You’ve just run a comb through your hair, and there it is another snapped strand, frizzy ends, and a dull finish. Frustrating, right? Like many, you probably reach for that glassy bottle of hair serum promising silky, frizz-free hair. It smells great, it smoothens instantly, and you feel like it’s working. But is it truly repairing your hair or just covering up the damage?

Hair care shelves are overflowing with sleek bottles promising miraculous transformations, but few products have sparked as much curiosity—and confusion—as hair serums. Marketed as the holy grail for split ends, frizz, and dullness, serums often find their way into our routines without a full understanding of what they actually do. Are they fixing the damage, or are they just masking it?

To cut through the noise, ee spoke to Dr. Vikram Lahoria, Consultant Dermatologist and Medical Advisor at Ceuticoz, to unpack the truth behind modern hair serums, their ingredients, their function, and what you really need to restore damaged strands.

What Is a Hair Serum?

Hair serums are not to be confused with oils or masks. They are typically silicone-based formulas designed to coat the outer layer of the hair shaft, known as the cuticle. This coating smoothens rough textures, reduces frizz, adds shine, and creates a protective barrier against heat styling, humidity, and pollution.

“It’s best to think of hair serum as a raincoat for your strands,” says Dr. Lahoria. “It shields the hair externally, but it doesn’t actually mend internal damage.”

This is a critical distinction. While your hair may look healthier instantly, the structure beneath—the cortex—remains unchanged unless treated with deeper interventions.

Are Today’s Serums More Than Just a Cosmetic Quick Fix?

Hair serums have evolved. According to Dr. Lahoria, modern serums now include active ingredients such as:

• Peptides and amino acids: Support structural integrity
• Keratin: Helps restore damaged areas on the hair surface
• Biotin: Often associated with stronger, thicker hair
• Plant-based proteins and oils: Argan oil, jojoba, or shea butter can provide hydration and flexibility

These ingredients offer short-term texture improvement and manageability—especially beneficial for chemically treated or regularly heat-styled hair. Still, most of these actives don’t penetrate deep enough to rebuild the internal hair matrix on their own.

If Not a Cure, What Is a Serum’s Role in Hair Health?

Hair damage comes from multiple sources: excessive heat, harsh weather, chemical processing, or nutritional deficiencies. Once the cuticle is compromised, hair becomes prone to breakage, tangling, and dullness.

“A serum doesn’t reverse deep damage, but it prevents more of it,” Dr. Lahoria emphasizes. “It’s a smart addition to your hair routine—especially in urban environments.”

Think of it as preventive care. Regular use of serum helps reduce mechanical damage from brushing, shields hair from UV exposure, and minimizes heat tool impact when applied before styling.

How to Choose the Right Serum for Your Hair Type?

Just like skincare, your hair needs tailored solutions. Here’s how Dr. Lahoria breaks it down:

Fine or oily hair: Go for lightweight serums with minimal silicones and fast-absorbing oils. Avoid greasy formulations.

Thick, curly, or frizzy hair: Look for heavier blends with argan oil, keratin, or shea butter to lock in moisture and enhance curls.

Color-treated or chemically processed hair: Opt for peptide-based or amino acid serums that prevent further protein loss and brittleness.

When and How to Use Serum Correctly?

Apply hair serum on damp, towel-dried hair—not soaking wet or completely dry. Use 2–3 drops, warm it between your palms, and apply evenly from the mid-lengths to the ends. Avoid the scalp unless the product specifically mentions it.

“People tend to overuse serums, especially in humid climates,” warns Dr. Lahoria. “This can weigh down the hair or lead to a greasy finish.” It’s best used as the final step in your routine, just before styling or stepping out.

Serum vs. Hair Oil: Why They’re Not the Same

Here’s where people often get confused. Serums are for surface-level protection and polish. Hair oils—especially those like coconut or castor oil—penetrate deeper, nourishing the scalp and strands over time.

