Shopping for hair oil can feel a little tricky, especially since, like face oil, it carries a built-in contradiction. You don’t want your hair to look greasy or weighed down, so why put oil on it at all? For some clarity, here’s your quick hair oil 101: “Hair oils work by sealing in hydration, smoothing the hair cuticle, protecting against environmental aggressors, and even calming an irritated or dry scalp,” explains board-certified dermatologist Dr. Nicole Ruth, MD. “They can help reduce breakage, add shine, and protect against heat or styling damage.”
Dr. Ruth also stresses the importance of managing expectations. “Think of using hair oil the same way you think about applying body lotion; it doesn’t permanently change your skin, but it makes it feel hydrated, smooth, and comfortable while it’s on,” she explains. “Hair oil works the same way. It coats the strands, smooths the cuticle, adds shine, and can reduce frizz and flyaways. But you have to keep up with it. Regular use is what gives you those consistently polished, healthy-looking results.”
Of course, like all beauty products, finding the best hair oil depends on your specific hair type and goals, Luckily, I’ve found 12 options to suit most hair types and concerns, from curly and frizzy to dry hair and more, with expert insights from Dr. Ruth, Robert Finney, MD, Jeanine Downie, MD, and more. Keep scrolling for the best hair oils of 2025, compiled by me, a longtime beauty editor who’s tested hundreds of products over the years, alongside recommendations from other Marie Claire contributors and editors, plus beauty-obsessed Redditors and internet users alike.
The Best Hair Oils
- Best Hair Oil for Frizz: isima Delicia Reparative Hair Oil
- Best Hair Oil for Growth: Fable and Mane Hair Oil
- Best Softening Hair Oil: Maria Nilla True Soft Argan Oil
Shakira nailed it with this formula from her newly launched hair-care brand, Isima. This hair oil smooths frizz, hydrates to keep hair soft and manageable, and gives antioxidant and heat protection to shield strands from the kind of damage that only makes frizz worse. Bonus: the packaging is delightfully cute.
Size: 1.7 fl oz
Key Ingredients: Chilean rosehip seed oil (antioxidant and hydrating); hemisqualane (hydrating)
What I Love: Tackles frizz and keeps it from coming back; Adorable packaging; From Shakira's newly launched hair brand
What I Don't: Not widely available at retailers (yet!)
Review for MC: "As someone with super thick, wavy hair, frizz is definitely my nemesis, always ready to pop up if I don’t stay on top of it. This hair oil is my latest obsession because I can use it on both wet and dry hair, covering all the bases in my styling routine for smooth strands. And bonus points for the scent! It’s exactly what the name promises: deliciously fruity and sweet." — Marisa Petrarca, Contributing Beauty Writer
Contributing beauty writer Marisa Petrarca uses Isima Delicia Reparative Hair Oil
I know a lot of you are Googling “best hair oils for growth,” so including this one was a no-brainer. I tested it myself during pregnancy (so take my experience with a grain of salt; hormonal shifts make it tough to tell what’s from the product and what’s just biology). Still, thousands swear results are thanks to powerhouse ingredients such as ashwagandha, bhringraj, licorice root, amla extracts, and castor seed oil, all known for their growth-boosting potential.
And JSYK, unlike most oils on this list, which you apply mid-length to ends, this one works best when massaged directly into your scalp.
Size: 3.4 fl oz
Key Ingredients: Castor seed oil, ashwaganda, amla fruit extract (strengthening); Bhringraj oil (promotes hair growth)
What I Love: Three sizes available (standard, value, and mini); Thousands love it for hair growth; Subscribe and save option available on the brand's website
What I Don't: Those with a scent aversion might prefer a less fragrant option
Review for MC: "I’ve always had thick hair, and while I’d call it both a blessing and a curse, I can’t help but dread the thought of dealing with hair fallout—which, as I near my due date for my first child, feels more inevitable by the day. Though I’m not experiencing it yet, I’m getting ahead of the game with this beloved formula. Once a week, I massage a few drops into my scalp before washing, and while long-term results take time, I’ve been loving the ritual of using it. The subtle (yet sweet!) scent is addictive, and it rinses out easily, leaving my scalp and hair feeling super clean and healthy and voluminous at the root." — Marisa Petrarca, Contributing Beauty Writer
Contributing beauty writer Marisa Petrarca uses Fable & Mane Hair Growth Oil
Maria Nilla may be lesser-known than some other brands on this list, but I’m on a mission to change that, starting with this downright luxurious hair oil. The scent (a blend of vanilla, rose, and jasmine that, to me, smells like Skittles) hooked me first; the fast-absorbing, featherlight texture that smooths away frizz is what officially made me want to stock up for life.
