Hair Oil Uses and Benefits for Stronger, Shinier Hair

Especially for those prone to an oily scalp, there used to be a time when the mere thought of voluntarily putting extra oil on your hair would send you running for the hills. After all, using a hair oil feels counterintuitive when most beauty advice centers around preventing slick, greasy hair.

But hair oils are, in fact, a must-have in every beauty pro’s arsenal. There are just a few simple tricks to finding the right one for you and using it correctly to get the soft, shiny hair you’ve always wanted. Below, experts share everything you should know about the many hair oil uses and benefits — even for those with oily scalps— and how to incorporate it into your routine.

What Is Hair Oil?

Like the skin on the rest of your body, your scalp creates a certain level of oil to maintain moisture. Those oils then move to your hair, keeping strands from getting dry and fragile. However, everyone’s scalp is unique, and for various reasons, some people might not produce enough oil to keep hair moisturized. Not only that, but for those with certain hair types, such as curls or coils, their natural oils can't slide down the hair shaft as efficiently, either.

That’s primarily where hair oils step in: “Hair oils have been used for centuries in different cultures to promote hair health and enhance its appearance. It’s typically made from various natural or synthetic oils, such as coconut, argan, jojoba, or olive oil,” says Kasper Heemskerk.

Meet the expert

• Kasper Heemskerk is the International Education Director for Balmain Hair Couture.
• Kayla Peters is the Senior Manager of Product Development for Ouidad and Curls.
• Alessandra Bruno is a Senior Stylist at Fekkai in New York City.

The Benefits of Hair Oil

The primary function of hair oil is to “nourish and condition the hair and scalp, especially for those with dry or damaged hair,” says Heemskerk. Other perks include:

• Heat protection: “Some hair oils, particularly those containing silicones or lightweight oils, can provide a degree of protection when using heat styling tools like blow dryers," says Heemskerk. "The oils create a barrier between the hair and the heat, reducing the potential damage caused by high temperatures."
• Frizz control: “Hair oils can help to tame frizz and flyaways by providing moisture and sealing the hair cuticles," he says. "The oils smooth the hair cuticles, reducing the chances of frizz caused by humidity or environmental factors."
• Added shine: “Hair oils can enhance the hair's natural shine, giving it a healthy and lustrous appearance," says Heemskerk. "It reflects light, making the hair appear smoother and more radiant."
• An environmental shield: “Hair oils can provide protection against the regular wear and tear of environmental aggressors like pollution,” says Kayla Peters.
• Healthy hair growth: “Certain oils, such as coconut and rosemary, are believed to have properties that can strengthen the hair and promote healthy growth," Heemskerk says. "They nourish the scalp, improve blood circulation, and provide essential nutrients to the hair follicles."
• Minimal irritation: “Some oils, like tea tree oil, have antibacterial, antiseptic, and anti-inflammatory properties that keep your scalp free of conditions that cause itchiness, flakes, and breakouts that hinder healthy hair growth,” says Peters.

Though some hair oils might claim they get rid of split ends, unfortunately, this one's a myth: Nothing can actually repair them. “Once the hair splits, the only effective way to get rid of split ends is by trimming them," Heemskerk says. "However, using hair oil can help prevent split ends by moisturizing the hair and reducing the chances of breakage."

How Hair Oil Differs from Hair Serum

Sometimes, hair oils and serums are used interchangeably. They’re both used to enhance your hair’s appearance and encourage healthy-looking hair, but there are a few key differences. “Oils are, of course, oil-based, while serums are usually liquid-based,” says Alessandra Bruno. "Oils penetrate the cuticle, while serums seal the cuticle from the outside."

You might be able to tell the difference by the way the product absorbs into your hair. “Hair oil may take some time to fully absorb to provide deep nourishment and conditioning all day," she says. "Hair serums, on the other hand, are formulated to be quickly absorbed by the hair, leaving a lightweight and non-greasy finish. They temporarily coat the hair, offering immediate shine and smoothness."

How to Choose Hair Oil

All hair types and textures can reap the benefits of hair oil. It’s all about finding the formula that complements your hair and scalp’s needs. Finding the right type of hair oil might take a bit of trial and error since “different oils may have varying effects,” says Heemskerk.

Argan oil, found in Balmain Hair Couture Argan Moisturizing Elixir, is rich in fatty acids and antioxidants that improve hair elasticity, reduce frizz, and add shine. “Castor oil helps strengthen hair, helps combat hair loss, and has antifungal properties so that it can help with dandruff,” says Bruno.

Meanwhile, “jojoba oil most closely resembles the natural oils produced by your scalp, and it’s a great lightweight choice if you have an oily scalp. It helps balance oil production and promotes a healthy environment for hair growth,” says Heemskerk. Grapeseed oil absorbs like a dream and doesn’t feel greasy, “which makes it suitable for most hair types,” says Heemskerk. Monoi oil — a star ingredient in Fekkai Shea Butter Intense Oil — is popular for its ability to control frizz and tame dandruff thanks to its anti-inflammation properties.

And peppermint oil not only awakens your senses (use it as part of your morning haircare routine!), but it also "stimulates hair follicles and increases circulation to help prevent hair loss,” says Peters. 

How to Use Hair Oil

Luckily, the application for hair oil is very straightforward, no matter which formula you use. “You can use oils on dry or damp hair before blow-drying or air-drying,” says Bruno.

Remember that a little goes a long way. “Since hair oil is concentrated, start with a few drops and apply it to the ends of your hair rather than the scalp,” says Heemskerk, who recommends using it once or twice a week to start. If you have very dry hair or you’re dealing with a lot of breakage, consider gently massaging a small amount to your scalp. “Massaging oils into the scalp can increase blood flow and moisturize the scalp, which can help with healthier hair growth,” says Bruno. 

If you have an oily scalp and you’re still hesitant about using hair oil, “instead of applying the oil directly to your hair, you can use it as a pre-shampoo treatment or mix it with your conditioner or mask treatments. This way, the oil will have less contact with your scalp and roots,” says Heemskerk.

You can also use hair oil to maximize the benefits of a deep conditioning treatment. For example, if your curly hair craves intense moisture, “you can mix a few drops of Ouidad Mongongo Oil Multi-Use Curl Treatment into your favorite conditioning mask or repairing treatment for added nourishment,” says Peters.

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