Experts Recommend These Hair Oils for Hydration, Growth, and Overall Hair Health

Experts Recommend These Hair Oils for Hydration, Growth, and Overall Hair Health

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Whether you have dull, damaged strands that could benefit from a little luster, an itchy, dandruff-laden scalp that needs soothing, short locks that just don’t seem to grow, or coarse hair prone to frizz, there’s a miracle product that can help: hair oil.

How does it work? Because hair oils are full of good-for-you ingredients like biotin and fatty acids, they can help moisturize the scalp and soften hair, says Audrey Kunin, a board-certified dermatologist. They can even indirectly promote hair hair growth—particularly used in tandem with other hair growth strategies, says William Gaunitz, certified trichologist and founder of Advanced Trichology.

Our Top Picks

  • 1No.7 Bonding Oil

    Best for Dry Hair

    Olaplex No.7 Bonding Oil

    $30 at Amazon$30 at AmazonRead more

  • 2Curl Anti-Humidity Gel

    Best for Curly Hair

    Bumble and bumble Curl Anti-Humidity Gel

    $32 at Nordstrom$32 at NordstromRead more

  • 3L'Huile Original Hair Oil

    Best for Shine

    Kerastase L’Huile Original Hair Oil

    $54 at Kerastase$54 at KerastaseRead more

  • 4Treatment Light

    Best for Fine Hair

    MOROCCANOIL Treatment Light

    $18 at Nordstrom$18 at NordstromRead more

  • 5Honey Infused Hair Oil

    Best for Frizz

    Gisou Honey Infused Hair Oil

    $46 at Sephora$46 at SephoraRead more

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It’s important to pick the right formula, though. An oil that’s too heavy for your hair type can actually block hair follicles, thwarting growth, says cosmetologist Ghanima Abdullah. It can even compound the problem of dandruff by not allowing the scalp to breathe, she adds.

If you have fine hair, look for a serum or a lightweight oil, says Michelle O’Connor, an Ulta Beauty pro team member. Those who have coarser or curlier hair types can use thicker oils that have a heavier coating effect, she adds. Just note: The heavier the oil, though, the less you’ll to be able to restyle your hair the next day, since hair may be weighed down.

Ready to score longer, shinier strands in a flash? Check out these hardworking hair oils—they’re all hairstylist-approved for concerns like growth, scalp health, and more.

1Best for Dry Hair

Olaplex No.7 Bonding Oil

No.7 Bonding Oil1Best for Dry Hair

Olaplex No.7 Bonding Oil

$30 at Amazon$28 at WalmartCredit: OlaplexPros

  • ProEnhances shine
  • ProHeat protectant
  • ProRepairs damage

Cons

  • ConSmall bottle

"Our hair weakens for several reasons—chemically processed treatments, color-treated damage, etc.—and this oil gets to the root of the problem," says celebrity hairstylist Cody Renegar. A key ingredient? Green tea oil, which nourishes the hair and boosts radiance and shine.

2Best for Curly Hair

Bumble and bumble Curl Anti-Humidity Gel

Curl Anti-Humidity Gel2Best for Curly Hair

Bumble and bumble Curl Anti-Humidity Gel

$32 at Nordstrom$28 at Walmart$34 at Ulta BeautyCredit: Bumble and bumblePros

  • ProProtects from UV radiation and humidity
  • ProNourishing

Cons

  • ConContains fragrance

"This gel-oil hybrid contains avocado, coconut, shea, and cocoa to add hydration, volume, and shine while protecting against humidity," says Renegar. It also adds a dose of UV protection, which helps protect curls from the havoc caused by the sun’s rays.

3Best for Shine

Kerastase L’Huile Original Hair Oil

L'Huile Original Hair Oil3Best for Shine

Kerastase L’Huile Original Hair Oil

$54 at KerastaseCredit: KerastasePros

  • ProBoosts shine
  • ProContains nourishing oils

Cons

  • ConIt’s a splurge compared to other options on this list

Justina Blakeney, hairstylist and founder of Niawigs, says this is one of the hardest-working hair oils out there. "Thanks to a combination of maize, pracaxi, camellia, and argan oils, you’ll have smooth, luminous hair even after a single use."

Advertisement – Continue Reading Below4Best for Fine Hair

MOROCCANOIL Treatment Light

Treatment Light 4Best for Fine Hair

MOROCCANOIL Treatment Light

$18 at Nordstrom$48 at Dermstore$34 at Saks Fifth AvenueCredit: MOROCCANOILPros

  • ProLightweight

Cons

  • ConSome reviewers say the pump can get clogged

This is a lighter version of the bestselling oil; it won’t leave fine strands limp and greasy, says Renegar. Still, it effectively controls frizz and adds softness and strength. Use it before styling or as needed for quick conditioning or touch-ups.

5Best for Frizz

Gisou Honey Infused Hair Oil

Honey Infused Hair Oil5Best for Frizz

Gisou Honey Infused Hair Oil

$46 at SephoraCredit: GisouPros

  • ProDraws moisture
  • ProBeautiful packaging

Cons

  • ConIt’s a splurge compared to other options on this list

Gisou Honey Infused Hair Oil has a mouthwatering aroma that might pass for food, but that isn’t the only reason to use it, says Blakeney. "The honey functions as a humectant, drawing moisture to the hair shaft and giving it a glossier, frizz-free appearance."

6

REDKEN Oil for All Heat Protectant and Anti-Frizz Multi-Benefit Hair Oil

Oil for All Heat Protectant and Anti-Frizz Multi-Benefit Hair Oil6

REDKEN Oil for All Heat Protectant and Anti-Frizz Multi-Benefit Hair Oil

Now 50% Off$21 at Amazon$42 at JCPenney$42 at Ulta BeautyCredit: REDKENPros

  • ProProtects against heat damage
  • ProGreat for all hair types

Cons

  • ConContains fragrance

"Hot tools like blow-dryers and curling irons can leave hair dull, dry, and without luster, but this hair oil—good for all hair types—works to protect hair from the heat and lock in moisture all at the same time," says Teresa Romero, artistic director for Sam Villa and artistic/education director for Jose Luis Salon.

Advertisement – Continue Reading Below7Best for Bleached Hair

Joico Blonde Life Brilliant Glow Brightening Oil

Blonde Life Brilliant Glow Brightening Oil7Best for Bleached Hair

Joico Blonde Life Brilliant Glow Brightening Oil

$28 at Amazon$17 at Walmart$23 at JCPenneyCredit: JoicoPros

  • ProMaintains color vibrancy

Cons

  • ConContains fragrance

"This hair oil has a combination of strengthening keratin and detoxifying ingredients, including arginine, which helps protect and strengthen chemically lightened hair, preventing it from becoming brassy," says Renegar.

8Best 2-in-1

FEKKAI Shea Butter Intense Hair + Body Oil

Shea Butter Intense Hair + Body Oil8Best 2-in-1

FEKKAI Shea Butter Intense Hair + Body Oil

$28 at Ulta Beauty$28 at Dermstore$28 at Saks Fifth AvenueCredit: FekkaiPros

  • ProCan be used on hair and body

Cons

  • ConMight be too heavy for fine hair

"If you have thicker, curlier hair that’s desperate for moisture, try this oil," says Blakeney. It contains an abundance of shea butter to deeply moisturizer and give your hair softness and shine. "The gorgeous finish provides a nourished silky feel, reduces frizz, defines curls, and offers just the right amount of hold," she says.

9Best for Coarse Hair

Biosilk Silk Therapy Original Cure

Silk Therapy Original Cure9Best for Coarse Hair

Biosilk Silk Therapy Original Cure

$23 at AmazonCredit: BiosilkPros

  • ProReduces frizz

Cons

  • Con

Use this "miracle-working" product after blow-drying to reduce frizz and add shine to coarse hair, says hairstylist Cindy Marcus. But note: A little goes a long way—a pea-size amount is perfect for most hair types.

Advertisement – Continue Reading Below10Best Lightweight

R+Co Two Way Mirror Smoothing Oil

Two Way Mirror Smoothing Oil10Best Lightweight

R+Co Two Way Mirror Smoothing Oil

Now 25% Off$28 at Amazon$26 at Walmart$37 at DermstoreCredit: R+CoPros

  • ProGreat for thin hair

Cons

  • Con

Worried about how a heavier oil will sit on your hair? Romero says this lightweight formula is a great option for those with thinner hair, since it provides polish and luster without making locks limp.

11Best for Damaged Hair

Oribe Gold Lust Nourishing Hair Oil

Gold Lust Nourishing Hair Oil11Best for Damaged Hair

Oribe Gold Lust Nourishing Hair Oil

$42 at Amazon$34 at Walmart$39 at NordstromCredit: OribePros

  • ProA little goes a long way

Cons

  • ConIt’s expensive compared to other options on this list

"Expensive? Yes, but this ultra-lightweight hair oil has a blend of super-moisturizing oils and plant-derived butter to better condition dry, damaged hair," says Renegar. Ingredients are a mix of natural things like watermelon seed oil and edelweiss flowers, which protect against heat and environmental damage. And to help further justify the price, a little goes a long way.

12Best for Scalp Health

Mielle Organics Rosemary Mint Scalp & Hair Strengthening Oil

Rosemary Mint Scalp & Hair Strengthening Oil 12Best for Scalp Health

Mielle Organics Rosemary Mint Scalp & Hair Strengthening Oil

Now 20% Off$8 at Amazon$10 at Walmart$10 at Nordstrom RackCredit: Mielle OrganicsPros

  • ProMoisturizing
  • ProAffordable

Cons

  • ConOils can be tricky to spread throughout scalp

Renegar says this affordable pick is great because it can be used on any hair type. It’s infused with biotin to help nourish and strengthen your hair, while helping to prevent dandruff and heal a dry scalp.

Advertisement – Continue Reading Below13Best for Hair Extensions

Hidden Crown Argan Oil Hair Serum

Argan Oil Hair Serum13Best for Hair Extensions

Hidden Crown Argan Oil Hair Serum

$16 at hiddencrownhair.comCredit: Hidden CrownPros

  • ProCan use on dry or wet hair

Cons

  • ConNot available at popular beauty retailers like Sephora or Ulta

For weightless moisture that expertly tackles frizzy hair and flyaways, try this lightweight serum. "It provides control and protection not only for your natural hair but for any hair extensions you use as well," says celebrity hairstylist Bradley Leake. "I also like that it can be used daily on wet or dry hair."

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