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Say it with me: oil is not my enemy! Hair oil is often misunderstood and misused. However, when it’s picked out intentionally according to your needs and applied properly, oil can be the hero of your hair routine.
From immediate shine and softness to dandruff prevention, the right hair oil is out there waiting to strengthen your scalp and strands. You might even find it below. Discover the best oils according to hair type and specific concerns.
For curly to coily hair:
IGK Best Life Dream Hair Oil , $32
With strands prone to dryness, curls and coils need all the TLC they can get and at all times of the week. This 100% plant-based blend penetrates strands with fortifying antioxidants to restore softness and strength while protecting against future breakage. The silicone-free, lightweight oil is great for hydrating and reviving strands, especially after harsh chemical treatments and excessive heat use.
How to use:
Apply 3-5 drops on either damp or dry hair, targeting the mid-lengths to ends or mix it in with your favorite styling creams. Apply a few drops throughout the week to revive curls, focusing on areas of frizz or damage.
For wavy to straight hair:
Oribe Gold Lust Nourishing Hair Oil , $42-$59
If you’re not oiling your hair on the regular, allow this luxurious blend to take center stage. Nicknamed “liquid gold,” the formula imparts intense nourishment and shine for medium to thick hair, especially dry, damaged, and color-treated strands. Gold Lust envelopes strands in fast-absorbing, lightweight moisture. The result? De-frizzed, tamed, and heat-protected hair throughout the week.
How to use:
Before heat styling, apply throughout damp hair for added protection. Once you’ve styled, rub the oil between your palms, and apply sparingly to the outer layer of your hair to seal in the feathersoft results. On the days you air dry, I recommend applying the oil before your leave-in conditioner to lock in the blend’s moisturizing and protective properties. Best part is you can also use the versatile formula as a pre-shampoo and/or overnight treatment.
For hair oil skeptics who want weightless results:
Verb Ghost Oil , $20-$34
Verb makes ghosting a good thing with its frizz-busting formula that vanishes on strands. If you’re prone to oiliness and/or have fine hair, you may be avoiding oils, but trust that this was made for you. A pump or two melts into strands for smooth, frizz-free results without a trace of residue or build up throughout the week. In my opinion, Ghost Oil is a great way to introduce yourself to the world of hair oil if you’re on the fence.
How to use:
Use on damp or dry hair from root to tip or on specific areas to target frizz and flyaways for virtually undetectable results.
For hair growth:
Kitsch Pre-Wash Scalp & Hair Oil, $19
Biotin and rosemary top the list of ingredients that promote hair growth and thickness. This pre-wash scalp oil features both biotin and rosemary extract (along with a blend of strand superheroes, including argan, jojoba, and castor oils) to strengthen hair from root to tip. The gentle formula loosens scalp buildup prior to shampooing to provide a nourished base for hair growth while enhancing the effectiveness of your shower routine.
How to use:
Massage your desired amount onto the scalp before shampooing. Let it sit for about 10 minutes before rinsing out.
For dry scalp and hair:
Verb Moringa + Jojoba Oil , $20
A few droppers full of this superblend of moringa and jojoba oils is equivalent to hitting the reset button on brittle hair and parched scalps. The silicone-free combo seals moisture into the hair shaft to repair overall damage for all hair types. Massage the formula directly into your scalp to quench skin and prevent flakiness.
How to use:
Apply to scalp and hair as a pre-shampoo treatment or leave it on overnight and wash out. Add a few drops to a deep conditioning mask for added hydration. For daily use, apply to damp or dry ends to moisturize and prevent frizz.
This article was originally published March 14, 2023 and has been updated.