A number of products available in the market for hair care. Among these hair care products, the two are most common. These two products are often used by a lot of people.
But these products cause confusion among many people. These most used hair care products are hair serum and hair oil.
Both these products are used for healthier and for beautiful hair. But there are complete differences in their ingredients. Different ingredients are for different purposes and work.
Let's understand the different roles of these two products in a simple way.
Hair Serum
A hair serum is a liquid based styling treatment. It is designed to work on the surface of the hair. It acts like a protective layer over each hair strand.
The primary ingredient that is used in most of the hair serums are silicones. Silicones are synthetic materials that coat hair. It smoothing down the outer layer of the hair that is known as cuticle.
When the hair cuticle is raised or damaged the hair looks frizzy, dull as well as rough. A serum creates a perfectly smooth reflection by coating these hair. This layer or coating helps to reflect the light. It gives a glossy shine.
The best hair growth serum protects the hair from environmental damage such as from pollution, sunlight and from humidity. Because these can dry the hair and make them very rough. Humidity absorbs moisture from the air and makes hair very frizzy. The layer of serum protects the hair all day.
Hair Oil
A hair oil is a deeply nourishing treatment that is derived from natural plant, seed or from nut extracts. Common examples for hair oil are coconut oil, argan oil, jojoba oil and olive oil. Hair oils are made to get into the hair cuticle and into the inner layers of the hair shaft.
Hair naturally produces its own oil. Due to daily washing and chemical treatments the hair loses its natural moisture. Hair oils help to regain the natural moisture. It helps to strengthen the core of the hair strand and improve elasticity of hair.
Hair oil plays the best role to maintain overall scalp health. Massaging oil into the scalp improves blood circulation in hair follicles. It nourishes the hair follicles. Oil helps to treat soothe dry as well as flaky scalp. Hair oil provides long term structural repair to the hair.
Serum vs Oil
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Hair Serum |
Hair Oil |
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Hair serum primarily targets the outer surface of the hair strand. |
Hair oil targets the inner core of the hair and the scalp. |
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Main ingredients of serum are silicones, polymers and light fluids. |
It includes natural plant extracts and essential fatty acids. |
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The main purpose of the best hair serum are styling, frizz control and heat protection. |
The main purpose of hair oil is to give proper strength to hair as well as hair roots. |
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It is basically light in weight and slippery in texture. |
It is rich, heavy and lubricated in texture. |
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It is applied only after washing and on damp dry hair. |
It is applied before washing or as an overnight treatment. |
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Hair serum gives immediate improvement and shine. |
Hair oil takes some time to give hair strength. |
The Core Differences Explained
Ingredient Composition
The main difference between these products are in their formulation. Serums are basically made of chemical ingredients. It uses silicone molecules to coat the hair without absorbing.
Oils prepared from natural ingredients. These are pure lipids and vitamins that are similar to the natural oils produced by the human body.
Mechanism of Action
A serum changes the hair looks at its surface. It creates a layer that locks out external elements.
An oil helps hair to feel strong. It restores the moisture and binds the hair structure back together.
Styling vs Treatment
Serums belong to the category of styling. They are used basically for looks. While oils belong to the treatment category. They generally focus on healing hair that gets damaged from bleach, from hair dye or from environmental pollution.
Application Techniques
Hair Serum
Hair serum basically applies over the clean as well as damp hair. So take a few drops into the palms of the hands. Rub hands together to spread the product. Start applying from the mid-lengths of the hair down to the very tips. Avoid the roots completely, as serum near the scalp makes the hair look greasy and unwashed. Style the hair as normal after application.
Hair Oil
Hair oil is applied over the dry hair before showering for strength and applied after wash for styling. The oil applies directly into the scalp by making a section of hair. Massage properly by using the fingertips.
Work the remaining oil through the entire length of the hair. Leave the oil in for at least thirty minutes or even overnight so that it gets deep into the hair follicles. Wash the hair properly with the best hair fall shampoo to remove the excess oil as well as dirt.
Conclusion
Choosing between the hair serum and hair oil does not require sacrificing any of them. Both products have different roles in a healthy haircare routine. A hair serum gives a daily shield.
It focuses on the beauty, smoothness and protection of the hair from heat and humidity. A hair oil usually focusing on scalp health, overall strength and long term shining of hair..
A person can use both natural oil as well as the best serum to make hair much healthier. Natural oil gives the scalp and strands a deep treatment. At the same time a person can use a serum for a good look. The serum polished the hair and made them free from frizz.
Use serums that need instant styling results and heat protection and use oil that needs to repair dry as well as brittle strands. Select the right option by identifying the hair type and understanding how both these products work. It becomes a good option for beautiful and glowing hair.