I have always been a firm believer in the power of natural remedies, especially when it comes to taking care of my hair. For years, I’ve experimented with different household ingredients to combat dryness, frizz, and damage. But with so many hair oil options on the market, venturing beyond the kitchen cabinet can feel overwhelming. This guide breaks down the best natural oils for various hair concerns, along with some popular drugstore and luxury options to consider, so you can find the perfect solution to achieve your hair goals!
Remember, when choosing between high-end and drugstore options, consider the ingredients and what your hair craves. For instance, if you’re looking for intense nourishment, splurging on a Moroccan oil-based treatment might be worthwhile. But if you’re on a budget and want to fight frizz, a drugstore grapeseed oil could be just as effective. This guide will help you navigate these choices, and don’t forget to check out our previous article comparing drugstore Elvive to salon favorite Kerastase to see if the high-price tag translates to better results for your hair!
Benefits of Using Hair Care Oils
Before diving into the different types of hair care oils, let’s take a moment to appreciate the numerous benefits they offer. Firstly, hair care oils are packed with essential nutrients that nourish and moisturise the hair, leaving it soft, shiny, and manageable. They also help to strengthen the hair follicles, reducing breakage and promoting healthy growth. Additionally, these oils have the ability to repair damage caused by heat styling, chemical treatments, and environmental factors. Finally, hair care oils can also soothe the scalp, alleviate dandruff, and promote a healthy environment for hair growth.
Different Types of Hair Care Oils
Fight dry hair with avocado, almond, or castor oil for deep moisture. Tame frizz with argan, grapeseed, or lavender oil (diluted) to smooth cuticles and control flyaways. Restore damaged hair with coconut, olive, or rosemary oil (diluted) to repair and strengthen.
The Best Hair Care Oils
Luxury Hair Care Oils:
Kerastase Elixir Ultime: This luxurious hair oil is a multi-tasking marvel. It nourishes hair, leaving it feeling stronger, softer, and noticeably shinier. The formula protects your hair from damaging elements, while also smoothing frizz and boosting hydration. Expect brilliantly shiny hair thanks to a unique blend of oils:
-
- Marula Oil: Adds softness and deep moisture.
- Camellia Oil: Provides hydration and enhances shine.
- Argan Oil: Boosts hair elasticity for a healthier look and feel.
Price: $58.00 – Buy it here: Kerastase Elixir Ultime L’ Huile
L’ANZA Keratin Healing Oil Hair Treatment: This restorative treatment combines science and nature to target dry, damaged hair. Its key ingredient, Keratin Protein, mimics hair’s natural building blocks to repair and strengthen. The Phyto IV Complex, a botanical blend, further nourishes and heals stressed hair. This powerful oil adds shine, rebuilds strands from root to tip, is Sulfate free and provides UV and pollution protection thanks to its rich antioxidant content. The result? Healthy, voluminized hair with a radiant shine.
- Next Generation Keratin: Adds strength and shine
- Abyssinian Flower Oil : Provides shine and softness, reduces frizz
- Coffee Seed Oil: Provides UV and pollution protection
- Acai Fruit Oil: Boosts elasticity
- Barbassu Kernel Oil: Improves Manageability and Hydration.
Price: $64.69 – Buy it here: L’ANZA Keratin Healing Oil
Mid-Range Oils:
Redken All Soft Argan-6 Oil: Dry, brittle hair doesn’t stand a chance against Redken’s All Soft Argan-6 Hair Oil Treatment. This multi-tasking oil is infused with Omega-6 enriched Argan Oil, a powerful ingredient known for its deep moisturizing properties. It acts as a deep conditioner, replenishing your hair with much-needed moisture and softness. Say goodbye to dryness and brittleness, and hello to soft, manageable hair that feels as good as it looks.
-
- Argan Oil: Provides hair with concentrated softness, deep conditioning and lasting supplenes.
- Added Bonus: Sulfate Free, Paraben Free,
Price: $36.00 – Buy it here: Redken All Soft Argan-6 Oil
Olaplex 7 Bonding Oil: Tame frizz, boost shine, and shield from heat with Olaplex No. 7 Bonding Oil. This multitasking treatment works on all hair types, especially damaged strands. It strengthens hair, detangles knots, and leaves it radiant and manageable.
-
- Benefits: Shine, Strengthening, UV Protection, Heat Protection, Frizz Control, Detangle
- Added Bonus: Sulfate Free, Gluten Free, Aluminum Free, Paraben Free, Formaldehyde Free, Fragrance Free
Price: $30.00 – Buy it here: Olaplex No.7 Bonding Oil
Drugstore-Friendly Oils:
CHI Argan plus Moringa Oil: This lightweight blend absorbs quickly, reviving and moisturizing even dull, damaged strands. Packed with antioxidants and vitamin E, this luxurious oil smooths hair instantly, promoting healthy styles with incredible shine and freedom of movement. Plus, it offers protection against heat styling and UV rays, making it a great all-around hair care hero.
-
- Argan Oil: Moisturises, tames frizz, strengthens hair, adds shine and protects from heat damage.
- Moringa Oil: Packed with A, C, and D vitamins, it nourishes, promotes hair growth, reduces dandruff, adds shine and protects from damage
Price: $15.09 – Buy it here: Chi Argan plus Moringa Oil
Moroccanoil Treatment: This multi-tasking wonder is infused with antioxidant-rich argan oil, nature’s powerhouse for hair health. It delivers a complete haircare experience, softening strands, boosting hydration, and detangling with ease. Frizz and flyaways become a thing of the past as the oil smooths the hair cuticle, leaving you with locks that are up to 118% shinier.
-
- Argan Oil: Rich in antioxidants, it hydrates and nourishes hair
- Linseed Extract: Contains fatty acids to help improve the health of hair
- Benefits: Boosts shine, smooths, and it’s non-greasy
Price: from $17.10 -to $45.60 (depending on size) – Buy it here: Moroccanoil Treatment
Leave-In Treatment Oils:
Gisou Honey Infused Hair Oil: This multi-tasking wonder repairs damage, fights frizz, and boosts shine for all hair types. Made with sustainably sourced honey, it nourishes and hydrates, leaving hair healthier and radiant. Use it pre-styling, as a finishing touch, or even overnight for an extra dose of TLC.
-
- Mirsalehi Honey: Rich in vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and antioxidants. Acts as a humectant to restore hair’s natural moisture balance.
- Benefits: Nourishes, tames frizz, strenghtens hair, adds shine
Price: $46.00 – Buy it here: Gisou Honey Infused Hair Oil
Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Glossy Nourishing Hair Oil: This luxurious blend fights frizz for up to 72 hours, leaving your hair with mirror-like shine. Packed with Pataua and Pequi oils, rich in antioxidants and vitamins, it repairs damage and deeply moisturizes all hair types. Infused with the brand’s iconic Cheirosa ’62 scent, a warm gourmand blend of pistachio and salted caramel, this oil is a sensory and haircare treat. Apply it before air drying or heat styling to tame frizz, or use on dry hair for a touch of extra moisture and shine.
-
- Pataua Oil: Rich in antioxidants, protects hair from damage, moisturises and reduces frizz
- Pequi Oil: Adds shine and smoothness, moisturises and nourishes hair
- Added Bonus: Paraben free, Sulfate free
Price: $34.00 – Buy it here: Sol De Janeiro Brazilian Glossy Nourishing Hair Oil
Remember to patch test before use and choose an oil based on your hair porosity (high, low, medium).
If you’re feeling adventurous, why not try making your own hair care oil? Here are a few simple DIY recipes to get you started:
- Nourishing Avocado Oil Blend: Mix 2 tablespoons of avocado oil with 1 tablespoon of jojoba oil and a few drops of your favorite essential oil. Massage into your scalp and hair, leave on for 30 minutes, then rinse thoroughly.
- Moisturizing Coconut Oil Treatment: Melt 3 tablespoons of coconut oil and mix it with 1 tablespoon of honey. Apply to damp hair, cover with a shower cap, and leave on for 1 hour. Shampoo and condition as usual.
- Repairing Argan Oil Elixir: Combine 2 tablespoons of argan oil with 1 tablespoon of rosehip oil and a few drops of vitamin E oil. Apply a small amount to dry or damp hair for instant shine and nourishment.
Remember, these recipes are just a starting point, and you can customise them based on your hair’s needs and your personal preferences.
Have you tried any of the above hair care products? Which one would you recommend adding to our list?
Photo Credits: Pexels.com