The problem with putting oil to your hair is that it may make it seem… greasy. If you have thick or curly hair, you may be able to style it using oils, but for everyone else, it’s more about feeding, hydrating, and preserving the follicles.
According to famous hairdresser Clariss Rubenstein, oils can improve all hair types. “Fine or coarse, everyone’s hair ends need some oil,” she says Byrdie. “It can be a lot or nothing, but please seal at least the very ends.”
According to UK-based trichologist Kate Holden, oils are also beneficial to the scalp. “Tea tree, peppermint, ginger, and cade oil, for example, can help ease irritation and reduce inflammation.” There is a recipe for you whether you want to enhance luster, smooth flyaways, seal broken ends, or promote new growth.
GET TO KNOW THE EXPERT
- Clariss Rubenstein is a famous hairstylist who specializes in scalp care and damage repair.
- Kate Holden, AIT, is a consultant trichologist located in the United Kingdom. She diagnoses and treats a variety of hair and scalp issues.
- Shelly Aguirre works as a hairdresser at Chicago’s Maxine Salon. She is an expert in hair cutting, blowouts, extensions, and keratin treatments.
List of The Best Hair Oils For To Achieve Healthy & Shiny Hair In 2023
1. Overall winner: Olaplex No.7 Bonding Oil
Olaplex strikes again. Our home tester gave the brand’s No.7 Bonding Oil a 4.9 out of 5 overall rating, praising how the lightweight solution left her hair lustrous while smoothing flyaways and minimizing frizz. It also provides heat protection from temperatures as high as 450 degrees, so if you frequently flat-iron or blow-dry your hair, this is the one for you.
Though Olaplex’s proprietary bond-building molecule was designed to counteract some of the damaging effects of bleach, hair color, and chemical processing, it can help any hair type. To nourish and increase suppleness, the technology is combined with grape seed and green tea oil.
What We Like
- Lightweight
- Repairs broken bonds
- Enhances elasticity
What We Don’t Like
- Expensive
2. Herbal Essences Bio:Renew Argan Aloe Repair Hair Oil Mist is the best value.
Herbal Essences was plant-based long before it was fashionable. This lightweight hair spray contains argan oil and aloe vera, which work together to tame flyaways, define curls, and restore weakened hair. The luscious plant aroma is also quite lovely.
What We Like
- Budget-friendly
- Lightweight
- Lovely aroma
What We Don’t Like
- PEGs are present.
3. L’Oréal Paris Elvive Extraordinary Oil Deep Nourishing Treatment is the best drugstore treatment.
According to Holden, “coconut oil is occasionally prescribed as an emollient to aid with dry skin and dandruff.” This natural moisturizer is combined with sunflower oil by L’Oréal to seal the hair cuticle and repair fragile hair.
What We Like
- Budget-friendly
- Versatile
- Lightweight
What We Don’t Like
- BHT is present.
4. Gisou Honey Infused Hair Oil is the best splurge.
We understand that this is a lot of money to pay for a few ounces of product, but if you can afford it, your hair will thank you. Gisou combines honey and sweet almond oil to hydrate dry, brittle hair, seal split ends, and provide thicker, shinier hair.
What We Like
- Strengthening
- Split ends are sealed.
- Shines the hair
What We Don’t Like
- dyes are present
5. The Body Shop Ginger Scalp Serum is the best serum.
Ginger Scalp Serum from The Body Shop is a favorite of Holden. The non-greasy, soothing formula claims to regulate oil production while alleviating dry, itchy scalp skin.
What We Like
- The formula is non-greasy.
- Oil production is balanced.
- Trichologist-recommended
What We Don’t Like
- Oil isn’t major element
6. British M Annatto Hair Oil is the best K-Beauty product.
This award-winning Korean treatment comprises a blend of hair-nourishing oils such as argan, sunflower, and pumpkin seed. The standout ingredient is annatto, a highly pigmented carotenoid that delivers antioxidant benefits while imparting a glowy golden tint to the concoction.
What We Like
- Product of distinction
- All hair types are suitable.
What We Don’t Like
- Expensive
7. Ouai Hair Oil is the best for shine.
If you’re looking for shine, go no further than Ouai Hair Oil. You only need a few drops of the high-gloss product to smooth frizz, add bounce, and create overall healthier-looking hair. The musky-floral scent is also nice.
What We Like
- High-gloss finish
- Frizz is reduced.
- Lovely aroma
What We Don’t Like
- Silicone is present.
8. Josie Maran 100% Pure Argan Oil is the best argan oil.
This best-selling tincture contains nothing but pure argan oil (hair’s favorite ingredient). It hydrates dry hair, combats frizz, temporarily seals split ends, and conditions damaged, brittle hair.
What We Like
- There is only one component.
- Frizz is reduced.
