Use once daily as directed on a clean scalp, on wet or dry hair. Part the hair, apply along the parting and areas closest to the roots, massage gently with your fingertips for 30 to 60 seconds, and leave it in. Do not rinse.
This guide covers the routine for the LashOriginals Scalp & Root Serum, a leave-in cosmetic scalp serum with Procapil, biotin, keratin and panthenol. Every instruction comes from the product's own directions and the safety and usage guide. If your question is whether a cosmetic scalp serum does anything at all, that is covered in Does a Scalp Serum Actually Help Your Hair Look Fuller?
How to use a scalp serum, step by step
The Scalp & Root Serum is a 50 mL, lightweight, water-based leave-in built on Procapil (biotinoyl tripeptide-1, apigenin and oleanolic acid), biotin, keratin and panthenol. It is prostaglandin-free and does not need rinsing. The product label states “unscented”. It is cruelty-free but not vegan, because the keratin comes from sheep wool. How long one bottle lasts depends on the amount applied and how often you use it; follow the product directions for the recommended amount and frequency. It costs A$59.90.
- Patch test first. Apply a small amount to a discreet patch of skin and wait 24 hours to check for any sensitivity.
- Start with a clean scalp. Wet or dry hair both work. We suggest a clean, dry or towel-dried scalp for the best absorption.
- Use clean hands and apply directly to the scalp and roots. Part the hair and work along the parting and the areas closest to the roots, not the full lengths. A little goes a long way, so use only the recommended amount on the pack.
- Distribute it evenly across the scalp rather than concentrating it in one spot.
- Massage with your fingertips, not your nails. Small circles for 30 to 60 seconds help spread the serum evenly.
- Do not rinse. It is a leave-in and absorbs quickly.
- Style as usual. Let the serum absorb before any other leave-in product or styling oil goes on the lengths. Close the lid tightly and store in a cool, dry place away from sunlight and heat, out of reach of children.
It is for external use only. Keep it away from your eyes; if it does get in, rinse thoroughly with clean water. Do not apply it to an irritated, damaged or highly sensitive scalp. If irritation occurs, stop using it. If it persists, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Scalp serum before or after shampoo? Wet or dry hair?
After shampoo, not before. It is a leave-in, so anything applied before washing goes straight down the drain. The directions ask for a clean scalp, and wet, towel-dried and dry hair all work.
On wash day: shampoo, rinse, towel-dry, then apply the serum to the scalp, massage it in and style as usual. Do not rinse it out.
On a non-wash day: apply it to dry hair. The directions allow dry hair, so daily use does not mean daily washing.
With other products: the serum goes on the scalp first. Let it absorb, then apply any other leave-in product or styling oil to the lengths. It can go on before or after styling.
How often to use scalp serum
Once a day, as directed. Choose a time that fits your routine and use the amount recommended in the product instructions.
What to expect: This cosmetic leave-in conditions the scalp and existing hair. Individual experiences vary; a particular result or timeframe is not guaranteed.
How long one 50 mL bottle lasts depends on the amount applied and how often you use it. Follow the product directions for the recommended amount and frequency.
5 common application mistakes
- Applying it to the lengths. Part the hair and apply along the scalp and roots as directed.
- Using more than recommended. Follow the amount stated in the product instructions; adding more is not a substitute for following the directions.
- Rinsing it out. It is a leave-in product. Apply it as directed and do not rinse it out.
- Applying it to irritated or damaged skin. Avoid an irritated or damaged scalp. Stop using the product if irritation occurs.
- Skipping the patch test. Before first use, apply a small amount to a discreet patch of skin and wait 24 hours to check for sensitivity.
Men, and recently coloured or chemically treated hair
The formula is unisex. If your hair or scalp has been recently coloured or chemically treated, follow your stylist's aftercare instructions before applying it. If you have a scalp condition, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Frequently asked questions
Do you use scalp serum on wet or dry hair?
Either. The product directions allow wet or dry hair. Apply it to a clean scalp and roots, not the lengths.
Do you apply scalp serum before or after shampoo?
Apply it after shampooing to a clean scalp. It is a leave-in product, so follow the directions and do not rinse it out. On non-wash days, you can apply it to dry hair.
How often should you use scalp serum?
Apply once daily as directed and use the amount recommended in the product instructions. Choose a time that fits your routine.
How long does scalp serum take to work?
There is no guaranteed result or timeframe. This cosmetic product is intended to condition the scalp and existing hair; individual experiences vary. Use as directed.
Will scalp serum make my hair look greasy?
The product is described as a lightweight, water-based leave-in with a non-greasy finish. How a formula feels can vary. Use the amount recommended in the product instructions.
General information about scalp serum use, not medical advice. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, take medication, or have a scalp condition, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
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