It takes an arsenal of products to keep my curls bouncy and healthy, but the best hair oils for curly hair are my go-to for smooth frizz-free, and defined finish. “Some oils focus on moisturizing and smoothing. While others help with repairing, strengthening, and stimulating for optimal hair growth,” says Olivia Renee, a Boston-based hairstylist and texture specialist.
Curly hair is drier by nature because your scalp’s natural oils (called sebum) have a harder time traveling down the twists of curls and waves. “Hair oils can lock in moisture, seal the cuticle, smooth frizz, and keep the everything glossy,” Renee says. Plus, they can help protect from environmental damage, encourage growth, and add shine, she adds. Below, we’ve rounded up the best curly hair oils, according to Glamour contributors and professional hairstylists, including our best overall pick, Olaplex No. 7 Bond Hair Oil, a cult-favorite that’s worth it if your curls need repair and shine.
The best hair oils for curly hair, at a glance
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How we tested:
When evaluating the best hair oils for curly hair, we considered hair type and concern (e.g., is your hair dry and you’re looking for shine, or are you repairing damage from hot tools or chemical treatments?). We considered texture by testing on coils that were thicker or on the fine side. We chose formulas that were easily absorbed and didn’t feel heavy or greasy on strands.
Best Overall: Olaplex No. 7 Bonding Oil
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| Pros | Lightweight, repairs and smooths, heat/UV protection |
| Cons | Expensive for size |
| Key ingredients | Grapeseed oil, sunflower seed oil, green tea oil |
| Scent | Lightly tropical |
| Size | 1.0 fl. oz. |
What we love: Olaplex’s highly concentrated bonding oil smooths, softens, and adds a glossy shine to your hair. It has a subtle, sweet scent and is easy to apply—just rub a couple of drops in your palms, then run them through the ends of your wet or dry hair. No. 7 also doubles as a UV barrier and heat protectant, which is ideal for days when you’re giving your curls a blowout. Celebrities like Kaia Gerber and Billie Eilish also swear by the oil, so you know it’s worth the hype.
Our reviewer says
My two main focuses are reviving my curls and growing out my hair. I heard people rave about Olaplex, so I jumped on the bandwagon. The bond-building technology works wonders on my curls, making them look smoother, shinier, and less frizzy. It’s also heat-protective up to 450°F, which is perfect for when I occasionally use styling tools. A little goes a long way with this oil, and its non-greasy formula ensures my curls remain light and bouncy. Over time, I’ve noticed a significant reduction in breakage and an overall healthier appearance in my hair. —Francesca Simmons, Glamour contributor
Best Drugstore: Hollywood Beauty Thick’N Up! Daily Hair & Scalp Oil with Multi-Vitamins, Sea Moss & Amla
| Pros | Nozzle applicator, affordable |
| Cons | Thicker texture |
| Key Ingredients | Sea moss, amla, multivitamins |
| Scent | Light, refreshing |
| Size | 4 fl oz. |
What we love: At an affordable price point, this oil comes with a precision nozzle applicator that makes it easy to target scalp treatments (especially on braids) or apply a small amount . The sea moss and amla formula has a feathery, silky feel that absorbs quickly into hair, leaving a nice shine.
Our reviewer says
“This is one of my favorite oils for curly hair I’ve tried recently. It’s thick enough to make my hair feel adequately coated without making my curls feel heavy. The smell is light and refreshing, and I love that it can be applied directly to the scalp when my hair is braided. I’ve also been using this one on my toddler’s scalp and lengths and have been pleased with the finish on both of our hair.” Aimee Simeon, Glamour contributor
Best for Hair Growth: JVN Complete Pre-Wash Scalp & Hair Strengthening Treatment Oil
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| Pros | Dropper for precision, can be used pre-wash |
| Cons | Thicker formula |
| Key Ingredients | Rosemary extract, turmeric oil, hemisqualene |
| Scent | Citrus, musk |
| Size | 1.7 oz. |
What we love: You can use this to target scalp health (always step one for growth) or just to add shine. The dropper makes it easy to get right at the roots. It's very nourishing but it's on the thicker side so if you have very fine curls you might need use less.
