Most of us dream of having a full head of thick, luscious locks of hair like you’d see in a shampoo commercial. Though genetically we all have different hair types that can be styled different ways, hair quality always comes down to how well you care for your hair and maintain it’s health. Shampoo and conditioner are standard, but a hair oil can help to tame frizz and deliver that extra boost of shine and moisture. The best hair oils nourish your scalp and strands without weighing down your hair or reducing volume.
Feel like you’re often a victim of “bad hair days”? Turns out your frizz might have more to do with genetics than you think. A new study finds that a rare genetic mutation affects hair follicle formation and shape. The patterns of our hair are influenced by “whorls” – patches that grow in a circular pattern around a specific point. Scientists have now identified four genetic variants that modify their appearance. How these variants are expressed affect how your hair grows and appears.
Your hair can reveal more about you than just how well you take care of it – your hair can reveal what you’re eating, your obesity risk, and even what you pay for a haircut. A new study finds the compounds that make up your food end up creating the hair on your head. A team from the University of Utah reveals hair strands preserve many of the markers in the proteins you consume. The amino acids that build hair are so strong they show whether you prefer veggie burgers or cheeseburgers for lunch. As food breaks down, isotopes in the meal (like carbon and nitrogen) travel throughout the body and into the hair. Your hair can tell more of a story than just the damage done last night with a curling iron!
But investing in a decent hair oil is a great way to show your locks some extra love. StudyFinds scoured the internet for the best products to nourish your hair. Whether you’re looking for an oil to help moisturize split ends or a treatment that will improve scalp health, take your pick from the best hair oils on the market. Already have a favorite of your own? Let us know your favorite in the comments below!
The List: Best Hair Oil, According to Beauty Experts
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.”
You might also be interested in:
- Best Hair Extensions
- Best Hair Growth Products
- Best Anti-Humidity Hair Products
- Best Hair Ties
- Best Hair Masks for Dry Hair
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Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. StudyFinds is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations