Hair Serum vs Hair Oil - Which Is Better For Your Hair Type?

Hair Serum vs Hair Oil - Which Is Better For Your Hair Type?

Introduction

Choosing the right products for your hair care makes a lot of difference. Hair serum and hair oil are two of the most popular options for hair care products. But do they serve the same purpose?

The simple answer is no! Both of these products have very different usages, and understanding the key differences is important to get healthy hair.

Hair serum, on one hand, is excellent for styling, adding shine and also acting as a heat protectant. Hair oil serves a deeper purpose. It nourishes the scalp, promotes hair growth and repairs damage. The question isn’t choosing one over the other but understanding which products work best for your concern and hair type.

In this article, we will dive into the difference between a hair serum and hair oil, their benefits, and help you choose one depending on your needs.

Understanding Hair Serum and Hair Oil

What is Hair Serum?

When debating about hair serum vs hair oil, it is crucial to understand what purpose each of them serves. Hair serums are lightweight products that instantly smoothen your hair strands, reduce frizz and add shine.

A good hair serum gives you a polished, salon-like look without weighing your hair down. They are also heat protectants, as they form a protective layer over the hair shaft, protecting it from styling heat, sun damage, and pollution. The best hair serum for frizzy hair makes your hair appear visually appealing while shielding it.

If you are looking for a hair care product that makes your hair sleek and shiny, go for hair serums.


What is Hair Oil?

Hair oil, on the other end of the hair serum vs hair oil debate, is a deep nourishing treatment for your hair that penetrates the hair shaft to moisturise your hair from within. While hair serums coat the hair with a protective layer, hair oil strengthens and promotes hair growth from the roots to the tips.

If damaged, brittle, and dry hair is your concern, hair oil is the holy grail for you! Use it as a pre-wash treatment or hair mask to see the best results. The best hair growth oil repairs common hair issues like split ends, dryness, and dullness and works to improve hair texture.

Key Differences: Hair Serum vs Hair Oil


Feature

Hair Serum

Hair Oil

Purpose

Hair styling, controlling frizz and shine. Creates a protective layer for added smoothness and protection.

Moisturization, nourishment, and deep damage repair from within. 

Application

Post-wash usage on slightly damp hair or for the last finishing touch and frizz control. 

Pre-wash usage as a treatment or overnight mask for deeper nourishment. 

Ingredients

Silicone-based with added vitamins and antioxidants.

Natural oils like coconut, argan, almond, and castor oil.

Best for

Dry, unmanageable, and frizzy hair that needs a quick fix. 

Chemically treated, damaged, weak hair that needs deep repair.

When to use

Before heat styling for shine, smoothness and heat protection.

Before hair wash to moisturize and hydrate hair. 


How to Use Hair Serum Correctly

Using hair serum the right way can make all the difference in managing frizz and adding shine. Here's how:

By now we know what sets hair serums apart from hair oils. But knowing the right way of application makes all the difference when it comes to managing frizz using hair serums. Here’s how to use hair serum correctly:

  • Apply a small amount to damp hair after washing – A few drops go a long way when it comes to hair serum application. Take 2-3 drops, rub it in your palms and apply it evenly through your damp hair.
  • Focus on mid-lengths to ends – Always focus on your hair length and not the scalp or roots, as it could cause greasiness.
  • Use for touch-ups throughout the day –If at any time of the day, you feel your hair needs that boost of shine or to tame baby hair, apply some on the hair length.
  • Ideal for controlling frizz – Apply a few drops of hair serum on your freshly blow-dried or styled hair to achieve that salon-finish look and control frizz.


How to Use Hair Oil for Maximum Benefits

Get the most out of your hair oil routine with these simple steps:

If your hair needs deep care, apply hair oil with the following steps:

  • Warm a few drops and massage into the scalp and hair – Gently massage the warm hair oil onto your scalp for 5 to 10 minutes to boost blood circulation that helps in hair growth.
  • Leave it for at least 30 minutes or overnight – Use the best hair growth oil as a mask or overnight treatment to deeply penetrate and repair damaged hair.
  • Hydrates the scalp, supports hair growth, and repairs damage – If you struggle with brittle, frizzy hair, hair oil is the perfect fix as it hydrates the scalp.
  • Use twice a week for best results – Remember consistency is key. Make it a relaxing routine and achieve that healthy, shiny hair.

Also Read: Why A Hair Mask Is Essential For Your Hair Care Routine?

 

Can You Use Hair Serum and Hair Oil Together?

Big yes! You can use hair serum and hair oil together for added benefits. Think of it as getting the best of both worlds!

If you want deep nourishment and repair, use your favourite oil before washing your hair. It will act as a hair mask or treatment that will give your hair all the essential care it needs.

Follow it up with the best hair serum for frizzy hair after washing. It will control frizz, protect your hair from heat damage and add a layer of shine. Your hair will surely thank you!

 

Which One Should You Choose?

If your concern is frizzy and unmanageable hair, go for a hair serum that will smoothen, protect and give your hair shine. 

If your concern is dry, weak, or damaged hair, go for hair oil as it will give deep nourishment and repair damage. 

To get the best results for your hair, apply hair oil before washing and hair serum post-wash to get both hydration and a stylish look!

 

Conclusion

Hair serum and hair oil offer very unique benefits to your hair care. Choose the right product based on your needs and concerns. If you are looking for something that gives instant smoothness and shine, go for the best hair serum for frizzy hair. But if your requirement is deep repair, go for the best hair growth oil. To get the best results, use both at different times in your hair care routine.

Try CITTA’s expert hair care range:

CITTA Supercharged Hair Oil

Best hair growth oil powered by 21 natural oils like castor, almond, bhringraj & rosemary that:

✔ Strengthens hair from root to tip

✔ Reduces hair fall and breakage

✔ Boosts scalp health

✔ Adds shine & moisture

It is lightweight, has a natural aroma and repairs your hair from within.

CITTA Super Light Anti-Frizz Hair Serum

Your search for the best styling serum ends here. Enriched with moringa seed oil, black seed oil, hydrolysed keratin & wheat protein, this hair serum:

✔ Controls frizz

✔ Adds shine

✔ Nourishes and protects

It is a clear, non-greasy serum which smells like natural oils and feels ultra-light on hair.

 

FAQs: Answering Common Hair Care Questions

Can I use hair oil instead of serum?

No, both products serve different purposes. Use hair oil for nourishment and serum for protection and styling. 

Should I use hair serum and oil together?

Yes, you can use both together but at different times. Use oil before washing and serum post-wash. 

Is it good to use hair oil daily?

Using hair oil twice to thrice a week is enough. 

Can I use hair serum daily?

Yes, you can use hair serum daily but in small amounts to avoid build-up. 

Can you leave hair serum on overnight?

Serums are not treatments so you can’t leave them overnight. 

Can we apply serum on oily hair?

Yes, go for a lightweight formula.

What will happen if I stop using hair serum?

Hair may become frizzy and hard to manage. 

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