When it comes to hair care, two products often spark confusion, weather to use hair serums and hair oils. While both promise healthier, shinier hair, they serve very different purposes. Therefore, to get the best out of your hair routine, it’s important to understand how each works and when to use them.
In an exclusive interaction with the editorial team of Onlymyhealth, we asked the same question to our expert, Dr Sanjeev Gulati, Department of Dermatology, Sharda Hospital - Noida. And, he expalined to us the difference between each and when to use what. Read ahead to find out.
What is Hair Serum?
Hair serum is a silicone-based styling product designed to coat the surface of your hair. It functions as a shield, trapping moisture, giving shine, smoothing out frizz, and keeping out environmental stressors like pollution, heat, and UV light. Serums are ideal for giving your locks a quick smoothness, calming down flyaways, guarding your hair from heat styling tools, and refreshing limp locks in between washes. “They need to be applied to damp or dry hair, only on the mid-lengths and ends. In contrast to oils, serums should not be massaged into the scalp since their function is mainly styling and protection, and not nourishment,” Dr Gulati explained.
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What is Hair Oil?
Hair oil, on the other hand, is a conditioning treatment that reaches deep within the scalp and hair shaft. Oils such as coconut, argan, almond, or jojoba provide essential fatty acids, vitamins, and antioxidants to make hair stronger from the inside out. They are ideal for penetrating deep, conditioning scalp health, minimising breakage and split ends, and stimulating hair growth when massaged into the scalp on a regular basis. Hair oils can be applied as a pre-shampoo treatment, overnight for intensive conditioning, or sparingly after a wash if the oil is light.
How Do Hair Oil and Serum Differ?
The main distinction between hair oil and serum is in their function and impact. Dr Gulati highlighted that hair serum acts on the surface, providing immediate shine, smoothness, and frizz control. Hair oil acts internally, repairing, nourishing, and strengthening hair in the long run. Serums are more of a day-to-day styling product, whereas oils are a long-term treatment for hair care. Another distinguishing factor is where they are applied, serums are applied on the hair lengths and ends, while oils are massaged into the scalp and roots to nourish hair.
Can You Use Hair Oil and Serum Together?
“Yes!” said Dr Gulati. “Hair oils and serums are not alternatives but supplements. You may oil your hair once or twice a week for long-term hydration and scalp well-being, and apply serum daily or whenever your hair needs an extra dose of shine, smoothness, and protection,” he recommended.
Bottomline
Long thing short, experts suggest to apply hair serum for short-term styling advantages such as frizz control, shine, and heat protection, and opt for hair oil for in-depth nourishment, scalp health, and long-term strength. For hair that's healthy, happy, and looking its best, leave room for both in your regimen, as the oil will help repair and grow the hair, and serum will leave your hair shiny allday, everyday.