13 best hair oils for growth and shine, tried & tested
As someone who has dyed, bleached and heat-damaged my hair in every way possible, I can't imagine my haircare routine without hair oils. Even the most nourishing hair masks and conditioners couldn't deliver the same shine-boosting results without a quality hair oil by their side.
Whether you decide to use it as part of your pre-wash routine, lather it all over damp hair or apply a few drops on dry hair as a finishing touch, the benefits are undeniable. The best hair oils cannot only strengthen and improve elasticity, but also help prevent split ends, stimulate hair growth (especially when paired with a scalp massage tool) and provide protection against heat styling tools (or environmental factors like pollution). Whew.
Intrigued? Here's everything you need to know, including which hair oils are best for your specific concerns and hair type, plus all the best editor-approved formulas we love. We've also taken the time to speak to hair experts and trichologists to answer all your burning FAQs and break down the most common hair oiling mistakes. You're welcome.
Best hair oils at a glance – our top picks:
- Best hair oil overall: Kerastase Elixir Ultime
- Best hair oil for softer hair: Gisou Honey Infused Hair Oil
- Best hair oil for damaged hair: Olaplex No.7 Bonding Oil
- Best restorative hair oil: VIRTUE Healing Oil
Meet the experts:
- Jane Mayhead, trichologist at The Private Clinic on Harley Street
- La Lah, stylist and afro hair specialist at George Northwood
What to avoid when it comes to hair oiling
So far, so good, right? Sure, but there's still one thing you really shouldn't do when it comes to hair oils: drowning your scalp in oil. Why? This affects the delicate pH balance of the skin (also directly linked to healthy hair growth). An overly oily or dry scalp means that hair will struggle to grow. Over-use of oil can also plug follicles. After all, it's hair oil, not skincare or body oil.
Jane Mayhead, trichologist at The Private Clinic on Harley Street, tells GLAMOUR: "Scalps do not benefit from heavy oils being left on, especially as they can be sticky. This allows dirt and shed skin to adhere to the scalp." she says. If you want to give your scalp a little lubrication, Jane advises, "light oils can be used but not left on the scalp.” So once, you've used them, rinse them off.
How to use hair oils to maximise the benefits
La Lah, Afro hair specialist at George Northwood, shares with GLAMOUR tips on how to apply oils to protective hairstyles: “Start by placing the oil on your fingertips, rubbing together to warm the oil and massaging throughout your scalp. If there’s dryness or itchiness, which can be common with braids, then use more frequently. Just like skin, the scalp also needs care and attention.”
Hair is dry and porous so adding a gloss of oil can prevent further cuticle damage leading to more moisture loss. As long as it doesn’t sit on the scalp for long periods of time, it will also leave your mane with a sheeny looking finish.
Ingredients-wise, you'll find that some of the best hair oils contain a number of different nourishing oils, such as rosemary oil, castor oil, coconut oil, jojoba oil, grapeseed oil, tea tree oil and, in some cases, olive oil. They're also full of those ultra-nourishing fatty acids that will help your hair retain moisture throughout the day.
How we tested the best hair oils
Over the years, our team of seasoned editors has tested hundreds of hair oils, having carefully reviewed each formula based on how it delivers long-term benefits, whether it works on all hair types and if it's worth the price. We aim to test hair oils for a minimum period of 4-6 weeks. Find out more information on how we test here.
Looking for more hair content? Head this way for the best hair dryers, in this direction for travel hair dryers to take on your next weekend break and over here for curling wands. We've also got the best silk pillowcases to treat your hair to, the best conditioners for dry hair and the best hair straighteners.
For more beauty content from Glamour UK Commerce Writer Denise Primbet, follow her on Twitter @deniseprimbet and Instagram @deniseprimbet.
The styles that are gentle on your hair but still keep you looking cute.
Scroll down for our full edit of the all the best hair oils to treat your locks with…
Kérastase Elixir Ultime L'Original Hair Oil
Why we love it: The ultimate all-rounder. It can also be used as a primer, finisher or refresher, sealing the look of split ends and smoothing the hair fibre for a sleek and perfected finish. Thanks to a natural oil blend of argan, camellia and marula, it's perfect for fighting static, protecting hair from heat styling and adding shine — there's a reason why this oil is still one of the top bestsellers around.
