Papa & Filles · Ingredient education
How to Apply a Scalp Serum: A Plain, Step-by-Step Guide
To apply a leave-in scalp serum, part the hair, put the drops on the scalp, massage them in and leave them in. For the Papa & Filles Copper Peptide Scalp Concentrate, that means four to six drops. This guide covers technique only and promises no results.
The short answer: part, apply, massage, leave in
A leave-in scalp serum is a serum made for the scalp, and the scalp is skin. The basic method is four short steps: part the hair, apply the drops to the scalp, massage in, and leave in. You don't rinse it out afterward.
This guide is about technique only. It doesn't promise any change in your hair, and it isn't medical advice. Formulas differ, so the label on your own product always comes first. If your label and this guide ever disagree, follow the label.
Step by step: how to apply a leave-in scalp serum
As a worked example, the directions for the Papa & Filles Copper Peptide Scalp Concentrate are: part the hair, apply four to six drops to the scalp, massage in, leave in. That is the whole method.
General tips, not label directions: placing the drops along the part helps you see where they land. Using the pads of your fingers instead of your nails keeps the massage comfortable. Slow, light circles are easy to repeat. Washing your hands afterward is a sensible habit with any product.
"Leave in" means exactly that: there's no rinse step.
Common questions about technique
Wet or dry hair: we haven't made this a rule, because we don't want to add steps the directions don't contain. Check your product's label, or ask a pharmacist if you're unsure.
How much: use the amount on the label. For the concentrate, that is four to six drops. More drops aren't part of the directions.
Where: on the scalp. General tip, not a label direction: keep serums away from your eyes, and if any gets in, rinse with water.
Styling products: if you're wondering about the order, read your labels or ask a pharmacist. We aren't setting a rule here.
What a copper peptide scalp serum contains
Peptides are short chains of amino acids. Copper peptides are peptides bound to copper. GHK-Cu and AHK-Cu are two of them. The Papa & Filles Copper Peptide Scalp Concentrate contains 1% GHK-Cu and 0.5% AHK-Cu.
We don't make promises about what these ingredients will do for your hair, and an ingredient list can't tell you that. For background on the ingredients, read [copper peptides for the scalp](/learn/copper-peptides-for-scalp) and [the GHK-Cu scalp research explainer](/learn/ghk-cu-scalp-research). Results are not promised.
Patch testing, sensitivity and when to ask a professional
General tips, not label directions: with any new product, try a small area first, since scalp skin can be sensitive. If you notice irritation, stop using it.
If you have persistent itching, flaking or pain, or sudden changes in your hair, talk to a pharmacist, doctor or dermatologist. A scalp serum is not a substitute for medical care. Most questions like these have simple answers, and a professional can look at your scalp in a way an article can't.
Fitting a scalp serum into your routine
Because the scalp is skin, a simple routine can work: cleanse, apply, then leave it alone. Our guides on [the scalp barrier and niacinamide](/learn/niacinamide-scalp-barrier) and [how to start a skincare routine](/learn/how-to-start-a-skincare-routine) go into more depth.
Follow the directions on your label and don't add steps you don't need. We won't give a timeline or promise an outcome.
The [Copper Peptide Scalp Concentrate](https://papafilles.com/product/copper-peptide-scalp-concentrate) is available now from Papa & Filles, a small Canadian brand, and peptide scalp patches are coming soon, with no date set.
Questions people ask
**How do you apply scalp serum?**
Follow your product's label. For the Papa & Filles Copper Peptide Scalp Concentrate, the directions are: part the hair, apply four to six drops to the scalp, massage in, leave in.
**How many drops of scalp serum should I use?**
Use the amount on your label. For the Copper Peptide Scalp Concentrate, that is four to six drops.
**Do you rinse out a leave-in scalp serum?**
No. Leave-in means it isn't rinsed out. The concentrate's directions end with "leave in."
**Should I apply scalp serum to wet or dry hair?**
We don't set a rule. Check your product's label, or ask a pharmacist if the label doesn't say.
**Can I use a copper peptide scalp serum every day?**
Check the label for how often to use your product. We don't state a frequency here, and a pharmacist can help if you're unsure.
**What are GHK-Cu and AHK-Cu?**
They are copper peptides: short chains of amino acids bound to copper. The Papa & Filles concentrate contains 1% GHK-Cu and 0.5% AHK-Cu.
**Can a scalp serum irritate sensitive skin?**
Any new product can irritate sensitive skin, and the scalp is skin. Try a small area first, stop if you notice irritation, and ask a pharmacist or doctor if it persists.
Quick answers
How do you apply scalp serum?
Follow your product's label. For the Papa & Filles Copper Peptide Scalp Concentrate, the directions are: part the hair, apply four to six drops to the scalp, massage in, leave in.
How many drops of scalp serum should I use?
Use the amount on your label. For the Copper Peptide Scalp Concentrate, that is four to six drops.
Do you rinse out a leave-in scalp serum?
No. Leave-in means it isn't rinsed out. The concentrate's directions end with "leave in."
Should I apply scalp serum to wet or dry hair?
We don't set a rule. Check your product's label, or ask a pharmacist if the label doesn't say.
Can I use a copper peptide scalp serum every day?
Check the label for how often to use your product. We don't state a frequency here, and a pharmacist can help if you're unsure.
What are GHK-Cu and AHK-Cu?
They are copper peptides: short chains of amino acids bound to copper. The Papa & Filles concentrate contains 1% GHK-Cu and 0.5% AHK-Cu.
Can a scalp serum irritate sensitive skin?
Any new product can irritate sensitive skin, and the scalp is skin. Try a small area first, stop if you notice irritation, and ask a pharmacist or doctor if it persists.