Collage: Paula Balondo; Source images: Courtesy of brandsSave this storySave this story
The best hair oils might sound completely counterintuitive. If you're trying to keep your hair from looking greasy, why would you add oil to it? But today's formulas are a far cry from the heavy, greasy treatments of decades past. The right hair oil can be the difference between hair that puffs up the second you step outside and strands that stay smooth, glossy, and manageable.
Whether you're dealing with frizz, dry ends, heat damage, or simply want to add a little extra polish to your style, there's a hair oil designed for the job. Some are packed with nourishing botanical oils (like argan oil, squalane, and castor oil) that seal in moisture, while others rely on lightweight silicones to seal the cuticle, dial up the gloss, and shield hair from humidity without weighing it down.
Our Top Hair Oils
- Best Overall: Oribe Gold Lust Nourishing Hair Oil, $59
- Best for Frizz: Kérastase Gloss Absolu Glaze Drops Anti-Frizz Hair Oil, $39
- Best for Fine Hair: Gisou Honey Infused Hair Oil, $46
- Best for Protective Styles: Cécred Nourishing Hair Oil, $45
Frequently Asked QuestionsLargeChevron
- How do hair oils work?
- Which hair oil is right for me?
- When should I use hair oil?
- Meet the experts
- How we test and review products
- Our staff and testers
Best Overall: Oribe Gold Lust Nourishing Hair Oil
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Oribe
Gold Lust Nourishing Hair Oil
Amazon
Nordstrom
Sephora
Allure social director Kassidy Silva applying the Oribe Gold Lust Nourishing Hair Oil.
Kassidy Silva
Why it's worth it: Oribe’s Gold Lust Nourishing Hair Oil is the ultimate indulgence for every hair type. Silky and weightless, it tackles dryness and frizz with a blend of argan and jasmine oils, plus Oribe’s Signature Complex—a mix of antioxidant-rich watermelon, lychee, and edelweiss flower extracts—to keep strands strong, hydrated, and shiny. It has a subtle sandalwood and bergamot scent that leaves hair smelling as luxe as it looks. New York City-based hairstylist, Andrew Inconstanti, calls it “liquid gold” for its instant smoothing effect, effortless shine, and color-enhancing boost. “It also smells like a high-end perfume, so your hair will smell expensive all day long,” he says.
Silva before applying the Oribe Gold Lust Nourishing Hair Oil
Kassidy Silva
Silva after applying the Oribe Gold Lust Nourishing Hair Oil
Kassidy Silva
Tester feedback from social director Kassidy Silva
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“Two pumps of the Oribe Gold Lust oil are all it takes to keep my hair shining all day long. After towel-drying my hair, I pump a quarter-size amount into my palms and work it through the ends, and run a comb through a few times to lightly distribute the product to my roots. If my hair is looking a little dull after drying, I'll add one more pump once I'm finished styling.” —Kassidy Silva, social director
More to know
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- Key ingredients: jasmine oil, argan oil, edelweiss flower, lychee
- Who it's best for: all hair types
- When to apply: on damp or dry hair
- Fragrance-free: no
- Sizes: 1.7 oz., 3.4 oz.
Best for Frizz: Kérastase Gloss Absolu Glaze Drops Anti-Frizz Hair Oil
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Kérastase
Gloss Absolu Glaze Drops Anti-Frizz Hair Oil
Amazon
Sephora
Allure senior staff writer Elizabeth Gulino applying the Kérastase Gloss Absolu Glaze Drops Anti-Frizz Hair Oil
Elizabeth Gulino
Why it's worth it: If you've long loved Kérastase's iconic Elixir Ultime, but wish it delivered an even more mirror-like, glass-hair finish, Gloss Absolu Glaze Drops is the answer. As the brand's lightest hair oil in its lineup, it swaps heavier botanical oils for a featherweight silicone blend to tame frizz and boost shine without leaving hair greasy or limp. Hyaluronic acid pulls in moisture, wild rose oil leaves hair softer, and glycolic acid smooths the hair cuticle so it reflects more light. The formula acts like an invisible raincoat against humidity—keeping hair sleek and glossy for up to four days, according to the brand.
