hair. If you have a fringe in front, using a serum would be a good idea since it separates the hair strands and makes the fringe look better.

Serums can also be used as ’shiners’ - to maximize luster. So, should serums be used as a substitute for conditioners? Opinions are definitely divided. There are those who do use it as a substitute; a stand, which is seconded by their hairdressers. Every time you wash your hair, you should use a conditioner since it has better moisturizing properties. Then one can use a serum, after one’s hair is towel dried or completely dry. There are a lot of people who sell unbranded serums, which aren’t good. One has to be cautious while buying a serum and it’s better to go in for the more established brands.