The 11 Best Hair Oils of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

If your haircare routine doesn’t yet include a hair oil, well, it really should. Think of hair oil in the same vein as you would a face oil in your skincare lineup, with the ability to add tons of moisture and impart smoothness and a healthy sheen. 

“Hair oils have been used for centuries, with proven benefits. They’re the most nourishing thing you can use for your hair because they can actually penetrate into the hair, providing nourishment, adding shine, and offering long-lasting smoothing benefits,” explains celebrity hairstylist Mara Rozak, who’s worked with clients like Emma Stone. If you’re thinking to yourself that this sounds a lot like what you could get from a standard bottle of conditioner, you’re not entirely wrong; however, while conditioners mostly just sit on top of the hair, oils can penetrate on a deeper level for even greater benefits, Rozak explains. 

There’s currently no shortage of hair oil options out there, so to figure out which ones are the best of the best, we put 29 hair oils through the ringer. While there are a few different ways you can use a hair oil (more on that point in a moment), we applied them on damp hair before blow-drying and styling. Each product was evaluated for feel and absorption, and, of course, for how it left strands looking and feeling. After using our top picks at home for six months, we updated our insights below.

Keep reading for the best hair oils that PEOPLE tested.

Best Overall

Olaplex Bonding Oil

Sephora

Our Ratings

• Application

  5/5

• Absorption

  5/5

• Feel

  5/5

• Hair Shine/Sheen

  5/5

Pros

• Acts as both a reparative treatment oil and styling oil

• Effective for all hair types and textures

• Earned perfect scores in our tests due to quick absorption, lightweight feel, and soft and shiny results

This brand started the trend when it comes to haircare products that help to combat damage by repairing the disulfide bonds in the hair that are broken when we do everything from comb to color our strands — and this oil does exactly that. To that point, it’s a super effective treatment oil, but also has plenty of styling benefits, namely combating frizz, keeping color vibrant, and offering both heat and UV protection. (While it’s meant to be used on damp or dry hair pre-styling, celebrity hairstylist Anthony Cristiano — who’s worked with A-listers such as Demi Moore and Mariah Carey — says it can also be used as a pre-shampoo treatment.)

It was a runaway hit during our tests and earned a perfect score in every category, due to the lightweight and non-sticky feel, how quickly it absorbed, and how it left our hair feeling so soft and shiny, as if we just left the salon.

How it's held up:

One of our team members has been using this Olaplex hair oil every day for six months, and she is completely floored by the difference it has made in her hair. It does such a fantastic job at really calming down frizz and dry ends without making them greasy. It even worked as a heat protectant for her hair extensions that were on their last leg. We've already recommended this hair oil to friends, and we still stand behind it as our top pick.

Star Ingredients: Bis-aminopropyl diglycol dimaleate, grapeseed oil, fermented green tea oil | Key Benefits: Repairs broken bonds, offers heat and UV protection, fights frizz, help maintain color vibrancy | Size: 1 oz.

Best Budget

L'Oréal Paris Deep Nourishing Treatment

 Amazon

Our Ratings

• Application

  5/5

• Absorption

  5/5

• Feel

  5/5

• Hair Shine/Sheen

  4/5

Pros

• Can be used as a pre-shampoo treatment, before styling, or finishing product

• A little goes a long way

• Lightweight feel and scent

• Great for dry hair or those struggling with dead ends

Here’s proof positive that you don’t need to shell out the big bucks for a great hair oil. In fact, we were impressed with this bargain pick, loving the nice scent, very lightweight feel, and non-stickiness, which is surprising since you can buy it at the drugstore. Even just three drops of it made our hair very hydrated and soft. It scored perfect marks in every category — except for overall look where it earned a 4 out of 5. While it did leave our hair much more sleek, it didn’t particularly look shinier than normal.

How it's held up:

This affordable hair oil "gives life back" to our tester's long, brown locks daily. She admittedly has dead ends, heat damage, and dull and dry hair. But when she uses this hair oil before blow drying, her hair comes out silky smooth, and it's also effective post-styling. "When I apply the oil to my ends on dry, styled hair (normally curled or waved), my once dead and dry ends look newly nourished and frizz free," she says.

Star Ingredients: Sunflower seed oil, coconut oil, soybean oil | Key Benefits: Hydrates, combats frizz | Size: 3.4 oz.

