In This Story:
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.
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.
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.
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.
