When it comes to hair care, the one common thing which confuses people is choosing between hair serum and hair oil! Even though both are staple in routines, both serve different purposes. Few people go with oils as a weekly ritual while others go with hair serum for smooth and frizz-free hair. And now the one question that pops up will be, do we need both ? And which one is suitable for which hair type.
Get to know about the role, formulation, benefits,etc of both hair oil and hair serum, and which one suits which hair type! Get to know in detail below.
Know the Basics: Hair Serum vs Hair Oil
As a beginner or someone new to haircare, I might get confused between hair serum and hair oil. But the truth is, both work differently.
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Hair Oil |
Hair Serum |
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Hair oil, one of the ancient techniques used by most people to nourish and enhance hair growth. Using hair oil helps in strengthening the roots and improves blood circulation, which helps with long-term hair health. |
Hair serum, on the other hand, is a new product which is mainly for styling and protecting hair. They work in smoothening the hair, controlling frizziness, and even protects from damages. |
Hair Oil - Benefits & Work it Does
Hair oil, an ancient hair care technique which is used in Indian haircare traditions. Oils are generally rich in fatty acids and vitamins which helps in nourishing the scalp and strengthening hair from roots.
Key Benefits of Hair Oil
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Helps in nourishing scalp and hair strands deeply.
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Strengthens the roots of the hair.
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Increases blood circulation and promotes hair growth.
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Supports hair growth and improves hair thickness.
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Helps in preventing premature greying
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Prevents hair fall at an extent
Who Benefits Most from Hair Oil?
Hair oil is perfect for people with:
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Dry and flaky scalp
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Hair fall / Hair thinning
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Slow hair growth
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Stress-related hair issues
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Postpartum hair fall
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Premature greying
Ensure to consistently follow this routine once or twice in a week, and get better quality hair.
Hair Serum - Benefits & Work it Does
Hair serums are generally light-in-weight and help in nourishing the hair strands deeper without penetrating into the scalp. Serum generally contains silicone alternatives / plant-based agents along with conditioning ingredients.
Key Benefits of Hair Serum
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Controls frizz hair
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Tames flyaways
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Smoothens textured hair
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Adds instant shine
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Protects hair from heat and pollution
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Makes hair more manageable
Using serum does not weigh down your hair, like hair oil does. They are to-be used from mid-lengths to ends, and not on the scalp.
Who Benefits Most from Hair Serum?
Hair serum works best and is perfect for:
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Frizzy hair / unmanageable hair
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Dry ends and split ends
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Chemically treated or coloured hair
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Heat-styled hair
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Humid or polluted environments
Serums are a perfect choice for people who look for nourishing hair without being heavy or greasy when used in hair strands.
Hair Serum vs Hair Oil: Key Differences at a Glance
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Aspect |
Hair Oil |
Hair Serum |
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Purpose |
Nourishes & Treats |
Styling & protection |
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Application area |
Scalp and hair |
Mid-lengths and ends |
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Texture |
Heavier |
Lightweight |
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Absorption |
Penetrates scalp |
Coats hair strands |
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Usage frequency |
1–2 times a week |
After every wash or as needed |
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Results |
Long-term improvement |
Instant smoothness & shine |
Hair Serum + Hair Oil - How they Work!
Yes, you can use them together too. But ensure to use them correctly for best results. Using hair oil and hair serum are not replacements for one other. Each thing complements different stages of hair care.
How to use both?
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Oil your hair well before hair washing.
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Leave them for 30 minutes or overnight.
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Wash off with gentle shampoo.
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When the hair is 80% dry, take a few drops of hair serum and apply from the lengths of the hair.
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Use them on ends and frizzy hair zones.
One of the perfect combinations for healthy roots and strands of the hair.
Choosing Between Hair Serum and Hair Oil Based on Hair Concerns
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Hair Fall and Weak Roots |
Hair oil is the best choice. |
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Frizzy Hair / Textured Hair |
Hair serum, the right option. |
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Dull and Lifeless Hair |
Both Oil + Serum works better |
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Oily Scalp |
Serum |
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Curly Hair |
Oil deals with balance; Serum for frizziness |
Ingredient Matters More Than the Product Name
No matter what you are choosing between hair oil and hair serum, choosing the right one helps.
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What to Look for Hair Oil |
What to Look for Hair Serum |
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Go for cold-pressed oils |
Plant-based conditioning |
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Herbs dealing with scalp health |
Natural oils in low concentration |
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Light-in-weight |
No Alcohol |
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Nourishes hair |
Non-sticky |
In such case, going with plant-based hair serum like “Deyga Liquid Gold Hair Serum” is best for keeping the strands healthy and nourished without being heavy.
Common Myths About Hair Serum and Hair Oil
1. “Hair oil causes hair fall”
No, oiling your hair do not cause hair fall. Not properly washing them will cause build-up and lead to hair fall.
2. “Hair serum repairs damaged hair”
Serum helps in improving the appearance of the hair, but they do not heal them internally.
3. “You should choose only one”
No, not true. Even though both works best, they serve different purpose.
How Often Should You Use Them?
Oiling works best when using twice in a week or maximum thrice. You can do them overnight or an hour before washing your hair.
Hair serum can be used everyday or whenever you feel your hair is dry/frizzy.
Lifestyle Factors That Affect Results
Even the best products won’t work alone. For visible improvement:
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Eat enough protein and healthy fats
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Stay hydrated
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Reduce heat styling
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Avoid harsh shampoos
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Manage stress and sleep well
Hair care is a combination of topical care and internal health.
Conclusion
This completely depends on one’s personal choice. You can use them both at a time, or according to your needs. Hair oil helps in improving the strength of the hair while also keeping them strong and nourishing. In either case, serum helps in protecting and smoothening hair.
FAQ’s
Can hair serum replace hair oil in a hair care routine?
No. Hair serum and hair oil serve different purposes. Hair oil nourishes the scalp and strengthens roots, while hair serum smoothens hair, controls frizz, and protects strands from damage. Both work best when used together.
Is hair oil necessary if I already use a hair serum?
Yes. Hair serum does not nourish the scalp or support hair growth. Hair oil is essential for maintaining scalp health, reducing hair fall, and improving hair strength from the roots.
Should hair serum be applied on the scalp or hair lengths?
Hair serum should be applied only to the mid-lengths and ends of the hair. Applying serum to the scalp can cause buildup and make hair look greasy.
How often should I use hair oil and hair serum?
Hair oil can be used 1–2 times a week before washing, while hair serum can be applied after every wash or whenever hair feels frizzy or unmanageable.
Which is better for frizzy and dry hair—hair oil or hair serum?
Both help in different ways. Hair oil improves dryness over time by nourishing the scalp, while hair serum provides instant frizz control and smoothness. Using both gives the best results for dry, frizzy hair.