Best Hair Oils for 2023

Hair oils are multifunctional products that make hair healthier and more beautiful. They can work as both treatments and styling products, depending on the hair oil you choose and how you apply it. While many are designed for use during the day, you can also find options intended for overnight use, working at the scalp level to stimulate blood flow and growth.

Below, we provide recommendations for the best hair oils on the market as well as tips on choosing the right one for your unique hair needs.

Best hair oil for every hair type overview

• Best overall: Bumble & Bumble Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil
• Best budget: The Ordinary 100% Cold-Pressed Virgin Marula Oil
• Best clean: Henna Sooq Organic Amla Oil for Hair
• Best for overnight use: Sky Organics Castor Oil
• Best for fine hair: MoroccanOil Treatment Light
• Best splurge: Tatcha Gold Camellia Beauty Oil
• Best for silk presses: IC Fantasia Heat Protector Straightening Serum
• Best for frizz: John Frieda Frizz Ease Original Serum
• Best for growth: Kaleidoscope Miracle Drops

How we chose the best hair oils for every hair type

To compile this list, we researched manufacturer specifications, including recommended hair type, size, key ingredients, scent, and more, to create a short list of the top hair oil for every hair type. Then, we combed through detailed product descriptions, ratings, and reviews to find the best hair oil for every hair type in each category.

Our picks for the best hair oil for every hair type

If you’re shopping for a weightless oil that can easily juggle a variety of needs without requiring that you become a product junkie and clutter your vanity, Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil from Bumble & Bumble is a great pick. While we can’t pretend that it isn’t on the pricey side, we do like that it tackles a wide array of issues that people of all hair types struggle with. 

Along with boosting shine, it also works as a multitasker: softening texture, preventing breakage, detangling, banishing frizz, shielding hair from heat styling tools, and even providing a layer of protection against UV rays. 

It’s a clear oil that’s lightweight with a blend of six oils — macadamia seed, coconut, grape seed, safflower, almond, and argan. You can also add a few drops to your conditioner to create a rich, deep conditioning treatment if your strands are feeling a bit parched.

Hair type: All | Size: 3.4 fl oz | Key ingredient(s): Macadamia seed oil, coconut oil, grape seed oil, safflower oil, almond oil, argan oil

Many people prefer cold-pressed products for their hair because the production process ensures that more nutrients remain — which translates to better results for your hair. The Ordinary’s 100% Cold-Pressed Virgin Marula Oil is designed as a double-duty oil that you can use on both your hair and skin. 

The antioxidant-rich oil is ideal for boosting radiance in your skin and shine in your hair. And because it’s not only 100% organic and cold-pressed but also unrefined, you’ll get a stronger boost of oleic and linoleic acids that work to improve hydration. Meanwhile, it’s lightweight enough that people with fine hair won’t feel like it leaves their hair limp and weighed down.

Hair type: All | Size: 1.01 fl oz | Key ingredient(s): 100% organic cold-pressed marula oil

If you’re concerned about harmful ingredients hiding in your hair oil, then a clean beauty pick like the Organic Amla Oil from Henna Sooq is the way to go. Along with being all-natural, it’s also vegan, cruelty free, and pesticide free, so it can be used on both your hair and skin. It contains just two ingredients — amla and sesame seed oil — and no synthetic fragrance is used. 

Amla oil has a wide range of ayurvedic uses, and while you can use it as a final step in your styling routine, it can also be used as the basis of deep conditioning treatments. And amla is often promoted for hair growth, meaning it can make an excellent scalp treatment as a pre-shampoo or overnight solution. Because the amla oil is cold-pressed, it absorbs quickly into your hair to help ensure it’s better moisturized.

Hair type: All | Size: 4 oz | Key ingredient(s): 100% organic cold-pressed amla oil and sesame seed oil

If you’re unfamiliar with castor oil, it’s time to learn about this powerhouse product that can be used in countless ways. Sky Organics’ Organic Castor Oil is a cruelty-free, vegan pick that will revolutionize your hair — and we’re not kidding. 

While castor oil is a heavier oil, this is a fantastic option for moisturizing your scalp, thanks to the nourishing fatty acids that work to condition your roots. Note that castor oil is also ideal for boosting brow and lash growth. And don’t get us started on castor oil’s antifungal and antimicrobial properties, which is why it’s a classic choice for multifunctional health and beauty needs. 

However, because it’s a heavier oil, it’s usually best reserved for pre-wash and overnight treatments for deep moisture penetration before washing your hair. This is because even on thicker and more textured hair types, it’s easy for your hair to look weighed down.

