Applying scalp serums was so messy until I tried this $10 tool

A year ago, I got on the scalp serum train in an effort to restore my hair’s health and make my scalp feel less inflamed between washes. Although it creates an extra step in my hair care routine, I’m always willing to try a new type of beauty product if it delivers good results. The scalp serum I was using at the time was an expensive formula made to prevent hair breakage and thinning. Does it actually do that? I wouldn’t know because I stopped using it shortly after purchasing it.

There was nothing wrong with the serum; in fact, I was certain I’d like it with prolonged use. But the application was so messy each time, even if I only filled the dropper with a small amount of product. I simply couldn’t deal with the icky sensation of serum running down from my hairline onto my face and temples. It wasn’t until I recently tried using a hair serum applicator that I was able to consistently use scalp serums again.

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WL-Ybopro Hair Serum Applicator

Although this applicator is described as being made for minoxidil application, you can use it to apply any lightweight scalp serum. It’s comprised of three parts: a silicone liquid tank, a root comb applicator and a silicone cap for storage. You should only put serum in the tank for immediate application, though, and never store serum in there for extended periods, as that can prevent the applicator from working properly.

How I found the WL-Ybopro Hair Serum Applicator

As a consumer of beauty content, I’ve seen an undeniable rise in the popularity of scalp serums for hair growth, especially within the past year. So, even though I had sworn off them, I decided to give them another shot after seeing so many claims of how much they can help. The hair around my temples is pretty thin and sparse — it’s basically all baby hair — so I wanted to make a stronger effort to nourish those spots and promote growth there. But I knew that if I had the same problem applying scalp serum this time around as I had before, I’d just give up again.

With that in mind, I searched for a solution on Amazon and came upon this applicator. In addition to being only $10, the product has a high reviewer rating and was purchased over 7,000 times in the past month, so it seemed promising.

Why it’s a score

It applies product evenly, with no mess

I’ve been using Ouai’s Hydrating Scalp Serum, which was equally as messy as the first scalp serum I tried, trickling down around my hairline and temples when applied with the dropper. When I use it with this hair serum applicator, however, it’s not an issue. After adding a couple droppers’ worth to the applicator’s silicone liquid tank, I screw on the root comb, which has seven small spouts for the serum to run through. Because the spouts are so small, you should avoid using this applicator to apply hair oil. I still tried it because I occasionally put rosemary oil on my scalp for hair growth, which is a fairly messy process, but the oil is, indeed, too viscous for the applicator and doesn’t really come out.

With the Ouai serum, however, the applicator distributes the product evenly across the skin and in small amounts, so it doesn’t come out in heavy globs that run down. This is great for application all over the scalp but especially around the face. Also, the slow application helps prevent waste, as I no longer unintentionally saturate my scalp and hair in serum like I used to when using a dropper. What’s more, I can run the applicator over my head without even having to part my hair the way I do with a dropper; it doesn’t snag my hair either. Be forewarned, though, that the applicator doesn’t release serum exceptionally fast, though you can squeeze the silicone tank to make it come out a little faster.

It doubles as a head massager

In addition to having spouts, the applicator’s comb also has six ballpoint rollers that are basically there to ensure a smooth glide across the scalp and massage it in the process. As a result, using the hair serum applicator feels really good, especially if my scalp’s been feeling a little extra inflamed. I especially love massaging the back of my head with it. The crown sometimes feels sore, especially if I’ve worn my hair up a lot between washes, and I’ve repeatedly caught myself zoning out in the mirror while going over the area. I look forward to using the applicator for this reason, and this has helped me stay consistent with my serum application after every hair wash.

Bottom line

If you also use scalp serums but dislike how messy the application can be, this applicator is a worthy addition to your hair care lineup, not least of all because it’s only $10. It applies lightweight hair serums evenly without creating runoff and feels good on the scalp to boot. I feel like I can finally partake in one of the biggest beauty trends, thanks to it and nourish my hair in the process. It’s a win-win.

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CNN Underscored editors and writers ensure every product included in an article is thoroughly vetted and something we ourselves would feel comfortable buying and using. Our team has many decades of collective experience researching, testing and recommending products across every category — from fashion and food, to home goods and health, to electronics and everything in between — and we’re committed to using that expertise to help you make the most of your money and live a better life.

For this article, CNN Underscored associate home and gifts editor Nikol Slatinska tested the WL-Ybopro hair serum applicator to see if it distributes scalp serums more evenly and without the mess.

Some information for this report was gathered via edition.cnn.com.