Gulino before applying the Kérastase Gloss Absolu Glaze Drops Anti-Frizz Hair Oil
Elizabeth Gulino
Gulino after applying the Kérastase Gloss Absolu Glaze Drops Anti-Frizz Hair Oil
Elizabeth Gulino
Tester feedback from senior staff writer Elizabeth Gulino
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“I would like to personally thank whoever formulated Kérastase's Gloss Absolu line because wow, did it actually help with my frizz and dryness. The first time I used both the shampoo and conditioner was on a Friday before heading out to dinner with friends—usually, when I air dry my wavy hair, I'll add in a few curls with a curling iron to try and tame any frizz with heat. But after using Kérastase's Gloss Absolu Shampoo and Conditioner, I didn't even need to plug in any hot tools—my hair was good to go as-is. The citrus-y floral scent of the products is a major plus, too, and made my shower smell like a spa. I have a feeling I'll go through these products fairly quickly.” —Elizabeth Gulino, senior staff writer
More to know
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- Key ingredients: wild rose oil extract, silicones, hyaluronic acid, glycolic acid
- Who it's best for: everyone, especially those with dull hair
- When to apply: on damp or dry hair
- Fragrance-free: no
- Size: 1.5 oz.
Best for Protective Styles: Cécred Nourishing Hair Oil
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Cécred
Nourishing Hair Oil
Ulta Beauty
Why we love it: Unlike hair oils that rely on silicones for slip and shine, Cécred's Nourishing Hair Oil is powered almost entirely by a blend of 13 botanical oils—including baobab, moringa, castor, black seed, and sea buckthorn—to help replenish the hair's natural lipids and reduce moisture loss. That makes it especially ideal for protective styles like braids, twists, and cornrows, for which keeping hair nourished between wash days is a priority. Because it's a true oil blend rather than an oil with a silicone base, it can also be massaged directly onto the scalp—as our tester demonstrates—to soothe dryness and keep both the scalp and the hair underneath feeling conditioned.
Allure contributor Jailynn Taylor applying the Cécred Nourishing Hair Oil
Jailynn Taylor
Taylor after applying the Cécred Nourishing Hair Oil
Jailynn Taylor
Tester feedback from contributor Jailynn Taylor
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"I've tried countless oils searching for one that nourishes my locs without causing buildup, and the Cécred Nourishing Hair Oil delivers on both fronts. Upon application, my locs feel softer and better sealed with the moisture they need to stay strong and flexible. Rather than sitting on the surface, this oil absorbs well and keeps my locs hydrated for days with a subtle sheen. I apply a few drops to my scalp and along the length of my locs between wash days, and the results are immediate: less dryness, more movement, and easier manageability. The Temple Oud fragrance is pleasant and lingers just enough without being overwhelming." —Jailynn Taylor, contributor
More to know
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- Key ingredients: baobab oil, sea buckthorn oil, bioactive keratin ferment
- Who it's best for: all hair types, especially textured hair
- When to apply: after styling
- Fragrance-free: no
- Size: 1.7 oz.
Best for Curly Hair: Chris McMillan The Glassy Smooth Hair Oil
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Chris McMillan
The Glassy Smooth Hair Oil
Sephora
Allure senior commerce director Shanna Shipin applying the Chris McMillan The Glassy Smooth Hair Oil
Shanna Shipin
Why it's worth it: If you've written off hair oils because they always seem to leave your roots greasy or your hair limp, maybe the problem isn't necessarily the formula—it's how you're applying it. Chris McMillan's The Lightweight Glassy Hair Oil Mist rethinks the experience with an ultra-fine aerosol mist that evenly disperses the product throughout your hair, making it much harder to overdo than a traditional dropper or pump. The mist format is especially great for curls and textured hair, since it distributes product evenly without soaking one section or weighing down your curl pattern. It doesn't hurt that the formula is incredibly lightweight, either: Smoothing silicones team up with blackcurrant, camellia, moringa, and wheat germ oils to soften frizz and add next-level shine, while hyaluronic acid helps hair hold onto moisture so it stays sleek even when humidity rolls in.
