13 Best Hair Oils to Keep Your Strands Shiny and Moisturized
Ready to bid farewell to bad hair days for good? More specifically, split ends and dry lack luster tresses? It might be time to add hair oil to your daily hair care routine for these very reasons! “Hair oil penetrates the cuticle of the hair and repairs it from within,” says Nikki Ferrara, celebrity colorist at Nikki Ferrara Hair Color in NYC. “Your hair ends up being more silky and smooth and will be able to retain more moisture.” Think of hair oil like vitamins for your hair, keeping hair healthy and nourished with important ingredients that promote softness and growth while preventing split ends and weak strands.
We know, hearing the words “hair” and “oil” in the same sentence might remind you of the way your hair looks after a spin class. But the reality is that the right hair oil can give you shiny, Instagram-worthy strands—even if you frequently heat-style, bleach, or struggle with tangling after wash day. This quick fix can tame frizz, infuse much-needed shine, and mask split ends, all while adding major moisture. Read on for the need-to-know details about choosing the right hair oil for your hair type and hair health—including product recommendations from experts that will have you clicking “add to cart” and getting closer to your dream hair goals.
About the Experts:
Nikki Ferrara is a celebrity colorist based in New York City. Her celebrity clientele includes Ellie Kemper, Olivia Wilde, and Mila Kunis, among others. After years working at esteemed salons, including Oscar Blandi and Sally Hershberger, Ferrara opened her own bespoke salon, Nikki Ferrara Hair Color.
Hayleigh Hatcher is an esteemed hair stylist based in New York City. In addition to the red carpet, her looks have also been featured in Vanity Fair and Vogue. Her work is centered on the belief that hair should be effortless, functional, and a form of self expression. She currently works at Nikki Ferrara Hair Color.
How to Choose the Right Hair Oil for You
In order to get the most out of the product, it’s important to select the right hair oil for your hair type. “There are different oils that are better for different uses. Argan oil is great for chemically-damaged hair, while camellia oil can keep frizz at bay and castor oil and jojoba oil is said to promote hair growth,” says Ferrara, who recommends honing in on what you hope to achieve and doing your homework before you start slathering oil all over your strands.
How Do You Use Hair Oil Properly?
Hair oil seems like one of those products that is difficult to learn how to use. But, we promise you it's easy! There is no reason to be intimidated by them—applying them and reaping their benefits is just as easy as washing your hair or choosing a hair mask to indulge in during your Sunday reset beauty routine.
While hair oil can be used on wet or dry hair, if you use it on dry hair after styling, Hayleigh Hatcher, hair stylist in NYC, recommends using it sparingly. “When working with dry hair you want to use [it] much more sparingly, since oil can actually make the hair look wet if over applied,” Hatcher says. Your application technique really depends on the thickness and length of your hair, but when all else fails, adhere to this tip: “Add some oil starting from the ends and working your way up the head, and lightly comb or brush it through,” Hatcher says.
The Best Hair Oils by Hair Type
Not sure which hair oil is right for you? Well, you’ve come to the right place. We rounded up the best hair oils for every hair type to take the guesswork out of restoring the health of your hair.
1. Best Hair Oil for Mature Hair:
NATURELAB. TOKYO Perfect Smooth Hair Oil
Hair that’s lost some verve due to heat damage or aging will bounce right back with this NATURELAB.TOKYO Perfect Smooth Hair Oil. Argan stem cells stimulate growth in the hair follicles, quinoa proteins reinforce limp, lifeless strands, and marula oil adds moisture from root to tip. Not convinced? Don’t just take our word for it. One Ipster wrote in her Glam Bag review of this hair product, “I love this so much. I put a few pumps into my conditioner and my hair is so soft and smooth.” Apply it to damp hair as a styling aid or to dry hair to slick away flyaways throughout the day.
2. Best-Smelling Hair Oil:
OUAI Hair Oil
We use this hairdresser-favorite OUAI Hair Oil to smooth frizz, protect strands from heat styling, and lend an extra luster to dull hair, but we also low-key use it as hair perfume because it smells that good. Trust us. “This scent is divine, and it calmed my frizz without heaviness,” one Ipster wrote in her review. “Makes my hair so shiny!” another Ipster added. Work 1-3 drops through damp hair or toss it in your favorite makeup bag for on-the-go frizz control.
3. Best Multitasking Hair Oil:
EVA NYC Hungry Hair Oil Treatment
Hair craving nourishment can look brittle, dull, and lifeless. Give it life with this EVA NYC Hungry Hair Oil Treatment. This potent formula delivers a healthy dose of hydrating argan oil (naturally packed with vitamin A, vitamin E, and hair growth-promoting essential fatty acids), plus Keravis Protein for extra strand strength and protection. All of these ingredients are great for skincare, as well, which is why some Ipsters use it to soothe dry areas everywhere: “non-greasy, moisturizing treatment. Good for cuticles and hands as well,” as one Ipster said.
4. Best Strengthening Hair Oil:
BRIOGEO HAIR CARE Don't Despair, Repair!™ Strengthening Treatment Oil
This nourishing hair treatment is designed to provide intense hydration and repair for damaged and brittle hair. It’s a lightweight oil with rosehip, almond, and argan oil, which work together to strengthen and bring shine to your hair. We love how smooth it feels and it doesn’t weigh down hair at all despite its powerful strengthening abilities. Try this for a month and compare the difference, you’ll be shocked!
