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The Best Hair and Scalp Oils For Your Healthiest Hair Ever
Plus, exactly how to use these supercharged formulas.
Using oil blends to treat hair and the scalp has origins in the 5,000-year-old system of Indian Ayurvedic medicine. Talk about deep roots. Shalini Seneviratne, founder of holistic beauty brand Wildpatch, was raised in the tradition and has been oiling her hair for as long as she can remember. The practice, she says, is, “the first beauty ritual many South Asians learn.”
Shop the Best Hair and Scalp Oils
The rest of the world has been catching on to its myriad benefits—like stronger, thicker hair and a healthy scalp—as the global hair-oil market is projected to reach 3.9 billion dollars by 2024. With so many new hair and scalp oils to choose from, it can be hard to find the one to achieve your healthiest hair yet. Here are some of our favorite slick picks.
JVN Complete Pre-Wash Scalp & Hair Treatment Oil
Pros
- Celeb-favorite
- Lightweight
Cons
This pre-wash treatment can actually help your hair grow stronger and thicker, thanks to rosemary extract.
Customer Review:
"So far my hair has totally looked more strong and shinier, however, I was using this to prevent hair loss, and my hair is still falling out. It's not always the solution." —alk53
| Key ingredients | Squalane, hemisqualane |
|---|
Moroccanoil Dry Scalp Treatment
Moroccanoil Dry Scalp Treatment
Pros
- Helps split ends
Cons
This dry scalp treatment works to gently clarify your scalp while also soothing itchy, flaky skin. Plus, we're just obsessed with the scent.
Customer Review:
"In the winter, I struggle with my scalp getting dry and itchy. I’ve tried a few different shampoos and conditioners but they haven’t worked as well as I’d hoped. This oil took care of the problem! I use it as an overnight treatment when I’m planning on washing my hair in the morning. I apply it to my trouble spots, put on a satin sleep cap, and wash/condition my hair the next day. It doesn’t leave any residue behind and my scalp feels great." —Abbi
| Key ingredients | Argan oil |
|---|
Wildpatch Heirloom
Pros
- Best for overnight treatment
Cons
- May not be suitable for fine hair
A blend of raw virgin coconut oil, made specifically for hair and skin, this oil is perfect for indulging in the ritual of hair oiling.
Customer Review:
"It's a really high quality coconut oil in really beautiful packaging!" —lovelynifty
| Key ingredients | Raw virgin coconut oil, ayurvedic adaptogens |
|---|
Ranavat Botanics Mighty Majesty Fortifying Hair Serum
Ranavat Botanics Mighty Majesty Fortifying Hair Serum
Pros
- Improves volume
- Vegan
Cons
Jasmine, amla, and sunflower oil in this hair serum help to strengthen strands and boost volume (sounds counterintuitive, but it really works).
Customer Review:
"Great feeling when applied after heat styling. Ends are super soft when used after shampoo and conditioner. Awesome product." —Robyn S.
Squigs Gooseberry Delight Hair Oil
Pros
- Multipurpose
- Nice smell
Cons
Not only does this oil smell amazing, it can be used as a pre-wash treatment, left in for a few hours, or even slathered on overnight for a little extra conditioning.
Customer Review:
"This has been a lifesaver while trying to grow out damaged hair from bleach. I’ve used every hair mask/treatment under the sun and this is by far my favorite. I have fine full hair, this not only leaves it incredibly shiny but has actually softened dry dead ends which lasts even on days that I don’t use it. I primarily use this as an all over mask at night, washing in the am, however I find that it’s light enough to use on my ends as a styling treatment without weighing hair down or making it look greasy. Absorbs well." – Lilia
| Features | Overnight treatment |
|---|---|
| Ingredient Callout | Amla Extract to promote growth |
Pattern Jojoba Oil Hair Serum
Designed by actress and producer Tracee Ellis Ross specifically for curls and coils, this cocktail of oils can be massaged into the scalp to soothe any itchiness. As an added bonus, it can be used on either wet or dry hair.