Best Non-Greasy

Living Proof Hair Oil

Amazon

Our Ratings

• Application

  5/5

• Absorption

  4.5/5

• Feel

  5/5

• Hair Shine/Sheen

  5/5

Pros

• Works well for fine to very thick or coarse hair

• Pleasant rose scent

• Absorbs beautifully into the hair

• After six months of use, we noticed a drastic improvement in hair softness, frizziness, and shine

This winner is a great example of the fact that “oil” isn’t always synonymous with “greasy.” The formula relies on a blend of five different oils (including jojoba and moringa seed) that work to mimic the natural oils of the hair. Couple that with the fact that the other emollient ingredients in the formula are quick-drying and you get a product that absorbs thoroughly and quickly into the hair so it won't feel greasy. In fact, we noted that it completely soaked into our strands in under 15 seconds. We also found it left hair with a beautiful sheen and effectively controlled frizz, even on a humid, summer day.

How it's held up:

After six months, we're even more in love with the Living Proof hair oil. Our tester said this hair oil has improved the overall look of her hair drastically, and it continues to keep it feeling soft, less frizzy, and much more healthy looking, with a nice bouncy shine.

Star Ingredients: Five-oil blend including jojoba oil and moringa seed oil | Key Benefits: Hydrates and smoothes hair, reduces frizz, enhances shine | Size: 1.7 oz.

Best for Fine Hair

Verb Ghost Weightless Hair Oil

Amazon

Our Ratings

• Application

  5/5

• Absorption

  5/5

• Feel

  4/5

• Hair Shine/Sheen

  4/5

Pros

• Extremely light and weightless

• Includes soy protein, which helps strengthen hair

• Absorbs quickly and beautifully, despite its thickness

• Doesn't make blonde hair brassy because it's a clear oil

For those who have fine hair, the idea of using a hair oil can admittedly sound like a recipe for ending up with a limp, greasy mess. But that’s certainly not the case with this extremely featherweight winner. During tests, we thought this product would be very heavy since it was very thick, but the oil absorbed beautifully into thin hair. We wouldn’t even be scared to use this at the roots because of how well it absorbs.

According to the brand, the moringa-oil-based formula showed to increase shine by 75 percent in their own testing; but our tester felt that number might be a little optimistic. We appreciate that it doesn't make blonde hair brassy (because it's clear) and that it's so lightweight, but it's worth noting that it didn’t wholly tame all of our frizz.

How it's held up:

After six months, we still love that this oil is so lightweight, and the pump bottle makes it super easy to apply. While our tester appreciated that it still doesn't make her blonde hair brassy or heavy, she was disappointed it didn't help prevent split ends. It's still a great rec for those with fine or light-colored hair, but if you've got dry or damaged hair, it might be worth opting for a more heavy-duty hair oil, like our pick below.

Star Ingredients: Moringa oil, bamboo extract, hydrolyzed soy protein | Key Benefits: Softens, adds shine and moisture | Size: 2 oz.

Best for Damaged Hair

OGX Extra Penetrating Argan Oil

Amazon

Pros

• Effective hair oil that’s an excellent value (only $8!)

• Relies on argan oil, which is rich in protective antioxidants

• Heavy and thick, so it's super nourishing for very damaged hair

Cons

• Bottle doesn’t come with a dropper, which makes application a bit more challenging

• Not a great pick for fine hair

A hair oil is a great option for anyone with stressed tresses, and this one in particular is a good pick. The namesake oil is loaded with moisturizing, vitamin E, and protective antioxidants, leaving hair smooth, silky, and shiny. It is a bit on the richer side. We tested this on thick, dry hair and loved how well it moisturized strands, but it may be a bit too much for finer hair. We also do appreciate the very affordable price point and pleasant scent.

How it's held up:

After using this hair oil at home for six months, we can absolutely say it's a great pick (and value) for damaged hair. It's actually so heavy and nourishing that our tester dropped down to using it only once a week, as she found it was a little too strong for daily use. If you're looking for an oil that can really control damaged hair, we still stand behind this pick.

Star Ingredients: Argan oil | Key Benefits: Strengthens and moisturizes hair | Size: 3.3 oz.

