When it comes to defining hair care routines, hair oils have always been featured from the very beginning. Did you know that the practice of hair oiling in India dates back 5,000 years? This practice continues today. However, with time, new products such as high-performing hair serums have come into the picture. Unlike hair oils that penetrate the strands, these styling products coat them to protect and restore shine and texture.
If you’ve been weighing out your options – hair oil vs. hair serum, we’re here to break it down. So, get ready for gorgeous, glossy hair. Keep reading.
What is hair oil?
Hair oil is extracted from many different plants, herbs and fruits. The extraction process allows for concentrated natural nutrients in a liquid form used for various purposes. In hair care, these oils are used for hair oiling practices. Hair oiling is an ancient practice that is still popular today. A few drops of hair oil, from coconut to almond oil, are massaged into the hair strands and scalp. With the use of hair oil, benefits such as softer strands and improved scalp health can be seen.
What is hair serum?
Hair serums, on the other hand, are hair treatments mainly used to add a protective layer over the hair fibres. This coating not only locks in the goodness of the other hair products in your hair care routine but also addresses other problems, such as frizz and dullness, and protects it from damage.
So, what's the difference between hair oil and hair serum?
While both products are designed to nourish your hair, hair serums are a more versatile solution for hair care. Even the best hair oils tend to be heavier and more dense, while hair serums are lighter and more fluid. Additionally, hair serums often contain additional ingredients that help smooth and protect the hair cuticle.
With hair serum, the benefits are numerous, and using it in your hair care routine can make a big difference in the health and appearance of your hair. With its lightweight formula and nourishing ingredients, hair serum helps strengthen and protect your hair while providing a sleek and shiny finish. Whether you're looking to tame frizz, combat split ends, shield against heat styling tools or simply maintain the health of your hair, a quality hair serum can help you achieve your goals.
But with so many serums on the market, choosing the suitable hair serum can be overwhelming. Here are some tips to help you find the best hair serum for your preferences.
How to choose the best hair serum
When choosing the right hair serum, there are a few critical factors to consider. The first is your hair type. If you have fine hair, look for a lightweight serum that won't weigh your hair down. A more nourishing hair serum may be necessary for thick or curly hair to tame frizz and promote shine.
Another important consideration is the ingredients. Look for a serum that contains natural oils and vitamins to nourish your hair and promote healthy growth. Avoid products that contain harsh chemicals or artificial fragrances that can dry out your hair and cause damage.
By choosing the right hair serum for your hair type and preferences, you'll be able to achieve the healthy hair you've always wanted.
At iluvia, you can choose between the Intensive Hair Care Serum and the Hair Protection Serum, based on your hair type.
The Intensive Hair Care Serum is better suited for thin, frizz-prone hair. It boosts the volume and shine of the hair while creating a barrier against damage caused by UV light, pollutants and even heat styling tools. The lightweight and non-sticky formula is enriched with pure Moroccan Argan Oil, Olive Squalene Oil and Baobab Seed Oil to help restore the hair’s lipid barrier, decrease tangling and improve the hair’s natural shine and texture.
Those with thick, heavy, frizzy or coarse hair will benefit from the Hair Protection Serum instead. This serum protects the hair from free radical damage caused by harsh sun rays, pollutants, moisture and heat that break down the hair structure and colour. Packed with antioxidants and enriching actives, it repairs brittle hair, making it softer, glossier and more manageable.
For more on how to choose hair serums, head to this blog here.
Incorporating hair serum into your hair care routine
To get the most out of your hair serum, it's important to incorporate it into your regular hair care routine.
- Start by cleansing your hair with a gentle shampoo and conditioner, preferably one that is formulated for your hair type. If you want to understand more about your hair type and the hair care routine needed for it, click here.
- Gently towel dry your hair without rubbing it too vigorously. Wait until your hair is no longer dripping wet before applying the serum.
- Dispense a small amount of serum into your palm. How much you use depends on the length and thickness of your hair. Start with a pea-sized amount and work up if needed.
- Rub your hands together to spread the serum, and then work it through your hair, focusing on the ends. Avoid applying too much serum to your roots, as this can make your hair look greasy.
- Once you've applied the serum, giving it time to absorb into your hair is essential. This can take anywhere from a few minutes to an hour, depending on the product and your hair type.
- Style your hair as usual. You can blow-dry, straighten, or curl your hair after applying serum. In fact, using heat tools after applying serum can help to seal in the product and give you even better results.
Now that you know the differences between hair serums and oils, you can take a decision that is right for you. Healthy, gorgeous hair is achievable with the help of hair serum. Its lightweight formula, versatility, and numerous benefits make it a better choice than hair oil. Don't hesitate to try it and experience the difference for yourself.
Head to iluviapro.com for all the answers you need to start your hair care journey.