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The best hair oils for every hair type, according to hair stylists

 

We spoke to three hair stylists about the top oils for healthier and stronger locks. Here’s what they had to say.

Does your hair need some TLC? A good hair oil could do the trick.

But knowing which hair oil to buy for your hair concern, hair type, and hair goals can be tricky. That’s where we step in.

We interviewed three hair experts about the process of hair oiling, whether it works and the best products to use.

Keep reading to see what our experts have to say, as well as our favorite products for healthier, more voluminous locks.

 

Expert-recommended oils

With the help of our trusted experts, we've rounded up the best hair oils for every hair type.

For promoting hair growth

Mielle Organics Rosemary Mint Scalp & Hair Strengthening Oil

This popular hair oil went viral on TikTok with buyers raving about the visible results for hair growth. 

But do the hair professionals approve?

YES!

“It’s infused with biotin to gain volume in the hair and also has 30 essential oils to encourage circulation, hydration, strength and growth," Raven Hurtado, a stylist at Maxine Salon in Chicago tells Smart Shopper.

‘Its main ingredient, Rosemary, is also shown to have the same effect as minoxidil (rogaine), a treatment for male or female pattern baldness,” adds Amanda Ozard, a hairstylist and extension specialist in New York City. 

For that reason, it’s her number one hair oil.

For medium to thick hair

Moroccanoil Treatment Hair Oil

Looking for an oil to tame unruly locks? This argan-infused treatment works to make thicker hair more manageable and smoother following use.

“Often referred to as ‘liquid gold’, argan oil is rich in vitamin E and fatty acids, making it great for softening and adding shine to hair,” explains Tabitha Osman, a holistic trichologist and hair stylist at Haven Holistic Salon in Matthews, North Carolina.

Top tip: Apply it on damp hair to lock in moisture, or on towel-dried hair to detangle or dry hair for mirror-like shine.

For different hair concerns

Kerastase Elixir Ultime Hair Oil

Hurtado loves this serum for its versatility.

Thanks to its light formula, it can be used as a “pre-shampoo treatment to nourish and hydrate the scalp, or as a finishing spray to tame frizz and flyaways,” she explains.

It also contains a lesser-known but equally powerful ingredient, marula oil, which is excellent for strengthening hair.

“Packed with antioxidants and essential fatty acids, marula oil is great for moisturizing and adding shine without weighing hair down,” reveals Osman.

So, if you want supple, soft hair, this is what you need.

For dry hair

Gisou Honey Infused Hair Oil

Dry hair suffers from problems like frizz, lack of shine and lack of hydration. This oil overcomes these concerns.

Its infusion of honey stands out, but it’s the presence of coconut oil that makes it so effective.

“Ideal for deep conditioning, coconut oil penetrates the hair shaft to nourish and repair making it one of the best oils for dry hair,” says Osman.

Other key ingredients include mirsalehi honey, which retains moisture and almond oil, which protects and strengthens damaged hair.

For fine to thick hair

OUAI Hair Oil

A celebrity favorite, Hurtado recommends the OUAI Hair oil for fine to thick hair.

This lightweight oil works “to repair split ends, make the hair smoother and prevent frizz,” she explains.

Its lighter consistency also means it won't weigh hair down but still provides nutrient-rich nourishment for your hair. 

Ama oil protects hair from humidity, preventing color fading and breakage while borage oil smooths frizz and nourishes the hair, leaving a glossy and salon-worthy shine.

With a French-inspired fragrance laced with floral notes, it smells good, too.

For damaged hair

K18 Biomimetic Hairscience Mini Molecular Repair Hair Oil

If you want your hair to have more life and bounce, this is the formula Hurtado recommends.

Suitable for all hair types, this bio-tech-engineered oil can be applied to damp or dry hair to “reverse frizz damage, enhance shine and maintain hair color vibrancy,” she explains.

The secret to its success is its key ingredient, K18PEPTIDE, which works to reconnect broken hair fibers, smoothing your hair's overall appearance.

For a custom oil

Prose Custom Hair Oil

Ozard praises Prose's detailed level of customization for all hair types.

“You fill out a survey about texture, length, hair color, styling, lifestyle and more and you get a custom formula of clean ingredient products,” she tells us. 

Need more convincing? Each custom product is free from parabens, sulfates, phthalates and mineral oils and is cruelty-free. You can also further customize your formula to be vegan, silicone-free, or fragrance-free, depending on your preferences.