Shipin before applying the Chris McMillan The Glassy Smooth Hair Oil
Shanna Shipin
Shipin after applying the Chris McMillan The Glassy Smooth Hair Oil
Shanna Shipin
Tester feedback from senior commerce director Shanna Shipin
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“Chris McMillan seemingly can’t miss, and the Lightweight Glassy Hair Oil Mist is the latest proof point. Frizzy hair? Gone. Heat protection? Covered. Shine? Just the right amount, and never greasy! The best part is the delivery with this hair oil: it’s a true, super-fine mist that gently anoints your strands with a halo of shine (forgive the flowery language, but the mist warrants it). It also happens to be absolutely perfect for curly hair. My hair is naturally quite dry, so I’m always fighting frizz, and scrunching out my curls or splitting strands for volume (which I love) isn’t ideal, so it feels like Chris designed this with curly girls in mind. You don’t need to rake or mess up your curls with this kind of product. Because the mist is so lightweight, it’s also going to be great for those with fine hair, and really anyone who wants a veil of shine (without any fuss). Plus the packaging is stunning; it’s a lovely, heavyweight glass bottle with an oversized top and elegant dispenser. It sits perfectly next to my perfume bottles on my vanity.” —Shanna Shipin, senior commerce director
More to know
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- Key ingredients: black currant seed oil, camellia seed oil, moringa seed oil, wheat germ oil, hyaluronic acid, dimethicone
- Who it's best for: all hair types, especially curly or textured hair
- When to apply: on damp or dry hair
- Fragrance-free: no
- Size: 3.4 oz.
Best for Fine Hair: Gisou Honey Infused Hair Oil
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Gisou
Honey Infused Hair Oil
Amazon
Sephora
Allure contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee applying the Gisou Honey Infused Hair Oil
Christa Joanna Lee
Why it's worth it: What happens when a beekeeper marries a hairstylist? Their daughter bottles the family secret and creates Gisou’s Honey Infused Hair Oil. At the heart of the formula is the brand's proprietary Mirsalehi Honey, harvested from the family's bee garden in the Netherlands, which acts as a natural humectant to help hair attract and hold onto moisture. It’s paired with an antioxidant-rich blend of eight botanical oils—including sweet almond, coconut, argan, and passionfruit seed oils—packed with nourishing omega fatty acids to soften frizz, seal in hydration, and boost shine. Lightweight silicones finish the job by smoothing the hair cuticle, leaving hair glossy and polished without weighing down finer strands. “It's also a good one to reach for on day two or three after wash day, when the hair needs waking up rather than a full reset,” says Kenna Kennor, a hairstylist based in Brooklyn, New York.
Lee before applying the Gisou Honey Infused Hair Oil
Christa Joanna Lee
Lee after applying the Gisou Honey Infused Hair Oil
Christa Joanna Lee
Tester feedback from contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee
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“If you have long hair like mine (it practically reaches my waist), a good hair oil isn't optional. I'll admit I got a little overzealous in this demo and used too much, which deflated my blowout a little more than I would've liked. But once I figured out the sweet spot—just two drops per side instead of a whole dropper full—Gisou's Honey Infused Hair Oil completely won me over. It leaves my mid-lengths and ends unbelievably soft and silky with a glossy shine, all without weighing my hair down and zero greasiness. I can't stop running my hands through my hair when I use this.” —Christa Joanna Lee, contributing commerce writer
More to know
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- Key ingredients: Mirsalehi Honey, sweet almond oil, coconut oil, argan oil, passionfruit seed oil, dimethicone
- Who it's best for: all hair types, especially dry or fine hair
- When to apply: on damp or dry hair
- Fragrance-free: no
- Sizes: 0.6 oz., 1.7 oz., 3.4 oz.
Best Pre-Wash: Fable and Mane HoliRoots Hair Oil
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Fable & Mane
HoliRoots Hair Oil
Amazon
Sephora
Allure commerce editor Sarah Han applying the Fable and Mane HoliRoots Hair Oil
Sarah Han
Why it's worth it: Inspired by Ayurvedic hair oiling, a 5,000-year-old practice in India that involves massaging warm, herb-infused oils into the scalp and strands to nourish, Fable and Mane’s HoliRoots Hair Oil is designed to be worked into the scalp section by section before your shower. Leave it on for at least five minutes—or use it as an overnight treatment—for stronger roots, reduced breakage, boosted circulation, and deeply hydrated, healthy-looking hair. Key oils like castor, olive fruit, jojoba, grapeseed, and sesame, along with Ayurveda classics like ashwagandha and amla (which are known to stimulate keratin production), work together to nourish strands and calm the scalp. Rest assured: Despite being packed with oils, you won’t find any residue in your scalp post-shampoo. “It absorbs beautifully, leaving fine or damaged hair feeling deeply resilient, denser, and soft,” says Inconstanti.