Customer review:
"I have recommended this oil to everyone! It's the best and smells great. Great for curly, coily, and straight hair. When I have box braids in this is the only oil I use, stops the scalp from itching. Buy it now!" —Tatiana
| Key ingredients | Argan oil |
|---|
Guerlain Abeille Royale Scalp & Hair Youth Oil-in-Serum
Guerlain Abeille Royale Scalp & Hair Youth Oil-in-Serum
Pros
- Nongreasy
Cons
- Pricey
This lightweight hair and scalp oil-in-serum treatment helps leave hair impossibly shiny (and smelling so good) without making it look flat or greasy.
Customer Review:
"This hair and scalp serum is making my hair so soft, full of body and shiny after blow drying and styling. I have very short hair and am massaging the serum onto my scalp after washing and towel drying. I am amazed at the results."—Lucy
| Key ingredients | Honey |
|---|
Crown Affair The Oil
Pros
- Fights frizz
Cons
This versatile hair oil works for all hair types and can be used pre-shampoo for a hydrating treatment or daily on ends to prevent dryness. Plus, it boasts a refreshing of bergamont, yuzu, lemongrass, and amber.
| Key ingredients | Tsubaki seed and meadowfoam seed oils |
|---|
Kiehl's Magic Elixir Scalp and Hair Oil Treatment
Kiehl's Magic Elixir Scalp and Hair Oil Treatment
Pros
- Features nozzle for targeted application
Cons
A powerhouse duo of hydrating and scalp-friendly ingredients of avocado and rosemary oil hydrate the nourish the scalp while helping to promote new growth.
Customer Review:
"This has been a lifesaver for my dry scalp! Also makes my hair super shiny and feeling healthy." —Brittany
| Key ingredients | Avocado and rosemary oils |
|---|
Fable & Mane HoliRoots Hibiscus Hydrating Hair Oil Mist
Fable & Mane HoliRoots Hibiscus Hydrating Hair Oil Mist
Pros
- Includes UV protection
Cons
- Fragrance may be off-putting to some
Great for fine and medium hair, this perfumed hair oil mist is great for adding a light dose of shine to dull strands. It's all the benefits, with less mess.
Customer Review:
"I really love this oil! It keeps my curls soft and frizz free. I use it on my kids hair too and it’s definitely worth the price. I just prefer the packaging be better. The bottle is plastic and for the price your expected better packaging." —Aragarcia95
| Key ingredients | Red hibiscus, alma |
|---|
Act + Acre Cold Pressed Hair Oil
Pros
- Easy to apply
Cons
Cold processed and all-natural, this pick includes five plant-based ingredients that work to nourish and condition hair. It's just as good at taming frizz as it is at protecting against heat damage.
| Key ingredients | Squalane, Argan oil, meadowfoam seed oil |
|---|
Bread Beauty Supply Hair Oil Everyday Gloss
Pros
- Great for curly and textured hair
Cons
Bring on the shine! This silicone-free hair oil is enriched with kakadu plum to leave hair super-soft. We hear that Quinta Brunson is a fan.
Customer Review:
"i got this about a month ago and i’m loving the results. It’s definitely made my hair softer and it’s helped with my dry ends. If you plan on trying this i’d get the 3.3-ounce bottle so if you like it you’ll have more and if not then at least you didn’t buy a bigger one" —Marisa177
| Key ingredients | Kakadu plum oil, safflower oil, capryl capric |
|---|
Nuele Nighttime Scalp Serum
Pros
- Features relaxing lavender scent
Cons
- Scent may be intensive for some
This scalp treatment is filled with hardworking antioxidant and humectants that help minimize irritation and soothe your scalp as you sleep.
| Key ingredients | Moringa oil, castor oil, organic aloe vera, organic argan oil |
|---|
How do scalp oils make hair healthier?
Scalp oils can help to balance the scalp and remove buildup. After all, a healthy scalp sprouts fuller hair. “Dullness, brittleness, or a lack of volume can start at the root,” says Helen Reavey, celebrity hairstylist, trichologist, and founder of Act+Acre hair care, who cites follicle-clogging buildup as a common cause of weakened strands. Most scalp oils are meant to be used as a prewash treatment, massaged into the scalp to loosen debris, then shampooed out.
How do you use hair oil?
When it comes to hair oils, these strand-centric formulas are used primarily to protect the hair and dial up shine. Most versions are also surprisingly lightweight, helping to make locks lustrous but not lank. For best results, these blends are usually applied to clean, damp hair as you would a leave-in conditioner.
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