<p>“Everyone can benefit from using some form of oil on their hair,” says Kerry Yates, trichologist and founder of <a href=”https://www.colour-collective.com/our-team” rel=”nofollow”>Colour Collective</a>. “Natural oils can enhance shine and support hair’s overall health.” <br></p><p>With that in mind, we’ve gathered a list of the 17 best hair oils for every hair type and texture, below.</p>” />
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Pros
- Protects color
- Provides UV protection
- Free from DEA, aldehydes and formaldehyde
Cons
- Not great for air-drying
Olaplex is the go-to brand for anyone with seriously damaged hair, and their oil is the key to touchable, soft locks. Made with fermented green tea extract and the label’s patented ingredient Bis-aminopropyl diglycol dimaleate, it protects from heat damage, adds shine, reduces frizz, and makes your split ends look non-existent.
Amazon rating: 4.6/5 stars
Our testers say: “This Olaplex oil is one of my favorites because along with adding shine and hydration, it also doubles as a heat protectant. If you want to reduce the number of styling products you use, a two-in-one like this makes it easy.”—Tatjana Freund, beauty commerce writer
| Key Ingredients | Bis-aminopropyl diglycol dimaleate, vitis vinifera (grape) seed oil, fermented green tea oil |
|---|---|
| Hair type | All |
| Size | 1 fl. oz. |
2
Best For Dull Hair
Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Glossy Nourishing Anti-Frizz Hair Oil
2
Best For Dull Hair
Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Glossy Nourishing Anti-Frizz Hair Oil
Pros
- Helps combat dryness
- Ideal for split ends
- Heat protection up to 450°F
Cons
- Fragrance doesn’t last
With a cocktail of hydrating and protecting oils like pequi oil, this option is a must-have for hair that needs a serious drink of water. If your goal is to have hair so glossy it reflects light, a few drops of this oil will do the trick.
Sephora rating: 4/5 stars
A Sephora reviewer says: “My hair was dull, dry, and frizzy, until I found this!! Results are shiny, healthy-looking and feeling hair!! Can’t go wrong with this brand.”
| Key ingredients | Patauá oil, pequi oil |
|---|---|
| Hair type | Straight, wavy, curly, coily |
| Size | 2 fl. oz. |
Pros
- Free from parabens and mineral oils
- Provides deep nourishment
- Adds shine to dry hair
Cons
- May weigh down hair
Honey is a humectant, meaning that it attracts moisture to the hair. This oil is not only infused with the ingredient, but it also contains coconut oil, which Yates calls “a great natural emollient that can help detangle wet hair, prevent breakage, and enhance shine and suppleness.” Both lightweight and moisturizing, the formula can effectively help strands look and feel more nourished.
Sephora rating: 4.3/5 stars
A Sephora reviewer says: “Love this hair oil. Texture is slick and light, and the shine is unbelievable. Smells terrific. One of my favorites. Also used as an overnight treatment and pre wash.”
Specs
| Key ingredients
|
Coconut oil, almond oil, Mirsalehi honey |
|---|---|
| Hair type | Straight, wavy, curly, coily |
| Size | 1.7 fl. oz. |
4
Best For Flyaways
Moroccanoil Treatment Hair Oil
4
Best For Flyaways
Moroccanoil Treatment Hair Oil
Pros
- Detangles strands
- Ideal for medium and thick hair
- Improves hair shine
Cons
- May not be suitable for fine hair
An Amazon favorite, this product uses super-hydrating argan oil to impart shine and hydration to the hair. At the same time, it also tames flyaways, reduces frizz, and heals damaged strands.
Amazon rating: 4.6/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “Finally, a product that is easy to use and leaves my hair shiny, soft, with lots of body, wavy, and easy to curl and style…I use it daily, and a little bit goes a long way. I’ll be using this product from now on!”
| Key ingredients | Argan oil, linseed extract |
|---|---|
| Hair type | Straight, wavy, curly, coily |
| Size | 1.7 fl. oz. |
5
Best For Curly Hair
BREAD BEAUTY SUPPLY Hair Oil Everyday Gloss
5
Best For Curly Hair
BREAD BEAUTY SUPPLY Hair Oil Everyday Gloss
Pros
- Formulated without silicones
- Enhances shine
- Lightweight formula
Cons
- Too thick for some
Created specifically for curls, this oil uses nourishing ingredients like castor oil and argan oil, plus strengthening Kakadu plum oil, to soften and fortify strands from the inside out. Not only will this formula alleviate frizz and add moisture, but it’s also meant to be non-sticky and lightweight, making it hard to overuse.
