Hair oiling may not be a go-to option every day for managing your hair, but using products like scalp serum can be a good alternative. They not only provide nourishment to your hair but also help you fight dandruff. If you are confused about selecting the right serum for your hair, we've got you covered. We spoke to Malini Adapureddy, Founder and CEO, RootCos, who listed the benefits of using scalp serums and things to keep in mind when choosing the right serum for your hair.
Following the global trend, ‘Skinnification of hair’, scalp care has now taken its position as the new skincare. “Despite being the thickest skin on our body comprising hair follicles and sebaceous glands, it was largely ignored until recently, with more and more studies indicating the importance of a healthy scalp for shiny and lustrous hair”, said Adapureddy.
Benefits of Using Scalp Serums
While using oils was believed to be the optimal choice in taking care of your scalp, scalp serums are now taking over the market as they deliver several benefits. Adapureddy listed the benefits of scalp serums as follows:
- The lightweight and water-based nature of the scalp serums helps eliminate the heaviness and greasiness on the hair and scalp, which is often a challenge faced by most daily.
- Scalp serums are quickly absorbed by the scalp without any stickiness, providing nourishment with no residue.
- The light consistency of serums allows for daily application, promoting regular use without causing excessive oiliness.
- Scalp serums don't attract dirt as they are water-based. They help ensure a cleaner scalp environment and reduce the risk of dandruff.
- Their lightweight formulation also penetrates deeply, delivering active ingredients directly to the roots and follicles for effective resolutions.
- This product, easy to apply and quick to absorb, seamlessly integrates into hair care routines without interfering with styling, providing a hassle-free daily option.
Expert Tips To Keep In Mind When Choosing A Scalp Serum
Here are some tips recommended by Adapureddy that you should follow when choosing scalp serum:
Identify Your Scalp Type
Understanding, if your scalp is dry, oily, or balanced, is of utmost importance, as each scalp type will have different goals or concerns. To prevent any imbalances or irritations and ensure optimal results, identifying your scalp type is the key.
Unique Concerns
Scalp serums are often formulated to address specific scalp issues. Therefore, understanding the concern you are looking to treat, whether hair loss, slow growth, or weak hair will aid in choosing the right serum.
Quality of Ingredients
The incorporation of scalp serums into your routine is on a long-term basis. "Therefore, thoroughly understanding its composition and the quality of the ingredients is pivotal before purchasing it as this would determine the safety, efficacy and sustainability of the serum", added Adapureddy.
Also Read: Hibiscus Oil For Hair: Benefits Of Hibiscus Oil And How To Make It At Home
Understanding The Right Scalp Serum For Your Concern/Goal
Adapureddy explained how to choose scalp serums based on your concern or goal as follows:
Anti-Dandruff Serum
Ingredients like piroctone olamine and salicylic acid are known protectors from dandruff. According to the Indian Journal of Dermatology, dandruff is a prevalent scalp condition affecting nearly half of all people in the pre-pubertal age group, regardless of gender or ethnicity.
Piroctone olamine contains anti-fungal properties that inhibit the growth of the yeast associated with dandruff, whereas salicylic acid is a beta-hydroxy acid known for its exfoliating properties.
Hair Greying
Some teenagers experience early hair greying due to several factors, such as stress, environmental changes, etc. Choosing highly efficacious ingredients, such as arcolys and melanogray that reverse and limit hair greying would make a great choice as they work to increase melanin production.
Hair Thinning
Volumising ingredients, such as peptides and rice protein aid in controlling hair thinning and increase the thickness of the hair. This is because they promote a rise in protein production that recovers hair strength.
Hair Growth
Powerful ingredients like biotin and rosemary not only strengthen your hair follicles but also wave their wands to conjure up new hair growth. Biotin also promotes the production of keratin and rosemary enhances blood circulation.
[Disclaimer: This article contains information provided by an expert and is for informational purposes only. Hence, we advise you to consult your expert before using anything on your hair if you are dealing with conditions, such as scalp psoriasis or scalp eczema.]