While some hair care products, like shampoos and conditioners, are undeniably necessary, others can be a little more ambiguous. Hair oils and serums fall into this category, with many finding themselves confused about how these products work and whether or not they need them.

If you know that your locks could do with some TLC but have been feeling a little overwhelmed by all of the product choices out there, stick with Evalectric as we talk through the main differences between a hair oil and a hair serum so that you can make the best decision for your mane.

Hair Oils and Hair Serums: What Are They?

While some hair oils and hair serums may look pretty similar, these products are actually very different.

A hair serum is a liquid-based product that usually contains silicone-like substances that enable it to sit on top of each strand of hair. This allows a hair serum to act like a shield, sealing off the surface of the hair to prevent the appearance of environmental/heat damage, frizz, flyaways, and dullness. 

Meanwhile, hair oils are oil-based products. They usually consist of a blend of a couple of carrier oils plus some essential oils. Unlike a hair serum, which works on the hair’s surface, hair oils are absorbed, to a certain extent, by each strand of hair. This helps to leave the hair feeling stronger from within. Hair oils can also be very beneficial in stimulating the scalp.

The Main Differences Between Hair Serums and Oils

We’ve already touched upon a few of the differences when it comes to what these products are and what they’re designed to do, but let’s take a closer look at the other factors that set hair serums and hair oils apart:

Texture

Although both are generally very lightweight hair care products, a hair oil will have a richer and greasier texture than a hair serum. Hair serums tend to be much silkier. They give the hair a glossy finish without weighing strands down. Hair oils are a little thicker, although their texture can vary depending on which specific oils have been used.

Application

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Both hair oils and hair serums are most commonly applied to the ends of the hair. After all, this is the driest and most damaged part of your hair, meaning that it really needs the extra TLC. When hair is severely dry or damaged, these products are often applied to the mid-lengths too.

The main difference when it comes to application is in terms of the scalp. Hair serums should never be applied to the scalp due to their silicone-like ingredients. They can potentially clog up the scalp’s hair follicles, leading to a number of problems. Hair oils, on the other hand, are sometimes used as a pre-shampoo scalp treatment. They can be massaged into the scalp a little while before you step into the shower, after which they’re washed off and followed up with a shampoo and conditioner.

Do You Need a Hair Serum or a Hair Oil?

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So, which do you need; a hair serum or a hair oil? 

This all depends on what you’re trying to achieve. If you’re hoping to see an instant improvement in how shiny your hair looks, a hair serum will be better at providing this than a hair oil. Hair serums can also often be used as a heat protectant, thanks to how they coat and seal the hair. Hair oils, on the other hand, shouldn’t be used before heat-styling. Heat will cause that oil to heat up and ‘fry’ your hair – just like hot oil does to food in a pan. 

With that said, a hair oil that’s applied after heat styling can be very helpful. It will help to replenish the feel of dry and heat-damaged strands. Thanks to how hair oils are richer than hair serums, they can be a game-changer for anyone with particularly thick or coarse hair. However, those with fine or thin hair may find a hair oil to be too heavy for their locks.

Hair serums are usually much more universal. They work well on all hair types, making a hair serum the best one to start with if you haven’t used either of these hair care products before. Ideally, you want to find a formula that focuses on hydrating the hair while giving it some important nutrients, just like the Evalectric Hair Serum does. This serum contains a couple of key ingredients. Aloe vera is loved for its hydrating capabilities while vitamin E adds shine and leaves the hair feeling more resilient. It’s a high-quality formula that not only prevents the look of frizz but also keeps the hair feeling protected against both environmental and heat damage.

Can You Use Both?

Wondering if it would be worth using both a hair serum and a hair oil on your locks? Again, this depends on your hair and what it needs. 

If your hair is relatively healthy, you’re unlikely to need both products. A hair serum would be the best option for you as this will provide some extra hydration while giving your locks a smoother finish. Sure, you could go ahead and use both if needed but you’ll then run the risk of weighing your healthy strands down and causing buildup.

However, if your hair is very thick or already showing signs of damage, both products could be beneficial. Your hair serum will look after the surface of your strands while your hair oil will dive a little deeper.

Using Hair Serums and Oils

Once you’ve decided whether to treat your locks to a hair serum or a hair oil (or both!), how do you then go about incorporating your new products into your hair care routine? Here are a few tips:

Applying it to the Ends of Your Hair

Both hair serums and hair oils are great products for reviving the look of dry and drab ends. Usually, the best time to apply both is when your hair is damp. This is when it’s most permeable, which will allow your product of choice to have the biggest impact.

Start with a small amount of hair serum or oil. Rub this between your palms to warm it up slightly and then use your fingers to gently distribute it through the ends of your hair. If your hair is very dry or damaged, you may want to start at your mid-lengths and work your way down. Try not to pull or tug at your strands while you’re doing this – be as gentle as possible.

Once your strands are evenly coated, you can then style your hair as normal.

As a Finishing Touch 

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As we mentioned earlier, hair serums make great heat protectants. If you plan on heat styling your hair, be it with a flat iron, curling wand, or anything else, applying a serum to your locks while they’re damp before heat styling once your hair is dry will help to keep your strands feeling shielded from heat damage.

However, a hair serum can also be a great product to use once you’ve finished styling your hair. It will keep your mane looking smooth, sleek, and glossy. Hair serums are also useful for preventing the appearance of flyaways and frizz, enabling them to keep your hairstyle looking perfect for hours.

To use a hair serum in this way, rub some product between your palms before smoothing it over the areas of your hair that need it. Don’t use too much – start off with a very small amount. You can always add more if needed but overloading your locks from the start could leave your hair looking limp.

As a Scalp Treatment

While a hair serum should never be applied to your scalp, hair oils are a little different. They can be an effective way to hydrate the scalp, which, in turn, will leave your hair feeling healthier. If this is what you plan on using your hair oil for, pick a formula that’s designed for this purpose. Some oils, like coconut, avocado, and marula, are much more effective than others at penetrating the scalp. 

You’ll need to start by dividing your hair into sections so that you can ensure even distribution. Then, massage your hair oil into your scalp with your fingertips. You’ll then need to leave the oil in your hair for 20-30 minutes. If your scalp is quite damaged, you may want to try doing this overnight. However, make sure that you cover your hair, with a scarf, shower cap, or anything else, to save your pillowcase from soaking up that oil.

After that, it’s time to rinse the oil out. You should then shampoo and condition your hair as usual. Make sure that you remove all of the oil with your shampoo as you don’t want it to contribute to scalp buildup and blocked follicles.

How Often Should You Use a Hair Oil or Hair Serum?

While both hair serums and hair oils can be extremely beneficial, it’s important not to overdo it. Ideally, limit your use of either product to two to three times a week. 

If you have very damaged hair, you may be tempted to oil your ends more often than this. However, keep in mind that too much oil on your strands will only attract more dirt and grime, which is why you need to limit yourself. Sure, you could simply wash your hair more often but over-washing is also very detrimental to damaged hair, making it important to strike the perfect balance.

Summary

When it comes down to it, both hair oils and hair serums are fantastic products. Which you choose should depend on your hair’s needs, along with the finished result that you’re hoping to see. Hair oils are great for severely damaged hair while hair serums work well for just about everyone, meaning that serums are usually the best product to start with. 

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