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When it comes to caring for your hair, choosing the right products can feel overwhelming. Should you use a serum or a balm? What’s the difference? And can you use both together? We’re breaking down everything you need to know about hair care serums and balms, plus how to layer them as part of your routine.
Understanding the Difference: Serum vs Balm
Hair Growth Serums: Lightweight Scalp and Hair Care
Hair growth serums are lightweight, oil-based or water-based formulas that can be incorporated into a consistent scalp and hair-care routine to help condition the scalp and hair.
Our Serums:
- Glow Luxe Hair Growth Serum - Lightweight formula for scalp and hair conditioning
- Glow Luxe Strengthening Hair Growth Serum (Batana Oil) - Enriched with batana oil for a richer serum option
Best for:
- Direct scalp application
- A lightweight option for scalp and hair conditioning
- Those who prefer lighter product formulations
- Incorporating into a consistent scalp and hair-care routine
Hair Growth Balms: Rich Conditioning for Lengths and Ends
Hair growth balms are thicker, richer conditioning products that can help soften the hair, add manageability, and help reduce moisture loss.
Our Balms:
- Glow Luxe Hair Growth Balm - Rich formula for conditioning and softening
- Glow Luxe Strengthening Hair Growth Balm - A richer conditioning option for hair that responds well to heavier products
Best for:
- Conditioning lengths and ends
- Those who prefer richer, more emollient products
- Protective styles maintenance
- Adding manageability and helping reduce moisture loss
Serum vs Balm: Quick Comparison
| Feature | Serum | Balm |
|---|---|---|
| Texture | Lightweight liquid | Thick cream |
| Product Feel | Lighter oil/serum consistency | Richer balm consistency |
| Primary Use | Scalp and hair conditioning | Richer conditioning for lengths and ends |
| Application | Follow product directions | Follow product directions |
| Hair Type | Suitable for a range of hair types | Suitable for a range of hair types |
| Frequency | Based on individual needs and product directions | Based on individual needs and product directions |
Which One Do You Need?
Consider a Serum If You:
- Want a lightweight option for scalp and hair conditioning
- Prefer lighter products that don’t feel heavy on the hair
- Want to incorporate a serum into a consistent scalp and hair-care routine
- Prefer a product that applies easily to the scalp
Recommended: Try our Glow Luxe Hair Growth Serum as a lightweight option, or the Batana Oil version for a richer serum.
Consider a Balm If You:
- Want a richer conditioning product for the lengths and ends
- Prefer more emollient, heavier products
- Are maintaining protective styles
- Want to help condition, soften, and add manageability to your hair
Recommended: Try our Glow Luxe Hair Growth Balm for conditioning and softening, or the Strengthening version for a richer option.
The Best of Both Worlds: How to Use Serum and Balm Together
You don’t have to choose just one. Using both a serum and balm can address different aspects of your hair-care routine — here’s one way to layer them.
An Example Routine: Serum and Balm Together
Step 1: Apply Serum to Scalp
- Part your hair in sections
- Apply your chosen serum directly to your scalp
- Massage gently with fingertips to help distribute the product
Step 2: Apply Balm to Lengths and Ends
- Apply balm to the length of your hair, focusing on the ends
- Start with a small amount and add more as needed
- Cover with a satin bonnet or sleep on a satin pillowcase if wearing overnight
The Protective Style Routine
If you’re wearing braids, twists, or other protective styles:
Installation Day:
- Apply serum to your scalp before installing the style
- Massage gently to distribute product
- Apply balm to any exposed hair ends
Maintenance (as needed based on your style and hair):
- Apply serum to your scalp using the nozzle or dropper
- Massage gently without disturbing the style
- Apply balm to any exposed hair ends as needed
Pro Tips for Using Serum and Balm Together
Layering Order
- Starting with serum on the scalp and balm on the lengths and ends is a general approach — adjust based on your routine and how your hair responds
- LOC/LCO product order may also vary depending on your individual routine
Amount Control
- Start with a small amount of each product and add more as needed
- Less is more — you can always add, but too much causes buildup
- Adjust amounts based on your hair density, strand thickness, styling needs, and how your hair responds
Application Zones
- Serum: Focus on scalp and roots
- Balm: Focus on mid-lengths and ends
- Overlap is okay if your hair and scalp respond well to it
Consistency and Frequency
- Follow product directions and adjust frequency based on your individual needs, buildup, and how your hair responds
- Pay attention to how your hair feels and adjust your routine accordingly
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Don’t:
- Applying too many products at once — start with small amounts and adjust to avoid buildup and greasiness
- Using too much product — buildup can affect the feel and performance of your routine
- Applying products over significant existing buildup — cleanse as needed before reapplying
- Expect overnight results — consistent routines take time
- Using balm heavily on the scalp if it causes buildup for your hair type
✅ Do:
- Start with serum on the scalp and balm on the lengths and ends as a general guide
- Apply products gently and distribute evenly
- Be consistent with your routine
- Adjust amounts based on your hair’s needs and response
- Protect your hair at night with satin or silk
- Track your progress with photos
The Bottom Line: Serum, Balm, or Both?
Serum and balm serve different purposes. The serum is a lighter option for scalp and hair conditioning; the balm provides richer conditioning for the lengths and ends. You might use a serum, a balm, both, or neither — it depends on your hair, scalp, styling routine, and how your products perform for you. Think of it like a skincare routine: different products address different needs.
Explore the Glow Luxe Hair Care Collection
Your routine does not need to include every product. Choose based on your individual hair and scalp needs.
Serums:
Balms:
Also available: Pair your serum and balm with our Glow Luxe Hair & Skin Glow Oil for additional conditioning.
Explore the collection and build a routine based on your individual hair and scalp needs.
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Disclaimer:
The information provided in this blog post is for educational and informational purposes only. While we strive to provide accurate and helpful beauty and hair care advice, this content is not intended as medical advice and should not be used to diagnose or treat any health conditions. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider or dermatologist before starting any new hair care routine, especially if you have scalp conditions, allergies, or sensitivities.
Individual results may vary based on hair type, texture, porosity, and overall health. What works for one person may not work for another, and we encourage you to listen to your hair’s unique needs.
This post may contain links to products available at Underneath The Makeup. We stand behind the quality of our Glow Luxe products and only recommend what we genuinely believe will benefit your hair care journey.