Our reviewer says
“I applied JVN's pre-shampoo scalp oil before washing and left it in for longer than it suggested (15 minutes). I like that my hair feels softer at the roots and shinier and I've noticed less dandruff than before. I also appreciate that it doesn't leave my hair greasy, which is my problem with a lot of oils since I have fine, curly hair,” says Glamour commerce editor Malia Griggs.
Best for Fine Curls: Vegamour HYDR-8 Weightless Hair Oil
| Pros | Truly lightweight, good for daily use |
| Cons | Might feel gritty if layered over a lot of product |
| Key Ingredients | Marula oil, vitamin C oil, chia seed oil |
| Scent | Cardamom and sage, with vanilla and cedarwood |
| Size | 1.7 fl. oz. |
What we love: Many hair oils work only on the surface, coating and adding shine, but this one is actually absorbed into strands. It’s this penetration that strengthens thin, fine hair and seals split ends and cuticles. Veteran celebrity hairstylist Ashley Streicher points to Vegamour HYDR-8 hair oil as one of the best hair oils for fine hair. “Vegamour has created a hair oil that is specifically formulated for fine hair, which means that really anyone can use it and it won’t weigh hair down,” she says. “I’ve been experiencing a ton of breakage in the front of my hair due to coloring and heat styling. This weightless oil helps with flyaways without feeling sticky or leaving a greasy appearance on my hair. I apply it every day after styling.”
Our reviewer says
This ultra-lightweight oil provides intense hydration without any heaviness, leaving my curls soft, shiny, and beautifully defined. Formulated with natural ingredients, it nourishes and protects my hair while taming frizz and adding a gorgeous, healthy shine. I started using this because I was such a big fan of the Vegamour Gro hair-growth serum, which really does work. My curls are growing and thriving, and I love that it’s free from harmful chemicals. —Andrea Navarro, Glamour contributor
Best for Frizz: Moroccanoil Treatment
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| Pros | Seals frizz, can be used as treatment or finisher |
| Cons | Rich formula — may be heavy on very fine curls |
| Key Ingredients | Argan oil, linseed extract |
| Scent | Tropical |
| Size | 1.7 fl. oz. |
What we love: Moroccanoil’s cult-favorite treatment is what celebrity hairstylist Greg Gilmore reaches for to nourish color-treated, damaged hair. “The one standout for me is Moroccanoil’s,” he says. “By repairing damaged strands, it enhances hair strength and smoothness with consistent use.” Its key ingredient is argan oil, packed with fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamin E, which condition and soften hair. The treatment is excellent at taming frizz from humidity and can also be used as a hair mask. (Massage 8 to 10 drops into your scalp and hair from root to tip, put on a shower cap, and let it set for an hour before washing out.)
Our reviewer says
My mom put me onto this oil years ago to help with flyaways after blowouts, but I’ve found it to be even more helpful for the natural state of my curl. It’s super-rich and really seals your strands in place while leaving this shiny sheen. That’s not to say that the thicker formula weighs your hair down or makes it look greasy—my curls drink it right up. Overall, my hair is more manageable and easier to style since I don’t have to worry about frizz or detangling for a long time. I also really love that it smells like a tropical vacation in a bottle! —A.N.
Best for Damaged Hair: K18 Biomimetic Hairscience Molecular Repair Hair Oil
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| Pros | Repairs damage from inside, heat protectant |
| Cons | Expensive |
| Key Ingredients | Avocado oil, sunflower oil, squalane |
| Scent | Floral |
| Size | 1 fl. oz. |
What we love: This is more of a treatment oil than just a shine oil. It uses K18’s patented peptide that penetrates each strand of hair to its core to turn damage around. TLDR; it’s excellent at smoothing frizz and flyaways, adding shine, and enhancing color-treated hair. Plus, it provides heat protection up to 450°F. You can use it on damp, towel-dried hair prior to styling, or on dry hair to finish.