Han before applying the Fable and Mane HoliRoots Hair Oil
Sarah Han
Han after applying the Fable and Mane HoliRoots Hair Oil
Sarah Han
Tester feedback from commerce editor Sarah Han
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“I’ve been using this product pretty consistently for two years, applying about three half-droppers of product to three sections of my scalp for at least 15 minutes before I hop into the shower. I'll occasionally use a scalp massager to work the product more deeply, but my fingers do the trick, too. I deal with a dry, itchy scalp—probably because I don't wash my hair enough; I wholly admit it! I'm the problem!—and I find that this formula makes a world of difference in calming said irritation. Thank you, root extracts. The oil rinses away swiftly down the drain, and my scalp always feels lighter and more balanced post-shampoo.” —Sarah Han, commerce editor
More to know
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- Key ingredients: ashwagandha, amla, castor, olive fruit, jojoba, grape seed, and sesame oils
- Who it's best for: people with dry, broken strands looking to boost growth
- When to apply: on dry hair as a pre-shampoo treatment
- Fragrance-free: no
- Size: 1.8 oz.
Best for Flat Hair: LolaVie Lightweight Hair Oil
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LolaVie
Lightweight Hair Oil
Amazon
Ulta Beauty
Credo Beauty
Former Allure senior news editor Nicola Dall’Asen applying the LolaVie Lightweight Hair Oil
Nicola Dall'Asen
Why it's worth it: Pulling off the (near) impossible, LolaVie’s Lightweight Hair Oil leaves hair with a patent-like shine without flattening your meticulously styled blowout. The dilemma with most hair oils is that they have at least some weight, which can lead to a deflated style, especially if you have naturally fine, thin, or otherwise flat hair. But LolaVie’s nourishing formula “is so fluid and fast-absorbing that you won’t even feel it, but you'll definitely see the brilliant shine,” says Inconstanti. Coconut-derived emollients and squalane deliver that glossy finish, while sunflower and apricot kernel oils soften frizz and seal in moisture. Antioxidant-rich chlorella, chia seed, and olive leaf extracts protect hair from environmental stressors, and a blend of quinoa, chickpea, and lentil extracts helps strengthen strands. Considering it's Jennifer Aniston's hair-care brand, salon-worthy results were pretty much a given.
Dall’Asen before applying the LolaVie Lightweight Hair Oil
Nicola Dall'Asen
Dall’Asen after applying the LolaVie Lightweight Hair Oil
Nicola Dall'Asen
Tester feedback from former senior news editor Nicola Dall’Asen
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“Short, fine hair like mine and oils don't always get along, but I never have to worry about that with LolaVie's Lightweight Hair Oil—hell, its distinguishing factor is right there in the name. Just a few drops of this keratin-based oil give my hair the hydration and shine it desperately needs, and thankfully without that heavy, greasy feeling.” —Nicola Dall’Asen, former senior news editor
More to know
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- Key ingredients: coconut derivatives, squalane, sunflower seed oil, olive leaf extract, chlorella vulgaris (algae) extract, chia seed extract, bamboo extract
- Who it's best for: people who lack volume
- When to apply: after towel-drying and/or after styling
- Fragrance-free: no
- Size: 1.5 oz.
Best for Damaged Hair: Virtue Healing Oil
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Virtue
Healing Oil
Amazon
Nordstrom
Bluemercury
Lee applying the Virtue Healing Oil
Christa Joanna Lee
Why it's worth it: Almost every hair oil can boost shine and zap frizz, but what sets Virtue’s Healing Oil apart is that it repairs damage, too. It's the only hair oil formulated with a human hair-identical protein (Alpha Keratin 60ku) that fills in cracks along the hair cuticle to reinforce weakened strands. “It doesn’t fake smoothness; it gives compromised hair what it really needs,” says Kennor. The texture also stands out: Instead of feeling overly rich or greasy, it relies on weightless silicones along with marula, Kalahari melon seed, and coconut oils for silky slip and glossy shine without weighing hair down.
Because Alpha Keratin 60ku is a water-loving protein suspended in an oil base, you'll need to give the bottle a shake before each use to blend everything together and activate the formula. “A little goes a long way—you’ll feel the difference immediately in how it brushes and how it takes a style,” he says.
