The best hair oils have plenty of benefits, but if you always end up a greasy mess, it’s time to learn how to use hair oil. The multitasking hair care product is known for reducing frizz, boosting shine, and hydrating dry ends, but some natural hair oils can actually help with hair growth.
“Castor oil, in particular, is rich in fatty acids and can help improve hair density, and jojoba oil encourages a balanced hydration and a healthy environment for hair to grow in,” says Rogerio Cavalcante, a hairstylist and owner of the Second Floor Salon in NYC. Meanwhile, studies suggest that rosemary oil can stimulate hair follicles and may work as well as minoxidil, the only FDA-approved topical treatment for hair loss.
However, these benefits can’t be fully enjoyed if you’re left with flat and slick strands. Ahead, pro hairstylists share how to use hair oil the right way.
The best hair oils, at a glance
- Best Overall: Olaplex No. 7 Bonding Oil, $30
- Best for Growth: The Rootist Densifying & Thickening Serum for Thinning Hair, $58
- Best for Frizzy Hair: Kérastase Elixir Ultime L’Huile Original Hair Oil, $62
- Best for Dry Hair: Alterna Caviar Anti-Aging Replenishing Moisture Hair Oil, $40
- Best for Fine Hair: Authentic Beauty Concept Nourishing Hair Oil, $48
- Best for Curly Hair: Pattern Beauty Jojoba Oil Blend, $38
- Best for Damaged Hair: Ranavat Mighty Majesty Fortifying Hair Serum, $70
What is the right way to use hair oil?
According to Christine Bellemare, co-owner of Maven A Collect salon in Boston, you want to start by assessing your strands. “Hair oil works well for all hair types, but the amount and method of application should vary,” she says.
If you have fine or thin hair, you’ll want to be very careful with using too much oil. “Start with just a drop or two to avoid weighing the hair down or making it look greasy—focus on the ends, not the roots,” says Bellemare.
If you have thick hair or hair with curls or texture, you have a bit more leeway. “Thicker or coarse hair types can handle more product and may benefit from applying it throughout the lengths to smooth and soften texture,” says Bellemare. “For curly and wavy hair, hair oil helps define curls, reduce frizz, and seal in hydration.”
As for which oils work for certain hair types, Brendnetta Ashley, a hairstylist and Schwarzkopf Professional Ambassador, recommends lightweight oils like grapeseed or jojoba for fine hair, while thick hair and curly and coily hair work better with heavier oils like castor oil or coconut oil.
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You can apply hair oil to damp or dry hair, but Bellemare recommends using it on dry strands. “Hair oil is best applied to dry hair because oil and water don’t mix. On wet hair, it can’t properly absorb and may just sit on the surface,” she says. “Applying it to dry hair helps seal in moisture, adds shine, and smooths frizz where it’s most effective. It’s also best to avoid using oil before blow-drying, as most oils aren’t heat protectants and can cause damage when exposed to high heat.”
Drop the appropriate amount of hair oil onto your palm and rub your hands together. Starting at the very ends of your strands, work the oil through the hair, making your way up to your midlengths. With the excess oil left between your fingers, comb the rest through the midlengths to the ends.
If you’re using hair oil as an overnight treatment, Cavalcante recommends timing it with wash day. Use a generous amount on the scalp and ends before bed, then wash out the excess the morning after.
Don’t have the time? Bellemare says to leave the treatment on for at least 30 minutes, though overnight is recommended for deeper nourishment. “Be sure to shampoo and condition thoroughly afterward to remove excess oil and prevent product buildup.”
When should I use hair oil?
The most optimal times to use hair oil are before washing your hair or after a blow-dry or blowout. “Before washing, apply it to the midlengths and ends to create a protective barrier that helps prevent shampoo from stripping moisture, especially for dry or coarse hair,” says Bellemare. “It’s also ideal as a finishing step after blow-drying; once hair is fully dry to help lock in moisture, smooth frizz, and boost shine.”
Why is my hair still frizzy after hair oil?
If you’ve followed the above steps and you’re still getting frizz, Bellemare says there might be more factors are play. “Frizz can stem from a mix of factors—dryness, heat or chemical damage, lack of moisture, and environmental conditions like humidity,” she says. Although hair oil can help smooth strands and lock in moisture, it doesn’t hydrate completely on its own.
“If your hair is still frizzy after oiling, it likely needs deeper moisture,” Bellemare says. “Try using a hydrating shampoo, conditioner, or leave-in treatment before applying oil to better target the root issue. Think of oil as a sealant—it works best after proper hydration, not in place of it.”
Although hair oil has plenty of benefits, it’s not going to change your hair type. “Some hair types are naturally more prone to frizz,” adds Bellemare. “While oil can enhance smoothness and shine, it won’t change your hair’s natural texture or behavior.”
