Serums are an essential skincare step for many people, but are they worth incorporating into your haircare routine? The answer is yes, as long as you have properly formulated serums for your particular scalp or hair concerns with the proof to back their claims.
What is a hair serum?
By definition, serums are skin and hair treatment products that generally have higher concentrations of active ingredients to address specific concerns. For the skin, serums can target wrinkles, discoloration, dryness, acne, sensitivity, and more. For the hair, serums are commonly used to minimize frizz, strengthen hair, and increase shine. Hair serums can also include targeted scalp treatments that are formulated to alleviate dryness and the appearance of flaking, or even promote hair growth.
Does hair serum work?
The answer to this question depends on the hair serum you choose. The easiest way to know if a hair serum works is to look for testing. This can include clinical testing as well as consumer-perception testing results that show users’ experience after using a specific product for a certain period of time. If a brand has legitimate testing to support any of their products’ claims, you’re likely to find the results on the product packaging or on the brand’s website.
SEEN’s proven hair serums
Developed by Harvard-trained dermatologist Dr. Iris Rubin, SEEN uses the power of science to create effective haircare–and subjects all of its products to several types of testing that is often used by luxury skincare companies. All SEEN products undergo comedogenicity testing to show they do not clog pores, as well as sensitive skin repeat insult patch testing to ensure they are suitable for sensitive skin. All of SEEN’s fragrance-free products have been independently reviewed by the National Eczema Association, and have received the organization’s coveted Seal of Acceptance™, which means they are safe for sensitive and eczema-prone skin.
SEEN Magic Serum
Designed to reduce frizz, add shine, and provide protection against breakage and heat up to 450º Fahrenheit, this fragrance-free hair serum is safe for all hair and skin types. Independent third-party lab testing has shown that SEEN Magic Serum reduces hair breakage by up to 81% after a single use!*
Magic Serum can be used for extra hydrating and heat protection before styling, or as a finishing touch for extra smoothness afterwards—and it’s formulated with just three plant-derived ingredients. (Inside tip: It can also be used to soften dry spots like cuticles, knees, hands, and feet without leaving a greasy residue.)
In addition to the National Eczema Association’s Seal of Acceptance™, Magic Serum has also been awarded the SkinSAFE Trusted Choice™ “Best for Sensitive Skin” seal. This means a product has met SkinSAFE’s strictest safety standards for sensitive skin by passing additional product-testing protocols, including human repeat insult patch testing (HRIPT), purity testing, and testing for fragrances that the E.U. deems the most likely to cause skin irritation.
SEEN Restore Scalp Serum
Formulated to optimize and reset the scalp with balanced hydration, this soothing treatment relieves dry scalp while reducing the appearance of flakes and irritation; supports a healthy microbial ecosystem, and protects the scalp barrier. The fast-absorbing formula is easy to apply before styling or between washes without leaving a greasy residue behind.
In a consumer perception study, 30 participants with mild-moderate dry, flaky scalp used SEEN Restore Scalp Serum for 2 weeks. Here’s what they had to say afterwards…
- 100% agree their scalp is improved
- 100% agree their scalp feels healthier
- 97% agree their scalp is less dry
- 97% agree their scalp is less flaky
- 97% agree their scalp feels soothed
- 97% agree their scalp buildup is improved
At SEEN, we’re all about having proof that backs up our product claims. And when you choose our hair serums, you know they’ve been tested and proven to be non-comedogenic and safe for sensitive skin in addition to delivering the results you’re looking for.
*Independent 3rd party lab testing, repeated grooming study with 10 bleached hair tresses, compared to control.