If you’re spending lots of time brushing out knots, working more product into your hair to make it shinier and softer, you might want to try our hair oil. Adding this simple step into your hair routine has been shown to benefit your locks in a multitude of ways, from encouraging hair growth and scalp health to adding much-needed protection from heat damage and breakage.
Wondering if hair oil is for you? We chatted with two experts: Dr. David Kingsley, a board-certified trichologist, and Dr. Alan J. Bauman, a hair restoration surgeon and CEO and medical director of Bauman Medical Hair Transplant and Hair Loss Treatment Center. We also found several of the best oils for hair that are editor-approved, plus trending (but effective) formulas you’ll want to lather your locks with from here on out.
What to know about hair oil and the benefits of oiling your hair
When it comes to finding the right hair oil for you, Bauman suggests looking for ingredients that benefit your hair type and concerns. “It’s essential to consider your hair’s specific needs and choose a hair oil that aligns with them. Additionally, conduct a patch test before using any new product to ensure you don’t have any allergic reactions or sensitivities to the ingredients,” he says.
Kingsley says “People with very dry, curly and brittle hair” can benefit from using hair oils mainly because they have antioxidant properties that protect tresses from free radicals, inflammation, pollution and dandruff.
However, he believes that individuals with thin or oily hair, along with those who have sensitive scalps, should probably avoid using this product. Bauman says “the type of hair oil and the frequency of use may vary depending on the specific hair type and concerns.”
According to a study from the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, using essential oils on the hair and scalp can deliver serious benefits, including nourishing your hair follicles and adding additional moisture to your roots to provide extra strength to your tresses. Additional data also suggests that using hair oils helps with regulating sebum secretion, stimulating hair growth, relieving scalp inflammation and other benefits when oils are combined with other formulas.
The best hair oils according to editors and experts
Former associate editor Madison San Miguel loves this hair oil from the popular hair brand K18. She says, “My hair has become both thin and fine as I’ve gotten older, so oils can weigh it down if I’m not careful. This product doesn’t, and it makes my hair feel nice and appear less-frizzy, as promised. ”
I [Shigo] have pretty curly hair, but my hair is on the thinner side, so oils can be tricky for me. This one is so nourishing and makes my curls so defined. I love how it smells, and it makes my hair so shiny.
This honey-infused formula from Gisou is based on a family recipe that targets dryness and hair breakage. If you’re looking for a luminous finish without a heavy texture, this hair oil is the solution. In addition to Mirsalehi Honey, a natural humectant that draws and maintains moisture, it also contains coconut oil and almond oil to help protect hair from breakage, tame frizz and add shine.
Seal your split ends with this multitasking hair oil with over 2,600 five-star ratings at Kohl’s. Ouai’s formula provides a super-smooth finish while delivering a frizz-free texture after your styling session. Also, the galanga root extract ingredient will prevent your color from fading over time.I [Shigo] have used it and love how well it blends throughout my hair.
When you think of hair oil, you might picture this Olaplex one. It went viral for a reason because it helps seal split ends and adds so much shine. I [Shigo] use it after I shower and noticed a significant difference in how my split ends healed.
Video producer Anita Chomenko tried this hair oil from Fable and Mane and liked how it worked to get rid of frizz. She says, “I applied it to dry hair mid-length to ends. I noticed more definition and less frizz off the bat. It gave a glossy sheen without looking oily. It smoothed my hair without weighing it down.”
Arizona-based brand Dae says its products are inspired by glorious sunsets and simplicity, and this hair oil, with its fruity scents that harken “the desert in full bloom,” certainly fits the bill. For those with damaged, dry or curly hair, this oil promises to provide smooth texture and moisture to their strands. The bottle holds a nourishing blend of vitamins, antioxidants and fatty acids for a silky finish.
Moroccanoil Treatment Mist
San Miguel is a big fan of the original from Moroccanoil but recently tried this one from the brand. She says, “When they released the mist version of the treatment, a formula that is similar in perk but more lightweight, I knew it’d be an instant hit in my book. Each spritz leaves my hair less frizzy, shinier and smells like I just left the salon, all without weighing it down.”
San Miguel likes to pair this oil with minoxidil to boost the results. She says, “Results start showing in three months, but I started noticing improvement in density when pairing these two together compared to another scalp serum I was using in the past. I have yet to see new hair growth, but that takes time with these products. I loved that my hair felt and appeared fuller, though!”
Sydney Weber, a former commerce partnerships coordinator at Shop TODAY, loves this formula for its lightweight texture and how well it distributes on her hair.
“Oribe has been my go-to for hair, it smells delicious and makes my hair truly smooth. I feel like I just went to the salon/got a fresh blowout once applied & dried. Hair physically looks silky too!”
