Hair Serum Vs Hair Oil Explained: Read Benefits, Application, And More

Confused between using your childhood-constant hair oil or your friend's recommended hair serum? You are not alone. With so many haircare products available in the market, deciding what your hair truly needs can be difficult. While oils promise deep conditioning, hair serums act as a quick fix for a manageable and glossy finish. But understanding the difference between hair serums vs hair oils can help tackle common issues, like dryness, frizzy ends, and unruly hair. In this blog, you will read a comprehensive breakdown of hair serums vs hair oil to understand what to use when. Ready for your hair makeover? Let's begin. 

Read the key differences in hair oils vs hair serums and find what your hair needs the most; Photo Credit: Pexels

Hair Serums Vs Hair Oils For Beginners

What Are Hair Oils?

Hair oils are traditional hair care products, used widely across the world as a sort of deep nourishment for scalp and hair health. These oils are generally made from coconut, olive oil, or argan oil, which may improve hair texture and condition from within. 

What Are Hair Serums?

Hair serums are lightweight, silicone or water-based products used post-washing. They coat your hair strands to reduce frizz, add shine, and provide protection from environmental factors. Commonly available in a thick serum-like texture, hair serums are meant to be applied to damp hair for the best results. They have a thin, slippery feel on the hands.

Purpose

Before diving deep into the differences between hair serums and hair oils, let us start with the basics. The purpose of hair oils is to nourish and treat your hair from within. They penetrate into your scalp to some extent and absorb better for improved hair health over time

In contrast, hair serums offer surface-level results. They offer instant results and make your hair look glossy and feel manageable. 

Hair oils offer nourishment from within, whereas hair serums offer surface-level protection for glossy hair; Photo Credit: Pexels

Application

Hair oils are best used before shampooing your hair to nourish the scalp. You can heat your choice of oil in the microwave for a few seconds and massage it using just your fingertips. Focus on areas like your temple, hair strands, scalp, and the ends as well. Keep it on for at least 30 minutes before finally rinsing using a clarifying shampoo.

Hair serums should be used after washing on damp hair to make it frizz-free and smooth before styling. You only need a few drops of the serum to coat all your hair in one go. Plus, they also have a nice fragrance that makes your hair smell good. You can also use them on the go during humid weather conditions to prevent flyaways. 

Should You Use Hair Oil Or Hair Serum?

Hair oils are ideal for people struggling with dry scalp, dandruff, hair thinning, or breakage. Consistent use can provide great results, but at a slow pace, and thus requires patience. They are also a great option for times when your hair feels dull, dry, and lacking softness. 

On the other hand, hair serums are great for people struggling with flyaways and tangling. With the right formula, serums can also offer heat protection, making them excellent for people who do heat styling every day. Serums can also give a sleek, sophisticated, and clean-girl aesthetic look without the heaviness of oils. 

Also Read: How I Keep My Hair Soft And Strong In Just 5 Simple Steps

Can We Use Hair Serum And Hair Oil Together?

Yes, absolutely. It is possible to use a hair serum and oil together in your hair care routine, only if you know how to do it right. For instance, use the oil as a pre-wash nourishing treatment. This step will make your hair soft even after double cleansing. Next, once you have applied and rinsed your favourite shampoo and conditioner combo, use any hair serum on your damp hair. Avoid using too much quantity as this can make your hair greasy.

You can use hair oils pre-wash and hair serums post-wash to get the best results; Photo Credit: Pexels

Products Related To This Article

1. Nat Habit Pure Rogan Badam Almond Oil for Hair Fall, Hair Growth & Skin Care - 50ml

2. LOreal Total Repair 5 Smoothening & Repairing Hair Serum 40 ml

3. Zenius India Hair O Care Oil- 100 ml

4. Streax Professional Vitariche Gloss Hair Serum with Macademia Oil & Vitamin E - 115 ml

5. VANALAYA Pure Cold Pressed Virgin Coconut Oil For Hair, Skin Care & Cooking - 200 ml

6. LOreal Fall Resist Anti Hair Fall Serum With 1.5% Aminexil - 102ml

7. MYSTIQ LIVING 100% Pure Cold-Pressed Castor & Kalonji Hair & Skin Care Oil - 100ml Each

8. Bare Anatomy Advanced Hair Growth Serum - Redensyl, Anagain, Rosemary, Biotin- 30 ml

9. MYSTIQ LIVING 100% Pure Cold-Pressed Castor & Coconut Hair & Skin Care Oil - 200ml Each

10. PLIX THE PLANT FIX Rosemary Hair Growth Advanced Serum - 30ml

Tossing and turning between hair oils and hair serums can be truly mind-boggling. To make it simpler, here are a few things to remember. Hair oils are meant to be used before washing to provide deep nourishment. On the contrary, hair serums are ideal for post-washing and coat your hair with the goodness of both worlds to make it less crazy in hot and humid conditions. It is best to incorporate both of these into your routine to get maximum benefits. And you can easily buy hair oils and serums online, which are made for different hair concerns and types. 

Frequently Asked Questions On Hair Oil Vs Hair Serum (FAQs)

1. Which is better, hair oil or hair serum?

Both hair oil and hair serum serve different purposes. Hair oils are used for deep nourishment and hydration, whereas hair serums help with frizz control and add shine.

2. Do I need hair serum and oil?

The choice between hair serum and oil depends on your individual needs. If you need nourishment for hair, go for oils. However, if you want to add shine, protect against heat, and control frizz, choose hair serums. 

3. Can I use hair oil instead of serum?

No, using hair oil instead of serum may not be the best idea, as both products serve different purposes. The key is to assess what your hair needs and then choose the right product.

4. Can I use hair serum daily?

Yes, you can use a hair serum daily, especially if it has a lightweight and non-greasy formula. It can offer protection against heat styling, reduce frizziness, and make your hair look glossy. 

5. Can I use both hair serum and hair oil?

Yes, both serums and oils can fit into your hair care routine if you know how to use them properly. Hair oils are great to use before shampoo for nourishment, relaxation, and soft hair post-washing. On the other hand, hair serums are meant to be used after washing to tame flyaways, add shine, and make your hair more manageable. 

Disclaimer: The images used in this article are for illustration purpose only. They may not be an exact representation of the products, categories and brands listed in this article.