14 Best Hair Oils of 2023, Tested by Experts

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Get smooth, shiny and soft strands with no greasy residue.

Just like face oils, hair oils can be intimidating as many people still have an oil fear when it comes to beauty. But with all of the new formulations and ingredients, these formulas have become an integral part of haircare and styling routines for many different purposes. "Hair oils are typically used for moisturizing, conditioning the hair and scalp, reducing frizz, making hair glossy or shiny and sometimes promoting hair growth," says Clariss Rubenstein Saraf, a celebrity hair stylist in Los Angeles, California. "They can be used as a pre-shampoo treatment, a leave-in conditioner or a styling product, depending on the specific type of oil and the desired results."

So with all of these benefits and uses, is there actually a hair oil for everyone? "Absolutely," says Saraf. "There are hair oils designed for all hair types, even those with fine hair or who have extensions."

Keep reading for our top hair oil picks for hair growth, curly hair, frizz and more, chosen by hair stylists, our beauty editors and Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty, Health & Sustainability Lab scientists.

"A special blend of Ayurvedic botanical oils and extracts passed down by the founder’s family, this is one of the few hair oils I’ve tried that has transformative effects," says GH Beauty Director April Franzino. She uses it as a pre-shampoo treatment, coating her hair in the oil, wrapping it in a bun, then washing it out after about 20 minutes — no conditioner needed. It also can be used as an overnight treatment and can be warmed up for extra nourishment. "The fresh jasmine scent makes it feel like an indulgence and once dry, my hair is noticeably softer and silkier." Some reviewers, however, felt that the fragrance was a little too intense.

If you are looking to tame flyaways without breaking the bank, you've met your match. "OGX Coconut Miracle Oil is a great budget-friendly find," says Cassandra Olivia, a hair stylist and colorist in New York City. "It smells amazing due to the fact that the formula is a mix of coconut oil and vanilla bean extract." This nourishing oil is ideal for medium to coarse hair and helps soften and smooth hair. Be sure to wipe the bottle down after using; some reviewers noted that the bottle gets and can easily stay greasy if not cleaned properly.

Inexpensive and top-notch ingredients? Yes, really. This formula contains coffeeberry, a science-backed ingredient, in addition to a blend that includes ginseng, flaxseed and licorice. "Research shows that coffeeberry extract can have a benefit for hair growth and hair loss reduction," says Birnur Aral, Ph.D., the executive director of the GH Beauty Lab. Reviewers agree, with one noting that "it's really helping my hair grow." If you are scent sensitive, take note: It has a strong smell that not all reviewers love.

"This oil does wonders for damaged hair," says Olivia. "It’s a non-greasy formula that uses a proprietary blend of breakthrough, plant-based cannabinoid extracts to encourage internal and external restoration of hair strands." The best part? It adds major shine without weighing hair down. While most reviewers love the formula, one with fine hair felt it was too heavy for their hair type.

Talk about a triple threat. "This oil from R+Co is weightless, completely cuts the frizz and hair has a glass shine finish," says Saraf. In addition to the brand's proprietary BLEU Molecule Complex, the oil contains sunflower seed oil to add shine and protect hair color and babassu oil to smooth down frizz and soften strands. It is pricey but Saraf, and other reviews, feel that it's worth it.

Danusia Wnek, a senior chemist at the GH Beauty Lab, is a big fan of Arrojo hair products in general, as she loves the scent. "I can best describe it as an elegant, clean floral but not too overpowering," she says. But this hair oil really stands out due to its super light texture that doesn't weigh her hair down. "I don’t like a lot of product in my hair and I love that this is a multipurpose product that boosts shine, helps reduce my flyaways and smooths my hair," she says. "The best part is that it always feels weightless no matter if I use it on wet hair or on dry hair for a touch up." It is a small bottle, so use sparingly.

Curly hair generally needs a lot of nourishment. Thanks to a combo of marula and lavender oils, Design Essentials Oil Treatment nourishes both the scalp and hair strands. "It also helps improve the elasticity that is key essential for curls and waves," says celebrity hairstylist Danielle Priano. A few reviewers noted irritation so try a test patch first if you have a sensitive scalp.

Jojoba oil is known to be a true multitasker for both skin and hair, making it ideal for any dry scalp issues. "It's great for hydration and won't clog your pores, on your face or scalp," says Jenn Castillo, a hair stylist at Dryluxe Beauty Bar in Scarsdale, New York. "Plus, it can reduce dandruff and add shine to the hair without making it look greasy." A few reviewers noted issues with the dropper so be careful when using as to not waste any product.

Yes it’s pricey, but Good Housekeeping Beauty Assistant Catharine Malzahn swears by this hair oil. "It feels super luxe during application and really makes a difference for my hair," she says. "It helped me manage static and frizz during my first winter in New York City, and it also significantly boosted shine and smoothness." Malzahn applies it to her hair dry from mid-shaft to ends, but you can also apply it to damp hair after getting out of the shower.

Those with extensions have to tread carefully when using hair styling products, as anything with silicone is a no-no. This light oil is safe for extensions and Saraf uses it on all hair types, including those with fine hair. "It does its job of reducing frizz and flyaways with no weight or residue," she says. Plus, "they also make a purple one specifically for blondes." Be careful when storing or traveling with this oil; a few reviewers commented that the bottle leaks easily.