Size: 3.4 fl oz
Key Ingredients: Argan oil (antioxidant protection, hydrating and softening); Rapeseed oil (antioxidant and hydrating)
What I Love: It complements the brand's 'True Soft' Shampoo & Conditioner; Available on Amazon Prime; Makes hair feel extra soft to the touch
What I Don't: Some Amazon orders arrived leaking
Review for MC: "Right now, I only own the mini version of this hair oil, but there’s zero doubt I’ll be grabbing the full size (and another mini for travel). I love the scent most of all, but the way it gives my hair blowout-level bounce and shine—without the actual blowout—is what really sealed the deal for me. I smooth a few drops through damp hair before a blow-dry or air-dry, and run a bit through the middle of my hair, through the ends after heat styling for shine. It never leaves a visible film or greasiness, so it also doubles as my bedhead fix; a quick pass in the morning and my hair looks freshly styled." — Marisa Petrarca, Contributing Beauty Writer
Contributing beauty writer Marisa Petrarca uses Maria Nila True Soft Argan Oil
If “hydration” and “shine” are music to your ears, say hello to Pureology’s Hydrate Glow Catcher Oil. It fits right into the brand’s best-selling Hydrate lineup and mixes humectants, emollients, and lightweight occlusives to pull in moisture, smooth the cuticle, and lock it in, so your hair looks glossier, feels softer, and stays hydrated untill your next wash.
Size: 1.7 fl oz
Key Ingredients: Panthenol and camellia seed oil (hydration and strengthening); tocopherol and sunflower seed extract (protective antioxidant)
What I Love: Complements the cult-favorite Pureology Hydrate line; packed with proven hydrators; newly launched
What I Don't: It's a new launch, so reviews are sparse
Customer Review: "Finally a product that works. I have been walking around with extremely dry hair and have tried every oil on the market." — Ulta
This lightweight hair oil has been around since 2017 and has been a bestseller across retailers ever since. It’s called Ghost Oil because it’s nearly impossible to spot. It's weightless and invisible and makes your hair look like yours, but better (read: less frizzy, shinier, and smoother). It’s loved by all hair types, but I especially recommend it for fine hair because of how lightweight it is (and thus, not heavy on the lightest strands).
Size: 2 fl oz
Key Ingredients: Moringa seed oil (moisturizing and detangling); bamboo extract (strengthening); argan oil (antioxidant protection, hydrating and softening)
What I Love: Lightweight; Vegan; Also comes in a value size (4 fl oz) if you want to stock up
What I Don't: Contains silicones, which may be a dealbreaker if you avoid them
Customer Review: "I've been using this every day for a few months now. I absolutely love it. I have fine straight hair. I have a hard time with oils because a lot of them weigh my hair down. This one does not. I just use a single pump and run it through my hair, from mid to ends, for a lovely shine and soft hair without any grease. Yes, I sound like a commercial, but I've put multiple people onto this product, and they all love it as well." — Sephora
When your styling routine relies heavily on heat tools, protection isn’t optional—it’s essential. Virtue Healing Hair Oil shields strands from heat up to 450°F while strengthening with alpha keratin 60ku, a special form of keratin that penetrates deep to repair hair from within. In other words, it’s the ultimate multitasker, taming frizz, boosting shine, and protecting while repairing all in one.