“Oils are for treatment, serums are for finish,” says Dr. Lahoria. “Think of oils as your overnight mask and serums as your morning moisturizer.”

For best results, combine the two: use oils weekly to nourish, and serums daily or post-wash to maintain protection and shine.

Can Serums Heal Split Ends or Breakage?

Split ends and fiber damage can’t be reversed with serum alone. What you see in ads is often cosmetic improvement—not biological repair. Dr. Lahoria puts it simply: “It’s like using fabric softener. Your shirt might feel smoother, but if there’s a tear, you still need a needle and thread.” For true structural repair, consider:

• Bond-repair masks with cysteine or protein
• Scalp therapies like PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma)
• Mesotherapy for chronic hair thinning
• Nutritious diet and supplements to promote healthy regrowth

Hair serums aren’t magic potions. But used right, they’re one of the smartest tools for:

• Protecting your hair from daily stress
• Reducing visual signs of damage
• Adding instant polish and softness
• Enhancing manageability in heat, wind, or rain

For anyone with a hair routine—whether minimalist or elaborate—serum is your silent protector, not your repairman.

And if your hair’s damage runs deeper—if you’re dealing with major breakage, dullness, or unexplained hair fall—it’s time to look beneath the surface. Start with a dermatologist, not just a product shelf. As Dr. Lahoria sums it up, “Real hair health begins at the root. Serums are a smart ally, but the foundation needs nourishment, care, and sometimes, professional help.”

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common condition marked by the development of small cysts on the ovaries. This can interfere with ovulation, disrupt menstrual cycles, and impact fertility. Interestingly, many individuals with PCOS also experience insulin resistance, a condition where the body produces insulin, a hormone that regulates blood sugar but cannot use it effectively.

This raises concerns about a potential connection between PCOS and diabetes. We got in touch with Dr Tripti Sharan, Director of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at BLK-Max Super Speciality Hospital, explaining how PCOS may increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

How PCOS Can Increase Diabetes Risk

“Insulin resistance is often driven by genetics, obesity, and lifestyle factors,” Dr Tripti notes. “To maintain normal blood sugar, the body produces more insulin. Excess insulin then affects the ovaries, causing them to release higher levels of male hormones. This can lead to irregular periods, acne, abnormal hair growth, and sometimes infertility.”

If these factors are left unaddressed, insulin resistance can worsen. Over time, the body struggles to regulate blood sugar effectively, potentially leading to diabetes.

Risk Factors for Diabetes in Women with PCOSPCOS is often seen as a pre-diabetic condition. Without proper management, it can progress to diabetes. Dr Tripti highlights the importance of lifestyle measures, such as maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet, managing stress, and adopting a structured daily routine.

ALSO READ: PCOS Awareness Month: 5 Lifestyle Tips To Manage PCOS According To Gynecologist

PCOS is also linked to other health concerns, including high triglycerides, fatty liver, endometrial hyperplasia, and high blood pressure. Factors such as obesity, inactivity, chronic stress, high cholesterol, pregnancy, aging, smoking, vitamin D deficiency, and misuse of steroids can further increase diabetes risk in women with PCOS.

Symptoms Indicating Higher Diabetes Risk

Preventive Measures and Lifestyle Tips

• Maintain a healthy weight
• Engage in daily physical activity, regardless of body size
• Manage stress effectively
• Prioritize sufficient sleep
• Address hormonal imbalances under medical supervision
• Treat thyroid disorders
• Monitor and control lipid levels to prevent cardiovascular issues
• Ensure pregnancies are planned and screened for diabetes

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She also advises focusing on a balanced diet rich in fiber, fruits, and vegetables, especially those with skins, which have a lower glycemic load. Adequate calcium and vitamin D intake are important, and regular exercise, including cardio, strength training, stretching, and relaxation practices like yoga and meditation can help manage both PCOS and diabetes risk. Additionally, avoiding smoking and limiting alcohol supports overall health.

