When it comes to hair care, people often get confused about the use and benefits of hair oils and serums. Hair oils are commonly used for nourishing and promoting healthier hair, while hair serums are great for styling and adding shine. To know more about their use, benefits, and impact, we reached out to our experts who shed light on the same.
Hair serums and oils are two commonly used hair care products that help hair look healthy and shiny. They both offer protection to the hair, but they serve different purposes and are used at different times, said Dr Madhu Chopra, MBBS, DORL, Cosmetologist, Managing Director, Studio Aesthetique, Mumbai.
What Is Hair Oil
Hair oils are usually applied to the hair and scalp to provide a wide range of benefits. It is a hair care product made from a variety of natural or synthetic oils that are specifically formulated to nourish and improve the health of the hair.
According to the International Journal of Trichology, regular hair oiling minimises hygral exhaustion, which is the cause of hair swelling and drying out.
What Is Hair Serum
Hair serums are silicone-based products that provide a range of benefits for your hair. They work by covering the top of your hair to seal the cuticles and maintain the curl pattern.
“Serums are styling solutions that act as a ‘botox’ for your tresses, offering extra advantages to your hair. They are designed to protect your hair from harsh brushing, heat generated by electrical styling tools, pollution, and prolonged sun exposure”, said Dr Stuti Khare Shukla, MD Dermatologist, Founder, Elements of Aesthetics, Hair Growth Queen of India.
Also Read: Can Oiling Your Hair Reduce Dandruff: Expert Explains If Its A Myth or Fact
Uses Of Hair Oil And Hair Serum
“Oil is composed of ingredients that have the ability to penetrate your strands, lubricate them, and nourish them with fatty acids. It is an essential component that helps hydrate dry hair, regardless of your hair type or texture”, highlighted Dr Chopra.
If you are looking for a multitasking and effective remedy to treat hair that is prone to breakage, damage, dryness, frizzing, splitting, and fraying, then hair oils are the perfect choice over serums.
On the other hand, hair serums are formulated to control frizz and retain moisture. They contain silicones that coat the hair shaft and give it a shiny appearance. Moreover, hair serums provide an additional layer of protection against humidity, colour fading, heat styling, and split ends.
Combining Hair Oils And Serums
Using both oils and serums can be beneficial for your hair, as they each offer unique advantages that cater to specific needs for maintaining hair health and beauty. Combining them can provide extra conditioning and nourishment for your hair.
Dr Chopra warned, “It's important to note that oils are heavier than serums, and should only be used on dry hair to avoid weighing it down. Using oils before shampooing or conditioning can also lead to difficulty maintaining hairstyle, as it closes the cuticles and limits moisture absorption.”
Also Read: Is Your Shampoo Causing Hair Loss? Watch Out For These Ingredients
Impact Of Hair Care Products
The impact of products on hair depends on how they permeate it. Serums feel like they're coating strands, while oils get absorbed by the hair. Hair oil conditions and nourishes hair, which directly influences overall hair health, but hair serum has no such effect.
Dr Shukla said, “Hair oil penetrates deep into the hair shaft to nourish hair from within, whereas hair serum merely sits on the surface and forms a layer."
How To Use Hair Oil And Serums
Serums can reflect light, making hair strands shinier and smoother. You can definitely apply hair serum to your hair after towel-drying it, and you can also use a small amount of oil as a finishing touch. Just be careful to avoid applying the oil directly to your roots. On days when you're not washing your hair, you can use a few drops of serum or oil to help keep your hair hydrated.
[Disclaimer: The information in this article is shared by registered healthcare professionals and is for informational purposes only. It is advisable to consult your expert if you face any hair problems.]