For natural hair

PATTERN Jojoba Hair & Scalp Oil Blend

With an ultra-lightweight formula, this oil works magic when it comes to retaining moisture and preventing damage for low-porosity hair types.

Alongside its delightful scent, it contains a powerful blend of oils, most notably Jojoba oil, which strengthens hair follicles and promotes hair growth.

“Closely mimicking the scalp's natural oils, jojoba oil is excellent for balancing oil production and maintaining a healthy scalp,” explains Osman. 

Best of all? It also relieves itchiness and flaking on dry scalps.

Does hair oiling actually work?

Yes!

Hair oiling can significantly improve hair health. 

“It’s not a quick fix and consistency is key. Any hair growth vitamin, serum, or remedy will say it takes three months to see results and hair oiling is no different,” Ozard explains. 

“Results will look like new growth at first, which is shorter hairs coming out of the scalp and throughout. Eventually, this will lead to fuller hair, but it takes time.”

What should you consider when choosing a hair oil?

Choosing the right hair oil depends on understanding your hair's unique needs and concerns.

According to Osman, these are the best types of oil for different hair types:

For dry or brittle hair: Oils like coconut or argan can offer deep hydration. 

For fine hair: This type of hair benefits from lightweight oils such as jojoba or marula, which won't weigh it down. 

For those with an oily scalp: Lighter, non-comedogenic oils that balance sebum production, like jojoba, are ideal. 

For hair growth or scalp health: Consider oils with added nutrients or essential oils, ensuring they're properly diluted with a carrier oil.

How to properly oil your hair

“It’s so important to detangle the hair with a gentle detangling brush first,” says Ozard.

“Then, once the hair is completely detangled, brush the scalp to stimulate. Next, add your oil to the entire scalp and massage for three to five minutes. Leave on for a minimum of one hour and wash thoroughly.”

But how often should you do this?

It depends on your hair concerns and goal. 

“For scalp health, a light application once or twice a week is beneficial, while for hair loss concerns, daily use can be advantageous,” adds Osman.

“Depending on your length of hair, a few drops is all that is needed.’”

For the hair, focus on the middle section of the hair to the ends. And for the scalp, add a few drops on the fingertips and massage it into the scalp, she advises.

Voilà! You’re now a hair-oiling pro!

5 expert tips and tricks

Knowing which is the best oil treatment for hair is the first step, but knowing how to use it is another.

Here are some professional tips to help you along your haircare journey.

1. “You should oil your hair once or twice a week,” says Hurtado.
2. “Be consistent, be patient. Document your hair growth once a month with photos. Otherwise, it can be hard to notice because it’s such a slow process,” says Ozard.
3. “Before embracing a new oil, especially if you have sensitive skin, it's wise to perform a patch test to avoid any unwanted reactions,” advises Osman.
4. “Try using a silk pillowcase and braiding your hair at night to keep hair protected during sleep,” suggests Ozard. 
5. “Enhance your conditioner by adding a few drops of hair oil to your hair, transforming it into a nourishing mask during your shower routine,” explains Osman.

So, what are the best hair oils?

The best hair oils are the fairy godmothers of your tresses. So, if you want luscious, healthy hair soon, it's time to invest. Here are the best of the bunch:

• Mielle Organics Rosemary Mint Scalp & Hair Strengthening Oil: The viral sensation received our expert’s approval for its ability to strengthen and promote healthy hair growth.
• Kerastase Elixir Ultime Hair Oil: Versatile, lightweight and incredibly nourishing, this oil is great for moisturizing the hair without weighing it down.
• OUAI Hair Oil: This lightweight, yet powerful oil fights frizz, repairs split ends and smooths hair, making it one of the best oils for fine to thick hair.

Luscious locks are just a hair oil away…

Meet the experts

Amanda Ozard, the go-to girl for fine hair in New York, is a hairstylist and extension specialist in New York City.  Most of her clients have fine hair and come looking for a solution. They all want fuller, longer hair. While extensions are a great solution, she advises them on caring for the scalp and overall health of the hair holistically.

Raven Hurtado is a stylist at Maxine Salon in Chicago. She began her career at the salon in 2009 and now specializes in working with her clients to create a long-term plan for achieving healthy hair.

Tabitha Osman is a holistic trichologist and hair stylist specializing in invisible beaded extensions and color at Haven Holistic Salon in Matthews, North Carolina. In her role, she blends hair styling artistry with holistic trichology, infusing energy work into each salon visit to provide a personalized haircare experience.