As Indians, we are too obsessed with our daadi and naani certified hair oils, we just can’t get enough of it. For every hair concern, naani and daadi would slather oil on your scalp and it felt like all the problems just disappeared. Life was simple when only hair oils existed because the moment hair serums came into the picture, confusion struck, right?
So, if you’ve ever stood in front of the mirror checking out how damaged your hair appears and wondered if ‘hair serum is good for hair you’ are not alone. When your hair is not on its best behavior even the simplest of choices feel tough, especially when the hair industry is full of marketing gimmicks and each product claims to give you the hair of your dreams.
Before we dive deeper into whether hair oil is better or hair serum, let us first understand why and when you should use either and how one differs from the other.
WHAT IS THE USE OF A HAIR SERUM?
Hair serum is infused with molecules that penetrate deep into the scalp and aid in reducing hair loss or promoting hair growth. So, if you are wondering ‘What is the use of a hair serum?’, its sole purpose is to activate shrunken hair follicles that are opposing new hair growth. Your hair serum may not necessarily nourish the outer layer of the scalp, but it will certainly penetrate deeper into the scalp and nourish hair follicles.
WHEN TO APPLY HAIR SERUM?
The simplest way to answer this is– if you are facing extreme hair fall. An individual loses about 50-100 hair strands every day. Anything beyond this number is alarming, and that is when you should opt for a hair serum. Most women start noticing thinning of hair near the crown area or on the sides of their forehead, hair serums that consist of growth activating ingredients fill in these gaps with newer hair.
So if you are still confused if hair serum is good for you - well, if you are facing severe hair fall and want to prevent it from worsening further, using a hair serum would be a good idea.
What hair serum does ?
Active ingredients in the hair serum help reduce hair fall
Inactive hair follicles are activated thus hair health improves
Helps get rid of weak hair and replaces it with newer hair strands
Promotes healthy and thick hair growth (1)
WHAT IS HAIR OIL?
Hair oil is a nourishing blend derived from natural ingredients such as coconut, argan, jojoba, almond, and so on. It is packed with fatty acids that help moisturize and strengthen the scalp and hair. Scalp oiling and further oiling the hair strands helps reduce frizz, improve texture and also nourish a weak scalp. Hair oiling has been an ancient practice in India since it also has ayurvedic backing, in ayurveda the ‘Shiro abhyanga’ (head massage) using ayurvedic oils is said to have calming effects on the mind and scalp. (2)
Hair oiling also helps reduce inflammation of the scalp, dandruff and so on.
What hair oil does :
Deeply nourishes and strengthens hair
Prevents dryness and split ends
Promotes scalp health (some oils even help with dandruff)
Can improve hair growth over time
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN HAIR OIL AND HAIR SERUM?
|
FEATURE |
HAIR SERUM |
HAIR OIL |
|
MAIN PURPOSE |
Hair growth, hair fall control |
Scalp nourishment and repair |
|
TEXTURE |
Water-based, lightweight serum |
Oil based, thick |
|
INGREDIENTS |
Hair growth actives:
Redensyl, Capixyl, Pocapil, Minoxidil, Finasteride, Anagain |
Natural ingredients:
Coconut, Almond, Jojoba, Amla
|
|
WHEN TO USE |
Everyday or as directed by a dermatologist |
Before hair wash/ thrice a week |
|
APPLICATION AREA |
Scalp or affected/ balding areas |
Scalp and hair strands |
|
KEY BENEFITS |
Increased hair volume, reduces hair fall, accelerates hair regrowth |
Increased scalp nourishment and moisture, reduced frizz and breakage, restores hair shine and texture |
|
ABSORPTION |
Penetrates into the scalp to nourish hair follicles |
Penetrates into the scalp and strengthens hair roots |
HAIR SERUM V/S HAIR OIL. WHICH ONE IS BETTER?
If your goal is longer, thicker hair: Make a hair growth serum your daily ritual. Apply it to your scalp to nourish follicles and encourage hair growth.
If you deal with dry, weak hair: Use a hair growth oil 1-2 times a week for deep nourishment, and follow up with a growth serum for consistent support. (3)
If your scalp is oily but your hair isn’t growing: Skip heavy oils and go for lightweight hair growth serums that won't clog pores but still boost growth.
If you want something non-greasy you can use every day: Hair growth serums are usually water-based and lightweight — perfect for daily use, unlike oils.
CAN YOU REPLACE A HAIR OIL FOR A HAIR GROWTH SERUM?
The answer to this question is, no. Here’s why - Hair growth serum consists of active ingredients that are scientifically formulated and backed to help with hair growth and reduce hair fall. Hair oils, on the other hand, are derived from natural ingredients that can nourish the scalp and create a healthy environment for the hair to grow in.
Final Thoughts:
Hair growth serum and oil aren’t rivals, they’re teammates. Oil provides deep nourishment from root to tip, while serum focuses on consistency and targeting active hair growth concerns like thinning or weak follicles.
If your dream is to grow your hair stronger, thicker, and longer, consider combining the two. It’s not about picking one over the other. It’s about knowing when and how to use both for best results.
Your hair is an investment. Treat it like one, and watch it flourish!
FAQS
1. Can I use hair growth serum daily instead of oil?
Yes, you can use a hair growth serum daily — in fact, consistency is key with serums. Most hair growth serums are lightweight and meant for regular use. They’re designed to absorb into the scalp quickly without leaving it greasy, making them perfect for daily routines. But if your scalp feels extra dry or your hair feels brittle, adding an oil massage once or twice a week will give your roots that extra nourishment.
2. Which is better, hair oil or hair growth serum?
They serve different purposes, so it’s not about one being better than the other. Hair growth serums are focused, targeted treatments — usually packed with active ingredients like peptides, caffeine, or plant extracts to stimulate hair follicles and improve growth. Oils, on the other hand, deeply nourish the scalp and strands. Think of it this way: serum is your treatment, oil is your nutrition. Use both, and you’re giving your hair the best of both worlds.
3. Is hair growth serum healthy for hair?
Absolutely, as long as you’re choosing the right one for your scalp type and concerns. Good-quality serums help improve blood circulation in the scalp, support stronger roots, and reduce breakage over time. Just avoid applying too much or layering it with heavy products. A few drops on a clean scalp, gently massaged in, can go a long way.
4. Can we replace oil with hair growth serum?
You can, especially if you don’t like the greasy feel of oil or if you’re short on time. Hair growth serums are made to be lightweight and easy to apply without needing to wash off. However, oil still offers deeper conditioning and nourishment — so if your hair needs hydration and strength, oiling once in a while still helps. You can use a serum regularly, and oil when your hair needs some extra love.
5. What is the best hair care routine for growth?
Here’s a simple routine that focuses on hair growth:
Cleanse with a gentle, sulphate-free shampoo 2-3 times a week
Apply hair growth serum on a clean scalp daily or after every wash
Massage gently to boost blood flow
Oil your hair once or twice a week (overnight or for a few hours)
Eat well & stay hydrated — hair health starts inside
Limit heat styling and harsh chemical treatments