Hair Oil vs Hair Serum: What's The Difference?
- missaazarian
- Aug 1
- 3 min read
Updated: Oct 3

Hair Oil vs Hair Serum
You may have heard about both hair oils and hair serums and wondered what is the difference between the two, whether a hair oil and hair serum are the same, or is serum or oil better for the hair. There are oils for dry hair that can help to hydrate and repair the hair, as well as serums that are able to do the same but in different ways. Although both hair oils and hair serums are leave in hair products, and benefit the hair in similar ways, they do typically have their differences in formulation and ingredients which are best suited for their purpose. Here you can find out everything there is to know about hair serums and hair oils, so you can decide whether they will be suitable for you and know exactly when to use it.
What Is Hair Serum?
Hair serum is usually silicone based, and offers a protective layer on the hair. They often protect the hair against heat damage, seal moisture in the hair, and help to minimise dryness, breakage and frizz, to keep the hair looking healthy. Hair serum is usually thin in consistency, making it perfect to apply before styling. They are also usually more concentrated so just a little amount is needed to retrieve the full benefits. The overall purpose of a hair serum is to protect the hair, minimise hair damage, make the hair more manageable, and to provide hydration and shine.
How To Use Hair Serum
One of the best times to apply hair serum is after washing the hair and before styling. This is because most hair serums have silicones that can help to protect against sun and heat damage, making a hair serum perfect for applying before styling. Hair serums usually contain vitamins and other beneficial ingredients that can help nourish the hair making it look healthier and more manageable before styling.
Gently apply a small amount of serum to the strands of the hair, making sure the hair is evenly coated. You can always apply more if your hair is in extra need of taming or hydration.
What Is Hair Oil?
A hair oil is typically made of one or more natural oils, which contain various haircare benefits. Depending on which natural oils are in the formula, the benefits can range from providing deepl nourishment to the hair and scalp, hydrating and repairing the hair, and encouraging hair growth. Some examples of natural oils are black seed oil, castor oil, and avocado oil.
Depending on your hair concern, you can usually find a hair oil that is best suited for your hair. For example, if you have dry hair, you may want a formula that locks in moisture as well as deeply hydrates th strands, but if you want to focus more on hair growth, you may want to make sure your chosen hair oil includes oils that nourish the scalp and follicles for healthy hair growth.
What Is The Difference Between Hair Oil And Hair Serum?
Both hair oil and hair serum can help to revive and enhance the health of the hair, but there may be differences between some hair oils and hair serums, making them more suitable for different uses. For example, most hair oils are typically thicker than hair serums, so oils would usually be applied to the hair as a pre wash treatment, while serums are typically thinner in consistency so they are applied just before styling, helping to eliminate frizz and protect the hair from damage from heat styling tools.
The Ultimate Hair Oil And Hair Serum
Harir Hair Oil, a specially formulated hair oil can be used as an all in one hair oil and hair serum, due to it's lightweight consistency, making it perfect for application before styling, to tame frizz, add shine, and give an instant hydration boost. In the mean time, consistent application will also work to enhance the health of the hair over time, reducing natural frizz, dryness, and improving shine. Infused with a light raspberry fragrance, it is the perfect staple product that revives the hair in the moment, and also deeply nourishes for the healthy hair in the long run.
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