Size: 1.7 fl oz
Key Ingredients: Keratin 60ku (strengthening); Tocopherol (protective antioxidant); Marula and coconut oils (hydrating)
What I Love: Offers heat protection up to 450°F; Fine hair-friendly; Uses alpha keratin 60ku to strengthen
What I Don't: You have to shake it out since there’s no pump, which some find inconvenient
Customer Review: "I have super fine hair that gets greasy EXTREMELY easily. If I put anything into my hair, it will build up and make my hair look dirty. This is annoying when the ends of my hair are extremely dry. This stuff not only hydrates my ends and makes my hair look super shiny, it doesn't make my hair appear greasy, and it smells ABSOLUTELY AMAZING, like summertime in a bottle. If it were a perfume, I'd buy a gallon of it." — Sephora
If you have curly hair, you know how hard it is to find a hair oil that actually hydrates without weighing you down. Take my word for it: Bread Beauty Supply’s Hair Oil Everyday Gloss needs to be on your radar. It’s lightweight but nourishing, packed with Kakadu plum, safflower, and coconut oils to boost shine and tame frizz without any greasiness. You can even use it in several ways, whether as a pre-wash treatment, on wet hair for extra nourishment, or as a finishing gloss. Either way, your curls will thank you with extra definition and bounce.
Size: 3.3 fl oz
Key Ingredients: Safflower and sweet almond oil (hydrating); castor and argan oils (strengthening); Kakadu plum seed oil (protective antioxidant)
What I Love: Silicone-free; Can be used multiple ways; Boost curl definition
What I Don't: A handful of shoppers find it sticky
Customer Review: "First of all, it smells like gummy bears. I have thick curly hair and I have a lot of flyaways always. But I just put some of this, and my baby hairs stay in place. It’s also helped with my dry ends. It makes my hair look shiny and healthy and smell good. I also think you get a really good amount of product for the price." — Sephora
Yes, it’s pricey for the size, but you’re paying for K18Peptide™, a keratin-like, lab-made peptide that slips inside the hair to help rebuild strength. People are obsessed because it delivers quick wins (calms frizz and boosts shine) while the peptide quietly works on deeper repair over time. It’s weightless—fine-hair friendly—doubles as a heat protectant, and works on damp or dry hair, solo or layered over the viral K18 mask.
Size: 1 fl oz
Key Ingredients: K18Peptide™ (reparative and strengthening)
What I Love: Works for all hair types; Backed by science-backed proprietary peptide; Impressive Before & After photos
What I Don't: Most expensive hair oil on my list
Customer Review: "Gone is the frizzy, damaged hair I used to have before my daughter introduced me to this product. I am now starting my second bottle. It lasts a long time and smells great. A very small amount, about the size of a pea, is enough." — Sephora
Kérastase’s Elixir Ultime Refillable Hydrating Hair Oil delivers that glossy, just-left-the-salon finish, plus a major bonus: it’s refillable. If you love it as much as I do, you can keep topping it off and reduce waste.
Size: 2.5 fl oz
Key Ingredients: Camellia, marula, and argan oils (hydrating); tocopherol (protective antioxidant)
What I Love: Refillable; Mini-size available for purchase as well if you'd like to trial; Celeb-loved
What I Don't: Not as high-tech as bond-building options for the price
Customer Review: "Such a great hair oil! Revived my hair! It was so brittle after coloring it for so long. Now it's nice and shiny, no extra frizz. Love that it's also refillable!" — Sephora
Olaplex No.7 Bonding Oil helps rebuild some of the tiny “bonds” inside hair (think of them as the links that give strands strength) while delivering instant gloss and frizz control. It’s super concentrated—one to two drops protect up to 450°F—and the finish stays weightless, so it won’t flatten fine hair or dull color. Use on damp hair before heat, then tap a little on dry ends to seal flyaways.
Size: 1 fl oz
Key Ingredients: Bis-aminopropyl diglycol dimaleate (strengthening); Grapeseed oil and fermented green tea oil (protective antioxidant)
What I Love: A little goes a long way; Prevents color fading; Can be used on wet or dry hair
What I Don't: Some blondes notice a slight yellow cast
Customer Review: "The difference was noticeable immediately. My hair looked so much healthier, less frizzy, and softer after just one use. It felt stronger and less brittle, and the best part was that it didn't leave my hair greasy or weigh it down at all." — Ulta
Moroccanoil Treatment is the OG shine booster, famous for its amber scent and the glossy, smooth finish it leaves behind. As dermatologist Dr. Downie says, argan oil is “rich in antioxidants and key fatty acids that nourish, protect and defend delicate hair,” which helps explain why this argan-packed serum has racked up tens of thousands of five-star reviews since its late-2000s debut.