Sephora rating: 4.1/5 stars
A Sephora reviewer says: “I got this about a month ago, and I’m loving the results. It’s definitely made my hair softer, and it’s helped with my dry ends.”
| Key ingredients | Kakadu plum oil, safflower oil, capryl capric triglycerides |
|---|---|
| Hair types | Straight, wavy, curly, coily |
| Size | 3.3 fl. oz. |
6
Best For Blondes
Kérastase Blond Absolu Strengthening Hair Oil
6
Best For Blondes
Kérastase Blond Absolu Strengthening Hair Oil
Pros
- Prevents color fading
- Floral scent
- Ideal for dryness and damage
Cons
- Not ideal for air-drying
For faux-blondes with severely dry, compromised hair, this oil is like liquid gold thanks to its edelweiss flower formula. While it hydrates, it also strengthens damaged hair so you can continue to bleach and heat style without causing more breakage.
Sephora rating: 4.6/5 stars
Our testers say: “When I was a blonde, every night I would slather this oil onto my strands before bed. In the morning, my hair would look shiny and healthy, and never too greasy.”—TF
| Key ingredients | Edelweiss flower |
|---|---|
| Hair type | Straight, wavy, curly, coily |
| Size | 3.4 fl oz. |
Pros
- Lightweight formula
- Cruelty-free
- Glossy finish
Cons
- Strong fragrance
This oil is a powerful moisturizer with nourishing ingredients like borage seed oil, but it also contains a beautiful scent that will make anyone close enough to get a whiff swoon. It’s a great product to use before you heat style to protect, and after to tame flyaways.
Amazon rating: 4.4/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “I absolutely love this entire line and company. My hair has never felt so healthy, so shiny, and so happy. I love everything about this oil. It doesn’t weigh my hair down, it helps my roots. Everything amazing has happened since I started using this entire line: Detox Shampoo, Thick Hair Shampoo/Conditioner, leave-in conditioner and oil. When I run out, and I use my other brands, I feel the difference. This is my number one haircare system.”
| Key ingredients | Ama oil, borage oil, baobab seed oil, African galanga root extract |
|---|---|
| Hair type | Straight, wavy, curly, coily |
| Size | 1.5 fl. oz. |
8
Best For Weak Hair
Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair! Strengthening Treatment Hair Oil
8
Best For Weak Hair
Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair! Strengthening Treatment Hair Oil
Pros
- Made with Briogeo‘s proprietary NOVA Complex
- Silicone-free
- Repairs hair cuticle
Cons
- Too heavy for some
Healthy hair is strong, which is why this oil uses ceramides to reinforce strands and make them less susceptible to damage. At the same time, a blend of oils helps repair the look and feel of split ends and dryness.
Ulta rating: 4.1/5 stars
An Ulta reviewer says: “I straightened my hair for years because it was too frizzy when I wore it naturally. I put this oil in and that’s no problem. A little goes a long way! You don’t need much to get the benefits. This product saved my hair!!! It is definitely worth the price.”
| Key ingredients | Ceramides, macadamia nut extract, rose flower oil and extract |
|---|---|
| Hair type | Straight, wavy, curly, coily |
| Size | 1 fl. oz. |
9
Best For Over-Processed Hair
Shu Uemura Essence Absolue Nourishing Protective Hair Oil
9
Best For Over-Processed Hair
Shu Uemura Essence Absolue Nourishing Protective Hair Oil
Pros
- Great for fine, medium, and thick hair
- Reduces appearance of frizz
- Hydrates strands
Cons
- Expensive
For severely dry hair, this product uses camellia oil to impart intense moisture. It’s beloved by colorists worldwide for its ability to deeply penetrate the hair shaft and make chemically-processed strands look and feel healthier.
Sephora rating: 4.6/5 stars
Our testers say: “My colorist recommended this hair oil for my over-processed, bleached strands. It deeply penetrates the hair shaft instead of just sitting on top, so you really get the most out of it.”—TF
| Key ingredients | Japanese red camellia oil |
|---|---|
| Hair type | Straight, wavy, curly, coily |
| Size | 5 fl. oz. |
10
Best For Styling Curls
Matrix A Curl Can Dream Lightweight Oil
10
Best For Styling Curls
Matrix A Curl Can Dream Lightweight Oil
Pros
- Vegan and clean
- Separates curls
- Lightweight finish
Cons
- Can be sticky
Curly girls know the power of hair oils. Here’s one that’s super lightweight and great for separating slept-on curls in the morning. Plus, sunflower seed oil and vitamin E help to prevent unwanted breakage and damage.