Our reviewer says
I’m really into more science-y hair products at the moment, and as I was researching hair oils for my curls, I loved how transparent and detailed K18 was about its ingredients. This oil focuses on restoring and building hair strength from within, and while it helps with frizz, flyaways, and dryness, the real focus is on hair health. (It doesn’t just coat your hair with oil.) Over time, my curls have become noticeably stronger, with reduced hair breakage and split ends. While I rarely put heat on my hair, it also offers heat protection, which is extra important for those of us with curly textures. It’s an all-in-one product that promotes the overall health, texture, and appearance of my curls, making them look and feel bouncier than ever. —Samantha Vargas, Glamour contributor
Best for Scalp: Ceremonia Aceite de Moska Pre-Shampoo Scalp & Hair Oil
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| Pros | Great for pre-wash, soothes itchy scalp |
| Cons | Can feel heavy if not washed out fully |
| Key Ingredients | Passionfruit oil, castor oil, aloe vera, chia seed oil |
| Scent | Woody, earthy |
| Size | 1.0 fl. oz. |
What we love: This oil is like a healthy smoothie for your hair. The pre-shampoo treatment is meant to be applied before you wash your hair, and massaged directly into the scalp. Its potent blend of Latin American açai and babassu oils, castor oil, and aloe vera calms itchiness, reduces buildup and flakiness, and helps sustain your curls.
Our reviewer says
I’ve never been a fan of hair oils because they always made my hair look greasy, but this one is a game-changer! It’s so lightweight that my curls soak it right up, leaving them nourished and shiny without any greasy residue. This scalp oil is like a magical potion for my hair—it balances my scalp, reduces frizz, and promotes healthy growth. The blend of key ingredients sourced from Latin America, like chia seed oil and babassu oil, works wonders to strengthen my hair and increase shine. —Jade Brito, Glamour contributor
Best for Thick Hair: Bread Beauty Supply Every Day Hair Gloss
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| Pros | Lightweight but still smoothing, cute packaging |
| Cons | Spout can spill |
| Key Ingredients | Kakadu plum oil, safflower oil |
| Scent | Sweet |
| Size | 3.3 oz. |
What we love: For thicker hair, this oil does everything: it smooths, adds shine, and softens without feeling heavy. We especially love that this works well on curly hairstyles, but also has the same results on blow-dried or straightened hair.
Our reviewer says
“This is my holy grail hair oil. It smells amazing, looks chic on my vanity, and—most importantly— adds soft shine to my hair. I can reapply a small amount of this product for a few consecutive days without worrying about my hair getting greasy quickly. I have a lot of hair and can use a generous amount of this throughout my hair without my curls looking stiff.” —Maya Simeon, Glamour tester
Best for Low Porosity Hair: Cécred Nourishing Hair Oil
| Pros | Versatile, luxe, suitable for silk presses and curls |
| Cons | Expensive |
| Key Ingredients | African oil blend, sea buckthorn oil, hyssop extract, bioactive keratin ferment |
| Scent | Sandalwood and musk |
| Size | 1.7 oz. |
What we love: This was clearly designed to work on multiple styles—curls, braids, silk press—which is helpful for people who switch it up. This multipurpose formula enhances shine without feeling greasy, making it an ideal option for low-porosity hair that wants to stay shiny and healthy-looking. Beyoncé thought of every style scenario when dreaming up this oil, which is multifunctional for smoothing, adding moisture, finishing a style, or even on protective styles like braids and weaves.
