Serums aren't just for your face anymore. Here are the 6 new 'rules' of hair.

If you thought haircare was big this year, it's about to get even bigger.

That’s right, the 'skin-ification' of hair has well and truly happened. In the same way, skincare has blossomed and boomed in the last few years, it’s now haircare’s time to shine.

Having a multi-step routine is becoming the norm, and we're now going beyond just washing and conditioning to serums, treatments and masks.

Watch: Speaking of hair, here are 5 ways to lift your hair game. Post continues below.

Now, I’m the kind of person whose haircare routine could be described as “lazy” and “doing the bare minimum”, so seeing all the buzz around hair health persuaded me to up my game and overhaul my routine. 

First step? Getting all the right info so that I can build a solid routine for longer, stronger, shinier hair. 

Based on all this research, I’ve figured out there are some new rules when it comes to achieving your hair goals, so of course I had to share my findings!

1. Serums aren’t just for your face anymore.

In the same way we apply serums to our face to target a specific concern, there are now all kinds of treatments to use on your hair or scalp too. Yes, really!

Most of them focus on repairing and hydrating your strands but there are also formulas to calm irritation or reduce frizz. 

There’s pretty much an option for any issue and they’re a great option to help work alongside your shampoo and conditioner. 

For example, the new Australian brand Robe Haircare has a Tonic ($69.99) formula, which focuses on reducing hair thinning and encouraging hair growth. 

There’s also the Straand Crown Fix Scalp Serum ($28) for stressed-out scalps or even the L’Oreal Paris Elvive Bond Repair Serum ($24.99) for weak and damaged strands. 

2. Use the right tools for the job.

Simple tasks such as brushing your hair and how you tie it back can make a huge difference to your overall hair health. As sad as it is for those who love a slicked-back 'do, tight hair elastics can cause friction and lead to breakage, especially if worn in the same place over and over again. 

Using silk scrunchies is gentler on the hair, and less likely to cause kinks or damage. My top picks are these gorgeous designs from Slip, inspired by the Italian summer (they even have a mini-sized version!).

And it's not just your hair elastics that make a difference to the health of your hair. 

While brushing your hair regularly can definitely be beneficial, helping work out tangles and redistribute oils from the roots, doing it with the wrong brush or too much force can be detrimental. Investing in a good quality brush is a great way to avoid this, especially one that makes it easier on you and can be used on wet or dry hair. 

If you're looking for some good options, Original & Mineral has the Detangling Brush ($29.95), which has an ergonomic handle and can be used on wet or dry hair, or the evo Conrad Boar Bristle Paddle Brush ($45) for smoother locks. 

3. Don’t skip your scalp exfoliation.

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Healthy hair starts with a healthy scalp — it’s something I’m sure we’ve all heard before and it really is true. Product build-up, dandruff, excess oil or irritation from heat styling can all be uncomfortable to live with, as well as detrimental to hair growth. 

That's where regular exfoliation comes in. It can help to properly clean the scalp and balance it out, creating a great starting point for supporting your journey to better, stronger hair growth.  

As with any exfoliation, there’s basically two ways to go: chemical or physical. 

A serum such as the Frank Body Exfoliating Scalp Serum ($22) uses lactic acid as a chemical exfoliant to gently break down dead skin cells and product build-up. 

You can also go for a physical scrub, like the Straand Miracle Worker Exfoliating Scalp Scrub ($28), because sometimes you just can’t beat the feeling of getting in there yourself. 

4. Masks are always a good idea.

In the same way you reach for a face mask when your skin needs something a little *extra* or you’ve accidentally gotten out of routine, reaching for a hair mask is a great way to get some fast results. 

I love to pop a hydrating hair mask in when I feel like I need a boost, or even just before an event for that instant smooth and shine. 

If you’re looking to hydrate the hair, I like to reach for the Grow Longer Stronger Anti-Breakage Hair Mask ($6) — it smells great and leaves hair feeling softer and stronger in less than 10 minutes. 

The new Coco & Eve Pro Youth Hair & Scalp Mask ($29) is another great option and unique formula (retinol, honey and probiotics?!) if you’re looking to increase volume and improve shine.   

5. Heatless styles are here to stay.

One of the best ways to protect your hair and cut down on damage? Reducing your heat styling! 

Using high heat to style your hair can lead to dryness and even breakage over time. This is especially a risk if you’re using a hot tool daily or use it over the same spot (hey, fringe) again and again. 

Make sure to give your hair a break and let it air dry at least once a week, you can use a specific product like the JVN Complete Hydrating Air Dry Hair Cream ($39) to help give it shine and hold. Or you can try a fun new hairstyle using the Kitsch Satin Heatless Curling Kit ($22.50)! Soft, bouncy curls without the heat damage.

6. Oil it up!

Image: Supplied

In case you didn’t notice, our scalps will naturally produce oil, so the idea of using oil throughout your hair makes a lot of sense. It can help not only hydrate the hair strands but it can also actually act as a lubricant to help prevent tangling. 

This can help to prevent split ends, as well as add a natural-looking shine. You can even use it like a pre-wash treatment, applying a decent amount to coat the hair and allowing it to sink into the hair before your shampoo and conditioner routine. 

The Bread Beauty Macadamia Oil ($46), is a versatile option and is high in fatty acids to nourish the hair. As the name suggests, the Davroe Curlicue Hydrating Hair Oil ($32.95), is a great option if you’re dealing with curls that need a little helping hand, or you can go for the now-viral K18 Molecular Repair Hair Oil ($94.50), that also helps with bond repair and frizz reduction. 

Do you need to do everything on this list? No. But I do have to say that the more I’ve started focusing on proper haircare, the better my results have been. 

Plus, it’s been like an act of self-care to have a real routine and put more effort into looking after my scalp and strands. 

No matter your hair type, there’s definitely something on this list that can help you on your way to achieving your hair goals. So, go forth!

Have you used any of the above products before? What are some of your faves? Share with us in the comment section below.

Feature image: Supplied/Morgan Rohan.

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