Hair type: All | Size: 8 fl oz | Key ingredient(s): 100% organic cold-pressed castor seed oil

You have to be careful with hair oils when you have fine hair. This is because they can easily leave your hair looking weighed down and greasy — especially if you’re using them as a daily moisturizer rather than a deep conditioner or pre-wash treatment. Thankfully, the fan-favorite hair brand, MoroccanOil, has created a lighter version of its MoroccanOil Treatment that’s specifically formulated for fine hair. 

Note that this pick is also particularly created for those who have bleached and colored their hair to a light blond. The oil can be used as a conditioner, deep treatment, and a final styling step to infuse shine. Thanks to core ingredients like argan oil, it’s rich in antioxidants. 

The brand also promises that this oil can offer multitasking support as a detangler and aid in speeding up drying times. Ultimately, you’ll be left with amenable, healthier, and shinier tresses.

Hair type: Fine, light color-treated | Size: 3.4 fl oz | Key ingredient(s): Argan oil, linseed extract

Yes, this is expensive, which is why we’re nominating Tatcha’s Gold Camellia Beauty Oil as our Best Splurge pick. But if you’re familiar with this Japanese ingredient-inspired brand, you know that while Tatcha is an investment, the brand is known for making formulas that are highly effective at targeting the concerns each product aims to address. 

The Gold Camellia Beauty Oil is a multitasking product that improves your hair and skin. It’s considered richer in oleic acids than olive oil and is a fantastic source of vitamins A, B, D, and E. Plus, it contains omega-3, -6, and -9 fatty acids.

It incorporates extra virgin cold-pressed Japanese camellia oil that’s proven to moisturize and protect your hair and skin from harsh environmental stressors. But depending on your preferences, you might not like having gold flecks in your hair. So, this is something to be mindful of if you’re looking for multifunctional hair and body oil.

Hair type: All | Size: 1 fl oz | Key ingredient(s): Japanese camellia seed oil, licorice extract, gold

When performing a silk press, you need a lightweight hair polish that gives you that coveted shine without leaving your hair looking heavy or greasy. For the uninitiated, a silk press is a straightening process usually performed on natural Types 3 and 4 textures.

It gives people the versatility to wear their hair straight without relying on a permanent chemical process, such as a relaxer. But, as pretty as they are, silk presses require a lot of exposure to high heat — namely, a blow dry immediately followed by flat ironing your hair at 450 degrees Fahrenheit. 

So, a good heat protectant is critical if you want those curls and coils to return after you wash your hair. IC Fantasia’s Hair Protector Straightening Serum pulls double duty to not only protect your tresses from hot styling tools but also act as a polisher to create that glossy bouncy effect that everyone wants when they sit in the chair for a silk press. 

The brand promises that this product will also reduce drying time while eliminating frizz and static. To be clear, you don’t have to have Types 3 or 4 hair to use this product, but because it’s a heavier serum rather than a lightweight oil, people with finer textures may feel like their hair looks greasy if they use too much of it.

Hair type: Ideal for Type 3 and 4 | Size: 2 fl oz | Key ingredient(s): Cyclopentasiloxane, dimethiconol, aloe barbadensis leaf extract

John Frieda is a haircare brand that’s a household name around the world. And if you specifically struggle with frizz, the Frizz Ease Original Serum is ideal for medium or thick hair that’s hard to wrangle. While billed as a serum, it’s a heavier texture oil that incorporates moisture-rich ingredients like argan, coconut, and moringa oils. 

You’ll like that you can use it on wet or dry hair. So, if you have finer hair but still want to try this product, apply it to wet hair before blow drying to minimize the heavy effect you might otherwise experience. Since it protects your hair from heat up to 428 degrees Fahrenheit and it’s safe for color-treated hair, you can use this serum confidently. 

This pick offers up to 72 hours of frizz protection and resistance for up to 90% humidity. Better yet, it’s a cruelty-free and vegan option. But keep in mind that even the brand notes that less is more when applying this oil — especially on dry hair.

Hair type: All | Size: 1.6 fl oz | Key ingredient(s): Argan oil, coconut oil, moringa oil

For those seeking a product specifically designed to boost growth and length retention, Kaleidoscope’s Miracle Drops are a fan favorite in the natural hair community — think Type 3 and 4 hair — however, they’ll work for all hair types. These drops are intended to work as a scalp treatment to stimulate your hair follicles and remove excess product and dirt buildup. 