Best for Dry Hair

JVN Nourishing Hair Oil

 Amazon

Our Ratings

• Application

  5/5

• Absorption

  4/5

• Feel

  5/5

• Hair Shine/Sheen

  5/5

Pros

• Silicone-free formula

• Pleasant citrus-y fragrance

• Effective for all hair types and textures

• Of all the hair oils we tested, this one really amped up the shine

• Lightweight feel; didn't weight down our hair at all

Almost any hair oil out there will boost the shine factor of your strands — it’s part of the basic job description. Still, of the ones we tested, this really amped up the sheen of our hair, thanks to a combo of squalane, meadowfoam seed oil, and moringa seed oil. (We were also pleasantly surprised that it didn’t weigh down our hair.) FYI, this is meant to be used on dry hair, as a final styling product (as such a texturizing spray); however, per our uniform testing protocol, we used this on damp hair as well, and it still worked well, but it really showed up for a shiny finish on dry hair.

How it's held up:

After six months of use, we can confirm that this will add shine and smoothness when applied to dry hair during the styling session, but if you're looking for a hydrating hair oil or something that's going to really improve your overall hair health, you should opt for a hair mask or pre-shower oil.

Star Ingredients: Squalane, meadowfoam seed oil, moringa seed oil | Key Benefits: Reduces frizz, hydrates, adds shine | Size: 1.7 oz.

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  People / Tamara Staples

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  People / Tamara Staples

Best Pre-Wash

Fable & Mane Pre-Wash Hair Treatment Oil

Sephora

Pros

• Includes castor oil, which helps to thicken hair

• Available in three sizes, including a travel size

• Added ashwagandha supports scalp circulation

• Can use it immediately before shampooing or let it sit for a while for a more nourishing effect

Cons

• Floral-oriental scent is fairly strong

• Meant to be used as a pre-wash treatment, rather than for styling

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. 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. It's worth nothing that the floral scent is very strong, which may not be everyone's cup of tea.

How it's held up:

This pre-wash hair oil has become a staple in our tester's hot yoga routine. She applies the oil before yoga because she knows she will take a shower right after, and she loves what this combo does to her hair. We do want to note that it makes hair look a bit oily after application, so it's best to use it at night or before a sweaty activity when a shower is imminent.

Star Ingredients: Castor oil, ashwagandha | Key Benefits: Hydrates hair, strengthens hair at the root | Size: 1.8, 3.4, 0.48 oz.

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  People / Tamara Staples

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  People / Tamara Staples

Best for Coily/Curly Hair

Melanin Haircare Multi-Use Pure Oil Blend

 Amazon

Our Ratings

• Application

  5/5

• Absorption

  3/5

• Feel

  5/5

• Hair Shine/Sheen

  4/5

Pros

• Versatile as a hot oil treatment and/or body moisturizer

• Large bottle comes with plenty of product and a little bit goes a long way

• Silicone-free formula

• Great for daily use on ends and works well as a heat protectant

Fun fact: Curly and coily hair is innately drier than straight hair. (It has to do with the fact that it’s harder for the scalp’s natural oils to travel all the way down a curly hair shaft.) That’s why a deeply moisturizing hair oil, such as this one, can be so invaluable. It’s chock-full of a laundry list of different oils for an end result that we found left hair well and evenly-moisturized. Just keep in mind that this is a bit of a thicker product and a little goes a long way; it scored only a 3 out of 5 when it came to absorption. For $22, though, it's a great value, especially because it comes in a large 8-oz. bottle.

How it's held up:

After using this product for six months, our hair is healthier, and we've figured out the perfect way to use this oil. Our tester found that applying a little bit every day to her dry ends helped her achieve her ideal look, and she also uses it as a heat protectant and hair mask every once in a while. If you have thick, curly, natural hair, then this oil can weigh your hair down if you use too much. A little really does go a long way.

Star Ingredients: Sweet almond oil, avocado oil, jojoba seed oil | Key Benefits: Softens the hair and locks in moisture | Size: 8 oz.

Best for Scalp

Ceremonia Aceite de Moska Scalp Oil

Ceremonia

Pros

• Made with eight different oils

• Improves the look and feel of hair as well as the scalp

• Softens wiry grays

• Saw hair growth after a few months of using

In case you missed the memo, you can’t have healthy hair without a healthy scalp, hence why a scalp oil made its way on this list. And even though it’s called a scalp oil and is meant to work more on the skin than the hair, it still delivers some hair benefits. For example, we found that it absorbed nicely, softened wiry grays, and smoothed hair out as well. Still, for the best results, you’ll want to work this more onto your scalp than your hair, letting the combination of eight different oils do their thing to nourish and balance the skin — a scalp massager would be great for this. The formula also helps break down any build-up on the scalp, too. It's good to let it sit a little while before showering, which might be a con for you if you don't like waiting around.