Ulta rating: 4.5/5 stars
An Ulta reviewer says: “The Matrix’s A Curl Can Dream oil is like no other! Really helped my curls pop! I noticed my hair did not look weighed down at all and looked healthy! Amazing smell!”
| Key ingredients | Sunflower seed oil |
|---|---|
| Hair type | Curly, coily |
| Size | 4.4 fl. oz. |
11
Best For Dyed Hair
JVN Complete Nourishing Hair Oil Shine Drops
11
Best For Dyed Hair
JVN Complete Nourishing Hair Oil Shine Drops
Pros
- Protects from humidity
- High-shine finish
- Prevents color fading
Cons
- Strong fragrance
The name says it all. This oil is deeply nourishing, courtesy of a combination of antioxidant-rich hibiscus extracts and moisturizing hemisqualane. As a nice bonus, the treatment also helps keep color from fading, so you can rock your new look for longer.
Sephora rating: 4.5/5 stars
A Sephora reviewer says: “Love the floral smell and how lightweight it feels. Oils tend to be thick, but this one is not thick at all.”
| Key ingredients | Hemisqualane, meadowfoam esters, hibiscus extract |
|---|---|
| Hair type | Straight, wavy, curly, coily |
| Size | 1.7 fl. oz. |
Pros
- Helps with a flaky scalp
- Ideal for low porosity hair
- Maintains hair elasticity
Cons
- Strong lavender smell
Not only does Pattern’s version help keep curls healthy and hydrated, but it also works double-time to ensure your scalp is being cared for, too. With a blend of moisturizing oils like lavender and jojoba oils, you’ll be amazed at how invisible this oil feels on your strands.
Ulta rating: 4.8/5 stars
An Ulta reviewer says: “This oil is amazing! It’s not heavy nor is it too lightweight. After applying to my hair, it stays moisturized for a few days with out re-applying. This is time-saving. I thought about the price point, which is a bit steep, but the oil is great and I love Ms. Ross!”
| Key ingredients | Jojoba oil, lavender oil, safflower oil |
|---|---|
| Hair Type | Wavy, curly, coily |
| Size | 3.9 fl. oz. |
13
Best For Thick Hair
OGX Extra Penetrating Hair Oil Treatment
13
Best For Thick Hair
OGX Extra Penetrating Hair Oil Treatment
Now 25% Off
Pros
- Protects hair from heat damage
- Hydrates dry hair
- Ideal for damp hair
Cons
- Unscented
For truly compromised strands, just a few drops of this oil should make a massive difference. Made with argan oil, it’s particularly great for thick hair, and since this bottle is pretty sizable–you won’t run out any time soon!
Amazon rating: 4.6/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “Product is moisturizing, cost-efficient, and has a great scent. A little goes a long way. I usually will do one drop, rub my hands, then pat into my hair ends.”
| Key ingredients | Argan oil |
|---|---|
| Hair type | Curly, coily |
| Size | 3.3 fl. oz. |
Pros
- Adds shine
- Eliminates frizz
- Conditions strands
Cons
- Too greasy for some
If you have finer hair that gets weighed down easily, you’ll reap the benefits of this product. Verb’s Ghost Oil is formulated with jojoba and moringa oils, the latter of which may also help boost hair growth. The formula is made to be incredibly lightweight and invisible (hence the name), so even people with thin hair should be able to use it without any worry of falling flat.
Amazon rating: 4.7/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “I have very fine, long hair and was looking for a hair oil that would give it a boost of shine and smoothness. A little bit of this product goes a long way. I just put a little bit on my ends when my hair is about damp and continue to blow dry. I’ve noticed my hair is much more smooth and less frizzy after blow drying.”
| Key ingredients | Jojoba oil, moringa oil |
|---|---|
| Hair type | Wavy, curly, coily, straight |
| Size | 2 fl. oz. |
Pros
- Can be used on wet or dry hair
- Nourishes strands
- Adds shine
Cons
- Strong fragrance
XMONDO’s Viper Smoothing Oil is built like a pore-smoothing primer for your hair. If you’re looking for a way to get slick, air-brushed locks, a quick pump of this product should do the trick. It has carrot seed oil, which is said to promote shinier, smoother locks and help soothe dandruff, and baobab oil, which is high in omega fatty acids that can help lock in moisture and smooth frizz.
