There are countless new products featuring a variety of oils that claim to hydrate and heal. The high fat content of all these oils helps them to absorb into the hair and soothe irritation as well as eliminate dryness. Massaging oils into dry tresses and then shampooing and conditioning as normal will offer the best benefits for locks in need of love. Make sure to distribute the oils all over the hair by using a Mason Pearson brush or another brush with even bristles.
For those looking for some serious deep conditioning, try a classic hot oil treatment—simply heat the oil in the microwave and then coat the hair evenly. For a super rich treatment, coat the hair, add a shower cap and sleep in the oils overnight.
Which hair oil should you be using? See below for our picks of the best oil for hair.
Grow Long, Strong, Shiny Hair with Oils
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Almond Oil
Find it In: Bumble and Bumble Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil
Top Textures: Curly or Wavy
Nut oils are known for their high content of vitamins A, B, and E. Sweet almond oil helps heal split ends, improve circulation to the scalp, and can add luster and shine to hair. Almond oil was even used in ancient Egypt to stimulate hair follicles, grow hair faster, and prevent baldness.
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Rosemary Oil
Find it In: Phytopolleine Universal Elixir
Top Textures: Thin or Baby Fine
High in calcium, iron, and vitamin B, this oil has anti-aging properties and helps boost hair shine, thickness, and color. It prevents hair loss and stimulates cell division and dilates blood vessels, thus stimulating new hair growth. For growth, the essential oil can be applied directly to the scalp and massaged in circular motions to stimulate warmth, assisting deeper penetration.
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Pomegranate Seed Oil
Find it In: Phytokératine Conditioning Treatment or Free Your Mane Restorative Hair Oil
Top Textures: Fine Hair
Full of punicic acid, which revitalizes dull strands and increases flexibility, pomegranate oil can protect against environmental aggressors such as chemicals and pollution.
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Avocado Oil
Find it In: Burt’s Bees Avocado Butter Pre-Shampoo Treatment
Top Textures: Coarse Hair
Chocked with essential nutrients like proteins, vitamins A, D, E, and B6, magnesium, copper, iron, amino acids, and folic acid, avocado oil can promote hair growth and add nourishment. It’s a rich source of lecithin, which means it can penetrate strands and restore softness and smoothness.
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Olive Oil
Find it In: Carol’s Daughter Olive Oil Infusion At-Home Treatment
Top Texture: Thick
Containing monounsaturated fat, olive oil is hydrating and packed with nourishing antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids, that improve elasticity, strength, and shine. Olive oil helps to detangle, moisturize, and condition the hair.
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Argan Oil
Find it In: Josie Maran Argan Hot Oil Self-Heating Treatment
Top Textures: Frizzy
Called "liquid gold" by beauty experts, Argan has become the "It" oil in hair treatments. It hydrates the hair preventing roughness, tangles, and flyaways. Similar to jojoba oil, it makes the hair smooth and manageable.
