A woman applying hair oil (Photo by Mr.Cheangchai Noojuntuk on Shutterstock)
In a world filled with countless hair care products, finding the perfect hair oil can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. Whether you’re battling dryness, frizz, or simply want to add a healthy shine to your locks, the best hair oils are game changers in your beauty routine. This article will dive into the world of hair oils, exploring their benefits and highlighting some of the top picks on the market today. From nourishing argan oil to versatile coconut oil, we’ll help you discover the perfect elixir to transform your tresses and achieve the luscious, healthy hair you’ve always dreamed of. Already have a favorite of your own? Let us know your favorite in the comments below!
StudyFinds is a research-driven platform that analyzes and synthesizes expert recommendations from trusted sources. Rather than writing reviews ourselves, we meticulously compile consensus findings from leading industry experts and established publications to save consumers valuable research time. Each article represents hours of analysis across multiple authoritative sources to identify the most consistently recommended choices.
These are the consensus best hair oils:
1. Olaplex No. 7 Bonding Oil
Olaplex is a brand that’s famous for making products that actually fix damage by repairing the protein bonds in each strand of hair. This formula is no different. “Olaplex is the go-to brand for anyone with seriously damaged hair, and their oil is the key to touchable, soft locks,” writes Elle. “Made with fermented green tea extract and the label’s patented ingredient Bis-aminopropyl diglycol dimaleate, it protects from heat damage, adds shine, reduces frizz, and makes your split ends look non-existent.”
The Olaplex oil comes with a lid that perfectly dispenses the right amount of product. “If dullness and fried ends are ailing your strands, look to Olaplex’s game-changing treatment: the No.7 Bonding Oil,” explains Vogue. “Infused with patented bond-repairing chemistry, as well as anti-aging oils, it repairs and strengthens, as well as extends color by renewing vibrancy and acting as a UV/heat protectant.”
The oil is lightweight and smoothing without being heavy. “If you ask us, the best hair oils are those that get the job done without weighing hair down,” says Byrdie. “This one does that and does that and so much more—making it our top choice. It has a lightweight formula that nourishes the hair without leaving a thick or greasy film on the strands, and it also works to tame flyaways.”
2. JVN Complete Nourishing Shine Drops
Created by Queer Eye’s own celebrity hair stylist, Jonathan Van Ness, this oil is great for adding some extra shine to your hair or ends after styling and is packed with nourishing ingredients. “With a high-shine, silky finish, these shine drops delivered instant results to our mane,” raves Shape. “The secret lies in the impressive key ingredients. Hemisqualane takes the spotlight, surpassing silicone with its ability to rapidly improve hair health and strength. Meadowfoam esters contribute to gloss, smoothness, and moisture, while hibiscus extract offers antioxidant protection to prevent damage and color fading.”
You can also use this oil for styling if you need to tame flyaways. “If you want that glossy, slicked-back look celebrities like Selena Gomez and Hailey Bieber are rocking, reach for this oil recommended by celebrity hairstylist Justine Marjan,” writes InStyle. “Rather than using the common ingredient silicone, it uses hemisqualane, which is said to improve the health and strength of hair overtime. Our tester definitely noticed a difference in the consistency.”
“What sets this product apart, according to Perea, is that it’s formulated with squalane instead of silicone — which offers similar shine-boosting benefits without leaving a residue on the hair,” says Insider. “Squalane is a sugarcane-derived molecule that can improve manageability and frizz, nourishing the hair while preserving color.”
3. Moroccanoil Treatment Hair Oil
The Moroccanoil line is a great budget pick for anyone looking to add extra luster and hydration to their hair. “An Amazon favorite, this product uses super-hydrating argan oil to impart shine and hydration to the hair,” explains Elle. “At the same time, it also tames flyaways, reduces frizz, and heals damaged strands.”
Morrocanoil treatment is also infused with antioxidants that protect hair from environmental damage. “The Moroccanoil Treatment Hair Oil comes recommended by Dr. Geeta Yadav, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Facet Dermatology, who says that it helps with shine and strength, while fighting frizz,” writes a reviewer at NBC News. “In my experience, this formula is one of the most well-known in the industry. For years, I’ve been using it on my 2B hair that’s dry, thick and constantly exposed to heat.”
“Morroccanoil’s hair oil treatment is a long-running fan favorite,” adds The Hollywood Reporter. “It’s a multitasking, argan oil-infused hair treatment that absorbs quickly, helps improve shine, softness and hydration, and smooths frizz and flyaways. Great for all hair types, but best for medium to thick hair.”
4. Mielle Organics Rosemary Mint Scalp & Hair Strengthening Oil
If you suffer from dandruff or dry scalp, this formula might be a good choice for you. “Healthy hair starts at the scalp. Give yours a bit of TLC with Mielle’s often-sold-out formula that works well as a daily or intensive treatment,” writes Vogue. “Powerful natural ingredients, like rosemary oil, are infused in this elixir to reinvigorate the scalp, strengthen hair, and nourish hair follicles for thicker, healthier hair over time.”
Besides being entirely affordable, this oil is formulated to work with most hair types. “Although this hair oil has been on the market for quite some time, it went viral when a famous TikToker sung its praises,” explains The Hollywood Reporter. “The Black-owned haircare brand deserves all of its success, as this game-changing product is made with a rich blend of over 30 essential oils and is versatile enough to work with all hair types but will deeply nourish types 3A to 4C, as well as chemically-treated hair, braids and weaves.”
“If you’re looking for a hair growth oil that’s affordable but still reliable, you can’t go wrong with this,” says Prevention. “It’s infused with a blend of over 30 essential oils and nutrients to promote healthier hair, including rosemary oil, biotin, and peppermint oil. Did we mention it’s a best-seller with over 45,000 ratings on Amazon?”
5. Fable & Mane HoliRoots Pre-Wash Hair Treatment Oil
Unlike most oils, Fable & Mane’s Pre-Wash Treatment is meant to be used before your usual haircare routine instead of as a finisher. “Even though this is meant to be used as a leave-on treatment before shampooing, we found that it worked well even on damp hair, before blow-drying, too,” explains People. Earning a 5/5 rating for both application and feel, its marks were lower when it came to adding shine and fighting frizz (but, to be fair, those aren’t necessarily the intended duties). Rather, this formula contains hair-thickening castor oil and ashwagandha to help boost the circulation of your scalp for healthier, stronger hair.”
The treatment both nourishes hair and stimulates the scalp for healthy growth. “With scalp massagers and scalp scrubs gaining popularity, taking care of your scalp has never been easier,” writes InStyle. “If you’re just starting to craft a scalp regimen and don’t know where to begin, try this pre-wash treatment. Inspired by the Indian tradition of hair oil massages, this oil calms your scalp and strengthens your hairs’ circulation.”
“Most hair oils are meant to be used after washing, but Fable & Mane’s HoliRoots Pre-Wash Hair Treatment Oil is applied before washing hair to help loosen up any stubborn buildup on your hair and scalp,” says Allure. “While this oil tackles lingering hair product and dandruff, ashwagandha extract acts as an anti-inflammatory adaptogen to soothe any itching or irritation. Once you wash it out, your roots and scalp will feel moisturized and cleansed without any greasiness or residue left behind.”
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