Argan oil is one of the OG hair and skincare oils that is still popular for good reason: It's a pure and natural oil that "helps smooth hair, reduce frizz and add shine," says Olivia. "It contains fatty acids and vitamin E that adds moisture to hair." In addition to being a great bang for your buck, this one can also be used on your face and body for instant nourishment. If you have fine hair, it may not be for you; a few reviewers noted that it was too heavy for limp strands.

Boasting an impressive list of almost 100% natural plant oils and extracts including castor, jojoba and rosemary, this hair thickening oil promotes longer locks. While reviewers generally raved about its efficacy and formula, a few noted that it left hair a little greasy after applying. "I typically keep my hair silk pressed and I've noticed since using this oil my hair holds the press much longer and humidity isn't as much of a hassle as it was before I used this oil," one reviewer notes. "I also noticed that I have much denser new growth than I did before, so I believe it is aiding in my hair growing faster and thicker."

Olivia loves this oil — which contains nourishing shea butter, Amazonian nut oil and babassu oil — for naturally curly hair, as it adds instant shine and moisture. "It’s a fine mist and is easy to apply as a spray," she says. "Plus, it really helps define curls." While it's ideal for curls, waves and thicker hair types, it is a little too heavy for those with finer strands, according to reviewers.

"One of the original hair oil treatments, this luxurious formula is made with nourishing plant oils like coconut, sesame and sunflower," says Franzino. "It can be used as a pre-shampoo deep conditioner or overnight hair mask, and applied before swimming or sun exposure to shield strands." One thing to look out for: It can solidify over time.

The Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab scientists test hundreds of the best hair products every year, from shampoos and conditioners to hair masks, leave-in conditioners and styling products, including hair serums, mousses, hairsprays, dry shampoos and more.

While the GH Beauty Lab hasn't yet formally tested hair oils, the above products are a mix of Beauty Lab expert and editor favorites and formulas recommended to us by professional hair stylists.

Now that there are so many types of hair oils with different benefits, uses and application methods, it's important to read the fine print and check with the pros as needed.

✔️ Focus on your hair type. "Do some research on the best hair oils for your hair type," advises Priano. "For example, coconut oil in the last few years had a huge moment, but it’s not recommended for use on everyone since it’s a heavier oil and takes intensive washing to completely get out of the hair."

✔️ Check ingredients. "I like to avoid hair oils that are full of parabens and silicone," says Priano. "The more natural the better!"

✔️ Ask your stylist. "For oils to be used on your hair strands or ends, I would go with recommendations from a stylist and/or based on reviews as these are typically for cosmetic benefits," says Aral.

✔️ Talk to a dermatologist if needed. "If you are seeking out any specialty oils to treat scalp issues, I would consult a dermatologist and read trusted reviews," says Aral.

"Hair oils are a more natural approach to balancing the scalp, hydrating the hair and giving that extra shine before or after styling," says Priano. "Because the scalp produces natural oils, it’s great to give some oil back to the hair after using so many surfactants on a daily basis."

There is no one right way to apply hair oil. "I almost always use oil on clean, damp hair," says Saraf. "It makes hair conditioned and more manageable, silky and soft when it dries, and reduces frizz." But it can work on dry hair too, especially when it comes to taming flyaways, but only use a few drops for this purpose. However, "if you are using an oil as a treatment, put it on dry hair and use it generously," she says.

"You should always follow the manufacturer’s instructions as to how and when to apply these products," adds Aral. "While some could be targeted for scalp, some could be for the hair strands or both and the usage could vary based on the end benefit of the formula."

"I like to use oils more like a treat when I feel my hair or a client's hair needs some extra love," says Priano. "I’d advise not to use oils on a daily basis because it can definitely build up and clog the hair follicles if used in excess." Those with super curly or thick hair can typically use hair oils more often, up to a few times a week.

Dori Price interviewed stylists and the GH Beauty Lab and editors to compile this list of the best hair oils. She has over 15 years of experience researching and writing haircare and hairstyling stories, combining her knowledge with the expertise of top industry professionals such as hairstylists, hair colorists and trichologists. She is an expert in all hair product categories, from shampoos, conditioners, treatments, styling products and tools to hair color, professional services and more.

Birnur Aral contributed her knowledge of hair oils and how they work to the story. She has deftly led the GH Beauty Lab for almost 15 years. In addition to earning M.Eng. and Ph.D. degrees in chemical engineering, she recently added a professional certificate in sustainability management from Columbia University to her credentials. Birnur has been an active leader in conceptualizing many of our green initiatives, including the GH Sustainable Innovation Awards and our annual Raise the Green Bar Summit. Birnur and the Beauty Lab chemists also conduct the brand's annual Beauty Awards selection process, a yearlong effort for the team that involves assessing hundreds of products. She is also very proud of her work on investigative pieces like “Is It Safe to Heat Food in Plastic?”, “Is Your Tap Water Safe?” and "Keratin Hair Treatments."

Dori Price is a New York City-based freelance writer and editor and beauty, style and wellness expert who was the Beauty & Fashion Director at Family Circle for 13 years before she joined Good Housekeeping, Prevention and Woman’s Day as a freelance beauty editor. She has also written for WomensHealthMag.com, Elle.com and HealthCentral.com.

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