An age-old beauty secret in India, hair oil is one of those products that's been around for a while but has flown under the radar outside of those in the know! Hair oil may seem like quite a specific thing for those who 'need' it or know how to use it, but it's actually something that most people, even those with fine hair or men with hair loss concerns, could also try.
Hair oils are perfect for lots of different hair types, especially those with dry or damaged hair, dandruff-prone scalps, as well as coarse, frizzy and afro hair. Our top tips will guide you towards the best ingredients and treatments for your needs, including oils from Aussie, Maui and more. All are available to purchase from Amazon, eBay, John Lewis, Tesco and Boots.
Quick List - Top Hair Oils
Liz Earle
Nourishing and Shine-Inducing, With Natural Botanical Ingredients
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Argan oil is an age-old beauty secret, produced from the kernels of the argan tree. It contains a high concentration of antioxidants, essential fatty acids, and vitamin E, and helps increase hair's elasticity and produces unparalleled vitality and shine.
Another great thing about argan oil is that it's suitable for all hair types and is incredibly nourishing yet non-greasy. So if you have never used hair oil before, argan oil is a great place to start.
Linseed oil, also called flaxseed oil, is rich in proteins, minerals, and vitamins. Add this to the fact that it's known for its protective, condition-enhancing, and soothing properties in hair care, and you can see why it's often found in hair oils.
Perfect for those who might be deficient in omega 3 and 6 and are suffering from dry, brittle hair as a result. This miracle oil contains both of these fatty acids, and also encourages hair growth, staves off inflammation and can even help with reducing dandruff!
Give your hair some extra love and try a hair mask for dry hair.
Because avocado oil is extremely rich in oleic acid and monounsaturated fats, it's one of the few oils that can actually penetrate the hair shaft, rather than sitting on top and coating your hair. This means the fats in avocado oil strengthen the hair shaft, preventing breakage and creates moisture and shine.
Avocado oil is also surprisingly light, making it suitable for most hair types, even fine hair. It's also the perfect solution for frizz, and its deeply penetrating quality makes it especially ideal for curly or coarse hair.
You're probably already using coconut oil for something in your home, whether that's for cooking, skincare or even as a natural mouthwash. Coconut oil is truly amazing, and if you've used it on your hair you'll know about its ability to stimulate hair growth and prevent split ends.
But did you know coconut oil also promotes scalp health, which helps to guard against insect bites, dandruff and dryness? As coconut oil is rather rich it can be greasy used on the hair alone, but using a hair oil containing it has the perfect balance.
Asian borage oil is the strongest natural source of GLA, a fatty acid otherwise known as gamma-linoleic acid. It is a masterful anti-inflammatory agent which makes it the best choice for battling scalp irritations and circulation issues.
Not only does it help you to grow thicker and more voluminous hair, but it also adds a desirable elasticity to your follicles, making them more resilient. This means it's great for bleached or chemically damaged hair.
Originating in the plains of Southern Africa, Kalahari melon seed oil is rich in nourishing omega 6 fatty acids, it stimulates cell growth, helping to regenerate and restructure cells resulting in strong and luscious tresses, especially if your hair is thinning or weak.
This wonderful seed oil is also perfect for those with hair that is fine or straight, as it's incredibly nourishing and moisturising, yet also has a non-greasy texture that won't weigh it down.
Many hair products, like hair oils, incorporate man-made silicones such as dimethicone for its ability to protect against heat damage. Silicones also coat the hair shaft, smooth out frizz and imperfections, and can have a plumping effect on hair.
However, whilst silicones work really well for some, others find they should use them in moderation as they can cause build-up on the hair. If you have particularly dry locks, you may benefit from more natural ingredients such as radish seed oil, as the layer silicones create on top of the hair can stop moisture from penetrating into the hair shaft.
When used as a hair serum, radish seed oil will smoothen the hair follicles, improving the overall texture and health of your hair. With a unique combination of fatty acids, it adds healthy shine onto dull, damaged hair while being an effective detangler. Overall radish seed oil is an excellent natural alternative for silicone, especially for dry hair.
Take a look at our silicone-free conditioners and sulfate-free shampoos while you're here!
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Aveda Nutri-Plenish Multi-Use Hair Oil | ![]() | 5-in-1 Plant-Based Hair Care for Everyone | |
2 | Liz Earle Botanical Hair Shine Oil | ![]() | Nourishing and Shine-Inducing, With Natural Botanical Ingredients | |
3 | Forest & Shore Hallelujah Hair Oil | ![]() | An Organic Treatment Designed Especially for Dry Hair | |
4 | MoroccanOil Oil Treatment For All Hair Types | ![]() | The Original Argan Hair Oil | |
5 | Garnier Ultimate Blends Coconut Hair Oil | ![]() | Sleek Restorer for Frizzy and Curly Hair | |
6 | OUAI Hair Oil | ![]() | Provides Silky Smooth Shine Without Weighing Hair Down | |
7 | Natural World Argan Oil Hair Treatment Oil | ![]() | A Great Value Argan Oil Treatment | |
8 | Maui Moisture Coconut Oil Curl Milk | ![]() | Offers the Tropical Benefits of Both a Hair Oil and a Milk | |
9 | Aussie Miracle Oil Reconstructor for Damaged Hair | ![]() | Proven Care for Damaged Hair | |
10 | OGX Renewing+ Argan Oil of Morocco Penetrating Oil | ![]() | An Intensive Elixir for All Hair Types |
Aveda is a much-loved brand for those into the more natural and botanical hair care products. This offering is 100% plant-derived, and using a concentrated blend of 5 'power oils' it's not only well-suited to all hair types, but also for multiple purposes.
