This Is the One Hair Staple Stylists Always Tell Us to Invest In
Every single hair type could benefit from using an oil treatment every now and then—ask just about any hairstylist. Even those with an oilier scalp or finer strands should think about investing. There are so many options out there that address concerns like dryness, strand strength, growth, and even an overly congested scalp.
Sure, hair-treatment oils can help with so many different goals, but they're also adaptable in another way. "I love hair oils because of their versatility," celebrity hairstylist Graham Nation says. "You can use them as a styling agent or as a finishing product. You're getting so many benefits from using just the one product. Everyone can use them to treat dry ends, too." And he's not the only one to sing their praises. Celebrity hairstylist Jennifer Korab says, "I absolutely love the shine hair oils leave on the hair. I also love the smoothness and silk-like feeling they create!"
As a bonus, Korab also has a few application tips to get the most out of your hair-treatment oil. "I would recommend applying hair oil to wet hair after you shampoo and condition," she shares. "This will nourish and protect it from frizz, and it dries into a subtly shinier version of its natural texture. When your hair is dry, you can pump a touch more hair oil into your palm, rub it between your hands, and smooth it over your lengths and ends." Now that you're fully ready to incorporate a treatment oil into your daily haircare routine, keep scrolling for a few of Nation's and Korab's favorites, plus our own recommendations.
Incorporating a pre-wash oil into your haircare routine can completely change dry, heat-damaged strands for the better. Yes, it's an extra step, but it's totally worth it, especially when you use one like JVN's Complete Pre-Wash Treatment Oil. It's lightweight and contains scalp-soothing ingredients such as squalane, rosemary extract, and basil-root extract.
Olaplex is most certainly a brand that's worth the hype. We love the brand's No. 3 Hair Repair Protector ($28), but this restorative oil is equally as good. It's packed with ingredients like moringa-seed and sunflower-seed oils, which help keep dryness at bay and repair and strengthen damaged strands.
Another cult-favorite pre-wash treatment is Fable Mane's HoliRoots Hair Oil. Its unique formula consists of dashmool—a popular blend in Ayurvedic medicine that combines 10 roots known to soothe and calm the scalp. On top of that, adaptogenic ashwagandha and castor oil nourish and strengthen the hair. It's perfect for dry, damaged strands or those experiencing hair loss.
One of our editors has been using custom Prose products for a while now and has seen such a positive difference in her hair's overall health. She particularly loves this Custom Hair Oil and uses it pretty much every day and night. It can be used as a pre-wash treatment or as just a styling oil. Her curls are naturally dry, so her custom blend is comprised of rose hip oil, argan oil, babassu oil, and Siberian pine nut oil.
Pure castor oil is so versatile that it can be used on your lashes, skin, and hair. It promotes stronger, longer hair and can be a great treatment for dry, damaged locks. Fair warning, though: It's incredibly thick, so you'll most likely want to use a light hand with it.
Smooth, glossy hair is just a treatment away with Briogio's Don't Despair, Repair! Strengthening Oil. The ceramides in this formula replenish and add strength to the hair, and macadamia and rose-flower oils increase shine and provide key vitamins and minerals for improved texture.
Up Next: The Right Scalp Treatment Can Do Wonders for Hair Growth—Here Are 12 We Love
Shawna Hudson is a beauty, wellness, lifestyle, and travel writer with over 10 years of experience. She graduated from California State University, Fullerton, with a degree in journalism and has written for other publications such as Bustle, The Zoe Report, Byrdie, Elite Daily, and more. She is currently a beauty writer atBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing and hopes to continue feeding her (completely out-of-control) beauty obsession as long as she can. Stay up to date on her latest finds on Instagram @shawnasimonee.
-
Beyoncé’s Hairstylist Just Broke Down Every Product and Detail Behind Her Southern Belle Blowout
Plus, the hidden message you probably missed.
-
How to Avoid Single-Strand Fairy Knots, According to Hairstylists
Stubborn knots, be gone!
-
The Best Curly Hair Products Don't Have to Be Expensive—10 Budget-Friendly Picks Stylists Love
Healthy hair doesn't have to break the bank.
-
A'ja Wilson's New A'One Nike Hoodie Is My Favorite Lazy-Day Beauty Hack
A hoodie that doubles as a bonnet? Yes, please.
-
How to Dye Curly Hair Safely, According to Hairstylists
Because there are a lot of myths out there.
-
Shiny, Soft Hair *Does* Happen Overnight Thanks to These 9 Bedtime Treatments
It's not just a pipe dream.
-
Dash Lopez Is on a Mission to Bring Visibility to Bald Women in the Beauty Space
Plus, how her scalpcare videos are empowering others.
-
Dry Skin and Damaged Hair? Hard Water Could Be the Culprit—Here's What to Do About It
Two dermatologists and a trichologist agree.