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Why we love it: This is the brand's first ever and most iconic product, which is made popular for its repair and moisture balance properties. It’s enriched with mirsalehi honey and formulated to rebuild and repair hair and to maintain the hair’s natural moisture balance, resulting in healthy, soft and stronger hair.
Save when you shop for the best hair oils with these Cult Beauty discount codes.
Why we love it: This multi-tasking hair treatment oil is a favourite among beauty editors and celebrity hairstylists for a reason. It offers concentrated nourishment to replenish dry or damaged hair and acts as the ideal last step to your hair care routine. It can also be used on towel-dried hair to provide heat protection up to 232°C, while leaving your hair with a glossy finish and taming flyaways.
Why we love it: Made with a mix of antioxidant-rich oils and a proprietary blend of Alpha Keratin, this nourishing and hydrating product is the secret to making your hair look as healthy as can be. This hair serum is particularly great for use on damaged hair as it's designed to bind directly to areas of breakage and help restore your locks to their former glory.
Fable & Mane HoliRoots Hair Oil
Why we love it: This aromatherapeutic hair and scalp oil is exactly what any self-care lover needs. It's made to help stimulate the hair follicles, prevent hair loss and strengthen each strand from root to tip. Best used as a pre-shampoo product.
L'Oréal Haircare Oil by Elvive Extraordinary Oil for All Hair
Why we love it: If your hair is lacking nourishment, you might want to give this versatile hair oil a go. Apply it to either wet hair or damp hair after showering or even before shampooing to soften your locks, give it some extra shine and protect it during blow-drying and styling.
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Oribe Gold Lust Nourishing Hair Oil
Why we love it: Lightweight to the point of feeling weightless. Plus, it's luscious and smells absolutely amazing. Hands down, one of the best premium hair oils on the market. Simply massage it into the hair and watch it absorb all those amazing moisture-loving ingredients. A dream.
Save when you shop for the best hair oils with these Space NK discount codes.
Moroccanoil Treatment Original
Why we love it: As if we weren’t going to mention the OG. Moroccanoil is loved by many for its nourishing, but non-greasy formula. There is also a ‘light’ option for those with fine hair.
Why we love it: An exceptional split-end hider. Use it as a finishing product for a low, glossy ponytail or slicked back ‘do. It's the perfect option for anyone after a versatile formula that will hydrate, nourish and de-tangle your hair like a dream without causing stickiness or that dreaded greasy feel.
Why we love it: Now, if you're after a formula with Ayurvedic benefits, look no further, because the Inde Wild Champi Hair Oil is a must-have. It's formulated with a total of 11 clinically-proven Ayurvedic active ingredients, such as castor, hibiscus and Brahmi oils, this hair oil will leave your hair shiny and hydrated in an instant.
Why we love it: Featuring Kakudu plum and safflower oil, this smoothing and shine-boosting hair oil works wonders on textured or curly hair, delivering all the nourishment it needs. The best part? Its non-greasy and non-sticky formula is perfect for daily use. Trust us when we tell you that this hair oil is genuinely one of the best ones around.
Hair By Sam McKnight Love Me Do Nourishing Hair Oil
Why we love it: It's lightweight, it's nourishing and it's non-sticky. This innovative formula from celebrity stylist Sam McKnight ticks all the right boxes for anyone after a quality everyday hair oil. This weightless formula is enriched with argan, camelia and sunflower seed oils, and helps restore even the most damaged of hair, all the while protecting from heat damage too. A win.
Why we love it: Founded by none other than Beyonce, Cécred dropped just earlier this year, offering some of the most hydrating hair formulas we've seen. Our favourite has to be the Nourishing Hair Oil, which features a blend of 13 African oils – from sea buckthorn, baobab, moringa, black seed, castor, sunflower seed, watermelon seed and more. Not only will it make your hair smell absolutely delicious, but it will also help strengthen your hair's lipid barrier, leaving it softer and shinier than ever.