Our reviewer says
“A few drops of this oil add the silkiest, weightless shine to my hair, which is typically super dry. I use it on my curls once they're completely dry to create a sheen, but I also love using this on a few-day-old silk press to revive it. I love that my hair always feels softer and less frizzy with every use." —Corinne Court, Glamour tester
Best Budget: Biosilk Silk Therapy Original
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| Pros | Shiny, smoothing, long-time stylist fave |
| Cons | Can be hard to wash off hands |
| Key Ingredients | Hydrolyzed silk |
| Scent | Floral |
| Size | 1.7 fl. Oz. |
What we love: Biosilk’s product is a gel that transforms into a silky texture when rubbed in your hands. Glamour contributor Brie Schwartz says she’s used it for years to smooth frizz, help repair split ends, and add shine. The gel is made of hydrolyzed silk, a protein made from silkworm cocoons that increases elasticity, adds gloss, and helps prevent breakage. It’s a great, lightweight budget pick, though Schwartz warns that it's tough to get off your hands.
Our reviewer says
This lightweight, silky oil penetrates deeply to nourish and repair my hair, leaving it smooth and frizz-free. It’s perfect for taming flyaways and adding a beautiful, healthy shine. I love how it makes my curls feel incredibly soft and luxurious without weighing them down. The formula is enriched with silk proteins that strengthen my hair and improve its elasticity, making it a must-have in my hair care routine. —A.N.
Best for Softening: Mizani 25 Miracle Nourishing Hair Oil
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| Pros | Works on adults and kids, not too heavy |
| Cons | Pump can splatter |
| Key Ingredients | Coconut oil, jojoba oil, sunflower oil |
| Scent | Fresh |
| Size | 4.2 fl. oz. |
What we love: This formula features a lightweight blend of coconut, sunflower, and jojoba oils that leaves hair looking shiny and feeling soft, without leaving it overly greasy or transferring onto clothes or pillows.
Our reviewer says
I’ve tried a ton of oils but consistently return to this one. It makes my curls look instantly more plump and shiny, all while smelling really great. A little goes a long way, and I like to apply one pump in a few different sections to evenly distribute the product through my curls. I’ve used this a bunch on my toddler’s curls, and they always help her strands feel much softer and smoother for styling. —Aimee Simeon, Glamour contributor
Frequently asked questions
Is hair oil a good fit for everyone with curly hair?
Generally, yes, but texture matters. “Finer hair may mean you opt for a lighter oil, whereas coarser hair may benefit from a thicker oil,” says celebrity hairstylist Kim Kimble. If you have a scalp condition like psoriasis or seborrheic dermatitis, check with your dermatologist or trichologist first.
How do you choose the right hair oil for you?
First, figure out your curl type and hair porosity (i.e., its ability to absorb and retain moisture). If you have finer, wavy hair that’s easily weighed down by styling products, choose a lighter oil (e.g., jojoba oil, sunflower oil, grapeseed oil, argan oil, avocado oil, vitamin E oil, or sweet almond oil) for everyday styling. If your hair is thick or coarse, choose a heavier oil that locks in hydration (such as those that contain coconut oil, castor oil, or olive oil). There are also oils such as rosemary, peppermint, and tea tree that promote circulation and hair growth.
What’s the best way to apply hair oil?
As a final step in your hair-styling routine, after you've separated your curls, our experts recommend rubbing a small amount of oil between your palms, then running your hands through your damp or dry, clean curls from mid-length to the tips. You can also add a few drops to your conditioner to boost hydration; apply oil to your scalp and along the curls before you shampoo for nourishment (and to help detangle); or use it as a lightweight oil as a daily leave-in.
Should you oil curly hair wet or dry?
You can oil curly hair wet or dry, but it boils down to personal preference, says Renee. “I personally like to use it as a finishing product after styling or before bed,” she says. “However, if you like to use it in the styling process, I’d just make sure it has a heat protectant built into it and it’s safe to use with heat.”
How often should you oil curly hair?
Renee recommends oiling curly hair as often as needed, which could be daily for some people or less frequently for others. “I personally recommend at least once a day,” she says. If curls don’t spring back and look wet or dirty when dry, that’s a sign you’re using too much.
Meet the experts:
- Kim Kimble is a celebrity hair stylist and the founder of Kim Kimble Hair.
- Olivia Renee is a professional hairstylist and colorist based in Boston, MA.
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