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Hair serums and hair oils are both hair products for maintaining healthy and shiny hair, but each serves a unique purpose. Hair serums are lightweight and designed to provide a smooth finish while protecting your hair from heat and environmental damage. On the other hand, hair oils are more nourishing, offering deep hydration and helping to repair and protect the hair from within. In this article, we’ll compare hair serum and hair oil in detail to help you achieve your best hair yet!
What is hair serum
Hair serum is a liquid product designed to help smooth, shine, and protect your hair. Infused with nourishing ingredients like silicones, proteins, and vitamins, serums work by coating the hair shaft to provide a sleek finish, reduce frizz, and enhance shine. They can help shield your strands from environmental damage, heat styling, and humidity.
Hair serums are incredibly versatile and can be used for various hair types. One of the best things about hair serum is how easy it is to apply: just a small amount goes a long way, and it’s usually best applied to damp hair before blow-drying or styling.
What is hair oil
Hair oil is a rich, nourishing product designed to deeply hydrate, repair, and protect your hair. They are often made from natural oils like argan, coconut, or jojoba, which are packed with fatty acids and antioxidants. Hair oils are particularly beneficial for those with dry, coarse, or textured hair, as they help lock in moisture, reduce split ends, and enhance overall hair health.
What are the differences between hair serum and hair oil
Here’s a detailed comparison between hair serum and hair oil to help you better understand the key differences and decide which one is best for your hair needs.
|
Aspect |
Hair serum |
Hair oil |
|
Main purpose |
To smooth, add shine, and protect from heat |
To nourish, hydrate, and repair dry or damaged hair |
|
Texture |
Non-greasy |
Rich, thick, and often greasy |
|
Absorption |
Absorbs quickly into the hair shaft |
Absorbs slowly into the hair, providing deep nourishment |
|
For |
Frizz control, shine, heat protection |
Dry or damaged hair, deep hydration |
|
Hair type |
Fine, straight, or wavy hair |
Dry, coarse, or curly hair |
|
Application method |
Applied to damp hair before styling or blow-drying |
Applied to damp or dry hair, can also be used as a pre-shampoo treatment |
|
Key benefits |
Adds shine, smoothens the hair, protects from heat, and helps with detangling |
Deeply moisturizes, adds shine, prevents split ends, and enhances softness |
Which is better for your hair: Hair oil or hair serum?
Hair oil is the ultimate choice for deep hydration and nourishment. It works by penetrating the hair shaft, providing essential nutrients that help repair dry, damaged, or brittle hair. If your hair feels dry or lacks elasticity, adding hair oil to your routine is the way to go for long-lasting health and strength.
On the other hand, hair serum can help achieve a healthy, shiny finish with minimal effort. While it doesn't offer the same deep nourishment as hair oil, it protects the hair from heat and environmental damage by creating a smooth, shiny surface.
How to use hair serum correctly
By following these simple steps, you’ll be able to enjoy the benefits of hair serum with less effort!
Step 1. Pump the right amount of serum
A little goes a long way! Depending on your hair length and texture, start with 1-2 pumps of serum. For fine hair, use less, and for thicker or coarser hair, you may need a bit more. Overapplying can leave your hair feeling greasy, so always start small and add more if needed.
Step 2. Distribute evenly with your hands
Rub the serum between your palms to warm it up, then gently work it through your hair, focusing on the mid-lengths to ends. These areas need more moisture and care, so avoid applying serum directly to the roots, which can make your hair look flat or greasy.
Step 3. Use a comb for smooth application
For more even distribution, use a wide-tooth comb or a detangling brush to comb through your hair after applying the serum.
Step 4. Style as usual
Once the serum is evenly applied, you can style your hair as usual. Whether you’re air-drying, blow-drying, or straightening, the serum will provide protection against heat damage and enhance the overall shine and smoothness of your hair.
How to use hair oil properly
Using hair oil properly is key to maintaining healthy, nourished hair without the risk of looking greasy. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll see the difference in how smooth, shiny, and manageable your hair feels!
Step 1. Choose the right hair oil for your hair type
Not all hair oils are the same, you can choose one that suits your hair’s unique needs. For dry or coarse hair, go for a heavier oil like argan or coconut oil, while lighter oils such as jojoba or almond oil are healthy for finer hair.
Step 2. Apply to damp or dry hair
Hair oil can be used in both damp and dry hair, but it’s best to apply it to damp hair if you’re looking for deep hydration. After towel-drying your hair, gently rub a few drops of oil between your palms and apply it evenly throughout your hair, focusing on the mid-lengths and ends where dryness tends to occur. For dry hair, apply a smaller amount to add shine and tame flyaways.
Step 3. Start with a small amount and build up
It’s easy to go overboard with hair oil, especially if you have thick hair. Start with just 2-3 drops and distribute the oil evenly. If you need more, gradually add another drop or two. Overusing oil can make your hair look greasy, so it’s better to start with less and build up as needed.
Step 4. Massage the oil in
For a more thorough application, massage the oil into your scalp. This not only helps nourish the scalp but also stimulates circulation. If you’re treating dry ends, focus the oil on the last few inches of your hair to help prevent split ends and breakage.
Step 5. Leave it in or use as a treatment
Depending on the type of oil and your desired result, you can leave the oil in or rinse it out. For a quick shine boost, you can leave it in after applying. If you're using oil as a treatment, allow it to sit for 30 minutes or overnight before washing it out for deep hydration. Either way, your hair will benefit from the nourishment.
Step 6. Style as usual
Once you’ve applied your oil, you can go ahead and style your hair as usual. Whether you’re air-drying, blow-drying, or using hot tools, the oil will protect your hair and leave it feeling soft, smooth, and shiny. If you need extra shine, you can apply a tiny bit more oil after styling to add that final polished look.
Least-damaging hair dryer after using hair serum or hair oil
When it comes to protecting your hair after using hair serum or oil, choosing the right hair dryer is crucial to maintain your strands' health and shine. The Laifen Swift Special is a top choice for minimizing damage, as it is designed with advanced technology to dry your hair quickly while maintaining moisture and protecting your natural shine.
1. It features advanced ionic technology that helps reduce frizz and lock in moisture.
2. This dryer distributes heat evenly, preventing hot spots that can lead to hair damage, while its gentle airflow to leave minimal stress on your hair and scalp.
3. Thanks to its high-efficiency motor, Swift Special dries hair faster, so you can spend less time exposed to heat, which helps reduce the risk of damage.
4. With customizable heat and speed settings, you have full control over how much heat your hair is exposed to.