How it's held up:

While there weren't immediate results for us during home testing, we did notice hair growth after consistently using the product. It's a pre-shower oil, and we love that you don't have to be super careful about the amount used. It's fairly lightweight, so you can really work it into your scalp before showing. We also didn't find the 10 to 15-minute waiting period inconvenient.

Star Ingredients: Meadowfoam seed oil, chia seed oil, babassu seed oil | Key Benefits: Nourishes scalp, reduces frizz, strengthens hair | Size: 2 fl. oz.

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  People / Tamara Staples

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  People / Tamara Staples

Best Smoothing

Playa Ritual Hair Oil

Morphe

Our Ratings

• Application

  5/5

• Absorption

  5/5

• Feel

  5/5

• Hair Shine/Sheen

  5/5

Pros

• Cap has a built-in pump dispenser that dispenses the perfect amount of product every time

• Silicone-free formula

• Works on both damp and dry hair

• Protects against UV damage

• After six months of use, there is obvious improvement in shine and frizziness

There’s really nothing this hair oil can’t do. Applied on dry or damp hair, it helps add plenty of moisture, very effectively smoothing and softening hair in the process. During testing, we loved how it worked instantly and effectively (and gave it perfect scores for feel and shine), but also noted that the effects even improved over time. Ends got even softer as time went on, and while we didn’t notice too much shine at first, the difference was significant as the hair dried and sat for longer. Also nice: It’s full of protective antioxidants that can combat UV damage and subsequent color-fading — making it a great choice for the summer months to add to your arsenal of sunscreens.

How it's held up:

After six months, this hair oil has definitely improved our hair's smoothness and tamed frizziness. Our tester said that it really helped nourish her dry hair in the winter, but noted that it's a heavy oil, so it might not be great for those with fine hair.

Key Ingredients: Kukui oil, apricot oil, sunflower oil | Key benefits: Moisturizes hair, tames frizz, protects against UV damage | Size: 1.52 fl. oz.

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  People / Tamara Staples

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  People / Tamara Staples

Best Investment

Kérastase Elixir Ultime Hair Oil

Amazon

Our Ratings

• Application

  4/5

• Absorption

  5/5

• Feel

  5/5

• Hair Shine/Sheen

  4/5

Pros

• Effectively combats frizz, particularly for those with thick, coarse hair

• Absorbs quickly on both damp and dry hair

• Luxurious post-shower smell

• Excellent option for those with thick, dry hair

Cons

• Does have a fairly strong fragrance, which some people may not like (but we loved!)

• We felt the dispenser didn’t dispense enough product for what we needed

We loved how quickly this splurge-worthy option smoothed thick, coarse strands: It tamed super frizzy hair instantly, thus earning top marks in the ‘feel’ category. We also liked how quickly it absorbed while still leaving behind enough product to work through the hair easily. While it is one of the pricier options on this list, the bottle is a nice size, and the formula can be used in many ways — either on damp or dry hair — making this a nice versatile option that gives you more bang for your buck.

How it's held up:

After six months of use, our favorite thing about this hair oil is its luxurious scent. However, our tester notes that it works better on thicker hair due to the heaviness of the oil (and a little bit goes a long way), but she still continued to use it for the scent alone.

Star Ingredients: Marula oil, camellia oil, argan oil | Key Benefits: Nourishes, strengthens, protects against heat damage | Size: 3.4 oz.

Things to Consider Before Buying Hair Oils

Types of Oils

As is the case in skincare, such as face oils, there’s no shortage of different oils to be found in the many hair oils on the market. Some of the best ones to look for? “Jojoba, coconut, sesame seed, and sunflower oil are all excellent for restoring moisture to the hair, as well as protecting against sun damage,” says Cristiano. Rozak agrees with all of the above and adds argan oil to the list (which can be found in picks like OGX Extra Penetrating Moroccan Argan Oil and Kérastase Elixir Ultime Hydrating Hair Oil Serum), noting that it contains powerful antioxidants that protect against heat damage.

