What does a serum do?

[SweetNic_JA]

I 've always assumed that serums provide some form of coating over hair strands. Is this what they really do?
My life is about to change in a week (taking out my braids) and I want to stock up on the right products for my hair.

4a/4b

 

[Allandra]

From The Sally Beauty Web Site:

Smooth 'N Shine Polishing Instant Repair Hair Polisher AKA SERUM

Smoothes, conditions, shines and softens hair.

Eliminates frizzies.
Conditions dry, damaged hair.
Prevents breakage.
Designed for all hair types.

 

[beana3]

when used over wet/damp hair they can act almost like an oil in terms of sealing in moisture.
On dry hair i have found that serums add sheen and help my hair withstand the humdity better. On rollerset hair they give the appearance of smoother hair... These are just things i've noticed personally. HTH

 

[Nonie]

Serums are usually referred to as "cones" because they contain silicone compouds, which are also in a lot of conditioners. My guess is the reason we don't call conditioners with silicone compounds "cones" may be because "cones" aren't the major ingredient in conditioners as they might be in serums...(?)

It is this thinking that makes me believe that serums are just a more concentrated coating for your hair than conditioners; so that if you have moisture in your hair and you apply them, they will seal in that moisture just like conditioners would, only they'd do it better. Below is a paragraph or two on what silicone products (in this case, conditioners) do:

[ QUOTE ]
Conditioners that contain dimethicone (a silicone compound, made from silica which is one of the commonest substances on earth) deposit mainly at the edges of the cuticle scales - just where the damage happens most easily. Micro-fine droplets make the hair surface smooth and shiny (less 'fly-away')- Dimethicone protects the hair from damage by reducing its resistance to brushing, combing and styling, when wet as well as when dry.



Other ingredients in conditioners and other hair care preparations also work to smooth the outer layers of the cuticle. These may include protein extracts (collagen, and the amino acids obtained from silk) and panthenol and similar compounds, which are related to vitamin B5. Some of these are known to penetrate hair and to help to increase its moisture content. Well-conditioned hair is quite easy to de-tangle.

[/ QUOTE ]

Source: http://www.pantene.com/haircare/hair_twh_toc.htm

 

[SweetNic_JA]

Thanks for your responses everyone. They were very informative. I do have another question however, are serums the same thing as polishers? ie. IC polisher. If so, they don't work well for me at all. I don't like the way my hair feels after using them.

 

[Allandra]

Yes, they're the same type of product.

 

[lunalight7]

I tried Keracare Silken Seal for the 1st time on Sunday before a rollerset. My hair is shiny like glass. Worth the money. Im gonna take it to my stylist and ask him to use it.

 

[SweetNic_JA]

ooh luna I think I want to give it a try. I think we have similar hair types. Does it lock moisture in?

BTW, I bought the Lanza creamy leave-in that you suggested a while back. I just haven't tried it yet.

 

[brwnskingirl]

I love serums. My hair absolutely loves cones. Im just concerned because I wonder if Im getting enough moisture. I know my hair looks great and feels nice and soft I just hope it is doing something beyond the surface. I have been using ic polisher for at least two years I absolutely love it.

 

[Allandra]

My hair also loves cones. Like you, I also wonder about my hair 'beyond the surface' (since I use cones quite often).

 

[lunalight7]

Yes Sweetnic...I feel that my hair is not dry, even during this cold snap in NYC. I think it was BRH or someone else who recommedned the L'Anza Leave In cause I dont have it...give us a review once u try it though!

 

[Nonie]

[ QUOTE ]
brwnskingirl said:
I love serums... Im just concerned because I wonder if Im getting enough moisture. I know my hair looks great and feels nice and soft I just hope it is doing something beyond the surface...

Allandra said:
My hair also loves cones. Like you, I also wonder about my hair 'beyond the surface' (since I use cones quite often).

[/ QUOTE ]

I think the thing serums do "beyond the surface" is keep whatever moisture you provided to your hair before applying them from escaping, by keeping the cuticles lying flat along the length. I'm not sure if applying moisture on top of the serum does any good beyond the surface...

Maybe it does. But because of my suspicion that serums are like a water-proof armor, I usually only apply a moisturizer to my hair after shampooing out the serum. And then then re-apply the serum when my clean hair is drenched with moisture.

 

[Allandra]

After I shampoo and condition my hair, I apply (in this order):

* leave-in conditioner
* moisturizer
* serum

 

[Nonie]

Allandra, that's just how I do it.