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These Hair Oils Tame Frizz and Boost Shine Instantly
Hydrated, healthy-looking hair one drop at a time.
As someone who was blessed with dry, frizzy hair, I know the struggle of chasing the glossy, hydrated strands seen in every shampoo commercial. While hair masks can work wonders on split ends and gloss treatments offer a solid temporary solution, what if we told you there's one product that delivers both—and then some? Enter hair oil: the ultimate hair care multitasker for every hair type.
Whether your locks are curly, coily, fine, color-treated, or somewhere in between, hair oils are your shortcut to silky smooth strands. “Not only do they promote a healthier head of hair by supplying vitamins, nutrients, and antioxidants, but they also help detangle, tame frizz and flyaways, and add shine,” says celebrity hairstylist Dimitris Giannetos. The list of benefits doesn't end there. Giannetos adds that hair oils also soothe the scalp to help promote hair growth, and many modern formulas double as heat protectants, too.
With numerous options lining the beauty shelves, finding the right one for your hair type can be overwhelming. Luckily, that's why we’re here. I've tested top-performing products, tapped Giannetos for his go-tos, and combed through countless customer reviews to find the ones worth adding to your arsenal. These picks go beyond basic shine, offering real results you can feel (and see) after just one use. So, whether you’re aiming for frizz-free curls, stronger ends, or that elusive air-dried sheen, these 10 hair oils are sure to deliver.
Pros
- A little goes a long way
Cons
- May be too heavy for extra-fine hair
This oil is the answer to all your hair care prayers. Made for all hair types, the argan oil elixir smooths frizz and boosts shine, while conditioning, detangling, and providing heat protection. Fragranced with Moroccanoil's signature scent, it works on both dry and damp hair and keeps your hair smelling fresh all day long.
Key ingredients: Argan oil, linseed extract
When to apply: Damp or dry
Amazon rating: 4.7/5
An ELLE editor says: “I've tried a lot of hair oils over the years, and I always come back to the Moroccanoil Treatment. I apply it through my mid-lengths to ends after styling, and any frizz, flyaways, or unwanted poofy texture immediately disappears. Both the impressive shine and delicious scent last all day long.”—Emma Aerin Becker, Associate Beauty E-Commerce Writer
Pros
- Heat protectant
- Refillable packaging
Cons
- Strong scent
Despite feeling incredibly lightweight, the Kérastase Elixir Ultime Hair Oil delivers an insane gloss that lasts. Formulated with marula, argan, and wild camellia oils, this product is incredibly nourishing and provides heat protection up to 450°F.
Key ingredients: Marula oil, argan oil, wild camellia oil
When to apply: Wet or dry
Sephora rating: 4.4/5
An ELLE editor says: “Because this product is so lightweight, I love to use it before and/or after I use a curling iron. It boosts shine, tames frizz, and makes my hair feel so soft without weighing down my fresh curls.”—Emma Aerin Becker
Pros
- Works on all hair types and textures
Cons
- Liquidy consistency
Nobody reverses hair damage like K18. The brand's Molecular Repair Hair Oil restores from the inside out with its patented K18PEPTIDE, targeting deep damage that causes frizz and restoring strength at the hair’s core. On the surface, avocado and sunflower oils smooth flyaways, boost shine, enhance color vibrancy, and protect against heat up to 450°F.
Key ingredients: K18PEPTIDE, squalene, avocado oil
When to apply: Damp or dry
Sephora rating: 4.5/5
A Sephora reviewer says: “This is the holy grail! It fixed my damaged bleached hair and brought it back to life. I have repurchased soooo many times.”
Pros
- Repairs split ends
Cons
- Small bottle
Just as its name implies, the Olaplex No. 7 Bonding Oil works to bond your split ends back together for a frizz-free, ultra-smooth finish. The weightless, heat-protectant styling oil instantly boosts shine and softness.
Key ingredients: Coconut oil, vitamin E, sunflower seed oil
When to apply: Damp or dry hair
Sephora rating: 4.1/5
An ELLE editor says: ”I've always been a huge fan of Olaplex. I use their shampoo, conditioner, and hair smoother every time I wash my hair. And now the Bonding Oil has become my favorite hair oil to apply to my damp hair before styling. It protects my strands from heat damage, doesn't feel heavy on my ends, and creates a frizz-free result that's never greasy.”—Emma Aerin Becker
Pros
- Deeply conditions and strengthens
Cons
- Packaging leaks got some
Tailored specifically with dry, damaged, and color-treated hair in mind, the Oribe Gold Lust Nourishing Hair Oil will restore your locks without looking greasy. It's also fast-absorbing for instant shine and heat protection.
Key ingredients: Argan oil, cassis seed oil, jasmine oil, shea butter
When to apply: Damp hair
Sephora rating: 4.3/5
A Sephora reviewer says: “I have been using Oribe’s Gold Lust hair oil for several years and it never fails to impress! This product worked beautifully on my brown, blonde and even red hair experimentation! Using only a tiny bit of the product goes a long way, so the bottle will last a long time. It is worth every dollar. Your hair will shine like silk.”
Pros
- Ideal for all hair types
Cons
- Messy packaging
This uniquely formulated hair oil is ultra-hydrating, thanks to mirsalehi honey—a powerful natural humectant sourced from Gisou's own bee garden. It's designed to reduce frizz and enhance shine on all hair types and textures, working especially well on dry hair due to its long-lasting hydration.
