14 Best Hair Oils that Won't Weigh Your Hair Down (2024)

Just like face oils, hair oils can be intimidating as many people still have an oil fear when it comes to beauty. But with all of the new formulations and ingredients, these formulas have become an integral part of haircare and styling routines for many different purposes. "Hair oils are typically used for moisturizing, conditioning the hair and scalp, reducing frizz, making hair glossy or shiny and sometimes promoting hair growth," says Clariss Rubenstein Saraf, a celebrity hair stylist in Los Angeles, California. "They can be used as a pre-shampoo treatment, a leave-in conditioner or a styling product, depending on the specific type of oil and the desired results."

So with all of these benefits and uses, is there actually a hair oil for everyone? "Absolutely," says Saraf. "There are hair oils designed for all hair types, even those with fine hair or who have extensions."

Keep reading for our top hair oil picks for hair growth, curly hair, frizz and more, chosen by hair stylists, our beauty editors and Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty, Health & Sustainability Lab scientists.

"A special blend of Ayurvedic botanical oils and extracts passed down by the founder’s family, this is one of the few hair oils I’ve tried that has transformative effects," says GH Beauty Director April Franzino. She uses it as a pre-shampoo treatment, coating her hair in the oil, wrapping it in a bun, then washing it out after about 20 minutes — no conditioner needed. It also can be used as an overnight treatment and can be warmed up for extra nourishment. "The fresh jasmine scent makes it feel like an indulgence and once dry, my hair is noticeably softer and silkier." Some reviewers, however, felt that the fragrance was a little too intense.

If you are looking to tame flyaways without breaking the bank, you've met your match. "OGX Coconut Miracle Oil is a great budget-friendly find," says Cassandra Olivia, a hair stylist and colorist in New York City. "It smells amazing due to the fact that the formula is a mix of coconut oil and vanilla bean extract." This nourishing oil is ideal for medium to coarse hair and helps soften and smooth hair. Be sure to wipe the bottle down after using; some reviewers noted that the bottle gets and can easily stay greasy if not cleaned properly.

Inexpensive and top-notch ingredients? Yes, really. This formula contains coffeeberry, a science-backed ingredient, in addition to a blend that includes ginseng, flaxseed and licorice. "Research shows that coffeeberry extract can have a benefit for hair growth and hair loss reduction," says Birnur Aral, Ph.D., the executive director of the GH Beauty Lab. Reviewers agree, with one noting that "it's really helping my hair grow." If you are scent sensitive, take note: It has a strong smell that not all reviewers love.

"This oil does wonders for damaged hair," says Olivia. "It’s a non-greasy formula that uses a proprietary blend of breakthrough, plant-based cannabinoid extracts to encourage internal and external restoration of hair strands." The best part? It adds major shine without weighing hair down. While most reviewers love the formula, one with fine hair felt it was too heavy for their hair type.

Yes it’s pricey, but Good Housekeeping Beauty Assistant Catharine Malzahn swears by this hair oil. "It feels super luxe during application and really makes a difference for my hair," she says. "It helped me manage static and frizz during my first winter in New York City, and it also significantly boosted shine and smoothness." Malzahn applies it to her hair dry from mid-shaft to ends, but you can also apply it to damp hair after getting out of the shower.

Talk about a triple threat. "This oil from R+Co is weightless, completely cuts the frizz and hair has a glass shine finish," says Saraf. In addition to the brand's proprietary BLEU Molecule Complex, the oil contains sunflower seed oil to add shine and protect hair color and babassu oil to smooth down frizz and soften strands. It is pricey but Saraf, and other reviews, feel that it's worth it.

Those with extensions have to tread carefully when using hair styling products, as anything with silicone is a no-no. This light oil is safe for extensions and Saraf uses it on all hair types, including those with fine hair. "It does its job of reducing frizz and flyaways with no weight or residue," she says. Plus, "they also make a purple one specifically for blondes." Be careful when storing or traveling with this oil; a few reviewers commented that the bottle leaks easily.

Danusia Wnek, a senior chemist at the GH Beauty Lab, is a big fan of Arrojo hair products in general, as she loves the scent. "I can best describe it as an elegant, clean floral but not too overpowering," she says. But this hair oil really stands out due to its super light texture that doesn't weigh her hair down. "I don’t like a lot of product in my hair and I love that this is a multipurpose product that boosts shine, helps reduce my flyaways and smooths my hair," she says. "The best part is that it always feels weightless no matter if I use it on wet hair or on dry hair for a touch up." It is a small bottle, so use sparingly.

Curly hair generally needs a lot of nourishment. Thanks to a combo of marula and lavender oils, Design Essentials Oil Treatment nourishes both the scalp and hair strands. "It also helps improve the elasticity that is key essential for curls and waves," says celebrity hairstylist Danielle Priano. A few reviewers noted irritation so try a test patch first if you have a sensitive scalp.

Jojoba oil is known to be a true multitasker for both skin and hair, making it ideal for any dry scalp issues. "It's great for hydration and won't clog your pores, on your face or scalp," says Jenn Castillo, a hair stylist at Dryluxe Beauty Bar in Scarsdale, New York. "Plus, it can reduce dandruff and add shine to the hair without making it look greasy." A few reviewers noted issues with the dropper so be careful when using as to not waste any product.

Argan oil is one of the OG hair and skincare oils that is still popular for good reason: It's a pure and natural oil that "helps smooth hair, reduce frizz and add shine," says Olivia. "It contains fatty acids and vitamin E that adds moisture to hair." In addition to being a great bang for your buck, this one can also be used on your face and body for instant nourishment. If you have fine hair, it may not be for you; a few reviewers noted that it was too heavy for limp strands.

Boasting an impressive list of almost 100% natural plant oils and extracts including castor, jojoba and rosemary, this hair thickening oil promotes longer locks. While reviewers generally raved about its efficacy and formula, a few noted that it left hair a little greasy after applying. "I typically keep my hair silk pressed and I've noticed since using this oil my hair holds the press much longer and humidity isn't as much of a hassle as it was before I used this oil," one reviewer notes. "I also noticed that I have much denser new growth than I did before, so I believe it is aiding in my hair growing faster and thicker."

Olivia loves this oil — which contains nourishing shea butter, Amazonian nut oil and babassu oil — for naturally curly hair, as it adds instant shine and moisture. "It’s a fine mist and is easy to apply as a spray," she says. "Plus, it really helps define curls." While it's ideal for curls, waves and thicker hair types, it is a little too heavy for those with finer strands, according to reviewers.

"One of the original hair oil treatments, this luxurious formula is made with nourishing plant oils like coconut, sesame and sunflower," says Franzino. "It can be used as a pre-shampoo deep conditioner or overnight hair mask, and applied before swimming or sun exposure to shield strands." One thing to look out for: It can solidify over time.

"Hair oils are a more natural approach to balancing the scalp, hydrating the hair and giving that extra shine before or after styling," says Priano. "Because the scalp produces natural oils, it’s great to give some oil back to the hair after using so many surfactants on a daily basis."

"I like to use oils more like a treat when I feel my hair or a client's hair needs some extra love," says Priano. "I’d advise not to use oils on a daily basis because it can definitely build up and clog the hair follicles if used in excess." Those with super curly or thick hair can typically use hair oils more often, up to a few times a week.