Size: 3.4 fl oz
Key Ingredients: Argan oil (antioxidant protection, hydrating and softening); Linseed extract (boosts shine)
What I Love: Boasts tens of thousands of five-star ratings; Detangles; Widely available
What I Don't: Might weigh down fine hair, but the brand offers Moroccanoil Treatment Light as an alternative
Customer Review: "Although it's pricey, this oil is the best of the best. It makes my over-processed blonde tresses feel like real hair, instead of cotton candy. Fortunately, a little of it (about the size of a dime in the palm of your hand) goes a long way. That is all that I need to style my hair and to add shine." — Amazon
I carved out a “best honey hair oil” spot for this social-media favorite because so many of you remember the honey, not the name, and I want you to actually find it during your search. Gisou’s Honey-Infused Hair Oil stars Mirsalehi Honey from the founder’s family bee garden in the Netherlands, paired with lightweight oils that absorb fast for glossy softness and a dose of antioxidant protection.
Size: 1.7 fl oz
Key Ingredients: Mirsalehi honey (protective antioxidant and hydrating)
What I Love: Clean at Sephora-approved; Absorbs into hair quickly; Adds natural-looking shine
What I Don't: Some find that it's hard to wash off hands
Customer Review: "This is such a luxurious hair oil! It comes in a pretty, heavy glass bottle that looks lovely on the vanity. The sweet, subtle honey scent is divine. The oil does a wonderful job adding moisture and glossy shine to my fine, dry hair." — Amazon
How Do I Choose the Best Hair Oil?
Know Your Hair Type: The “best” hair oil depends on your texture and goals—what works for fine, frizz-prone strands won’t be the same as what nourishes thick curls.
Match Your Styling Routine: If you heat-style often, choose an oil with built-in heat protection. Luckily, many of my picks already have it.
Zero In on Your Goals: If you're prioritizing repair, look for science-backed formulas with sophisticated proteins and bond builders, such as K18 or Olaplex.
How Do I Apply Hair Oil?
Unless your hair oil is specifically formulated for use on the scalp, Dr. Marcus advises that hair oils only be used on "dry hair from the ears down." Otherwise, she says, it "could cause hair to appear weighed down. Most hair oil products should be applied sparingly to avoid creating buildup in the hair, and some may wish to apply oil only to the ends of the hair if the goal is to hydrate dry ends while preserving plenty of body and volume."
However, it's important to note that hair oils come in different forms, and this impacts the product's frequency of use, the amount you should dole out each time, and whether you should wash the oil out.
"Some hair oils may be formulated into shampoos or conditioners, while others may be in the form of a hair styling product or hair mask," Dr. Garshick points out. "Depending on the product formulation, hair oils may be used anywhere from one to two times per week up to every day."
Furthermore, users may need to tailor their hair oil routines depending on their individual needs. "Typically the thicker the hair, the more oil may be needed per application," she says.
Why Trust Marie Claire
For more than 30 years, Marie Claire has been an internationally recognized destination for news, fashion and beauty trends, investigative packages, and more. When it comes to the products Marie Claire recommends, we take your faith in us seriously. Every product that we feature comes personally recommended by a Marie Claire writer or editor, or by an expert we’ve spoken to firsthand.
How We Tested
Beauty writer Marisa Petrarca brings nearly a decade of expertise to this story and has researched and tested countless hair oils over the years. For this piece, she consulted five board-certified dermatologists for expert insight and tested specific products alongside other Marie Claire staffers. She evaluated each formula based on ingredient quality, texture, and effectiveness at smoothing hair, combating frizz, hydrating, and more.
Meet the Experts
Nicole Ruth, MD, is a New York City-based board-certified dermatologist practicing at Weiser Skin MD, specializing in medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology.
Robert Finney, MD, is a New York City-based board-certified dermatologist and the founder of Soho Skin and Hair Restoration.
Jeanie Downie, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Image Dermatology ® PC in Montclair, New Jersey.
Rebecca Marcus, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist specializing in medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology, and founder of Maei MD.
Marisa Garshick, MD, board-certified dermatologist serving patients throughout Manhattan, New York at MDCS Dermatology: Medical Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery, as well as an assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Cornell - New York Presbyterian Medical Center.