In today’s hyper-connected, always-on work culture, long hours and erratic shifts are quietly eating into one of the most essential pillars of health.. A new study by Truworth Wellness, India Workplace Wellbeing Report 2025: From Access to Outcomes, reveals how sleep deprivation, chronic diseases, and poor preventive care are undermining employees during their prime working years.

Sleep Deprivation: A Silent Productivity KillerThe report, based on health data from over 46,000 employees across industries, found that nearly 1 in 10 workers suffer from sleep disorders, most of them between ages 23 and 39. This lack of rest translates to 11.3 lost workdays per employee every year, costing companies an estimated ₹2.1 lakh annually, as per the study.

Chronic Conditions Striking Earlier

Obesity and the Prevention Gap

Poor Sleep Is Leading To Poor Mental Health

ALSO READ: High, Low, or Normal? A Simple Guide To Understanding Blood Pressure Readings

How Companies Can RespondTo tackle the crisis, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends:

• Training managers to recognize and respond to emotional distress.
• Mental health literacy programs to reduce stigma and raise awareness.
• Stress management and lifestyle interventions such as physical activity and psychosocial support.

The Business Case for Better Sleep

A Wake-Up Call for Corporate Industries

ALSO READ: Prediabetes: How To Spot the Silent Warning Signs Before It Turns Into Type-2 Diabetes

By moving beyond generic wellness programs and focusing on measurable outcomes, Indian organizations can turn employee health into a strategic advantage. Embedding sleep, stress management, and preventive care into workplace wellness not only improves productivity but also builds a resilient workforce. The Truworth Wellness India Workplace Wellbeing Report 2025, conducted in collaboration with People Matters, highlights these insights and provides a roadmap for companies to act before small health risks escalate into costly chronic conditions.

Half of all American adults have high blood pressure, also called hypertension, yet many don’t even know it. High blood pressure occurs when blood flows through your arteries at higher-than-normal pressures. Recently, cases of high blood pressure have been rising rapidly in the U.S. and globally. As these numbers climb, regularly checking your blood pressure becomes essential.

According to the 2025 American Heart Association Statistical Update, nearly half of U.S. adults, around 122 million people, have high blood pressure, a leading preventable cause of heart disease, stroke, and early death. Shockingly, only about one in four have their condition under control. To help you stay on top of your numbers, here’s a detailed guide to understanding blood pressure.

Blood Pressure Readings ExplainedBlood pressure is written as two numbers separated by a slash, such as 120/80 mm Hg, which can be read as “120 over 80 millimeters of mercury.”

The first number, or systolic pressure, measures the force of blood against artery walls when the heart pumps.

The second number, or diastolic pressure, measures the pressure when the heart rests between beats.

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Blood pressure naturally changes throughout the day depending on activity, stress, and other factors. A healthy reading is less than 120/80 mm Hg. Blood pressure is considered high when systolic readings are 130 mm Hg or higher or diastolic readings are 80 mm Hg or higher.

New Blood Pressure Guidelines by the American Heart Association

• Earlier Treatment: People with a 10-year cardiovascular risk of 10% or more are advised to start medication along with lifestyle changes.
• Personalized Risk Assessment: Doctors may use the PREVENT™️ calculator to estimate 10-year risk of heart attack, stroke, or heart failure.
• Expanded Lab Testing: Tests such as the urine albumin:creatinine ratio help tailor treatment plans.
• Lifestyle First: Limit sodium intake to 1,500 mg per day, maintain a healthy weight, and stay physically active.
• Alcohol Limits: Men: 2 drinks/day; women: 1 drink/day.

Blood Pressure Monitoring

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Home monitoring is particularly important for:

• Anyone already diagnosed with high blood pressure.
• People starting or adjusting high blood pressure treatments, to see if they are working.
• Individuals who require closer monitoring, especially those with risk factors for high blood pressure or related health conditions.