Moreover, it’s also a hair oil. The formula features a blend of essential oils, like tea tree and peppermint, that stimulate blood flow — a critical feature to boost hair growth. Likewise, aloe works to moisturize your follicles to minimize breakage and shedding. The drops add shine, and it’s a lightweight and fast-absorbing option. This pick can be used all over or on specific thinning spots for a targeted treatment solution.

Hair type: Type 3 and 4 | Size: 2 fl oz | Key ingredient(s): Tea tree oil, peppermint oil, aloe extract

Final thoughts

Hair oil can be a large beauty category that covers a wide range of concerns. While most people think of hair oils as a product designed simply to moisturize their hair, the truth is that this niche can also target specific concerns, like controlling frizz or boosting growth and retention. Finding the right oil will depend on your unique needs as well as your hair type. But we recommend starting with our fairly universal Best Overall pick: the Bumble & Bumble Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil. 

How to pick the right hair oil for you

Again, it’s important to consider your hair type and specific concerns when you shop for hair oil. Additionally, remember that many products work as multitaskers, which can cut down on clutter in your bathroom. 

Hair type

• Type 1. Type 1 hair is straight. While not always fine, it’s more common to find finer strands in this niche. You’ll want to avoid oils that are too heavy, as they can make your hair look flat or greasy.
• Type 2. Type 2 hair is wavy and is further divided into 2A, 2B, and 2C. While moisture is sometimes a concern, frizz and humidity tend to be bigger issues. With Type 2 hair, you have a vast range of oils to choose from, but you might want to avoid heavier ones if you’re a 2A, as you might experience greasiness too.
• Type 3. Type 3 hair is curly and divided into 3A, 3B, and 3C. Moisture retention and frizz can be issues due to your hair pattern. You can thrive from heavier oils, but you’ll want to prioritize moisture. 
• Type 4. Type 4 hair is coily and further divides into 4A, 4B, and 4C. Similar to Type 3s, you likely struggle with dryness. And depending on your wash schedule, product and dirt buildup can be an issue. So look for moisturizing oils and ones that work as scalp treatments. 

Hair concerns

• Dryness. Dryness can impact everyone, whether you’re a Type 1 or Type 4C. But the weight of the oil is going to be an issue. While Type 3 and 4 heads can get away with heavier oils, Type 1s and 2s should lean toward lightweight oils that won’t leave hair greasy. 
• Frizz. No one wants hair that looks like cotton candy — even many naturals. So, frizz-fighting means you’re looking for an oil that offers definition and resists humidity. 
• Environmental stressors. UV rays and free radicals can put a strain on your hair. Many hair oils are designed to provide a barrier that prevents those factors from further harming your hair. 
• Fine hair. When you have fine hair, lightweight oils are better. Look for options that promise to dry quickly. Unless you’re focusing on an overnight treatment, avoid heavy oils like castor oil. 

Purpose

• Growth. If growth is a concern, focus on scalp treatment oils with stimulating ingredients like tea tree and peppermint oils or sulfur. Remember that the hair you see can only be “repaired” so much. Real change occurs at the scalp level. 
• Deep treatments. Deep treatments usually mean you’re focusing on a heavier solution with ingredients like castor or amla oil. This may be used as a pre-poo (pre-shampoo) treatment or overnight option. 
• Protection. Protection can mean a range of things. On the one hand, there are oils that prevent or minimize environmental damage. But many hair oils or serums also double as heat protectants — ensuring that you don’t permanently damage your tresses because of your love affair with your curling and straightening heat tools.

FAQ

Which oil is best for your hair? 

The best oil is going to depend on your hair type and concerns. However, a good multitasker like the Bumble & Bumble. Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil is a good starting point that’s safe for all hair types. It not only hydrates but infuses shine, protects your hair from UV rays, serves as a heat protectant, and fights frizz. 

Which oil helps grow hair the fastest?

Oil alone can’t help your hair grow fast. Hair growth is a mix of genetics, what you eat, and how you care for your hair. So, for best results when incorporating an oil, look for options designed to stimulate the scalp. Key ingredients that usually achieve this include biotin, tea tree oil, peppermint oil, and sulfur. 

Which oil is best for preventing hair from falling out?

If you’re concerned about hair falling out, you’re probably worried about two things — breakage and extending the anagen phase of hair growth. While you can’t eliminate the shedding or exogen phase, there are products that can extend the growth phase.

For breakage, look for oils rich in proteins that are designed to bond with your hair, helping to seal any cracks in the cuticle that might otherwise encourage breakage.

For anagen extension, look for products rich in sulfur, such as methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), which is proven through research to extend your growth phase — giving the illusion of less shedding, thanks to boosting keratin.