Lee before applying the Virtue Healing Oil
Christa Joanna Lee
Lee after applying the Virtue Healing Oil
Christa Joanna Lee
Tester feedback from Lee
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“I'm on my third bottle of Virtue's Healing Oil—which really isn't something I can say about many beauty products. I only get my hair cut once or twice a year (zero trims in between) because I'm fiercely loyal to my stylist, who happens to be more than an hour away, so my styling products have to pick up the slack. My biggest battle is dry, damaged ends from frequent heat styling, and while I know nothing can truly glue split ends back together, this oil makes them look and feel so much healthier. My hair feels silkier, and I swear it's helped keep my ends from becoming even more prone to breakage between salon visits.” —Lee, contributing commerce writer
More to know
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- Key ingredients: Alpha Keratin 60ku, marula oil, Kalahari melon seed oil, coconut oil, silicones
- Hair it's best for: dry, damaged, heat-styled, or chemically processed hair
- When to apply: on damp or dry hair
- Fragrance-free: no
- Sizes: 1.7 oz., 0.67 oz.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do hair oils work?
Unlike hair masks and leave-in conditioners, which primarily condition and replenish moisture, hair oils are formulated to seal everything in. "Hair oils help smooth the hair cuticle and reduce styling breakage while minimizing frizz," Cincinnati-based cosmetic chemist Kelly Dobos says. However, it isn't the oil smoothing the cuticle on its own. "Most hair 'oils' on the market actually contain very little oil; they're primarily made from siloxanes and hydrocarbons,” explains Dobos. These ingredients, also known as silicones and mineral oils, respectively, are added to many hair oils because some of the lipids in natural oils can weigh hair down and cause fine hair to look greasy. Therefore, products with a high oil concentration are better on thick, textured, or coily hair, Dobos says.
Which hair oil is right for me?
"Rather than choosing an oil for your hair type, you should consider what you need the oil to do for your hair," says Sophia Emmanuel, a hairstylist in New York City. For example, if you're looking to enhance shine and softness, olive, carrot, and jojoba oils, all of which act as moisture-sealing emollients, are helpful. On the other hand, avid users of hot tools like blow-dryers or straighteners should reach for silicone-infused products to protect the hair's cuticle. Keep in mind, however, that silicone has long-term effects. New York City-based board-certified dermatologist Joshua Zeichner, MD, tells Allure, "Continued use of silicones over time can weigh down the hair, so it's important to regularly wash hair to prevent any buildup."
When should I use hair oil?
Hair oils can have varied application directions, so be sure to read the bottle before you start your treatment. While many hair oils are applied to dry or damp hair on the mid-lengths and ends for a smooth finish, others are meant to be applied pre-wash. "The main benefit of pre-wash oils is that of an emollient, which provides a coating over the hair shaft, which seals the cuticle and traps moisture inside," Vladyslava Doktor, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Boston, told Allure. Apply your pre-wash oil from mid-lengths to ends and to your scalp if it feels dry. Gently massage it in, let it sit for at least 10 minutes (or however long the instructions state) or overnight, and then shampoo and condition the hair. For extra absorption, you can wrap your strands in a warm towel or a shower cap while the oil sits.
Meet the experts
- Kelly Dobos, a cosmetic chemist based in Cincinnati
- Vladyslava Doktor, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Skin Center Boston based in Boston
- Sophia Emmanuel, a hairstylist at Crown Worthy based in New York City
- Andrew Inconstanti, a hairstylist at Umi Salon based in New York City
- Kenna Kennor, a hairstylist and founder of Kennaland based in Brooklyn, New York
- Joshua Zeichner, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City
How we test and review products
We always enlist a range of testers for our makeup vertical, but hair-care products and tools are another story. While there are certain products that can be used across different hair textures, lengths, curl patterns, thicknesses, colors (natural and unnatural), and needs, hair products are often created with specific consumers in mind. Many are created to address a concern (dandruff, breakage, brittleness) or to work most effectively for a specific hair type (4C curls, wavy hair, gray hair). You wouldn't want to pick up a purple shampoo that's only been reviewed by someone with, say, auburn hair, or a diffuser that's never been tested by anyone with curls—right?
For our review of the best hair oils, we enlisted the help of multiple editors, writers, contributors, professional stylists, cosmetic chemists, and board-certified dermatologists—who spoke about how to choose a hair oil and its range of benefits, depending on hair type, texture, hair concerns, and desired outcome. Testers considered performance across three primary categories: efficacy, formula, and application. For more on what's involved in our reporting, check out our complete reviews process and methodology page.
Our staff and testers
A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.
After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the "best" for people over 50 if the only testers we've solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it’s never been tested on curls? We're proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.
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