Hair Serum vs Hair Oil: Key Differences And Benefits Explained

Should you encounter a hair serum and hair oil at the beauty mart, be sure to tell them apart. An age-old conundrum, a beauty novice may find themselves easily confused between the two elixirs; are they but the same? Long answer short, no, they aren’t. Both hair oils and serums have a similar texture, but they differ in viscosity and primary functions. One is meant to nourish while the other is meant to protect. Let’s look at the two in detail and learn the difference between oil and serum.

What Is Hair Serum?

Hair serums are specialised hair care products that are intended to treat particular hair issues such as dryness, frizziness, dullness, split ends, or damage from environmental factors or heat styling. Like face serums, hair serums tend to be fairly concentrated (meaning a little goes a long way) and have a thin, slippery texture. Although some can be used on dry hair, they are typically applied to damp hair before styling. We advise reading the product's packaging instructions if you want to use a hair serum but aren't sure how to fit it into your routine. There are also several scalp serums that you apply directly to your scalp to improve hair growth, reduce hair fall, reduce fungal growth and dandruff, and strengthen barrier strength.

How To Apply Hair Serum

Choose the right serum for your hair, if you have dry hair, choose a nourishing serum, and if you have weak hair, choose a barrier repair serum. Choosing the right product is the first step. Take some product onto your palms and rub your hands together. Apply the product to your hair, if it is scalp serum, only apply it to your scalp, and if it is a serum for your lengths, avoid the scalp and only apply it to your strands. If it is scalp serum, make sure you wash your hair before so it doesn’t get blocked by the dirt and grime on the scalp.

What Is Hair Oil?

Hair oils are intended to smooth, hydrate, and nourish hair and the scalp. Some of the common hair oils are argan oil, coconut oil, olive oil, and jojoba oil. All of these hair oils are beneficial for addressing hair issues without making the hair seem greasy or lifeless. You may add some extra ingredients to your oil to exfoliate the scalp to improve blood circulation and thus promote hair growth.

How To Apply Hair Oil

If you are creating your own concoction of a hair oil, make sure to heat it up a little to make it soothing for your scalp. Take some oil on your palms and rub your hands together. Apply a little to the scalp and massage it well. Make sure to use your fingertips and not your fingernails, as sharp nails can cause tears on the scalp that may give you a burning sensation. You can take a little oil and apply it to your strands as well.

Hair Serum vs. Hair Oil: What’s The Difference?

While hair oil boasts a thicker consistency, designed to quench parched strands and nourish the roots, hair serums are typically feather-light, formulated to make styling more seamless. Hair oils retain moisture, improve scalp health, repair damaged strands, boost lustre, and depending on the concoction, can facilitate healthy growth. Serums, on the other hand, may offer heat protection, enhance smoothness and shine, and make your mane more manageable.

Essentially, it’s not an either-or situation. While you may choose to apply hair oil once a week pre-shampooing, a suitable serum can be used daily. In fact, marrying both potions in your regimen can do wonders for your hair – just remember to use the former as a pre-treatment and the latter after you’ve towel-dried your locks.

Who Should A Hair Oil V/s Hair Serum

Hair serums are ideal for people looking to give their dull, lifeless strands an instant lift, they add shine and provide protection against thermal damage. They are also ideal for styling and add a protective layer against environmental damage.

Hair oils on the other hand, unlike hair serums that provide surface-level protection, offer a deeper nourishment that exfoliates the scalp, fortifies the hair cuticles, and nourishes the hair roots. Hair oils can weigh your hair down because they can get a bit heavy, hair serums on the other hand, are light and can be used for people with scanty hair.

Customer-Top-Rated Hair Serums To Shop

L'Oréal Paris Extraordinary Oil Serum

Having garnered a 4.5 rating and over 64k reviews on Nykaa, L'Oréal Paris’ anti-frizz potion claims to make the hair 30x stronger, 4x shinier, and curb frizziness up to 59%. Shielding against pollution, heat, humidity, and UV damage, the lightweight formula detangles, smoothens, and nourishes, all at once.

Streax Professional Vitariche Gloss Hair Serum

Another customer-favourite, the Streax Professional Vitariche Gloss Hair Serum tames frizz, smoothens, and makes your mane more manageable. Modestly priced at INR 475, the vitamin E and macadamia oil-enriched concoction delivers 24-hour-long lustre.

Matrix Biolage Smoothproof Deep Smoothing Serum

It doesn’t get better than a vegan, paraben-free, and cruelty-free formula that promises no-frizz hair for up to 72 hours – even amid 80% humidity! The Matrix Biolage Smoothproof Deep Smoothing Serum is infused with avocado and grape seed oil for a silky smooth finish.

Customer-Top-Rated Hair Oils To Shop

Mamaearth Onion Hair Oil

Securing top rank in the hair oil category, Mamaearth’s clean beauty offering leverages the potency of onion to balance the scalp, control hair loss, and maximise shine. Supercharged with almond and redensyl, expect up to 70% reduced hair fall.

Max Care Virgin Coconut Oil

With an impressive 4.5 rating, Max Care’s wonder potion helps nourish and strengthen your hair from the inside out, while also fighting dandruff and restoring lustre. Free from additives and preservatives, the raw, unrefined oil may be consumed orally for added benefits.

Aravi Organic Rosemary Essential Oil

Aravi Organics’ #1 bestselling product, the rosemary essential oil promotes hair growth, curtails hair fall, and nourishes the scalp and strands while exuding a refreshing, herbaceous aroma. The cruelty-free, non-GMO formula is also known to alleviate headaches, stress, and mild anxiety.

Parting Thoughts

In conclusion, the debate on hair serum vs hair oil ends with the different benefits it offers. There is no question about which is better, oil or serum for hair, they are both advantageous in their own place, and both are essential for healthy hair.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I use a hair serum and hair oil together?

  You certainly can. Incorporating both formulae in your hair care regimen can help double down on scalp nourishment, hydration, and healthy growth. Stick to using hair oil not more than twice a week, whereas, you may choose to apply a hair serum daily.

• Do I apply hair serum on dry, damp, or wet hair?

  For best results, apply serum on damp hair before the rest of your styling products to lock in its benefits. Conversely, some hair serums may be designed to be used on dry hair. Scan the instructions on the product label.

• Is hair oil better than hair serum?

  The fact is, both are different formulations, prepared to tackle different concerns. While hair oils nourish, hydrate, and boost hair growth, serums work to tame frizziness, detangle, and maximise lustre. Both or either may be used for a specific purpose.