Hair oil vs. serum: the difference and which one should you choose

Serum oil, oil serum? Aren’t they the same? This is one of the biggest misconceptions about hair products and the simple answer to this is NOOOO! Although they both have similar texture and are an essential part of your hair regimen, they work in totally different ways to deliver healthy + shiny hair that lasts.

What are they?

Simply put, oil is a hair care product, while serum is a styling product. Oil contains multiple nutrients and goodies that your hair needs, it works as a nourishing treatment to enhance the overall health of your hair. It boosts hydration, prevents breakage and splits ends. For serum, it is a heat protectant that primes your hair for heat styling, it usually contains vitamins and minerals too for extra benefits. Serum can also be used post styling to tame frizz and add shine.

How do they work?

To deeply nourish, restore hair’s health, and replenish moisture, hair oil works by penetrating hair cuticles to feed hair with essential nutrients. It will be absorbed into the hair core.

On the contrary, serum cotas the surface of your strands to form a protective layer against thermal exposure, for example Heat Shield styling serum can shield hair from thermal styling up to 230C. This layer also seals the hair cuticle to prevent hydration loss when styling and eliminating frizz at the same time.

When and how do you use them?

As oil is a haircare treatment, it can be used daily whenever you feel like your hair needs a bit of pick-me-up and love. Thirsty oil treatment also contains UV filters, it double acts as a hair SPF to protect hair from sun damage. Use it on damp hair before blow-drying and even distribution is key. Avoid the roots, only apply a few drops from mid shafts to ends.

Use serum before heat styling/blow drying for thermal protection. Or after styling for a shiny, frizz-free finish. Apply a pump or two of serum (remember less is more!) into the palm and evenly distribute onto dry or damp hair. Do not rub your hair when applying.

Oil pro tips

Oil works best on damp hair and it can be cocktailed with pretty much most of your hair care products, simply add a few drops into your hair mask, shampoo or coloring for extra pampering.

Serum pro tips

Serums are generally thicker in consistency. To help it distribute smoothly and evenly over strands, rub serum against your palm for 5-6 seconds, this emulsifies and softens the products for easier application.

I am text block. Click edit button to change this text. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.