Styling your hair is completely dependent on the items you use. Not only do they shield your hair from heat damage, but they also make your hairstyles stay longer, look better, and feel better. Your television screen has likely been bombarded by commercials for hair serums that promise to revive lifeless locks in an instant. Despite the allure of instant gratification, hair care products are not a one-stop shop. Their distinction is that each hair product has its own unique properties. But what is the hair oil vs. hair serum debate all about? Let’s unpack that and more!
Which is better, oil or serum for hair? Before we answer that question, let’s dive a little deeper into what these products are and what they do for our hair!
Hair serum - What is it?
Serum for hair is like a magic wand for your locks; it improves your hair in many ways beyond just how it looks. The silicone-based solution seals the cuticles and locks in your hair's natural curl pattern, creating a protective layer. This protective cap will keep the sun, pollution, heat styling equipment, rough brushing, and other environmental hazards out of your hair. Serums for hair have the remarkable ability to bring out your hair's natural shine. They make your hair seem healthy and radiant because they reflect light.
The serum enhances the hair's appearance, making it look healthier, fuller, and glossier by reducing surface roughness. You get more than just aesthetic advantages from using hair serum; it also serves a utilitarian purpose.
In addition to preventing frizz and adding shine, it protects your hair from tangling. You can count on it to hydrate your hair and protect it from the harmful effects of humidity, making it an indispensable tool in the battle against frizz.
Hair oil - What is it?
Hair oil has finally established itself as an indispensable tool for healthy hair. It is a miraculous multipurpose product. Hair oils are designed to penetrate the cuticle and induce structural changes in the hair, in contrast to hair serums that often include silicone and provide a surface covering. Hair oils are useful for many different things.
When combing damp hair, hair oils are a lifesaver because they act as lubricants and detangle the hair. Because of their sealing characteristics, which assist in preventing damage from Some styling equipment also functions effectively as heat protectants. Hair oils are great for taming unruly hair, adding lustre, and nourishing each strand for healthier hair and a more lustrous style that lasts.
Many people mistakenly believe that hair oils would make their locks feel heavy and weighed down. For a long time, South Asians have known that hair oil is the key to healthy, beautiful hair. By penetrating the hair, these conditioning treatments improve its health from the inside out.
Hair serum vs oil - The difference in benefits
While oils feed the hair and promote its general health, serums are used for style and provide protection, gloss, and manageability. As a styling product, hair serum, which is mostly composed of silicone, does just that. It builds a barrier over the hair, which adds sheen, detangles, and tames frizz. Hydration and defence against environmental harm are additional benefits. But it won't do you any good in the long run since it doesn't permeate your hair.
People whose hair is dry or has split ends could benefit from using a hair serum. If you want to keep frizz and flyaways at bay, use serum after washing your hair and every other day for optimal results. However, hair oil is a nourishing treatment that serves a different purpose. The hair is conditioned and nourished, which helps to keep it healthy over time. Oils for hair may enter the cuticles and lubricate the hair, changing its structure by replacing lipids with fatty acids.
By doing so, you lessen the likelihood of breakage and broken ends. If you want your hair to be really nourished or repaired, an oil is your best bet. In particular, hair that is brittle, dull, or has split ends might benefit from an oil treatment once or twice weekly.
Oil vs serum for hair - The difference in application
Hair oil: To get the most out of your hair care routine, use oil before you wash your hair and then use serum after you towel dry. Serum will add shine, tame frizz, and shield your hair from heat and environmental damage.
Applying hair oil consistently and making time for self-care are both crucial. Finding an oil that works for your hair type and any issues you may have is the first step. To use, warm up your palm by pouring a little oil into it and rubbing it for a few seconds. Distribute the product evenly by starting at the roots and working your way to the centre part, then down to the tips of the hair. In order to promote healthy hair and increased blood flow, take 5 to 10 minutes out of your day to massage your scalp with your hands.
Hair serum: Applying a hair serum after washing your hair is the greatest way to hydrate it, feed it, and shield it from environmental toxins and dust. Begin by placing two or three drops of serum onto your palm and distributing them evenly by rubbing your hands together.
For a non-greasy scalp, apply the serum just to the ends of your hair. To untangle and spread the serum evenly, lightly brush your hair after applying it. To protect your hair from heat styling equipment, use the serum before blow-drying.
Can I combine hair oil and hair serum?
Combining hair serum and oil will provide many more advantages, so yes, it is possible. Apply a hair serum to your towel-dried hair to seal in moisture and nutrients. To end, drizzle a little hair oil over the hair to seal in moisture and add shine. To avoid having an oily scalp, it's best not to apply oil straight to the roots. A few drops of hair serum or oil may rehydrate and revitalise your hair on days you skip washing it, helping to keep it healthy and manageable.