Can all hair types use hair oil?
Yes, all hair types can use hair oil, including dry, oily and color-treated hair. “However, the type of hair oil and the frequency of use may vary depending on the specific hair type and concerns,” shares Bauman.
Here are some of the tips and requirements he recommends for each hair type.
- Dry hair. “People with dry hair can benefit significantly from using hair oil, as it helps to moisturize and nourish the hair strands. Look for hair oils that contain hydrating and moisturizing ingredients like coconut oil, argan oil or olive oil. These oils can help replenish the lost moisture and improve the overall texture and shine of dry hair.”
- Oily hair. While some people with oily hair feel hesitant to use a hair oil, this can still be beneficial if used moderately. “Lighter oils like jojoba oil or grapeseed oil can be suitable for oily hair as they are less likely to weigh down the hair or make it greasy. Apply the oil sparingly to the ends of the hair, avoiding the scalp if you have particularly oily roots.”
- Color-treated hair. You need a safe and gentle oil if you have any color in your hair. Bauman suggests looking for formulas specifically designed for color-treated or damaged hair. “These will help protect the color and provide nourishment to the hair without causing any fading or damage.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Hair serums and hair oils may seem interchangeable, but they have their fair share of differences when it comes to treating scalps. While hair serums usually have a silicone-based formula that acts like a styling product and adds shine to your tresses, hair oils mainly serve as heat protectants while hydrating your hair at the same time.
In addition, most hair oils are used on damp hair to help with detangling and frizz control. This class of hair products also reduce the amount of water absorbed in your locks, leading to less intense scalp sweating over time.
"The frequency with which you can use hair oil depends on your hair type, the specific hair oil you are using and your hair's overall condition," says Bauman. That said, most people can use hair oil once or three times a week.
"If you are using the hair oil as a pre-shampoo or a mask, once a week is sufficient. If you are using it more as a styler, we would suggest two to three times a week depending on how often you are shampooing your hair," he adds.
You can use the hair oil as a pre-shampoo treatment or a scalp treatment overnight . Bauman recommends applying a small amount of oil on your scalp, massaging it and then using a brush to exfoliate your scalp before shampooing.
Oils can also be used as a hair mask or as a styler or leave-in before blow-drying your hair. "You can also apply it directly to your shampoo and/or conditioner," adds Bauman.
According to Bauman, is important to identify the type of hair loss you're dealing with first. "I believe hair oils for hair growth do work on some occasions but that mostly depends on the type of hair loss at hand and the presence of scientifically proven active ingredients," he shares.
Unfortunately, hair oils are just one "small tool" to help in hair restoration. Bauman suggests scheduling a visit with a board-certified hair restoration physician to "get a correct diagnosis, accurate hair density measurements and a solid hair restoration plan."
Common ingredients Bautman recommends looking for in an effective hair oil:
- Carrier oils. “These are the base oils that form the majority of the hair oil. Examples include coconut oil, argan oil, jojoba oil, almond oil, olive oil and grapeseed oil. Each carrier oil has unique properties, such as moisturizing, nourishing or providing shine to the hair.”
- Essential oils. “These are concentrated plant extracts that are often added to carrier oils. They can provide various benefits, such as promoting hair growth, improving scalp health and adding a pleasant fragrance. Some popular essential oils for hair include rosemary, lavender, peppermint and tea tree oil.”
- Vitamins and antioxidants. “Look for hair oils that contain vitamins like vitamin E, which can help nourish and protect the hair. Antioxidants can also help combat free radical damage, keeping your hair healthy and vibrant.”
- Proteins. “Some hair oils contain proteins like keratin or hydrolyzed silk, which can strengthen and repair damaged hair strands.”
- Herbal extracts. “Herbal extracts like aloe vera, hibiscus, and neem can have soothing and nourishing effects on the scalp and hair.”
- Silicone-free and natural oils. “If you prefer a more natural option, opt for hair oils that are free of silicones and artificial additives.”
How we chose the best hair oils
We chose the best hair oils based on customers’ reviews and selected those with ingredients recommended by our experts. The list compiles a mix of hair oils for different hair types and textures.
Meet the experts
At Shop TODAY, our reporters interview a range of qualified sources and experts to capture a wide scope of perspectives on a given topic. We also make sure that all expert guidance and recommendations are made independently and with no undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
- Dr. David Kingsley, PhD, FWTS, is a board-certified trichologist who has been specializing in hair and scalp treatments for more than 30 years.
- Dr. Alan J. Bauman is a hair restoration surgeon and CEO and medical director of Bauman Medical Hair Transplant and Hair Loss Treatment Center.
