No matter what your hair texture or type is, a little oil can be necessary to keep hair looking and feeling moisturized. The best hair oils can also add shine and softness and protect the hair cuticle without adding any grease (even for people with oily hair).
“Rather than choosing an oil for your hair type, you should consider what you need the oil to do for your hair,” says Sophia Emmanuel, a hairstylist at Crown Worthy in New York City. For example, if you’re looking for something to enhance shine or softness, olive, carrot, and jojoba oils are known to be helpful. Avid users of hot tools like blow-dryers or straighteners, on the other hand, should reach for silicone-infused products to protect the hair’s cuticle. “Silicones form a barrier, so there is no direct heat damage,” says cosmetic chemist Ginger King. Just keep in mind, says New York City-based board-certified dermatologist Joshua Zeichner, MD, that “continued used of silicones over time can weigh down the hair, so it’s important to regularly wash hair to prevent any buildup.”
When you should apply hair oil in your routine all depends on your preference and what style you’re trying to achieve, but Ciara Costenoble, a Paris-based hairstylist, says she layers it on right after applying leave-in conditioner. “Apply the oil to the tips of your fingers and on the ends of damp hair, working up to the mid-shaft,” she says.
There are so many hair oils out there that can address a slew of moisture-related issues — it’s just about finding the right one for your needs. If you need a few suggestions, check out some of the best hair oils to add to your hair-care routine, below.
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