Key ingredients: Mirsalehi honey, bee garden oils
When to apply: Damp or dry hair
Sephora rating: 4.2/5
A Sephora reviewer says: “This oil makes my hair so soft and shiny without feeling greasy! The scent is sweet in the best way and actually sticks around, which I love. I use a few drops on damp hair and it makes everything smoother and less frizzy. This has been a staple in humid summer weather!”
Pros
- Lightweight
Cons
- No cover for pump applicator
There's nothing worse than applying a hair oil just for your locks to feel heavy and greasy. Ouai ensures you never face this dilemma with their ultra-lightweight Hair Oil. Additionally, African galanga root extract helps protect color-treated hair from fading and color degradation.
Key ingredients: Ama oil, African galanga root extract, borage oil, baobab seed oil
When to apply: Wet or dry hair
Amazon rating: 4.5/5
An Amazon reviewer says: “I absolutely LOVE this product! My hair is very frizzy and this oil has made such a difference! The oil is lightweight, smells amazing (if you like jasmine scents), and a little goes a long way. I use it on wet hair, and when I'm done styling I put it on my ends. And let me tell you THE SHINE. It doesn't have any harsh chemicals which is nice.”
Pros
- Luxe packaging
Cons
- Too heavy for some
The Augustinus Bader Hair Oil is like a tall glass of water for your hair. Powered by their patented TFC8 technology and packed with deeply nourishing, restorative botanicals—like baobab, argan, and pomegranate oils—the product reduces breakage, combats visible damage, and intensely hydrates.
Key ingredients: Baobab oil, argan oil, vitamin E
When to apply: Damp or dry hair
Bloomingdale's rating: 4.1/5
An ELLE editor says: “The Hair Oil from Augustinus Bader feels just as luxurious as it looks. My favorite part is the unique dropper lid, which makes application an absolute breeze. Of course, the oil itself is also amazing—super lightweight and moisturizing without feeling heavy.”—Emma Aerin Becker
Pros
- Thickens hair overtime
Cons
- Must rinse out
“My absolute favorite hair oil is the Pura D’or Scalp & Hair Strengthening Oil,” says Giannetos. While it works on all hair types, he highly recommends it for those with fine, weak hair or stressed hair that has been damaged by chemical processing. “It’s like a miracle in a bottle to rebuild proteins and strengthen hair starting at the root.”
Key ingredients: Rosemary oil. peppermint oil, castor oil
When to apply: Dry hair before washing
Amazon rating: 4.5/5
An Amazon reviewer says: “This Pura D’or Hair Strengthening Oil is great. I’ve been using it for over 2.5 months now, and combined with the hair growth regimen I already use, it has helped with new growth and overall strength. It’s weightless and doesn’t make my hair greasy. My hair is shedding less, and I have tons of baby hairs all over my head. I apply it in the morning when I wake up, let it sit for about 30 minutes while I enjoy my coffee, and then rinse it out in the shower.”
Pros
- Nourishing
Cons
- May not be best for fine hair
As someone who constantly uses hot tools to touch up my hair, I love a hair oil with heat protectant. The Shu Uemura Essence Absolue Nourishing Protective Hair Oil not only nourishes, enhances shine, and reduces frizz, but its Japanese-sourced red camellia oil protects against heat up to 450°F.
Key ingredients: Red camellia oil, vitamins A, C, E
When to apply: Damp or dry hair
Sephora rating: 4.7/5
A Sephora reviewer says: “I have fine, wavy hair and I use this oil everyday. Not only does it protect my hair when I do a blow out, it smoothes and hydrates my hair without leaving it oily. My hair is hydrated and silky. I have used other oils that I thought were good, but this one wins.”
How to use hair oil
The way you use hair oil depends on your hair type. Giannetos confirms that it can be beneficial in any phase of your hair care routine, although different textures may benefit more from specific techniques. For thick hair, he recommends applying oil directly and using it as a treatment mask for 30 minutes to an hour before shampooing. For medium hair, apply it to wet strands for “deep penetration” or mix it into your shampoo or conditioner. Those with thin, fine hair should be more cautious to avoid weighing strands down. “Applying oil from mid-lengths to ends will boost moisture and shine while taming frizz and flyaways,” concludes Giannetos.
What to look for in a hair oil?
In general, Giannetos says hair products with natural, plant-based ingredients and high-quality oils deliver the best results. However, it’s essential to consider your hair type when selecting a hair oil. Those with fine hair should opt for lighter oils that absorb easily—like jojoba, grapeseed, and sweet almond. Medium-thick hair responds well to argan, coconut, and rosemary oils. Thick, dry hair can handle all of the above, plus richer options like olive and avocado oil.
Meet The Expert
Dimitris Giannetos is a celebrity hairstylist and colorist based in Los Angeles, New York, and Paris.
Why Trust ELLE Beauty?
As a leading publisher of fashion, lifestyle, and beauty content, ELLE.com is committed to highlighting the best products in various categories by personally testing the latest and most innovative products, interviewing countless experts, and vetting customer-loved items. For this piece, Emma Aerin Becker consulted a celebrity hairstylist to learn about the best hair oils. She also tested them out, read through countless customer reviews, and evaluated each product based on its unique features.
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