We love that it can be used as a leave-in treatment, a post-styling shine, an overnight oil treatment or even a hydrating scalp massage. In summary, if you can only buy one hair product but want a lot of flexibility, buy this one!
We love how this product is at once both very luxurious and high-end, whilst being incredibly down to earth and effective, just like the rest of Liz Earle's range. It's sheer hair decadence, with fabulously visible results.
We're so excited about this beautiful oil that it's hard to know where to begin! Firstly it's 100% Soil Association certified organic and handmade in England, and of course, its natural ingredients and process clearly do wonders for the hair.
Containing a blend of pure essential oils, it works from the inside out to nourish dry and damaged hair, penetrating and hydrating the hair shaft. Coconut and sesame are particularly good together in encouraging hair growth, and it not only protects but also creates a fantastic shine and eliminates frizz.
As hair oils go, if you've come into contact with them before at all it may well have been with good old MoroccanOil. The use of argan oil really put Morocco on the map when it comes to bouffants and for good reason – it's an absolutely amazing hair care product.
From its irresistible scent, rich yet surprisingly non-greasy texture, and its beautifully stylish tinted bottle, it's no wonder this product has had everyone hooked for the last ten years and will continue to do so. A great choice for those new to hair oils!
Although frizzy, curly hair-types will benefit most from this product, it's suitable for all hair types and aims to give everyone naturally gorgeous, non-frizzy, healthy hair. No matter your hair type, this vegan hair oil from Garnier will give you nourishment and radiance.
This product has a very laid back, Parisian feel and minimalist packaging, whilst being really quite luxurious with a quality you can feel as soon as you apply. It makes hair delightfully soft without weighing it down, and gives excellent results when used on hair that's very slightly damp.
It's pricier than some, but a little goes a long way – which means the bottle will last ages, allowing you to bask in the glory of frizz-free, shiny off-duty model hair without having to stock up too often!
You won't believe your luck when you discover this wonderfully effective yet also very reasonably priced oil! Created in Soho, London, it's made from 95% naturally derived ingredients and is also vegan-friendly, cruelty-free and free from irritants like parabens – ideal for sensitive scalps.
As well as all this, when it comes to the treatment itself, it works wonders to moisturise, nourish and smooth frizzy hair, whilst also creating a very pleasing shine and softness that you can see straight away. Just be careful when you are using the oil as it tends to pour out quickly.
Particularly for use on thick, curly hair, Maui Moisture is somewhere between a hair oil and a curl milk. There are some seriously tropical ingredients in here like creamy papaya fruit, coconut oil and pure aloe vera juice, which make our locks feel moisturised just from reading the label!
This has quite a long list of ingredients, but you'll be pleased to know it's not only vegan but is free of mineral oils, silicones, parabens, sodium lauryl sulfate, surfactants and synthetic dyes. However, customers with fine hair have suggested that it doesn't work for them, so if you have fine hair maybe try a different oil.
This Aussie offering doesn't contain a long list of unnecessary ingredients, but simply relies on three extremely moisturising ones – Australian macadamia nut oil, Australian Jojoba seed oil and avocado oil – which really do combine to create a bit of a miracle!
This oil intensively repairs strands whilst also being feather-light, it will have your hair looking unbelievably luscious and shiny after just one go. We'd say it's the perfect confidence boost for those with damaged hair. However, only use a little, as too much may leave hair looking greasy.
There are so many argan oil products out there when it comes to hair care, but this one from trusted brand OGX is proof that the cream rises to the top. Not only does it restore fragile hair, but it protects against future damage from heat styling and UV rays.
It's arguably one of the most penetrating and intensive oils out there, plus on an aesthetic basis, the ergonomic packaging is satisfying to hold, although the oil can come pouring out quickly, so just be careful you don't end up using too much.
It's important to take your hair type into consideration when choosing the right product, however, you should also ensure you apply it in the most suitable way. For fine, straight hair, begin with a small amount, as too much can weigh it down or make it appear greasy. If your hair is fine and dry, oils can really help to nourish and hydrate.
Hair oils work brilliantly for those with wavy, coarse or curly hair and can really give it the shine factor. Curly hair is naturally drier than its straighter counterparts and oil works by coating the hair and absorbing into the cuticle, making it smoother.
Hair damaged by bleaching, processing and other chemical treatments is perhaps the most in need of oils, as these treatments cause the hair to be extremely dry. For damaged hair, add the oil when the hair is a little damp. This helps to lock in moisture, making it more effective in restoring and protecting your tresses.
Oiling your hair daily, or at least as frequently as you wash it, is one of the best ways to maintain healthy, silky locks. It promotes blood circulation to the scalp, which aids in the restoration of damaged hair, giving your hair a smoother, shinier appearance.
After applying hair oil, the hair becomes more delicate and the scalp is much more relaxed. Thus, combing it right after will risk breaking or damaging the hair, possibly resulting in hair loss. If you do want to comb your hair, begin by detangling the tips and work your way up. This way, it will be much smoother to comb and the oil can be evenly distributed.
Oiling your hair before bedtime allows the oil to fully absorb into your scalp and hair. If you can't do it before bed, leave it in for at least two hours before shampooing to let it work its magic. But, before you oil your hair, consider your last wash as adding oil to unwashed hair traps debris on the scalp and clogs pores. It is advisable to apply hair oil only to dry, cleansed hair for maximum effectiveness.
Written and researched by Melanie McPhail
No. 1: Aveda|Nutri-Plenish Multi-Use Hair Oil
No. 2: Liz Earle |Botanical Hair Shine Oil
No. 3: Forest & Shore|Hallelujah Hair Oil
No. 4: MoroccanOil |Oil Treatment For All Hair Types
No. 5: Garnier|Ultimate Blends Coconut Hair Oil
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