Every single hair type could benefit from using an oil treatment every now and then—ask just about any hairstylist. Even those with an oilier scalp or finer strands should think about investing. There are so many options out there that address concerns like dryness, strand strength, growth, and even an overly congested scalp.
Sure, hair-treatment oils can help with so many different goals, but they’re also adaptable in another way. “I love hair oils because of their versatility,” celebrity hairstylist Graham Nation says. “You can use them as a styling agent or as a finishing product. You’re getting so many benefits from using just the one product. Everyone can use them to treat dry ends, too.” And he’s not the only one to sing their praises. Celebrity hairstylist Jennifer Korab says, “I absolutely love the shine hair oils leave on the hair. I also love the smoothness and silk-like feeling they create!”
As a bonus, Korab also has a few application tips to get the most out of your hair-treatment oil. “I would recommend applying hair oil to wet hair after you shampoo and condition,” she shares. “This will nourish and protect it from frizz, and it dries into a subtly shinier version of its natural texture. When your hair is dry, you can pump a touch more hair oil into your palm, rub it between your hands, and smooth it over your lengths and ends.” Now that you’re fully ready to incorporate a treatment oil into your daily haircare routine, keep scrolling for a few of Nation’s and Korab’s favorites, plus our own recommendations.
Nation recommends this oil for thicker hair types because it seals and protects hair from heat, UV damage, and excess frizz. It’s high-quality, 100% pure argan oil. “It’s really hydrating for your strands and even reduces blow-dry time,” Nation says.
Nation says Unite’s Blonda Oil is a great option for those with blonde, highlighted, or gray hair. It’s formulated specifically for color-treated hair and provides extra conditioning and softness to the hair. It’s also safe for extensions and chemically treated strands.
“I particularly love Kérastase oils for all hair types. Kérastase’s Elixir Ultime Hydrating Hair Oil is my absolute favorite. It works great for all hair types— straight, wavy, and curly,” Korab says.
This award-winning treatment has so many five-star reviews for a reason. It’s rich in antioxidants (from high-quality argan oil) and contains shine-boosting vitamins that leave your hair extra nourished, soft, and smooth.
Incorporating a pre-wash oil into your haircare routine can completely change dry, heat-damaged strands for the better. Yes, it’s an extra step, but it’s totally worth it, especially when you use one like JVN’s Complete Pre-Wash Treatment Oil. It’s lightweight and contains scalp-soothing ingredients such as squalane, rosemary extract, and basil-root extract.
Olaplex is most certainly a brand that’s worth the hype. We love the brand’s No. 3 Hair Repair Protector ($28), but this restorative oil is equally as good. It’s packed with ingredients like moringa-seed and sunflower-seed oils, which help keep dryness at bay and repair and strengthen damaged strands.
Another cult-favorite pre-wash treatment is Fable & Mane’s HoliRoots Hair Oil. Its unique formula consists of dashmool—a popular blend in Ayurvedic medicine that combines 10 roots known to soothe and calm the scalp. On top of that, adaptogenic ashwagandha and castor oil nourish and strengthen the hair. It’s perfect for dry, damaged strands or those experiencing hair loss.
One of our editors has been using custom Prose products for a while now and has seen such a positive difference in her hair’s overall health. She particularly loves this Custom Hair Oil and uses it pretty much every day and night. It can be used as a pre-wash treatment or as just a styling oil. Her curls are naturally dry, so her custom blend is comprised of rose hip oil, argan oil, babassu oil, and Siberian pine nut oil.
Pure castor oil is so versatile that it can be used on your lashes, skin, and hair. It promotes stronger, longer hair and can be a great treatment for dry, damaged locks. Fair warning, though: It’s incredibly thick, so you’ll most likely want to use a light hand with it.
Cliganic’s budget-friendly organic argan oil can be used as a treatment mask a few times a week. It adds hydration, shine, and nutrients to the scalp.
Not only does Ceremonia’s treatment lock in moisture, but it also helps to clear up excess product buildup and sebum on the scalp. Rich growth-promoting oils in the formula include meadowfoam-seed, chia-seed, rice bran, castor, and acai oils.
With a serum-like texture, this hair oil from Crown Affair really helps with damage, breakage, and split ends. Tsubaki-seed oil adds a dose of hydration and strength to your strands, and meadowfoam-seed oil acts as a heat protectant and emollient that softens hair.
Smooth, glossy hair is just a treatment away with Briogio’s Don’t Despair, Repair! Strengthening Oil. The ceramides in this formula replenish and add strength to the hair, and macadamia and rose-flower oils increase shine and provide key vitamins and minerals for improved texture.