- Versatile
What We Don’t Like
- Expensive
9. Briogeo B. Well Organic + Cold-Pressed 100% Castor Oil is the best castor oil.
This organic castor oil is 100 percent pure, cold-pressed, and ethically obtained. It is also Fair Trade certified. Rich in fatty acids, it gives hydration and nourishment while preserving your hair follicles and boosting suppleness.
What We Like
- There is only one component.
- Organic
- Fair Trade item
What We Don’t Like
- Expensive
10. Carol’s Daughter Goddess Strength 7 Oil Blend Hair & Scalp Oil is ideal for damaged hair.
Goddess Strength, as the name suggests, is designed to restore damaged, brittle hair. Jojoba and castor oils are used to nourish, protect, and condition the skin while fostering new development.
What We Like
- Budget-friendly
- Promotes healthy development
What We Don’t Like
- Fine hair may become weighed down.
11. Pattern Jojoba Oil Hair Serum is ideal for curly hair.
Pattern’s ultra-moisturizing serum is your best choice if you have curls. A blend of olive, jojoba, rosehip, and safflower oils covers each strand to provide bounce and shine before focusing on rebuilding the skin barrier on your scalp to promote healthy hair from root to tip.
What We Like
- Increases bounce
- Shines the hair
- Promotes healthy development
What We Don’t Like
- Fine hair may become weighed down.
12. Mielle Organics Rosemary Mint Scalp & Hair Strengthening Oil is best for the scalp.
“There is some evidence that rosemary oil may aid in hair growth,” Holden explains. Mielle mixes this natural substance with peppermint and castor oils to combat dandruff, relieve irritation, and give nourishing hydration.
What We Like
- Budget-friendly
- It relieves itching.
- Promotes healthy development
What We Don’t Like
- Fine hair may become weighed down.
FAQ
What Should You Look for in a Hair Oil?
Plant Oils High in Nutrients
Shelly Aguirre, a hairdresser, suggests a few natural, plant-based oils as the finest oils for your hair. “Coconut oil is incredibly conditioning, and it is high in vitamins and minerals, which help cure the hair,” she explains.
She goes on to say that it’s also great for preventing heat damage, making it a great choice for drier textures. She also advises nut-derived argan and almond oils, both of which are high in protein and antioxidants. Another choice for thicker, curly hair is castor oil, which works well as a pre-shampoo treatment.
Mineral Oil should be avoided.
While the oils listed above are all excellent candidates for profoundly nourishing the hair, some should not be used to the scalp. As an example, consider Oil of mineral origin. Already regarded as a dubious component in the cosmetic industry, it is known to generate excessive accumulation, which not only causes scalp troubles but also leaves the hair feeling heavy and burdened down.
Formulations with No Fragrance
Some hair oils smell lovely, but if your scalp is very sensitive and prone to irritation, avoid products with added fragrance—even natural components like essential oils. This might result in scalp irritation, inflammation, and more significant outbreaks. If you like the aroma of a certain hair oil but are unsure how your scalp will respond to it, apply it solely to the ends and keep it as far away from the roots as possible.
Can a hair oil be used on greasy hair?
According to Aguirre, professionals have varied feelings about adding hair oil to greasy hair. “There are many different opinions on oil for greasy hair,” she explains. “While some haircare businesses promote using oil to oily scalps, most dermatologists advise not.”
She goes on to say that oil can block pores, which is bad in the long run, especially if you have scalp problems and breakouts. At the same time, the reason of an oily scalp will differ from case to case, and it might be difficult to identify at times. “If you have an oily scalp, I would recommend asking your professional stylist what actions to take and which products to use,” she advises.
Do hair oils induce acne on the scalp?
Scalp acne develops when hair follicles become blocked with oil, dead skin cells, or product accumulation, and it can be caused by a variety of circumstances. “If you have sporadic scalp acne, that’s quite normal—it might just be hormonal,” explains Aguirre.
She does, however, caution that more frequent breakouts might be caused by anything within, like as stress, or they can be triggered by the things you’re using, including hair oils.
Hair oils and other oil-based products can add to scalp accumulation, causing acne or worsening an existing problem. If your scalp is prone to acne, avoid using any oil-based products too near to the scalp or roots.
How should hair oil be applied?
Hair oils can be applied in a variety of ways, depending on the formula, weight, and unique demands of your hair. Hair may be soaked in oil as a deep-conditioning pre-shampoo treatment, or it can be applied to wet hair as a shine-boosting style treatment before to blowout. Lightweight compositions may also be used to reduce frizz and lock in shine on freshly done hair.
If you’re not using hair oil as a pre-shampoo treatment that you’ll wash away, Aguirre advises against applying it too close to your roots and scalp, especially if your hair is already oily.
When is it appropriate to use hair oil?
Hair oil can be applied to wet or dry hair at any time, depending on the formula, weight, and demands of your hair. Before a blowout, Aguirre loves to add hair oil on damp hair. “Depending on the density,” she says, “less may be more.” “Your brush will glide through your hair more easily, and it will protect you from the heat of your dryer.” It also improves shine and body.”