XMONDO Rating: 4.6/5 stars
An XMONDO reviewer says: “This is my favorite oil. It makes my curls look smoother then anything I’ve tried, and I have tried a lot of stuff. Definitely will purchase again, but I think this bottle will last me a long time!”
| Key ingredients | Argan oil, carrot seed oil, baobab oil |
|---|---|
| Hair type | All |
| Size | 1.7 fl. oz. |
16
Best For Hair Prep
Bumble and bumble Bb.Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil Heat/UV Protective Primer
16
Best For Hair Prep
Bumble and bumble Bb.Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil Heat/UV Protective Primer
Pros
- Detangles hair
- Prevents color fade
- Cuts frizz by 50 percent
Cons
- A bit heavy for some
This oil is crafted to offer the texture of a skin serum and is a great first step before styling. Your strands are in good hands, as this oil protects against heat damage and preps the hair for every other product in your routine with its moisturizing sweet almond oil and macadamia nut oil.
Ulta rating: 4.7/5 stars
An Ulta reviewer says: “My absolute favorite heat protector. It’s the only one that doesn’t make my hair look or feel greasy. It also smells amazing.”
| Key ingredients | Coconut oil, macadamia nut oil, sweet almond oil, safflower oil, grapeseed oil |
|---|---|
| Hair type | Wavy, straight, curly |
| Size | 8.5 fl. oz. |
Pros
- Coconut scent
- Lightweight finish
- Protects from environmental stressors
Cons
- Difficult to get out of bottle
Using Virtue’s signature Keratin protein, the goal of this oil is to deliver relief to over-processed, dehydrated hair. Just a few drops will improve your hair’s glossiness with the help of tocopherol, which is high in shine-boosting vitamin E.
Amazon rating: 4.5/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “No oily residue. I’m on my 4th bottle. It is liquid gold for my hair. I have highlighted, waist-length hair and can apply this three or four times a day, and my mane never feels oily or heavy. My hair is in the best condition it’s ever been thanks to Virtue’s Healing Oil! I have five stocked in my cabinet and now my 28-year-old daughter with waist-length hair uses it.”
| Key ingredients | Tocopherol, kalahari melon seed oil, tahitian gardenia flower |
|---|---|
| Hair type | All |
| Size | 1.7 fl. oz. |
What’s the difference between hair oil and hair serum?
With so many options out there, you may have already mistaken a serum for an oil. However, hair oil and serum have two different benefits. “Hair serums are usually thicker in texture and have an almost greasy feel. If they’re marketed as a styling serum, they will also include some type of resin that sits on top of the hair to assist in creating a specific style/bend to the individual hair strand. If the serum is named a treatment, the serum will still lay on the hair but will be more pliable and act as a barrier of sorts to ensure the hair feels soft until rinsed away.”
What’s the best way to apply a hair oil?
“There is no specific way to apply oil, but I always apply top-down following the direction of the cuticle layer versus going against the direction of the cuticle layer,” says Yates. “If you go against the cuticle direction, you are, in essence, roughing the cuticle up. Hair will look flat and/or lackluster when the cuticle is rough. In addition, roughing up the cuticle can expose the hair to styling and friction damage.”
Are there any ingredients to avoid when shopping for a hair oil?
Yates suggests limiting your use of silicones, mineral oils, and petrolatum. “These ingredients are brilliant for instantly adding softness or shine to hair strands, however, when applied to the scalp, they can close follicles,” she says. “When used in conditioning products, they can weigh down fine, thin hair, making it appear oily and lifeless. In addition, these ingredients can act as a barrier to prevent moisture balance, which long-term leads to frizz.”
Fashion & Luxury Commerce Editor
Tatjana Freund is Hearst’s Fashion & Luxury Commerce Editor, covering beauty, fashion and more across multiple brands. Previously, she worked at ELLE.com and Marie Claire. She’s a fan of whiskey neat, podcasts that give her nightmares, and one time Zoë Kravitz laughed at a joke she made.
Contributor
Casey Clark is a freelance journalist who specializes in beauty, health, and style-related commerce content. She graduated from Hofstra University with a degree in journalism. Her work has been published in Women’s Health, Forbes, Better Homes & Gardens, and more.
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