Purpose

Just like with other hair products, not all hair oils are exactly the same. Some are meant to be used more as styling products (such as hair detanglers), enhancing shine and fighting frizz, whereas others act as treatment products, offering a heavy dose of moisture and helping to repair damage. (That being said, many of the ones on the market, and many of the winners on this list, can be used both ways.) “When looking for a styling oil, the formula should feel lightweight” says Rozak. "Ideally, you should test it on the palms of your hands and make sure it’s not leaving behind a sticky residue. When looking for a treatment oil, look for products that say they’re reparative or call out that they’re a treatment." So, if you're using a shampoo for thinning hair seek out hair oils that promote hair growth.

Silicone-Free

Many hair oils do also contain silicones, ingredients that make the hair feel and look smooth, but sit on top of the strands. Some of the ones that aren’t water-soluble can build up on hair — that's when shampoos for oily hair can help mitigate the effects of excess oil and product buildup. They’re not necessarily ingredients you need to avoid, but if you are looking to reap the benefits of the oils and the oils alone, stick with silicone-free hair oils. Many on this list are silicone-free formulas, including JVN Complete Nourishing Shine Drops and Melanin Multi-Use Pure Oil Blend.

How We Tested Hair Oils

Our PEOPLE Tested team spent a day trying out 29 different hair oils in our testing lab. To start, we first dampened clean hair, then sectioned it into two parts so that we could test two oils at once (which was helpful for directly comparing oils against each other). Using provided guidelines for how much oil to apply based on hair-length (two to three drops for short, three to five for shoulder-length, five to eight for chest-length, and eight to ten for waist-length), we worked the product in from the ends to the roots. After letting it soak in for 30 seconds (unless otherwise noted on the product label), we took note of how the hair looked and felt, as well as how well the oil absorbed.

Finally, we blow-dried each section, and then once again reassessed, paying particular attention to how shiny it was. Ultimately, each product was ranked on a scale of 1 to 5 in the following categories: application, absorption, feel, and overall look. The products with the highest average ratings made this PEOPLE Tested list of best hair oils.

We continued to use our favorite hair oils for six months and noted any changes after one month, three months, and six months. We have added in those insights (and tips from our at-home testers) and still stand behind our selections.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What do hair oils do?

  “Oils moisturize and rejuvenate the hair on a deeper level than your everyday conditioner, making them both restorative and protective,” says Cristiano, who adds that this is because they can actually penetrate into the strands. They’re also great styling products, helping to smooth the hair, tame frizz, and add plenty of shine — not to mention offer heat protection from hair dryers and other heat tools.

• What’s the best way to use a hair oil?

  This depends on exactly what you want it to do for you. If you’re using it as more of a styling product, apply it right out of the shower on damp, towel-dried hair, before blow-drying or air-drying suggests Rozak. However, if you want it to be more of a treatment, you’ll want to use it on dry hair: “Our hair is the most porous when it’s dry, so the oil will be able to penetrate the most deeply,” Rozak explains. Leave it on for as long as possible before shampooing; she says doing so overnight is ideal.

• Which oil makes hair grow faster?

  In order for healthy hair growth, the scalp needs to be healthy — and for a healthy scalp, essential oils are your best bet, says Cristiano. They're often key players in many top hair growth products. More specifically, “Sage, rosemary, lemon, and cyprus essential oils soothe the scalp and can help rebalance moisture levels if you’re experiencing dryness or excess sebum,” he explains. “They help to create a healthy environment for hair growth.”

Why Trust PEOPLE?

Melanie Rud is a freelance beauty writer and editor living in Chicago. Before moving to Chicago, Melanie held beauty editorial positions at Shape, Good Housekeeping, and Health. Today, she is a contributing writer for Byrdie, where she covers all things skincare, interviewing top dermatologists to get to the bottom of the latest trends and products, as well as PEOPLE, Real Simple, Brides, and more.

For this article, Melanie sorted through testing data, lab pictures, and used firsthand knowledge of beauty products to select the best 11 hair oils available today. She also spoke with celebrity hairstylists Mara Rozak and Anthony Cristiano.

Erin Johnson, PEOPLE senior commerce editor, later updated this article with long-term insights from our at-home testers.

What Is People Tested?

We created the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval to help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs.

But we don’t stop there: We also regularly re-review the categories in which we’ve awarded the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval — because the best product of today might not be the best of tomorrow. And by the way, companies can never buy our recommendation: Their products must earn it, fair and square.

In short, PEOPLE Tested provides recommendations you can trust — every day, every purchase.

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