5. Best Hair Oil for Split Ends:
MARC ANTHONY Hydrating Coconut Oil & Shea Butter Oil Treatment
This oil treatment is filled with natural ingredients that will deeply penetrate your hair shaft to help repair and strengthen from the inside out. Coconut oil is well-known for its ability to moisturize and condition hair, while shea butter helps to seal in moisture and provide a protective barrier against environmental stressors that can cause further damage to our hair.
This oil can be used on all hair types, even color-treated hair. But it is especially beneficial for those with dry, frizzy, or brittle hair, as it helps to improve manageability, reduce breakage, and tame any flyaways.
6. Best Hair Oil for Frizzy Hair:
POMELO + CO. Vanilla Hair Elixir
Infused with the sweet and comforting scent of vanilla, this serum-oil transforms your hair care routine into a heavenly sensory experience. It’s only $30 which makes owning this hair product truly feel like a secret luxury beauty hack. It has coconut, jojoba, and rosehip seed oils to strengthen strands and reduce frizz. You only need a couple drops to work your way through both your ends but anywhere else you want to tame flyaways. A little goes a long way making this product a huge bang for your buck.
7. Best Hair Oil for Heat Protection:
OUTRÉ BY USE ME Hair Oil
Multi-tasking hair products are basically our editors love language. Who doesn’t love a two-in-one? Or a product that has more than one amazing benefit to unlock your best hair yet. You can simplify your hair care routine with this oil from OUTRÉ BY USE ME—it’s CBD-infused which can help heal your hair from the cuticle with baobab protein, coconut oil, and olive oil. It also offers heat protection so you can feel confident when using your hot tools that your strands are protected!
8. Best Hair Oil for Sun Protection:
DEW OF THE GODS Amalfi Gold Hair Serum
Luxury in a bottle? This is it. One of the key ingredients in this hair serum is 24K gold flakes. These flakes provide a radiant and luminous finish, almost like a highlighter for your hair! The oil serum is made with argan oil and jojoba oil, which will deeply hydrate and condition your hair. Thanks to its high level of antioxidants it will provide protection from your hot tools but also the sun, making it the perfect companion to pack in your beach day if you want to protect your hair (especially if its colored) from becoming too light.
9. Best Hair Oil for 4C Curls:
TRUFFLUV Argan Oil
It’s no secret curly hair needs tons of hydration to retain its curl pattern and always look its best. The combination of Argan Oil and black truffle extract in TRUFFLUV's Argan Oil is the perfect weight to nourish 4c curls. The Argan Oil conditions and smooths out frizz, while the black truffle extracts boosts shine and protection for the ultimate softness. You’ll notice this hair oil is a bit heavier making it more suitable for curly hair and not so ideal for someone with a finer or less dense hair type.
10. BestHair Oil for Fine Hair:
LABEL M Rejuvenating Radiance Oil
If you have fine or oily hair, you’re no stranger to how products can affect your volume and also how often you need to wash your hair. Shampoos, hair masks and hair oils can make your hair appear more greasy so finding lightweight formulas is essential. The Rejuvenating Radiance Oil is lightweight and non-greasy that very quickly absorbs into the hair, without weighing it down. You can apply it to damp hair before styling to protect against heat damage and create a smooth and frizz-free finish. Alternatively, you can apply a small amount to dry hair to add shine and tame any flyaways.
11. Best Overnight Hair Oil Treatment:
VOIR A Walk in the Sun: Luxury Hair Oil
Want to wake up with the perfect lived-in, beachy waves? This is the hair oil you absolutely need. It locks in moisture without leaving hair greasy and helps release amazing natural looking beachy waves. It gives your hair a little bit of texture which is great if you’re needing some extra volume. You can use it on its own and let your hair dry overnight while sleeping on a silk pillowcase or you can blow out or diffuse your hair after applying too.
12. Best Hair Oil for Dryness:
EARTH HARBOR NATURALS Sunstone Hair Revive Elixir
Packed with botanical extracts, vitamins, and natural oils, Sunstone Hair Revive Elixir is formulated to deeply nourish and hydrate your hair, restoring its natural shine and vitality. Key ingredients such as aloe vera, sea kelp, and rosehip oil work in harmony to repair and protect your hair from environmental damage, while promoting hair growth and thickness. It easily absorbs into the hair, without leaving a greasy residue. It can be used on wet or dry hair, and a little goes a long way.
13. Best Hair Oil for Beginners:
REHAB. Dose 1.0 Hair Oil Capsules
Are you just getting onboard for your healthy hair journey? Amazing! This is the fun part, where you figure out what your hair loves best and what product textures and ingredients you tend to gravitate towards. This hair oil is perfect for beginners as it comes in pre portioned biodegradable capsules. It also has more of a serum texture if you’re weary about using an oil in the first place. We love that it has both Moroccan and jojoba oils plus aloe vera, and vitamins A, C, E, and B5. This product is a game changer for stressed out hair in need of a routine redirection.
Looking for more ways to elevate your hair care routine? Take our Beauty Quiz now to get started. Already an Ipster? Refer your friends to earn points, which you can use toward products. Either way, don’t forget to check us out on Instagram and Twitter @IPSY.
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