If you’re after sleek, glossy locks (and honestly, who isn’t?!), then a good quality hair oil, serum, and heat protectant are a must-have in your haircare repertoire. These targeted products are a surefire way to ensure your strands are deeply nourished to give you that desired silky look.
Whether you’d like to combat dry hair, frizzy hair, frazzled hair, or dull hair – the best news is that ALL hair types can benefit from using hair oils and serums. The key is finding one that works best for your hair in particular. Plus, there’s a wide range of hair oils, serums and heat protectants on the market so you’re spoilt for choice to find a sophisticated, professional formula that works for you.
We know that oils and serums can be a bit confusing and intimidating, so here’s a rundown of everything you need to know…
What’s The Difference Between Hair Oil & Serum?
In short, hair serum is a styling product that makes your hair smooth and adds shine, while hair oil nourishes and improves your hair’s health by penetrating the hair cuticle. Although many hair serums include oils in their formulas, they are usually lighter and coat the hair rather than sinking into the strands. Keep in mind that there’s no identifying serum or oil as better than the other, as they offer different benefits, and both have distinctive qualities.
Hair Oils
Hair oil is a fantastic multitasking treatment that improves the condition of your hair and contributes to healthier, shinier, stronger hair. Their molecules are designed to absorb into the hair structure, rather than simply coating it, moisturising your strands with essential fatty acids that help prevent split ends and breakage.
Benefits of Hair Oils
Not all hair oils are created equal and different products will target different hair issues. That said, hair oils provide your tresses with vital ingredients to help combat frizz, soothe and hydrate dry hair, camouflage split ends, and give a luxurious shine. They’re also wonderful lubricants that help with detangling wet hair, and some contain heat protection for styling.
Who Should Use Hair Oils?
We firmly believe that everyone, regardless of their hair type, can benefit from using hair oil. Our best advice when choosing a hair oil (or serum) is to consider what you need the oil to do for your hair.
How to Apply Hair Oil
There are so many ways to apply hair oil. Whichever method you choose, the two most important things to remember are that even distribution is essential, and to apply away from the roots from mid-shaft downwards. Here are a few ideas:
- If your hair is damaged or dry, coat your hair with oil and leave on for at least 20 minutes, then wash it out. Thicker oil may require two shampoos.
- Use a few drops on dry hair to add extra nourishment to tame dry ends, smooth, and add shine.
- Apply to damp hair before blow drying.
- If you have thicker, coarser locks, use a few more drops for the best results.
What about Natural Oils?
The use of coconut oil, olive oil, and other non-professional oils is not good for your hair. The molecules are too big, and instead of penetrating into the hair shaft, they sit on the outside of the hair and cause a build-up. Secondly, it blocks the follicles, which adds to hair loss, especially on fine hair.
Hair Serums
‘Botox’ for your tresses? Sign us up! Hair serum is essentially a styling product with added benefits that boost your mane’s shine and softness. The silicone-based formulation coats the surface of your hair to seal the cuticles and form a barrier that protects your tresses against pollution, humidity, prolonged sun exposure, and heat. Serums also have a light-reflecting quality, which makes your strands appear shinier, healthier, and smoother.
Who Should Use Hair Serums?
As with hair oils, everyone should include a good qualified, professional hair serum in their haircare routine.
How to Apply Hair Serum
The best way to apply hair serum is to freshly-washed wet or damp hair. Less is more here, and only a few drops are needed. Flip your hair over and start applying from the tip upwards, concentrating on the ends and lengths. There are also treatment serums available that you can leave on your hair overnight.
Heat Protectants
Of all the factors that contribute to hair damage, heat styling may just be the worst. So if you use a heat styler on your hair, a good quality heat protectant is non-negotiable! A heat protectant acts as a shield and protective barrier between your hair and a hot tool and protects it from burning and drying out.
But be warned – not all heat protectants offer the same level of heat protection. Some thermal protectors are only suitable for blow drying, while others are suitable for higher heat when curling and straightening. Be sure to read about the product’s protection beforehand or ask your stylist – or give the Hair Network team a call.
Who Should Use a Heat Protectant?
Anyone who uses any form of heat styling on their hair should invest in a thermal protector. Heat protectants come in various forms including oils, serums, sprays and creams, and have targeted needs for repairing, blonde or coloured hair, fine hair, and dull hair.
How to Apply a Heat Protectant
Depending on the product, you may need to apply a heat protectant to damp or dry hair. The important part is to use it before applying any heat to your hair. Apply by section, and comb through to ensure even distribution.
SAVE Up To 30%
Hair Network is offering you up to 30% off high-quality, professional hair oils and serums until 30 April 2021. Shop our wide range of hair oils and serums on offer now!
Help – I Can’t Decide!
If you are still not sure which hair oil, serum or heat protectant product you should choose, our friendly team of haircare experts would be delighted to assist you. Contact us for a quick consultation on +27114670073/4 or email us at info@hairnetwork.co.za
