If you have very thick or natural hair, you probably already extol the virtues of oil for quenching and softening parched strands and imparting shine. Argan oil and coconut oil are among the most popular oils championed by stylists and beauty brands right now but Antony Rawlings, creative director at Lockonego for Redken, mentions that some of us are a little wary. “Everyone can benefit from a hair oil and it’s all about finding the right one for you,” says Antony. “People are often scared of using oils as they may have used products with a high concentration of silicones in the past and they would have weighed the hair down or made it look greasy, flat and heavy,” he says. “But if your hair feels a little frizzy and dry, then you may need to use oils more.”
Frizz occurs when the hair is highly porous, explains Antony. “This is usually the result of chemical damage (for example hair colour) or mechanical damage, such as heat styling,” adds Antony. “Hair that is highly porous has holes and gaps within the cuticle and these allow moisture to penetrate the hair strand, causing it to expand. Hair oils lubricate the outer cuticle of the hair and strengthen the bonds. This will help repair hair, making it feel moisturised and look shiny.”
Ahead, discover the best hair oil for your hair type, as chosen by the industry’s top hairstylists.
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Darren Fowler, founder of Fowler35 salon, rates the Kérastase Elixir Ultime, which is also an R29 favourite. “This oil is simply luxurious and lightweight,” says Darren. “It’s versatile enough for me to mix in with styling products and add to conditioners to enhance them, or simply use on its own to add that beautiful expensive touch, which I expect of every head of hair.” A little goes a long way to banish frizz, make hair soft and impart an unrivalled shine, whether you use it on wet or dry lengths. It’s especially effective for those with thick, dry hair.
Kérastase Elixir Ultime L’Original Hair Oil, $, available at LookFantastic
To combat flyaways and frizz, Hollywood hairstylist Cheryl Marks applies a little hairspray on a toothbrush and combs hair down, then always follows with the affordable Keratin Smoothing Hair Oil, which is great for dry, colour-damaged hair. “I like to use a bit on my fingers and run it through the hair as well,” said Cheryl. Pay special attention to the ends to banish fluffiness and use any leftover product on the roots to smooth and perfect. It can also be used on damp hair before styling.
Hask Keratin Protein Smoothing Shine Hair Oil, $, available at Superdrug
“This is one of our favourite styling products at the salon,” says Maria Galati, creative director at Taylor Taylor London. “It is a great multi-use product as it can be used on wet hair, pre-blow-dry for a smooth and shiny finish, or on dry hair to tame flyaway hairs and give separation.” Only a tiny amount is needed, says Maria. “Apply the oil to your mid-length and ends. It’s especially good for curly hair of all lengths and it can be used all year round, through summer to winter. It helps to protect hair from drying out by sealing in moisture and keeping the cuticles flat. Oh, and it smells amazing too.”
“Everyone knows I am a huge product fan and there’s one hero oil that I recommend to my clients: Mythic Oil,” says Adam Reed, UK editorial ambassador for L’Oréal Professionnel. “It helps to nourish any dry lengths and ends thanks to the argan oil ingredient. These are such key concerns at this time of year. It also has the added benefit of heat protection, which is amazing for those who like to style with heat tools.”
L’Oréal Professionnel Mythic Oil Original Oil, $, available at LookFantastic
“The VO5 Invisibly Light Hair Oil is a must-have,” says Dan Lynes, Unilever‘s head stylist. “It’s a lightweight blend of oils (including marula oil) designed to help smooth frizz, create shine, tame flyaways and leave hair feeling soft, all without it looking or feeling greasy. The oil is suitable for all hair types and a small drop is all you’ll need to give hair a healthy boost. If you think you may need more after the initial application, simply add another drop. Layering the product is the key.”
VO5 Invisibly Light Hair Oil, $, available at Superdrug
Award-winning afro hairstylist Charlotte Mensah loves Manketti Oil so much, her clients joke that she even cooks with it. “It’s so hydrating, moisturising and very light,” Charlotte recently told R29. “I have this product in every room, even in my car. I use it as a multiple-use treatment; I rub some into my mid-lengths, then wrap my hair with a silk scarf.”
Charlotte Mensah Manketti Hair Oil, $, available at Cult Beauty
“The Redken All Soft Argan-6 Oil is the most luxurious and versatile formula,” says Antony Rawlings, creative director at Lockonego. “The formula is enriched with omega-6 and fair trade argan oil. It provides softness and deep conditioning, particularly for dry hair,” so it’s great if your hair has high porosity. “Plus, the lightweight formula means I can use it on a variety of clients as it doesn’t weigh the hair down. Your hair will feel instantly softer.”
Redken All Soft Argan-6 Oil, $, available at LookFantastic
“The great thing about this is that it doesn’t weigh hair down like most oils,” says hair expert Philip B. “Instead, it sinks into the hair shaft to plump it up from the inside out,” making it exceptionally beneficial for fine hair, which is prone to greasiness. “Not only does it help restore the hair’s strength but it promotes shine and elasticity, too,” says Philip, so hair is less prone to breakage and split ends.
Philip B. Rejuvenating Oil, $, available at Space NK
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