Your haircare routine isn’t complete without a power-packed hair oil that locks in moisture and cranks up the shine. Dive in to unlock secret benefits and check out the top 2025 picks, all tried and tested by Vogue Scandinavia’s beauty team
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Hair oiling is far from a fleeting beauty trend – it’s a centuries-old haircare ritual rooted in Ayurvedic medicine and Indian culture. Yet, slathering your strands in hair oil remains one of the most underrated beauty habits. This is especially true in the Nordics, where months of cold, harsh weather leave our locks craving nourishment. Luckily, these golden elixirs are nothing short of a life raft for brittle ends and unruly frizz, sealing in moisture to keep lengths shiny and healthy – not to mention enhancing your natural texture, too.
First, a quick science lesson: it’s hard for the natural oil on your scalp to travel and moisturise frazzled ends. Packed with fatty acids and antioxidants, a hair oil will replenish the lipid layer on the hair’s surface, adding a protective coating to prevent breakage. However, one hurdle to overcome before introducing hair oil into your regime is finding the right one for your hair type. The goal, after all, is to add moisture back without the oiliness, which makes the fine-haired among us shudder.
Below, find answers to common questions about hair oils and a curated list of the best ones to shop for in 2025 for each hair type.
What are the benefits of using hair oil?
As mentioned above, incorporating hair oil into your routine can have multiple benefits. Deeply quenching and nourishing thirsty tresses, hair oil penetrates the hair shaft and scalp, delivering essential nutrients while locking in moisture. Hair oil also acts as a protective shield against damage from UV radiation and heat. Depending on the type, it can also accelerate hair growth, strengthen strands, and reduce split ends – resulting in thicker, healthier hair.
Boosting lustre, many use hair oil to achieve shiny, silky-smooth locks. It’s also known to tame frizz, coaxing even the unruliest hair into submission while defining your natural texture. Plus, hair oil is a bona fide superhero styling product. For bounce-giving curls, Jasmine Kurang, international educator at Maria Nila, recommends applying oil to the hair when it is 50 per cent dry. “Water takes up space in the hair, so curls absorb more of the oil if they’re not soaking wet, but not completely dry, either.” When diffusing your hair, wrap your curls around your fingers for added definition.
For those with a penchant for stick-straight, sleek hair, "smooth a small amount of oil over damp hair and then add a drop more once dry,” advises Kurang. This three-pronged approach to a luscious finish tames fly-aways, adds a mirror-like sheen and allows your brush to slice through the hair like butter, helping to cut down on drying time. Healthy, coiffed hair with minimal effort? Sold.
What hair oil is best for your hair type?
Finding the right oil for your hair type is key. It’s also important to consider what you want from the hair oil – are you looking for deep moisture, a glass-like shine, or a formula to boost growth and thickness? While some oils work wonders for curly and textured hair, they may be too rich for fine strands. And if you think hair oils are off-limits for oily hair, think again. With the right formula, even oily hair can reap the benefits.
Although they can seem like a tall drink for dry hair, avocado and coconut oils are too heavy for finer strands, which benefit from using a lightweight argan oil. While you don’t want to add weight to curls, the twisted structure of Afro hair means it can take longer for natural oils to circle their way from the scalp to the ends. Jojoba and other botanical oils are the best way to deliver hydration here. It’s good news, too, for those with thinning hair: some oils have the added benefit of encouraging blood flow when massaged into the scalp. “Castor oil, for example, is rich in ricinoleic acid, which can improve circulation,” notes Kurang. “More blood flow to the hair follicles can stimulate hair growth.”
How do I apply hair oil?
How you apply your hair oil depends on your specific product, so your best bet is to follow the manufacturer’s directions. For instance, some oils are applied before washing your hair, while others are added post-shower. However, according to Kurang, a good rule of thumb is to apply the hair oil in layers: “Start with one drop. Make sure you distribute the oil over your palms and then gently run your fingers through your hair, avoiding the roots,” she says.
How often should you oil hair?
How often you should oil your hair varies according to your hair type and individual needs. Those with dry, damaged, or textured hair benefit from more frequent oiling – up to three times a week. One to two times a week is usually sufficient if you have normal or curly hair. For oily hair, it’s best to apply oil just once a week, focusing on the lengths rather than the scalp to avoid greasiness.
The best hair oil overall
What you need to know: Founded by Indian siblings Nikita and Akash Mehta, Fable & Mane’s HoliRoots Pre-Wash Strengthening Treatment Hair Oil bottles up their extensive knowledge acquired through heritage in a luxurious formula. This premium hair oil utilises the power of restorative Indian plants, coupled with a heavenly scent concocted by a renowned French perfumer. The hero ingredient in this hair oil is its innovative ashwagandha and dashmool combination, crafted to nurture, strengthen, thicken and hydrate your strands – boosting shine along the way. Plus, it’s vegan, cruelty-free and suitable for all hair types. Massage on dry roots and let it sit for at least five minutes or overnight before thoroughly washing your hair with shampoo.
Why we love it: This hair oil’s divine, soothing scent is reason enough to fall in love with it – but it also delivers on its promises. Expect supple, lustrous hair that looks healthier and feels it too. With consistent use, you may even notice improved thickness over time. What’s more, if you’re battling dandruff, this oil helps reduce flakes while nourishing the scalp. We love using it as an overnight treatment to maximise its benefits – just be sure to rinse thoroughly.
The best budget-friendly hair oil
What you need to know: This organic hair oil is infused with 30 essential oils, but its star ingredients are mint and rosemary – the latter known for stimulating hair growth. Beyond promoting longer, fuller locks, this nutrient-rich, invigorating formula nourishes hair follicles, tames split ends, and profoundly hydrates a dry scalp. Versatile in use, this hair oil can be massaged into the scalp or applied to the ends. Leave on for 10 minutes and rinse with shampoo.
Why we love it: Don’t be fooled by the wallet-friendly price – this lightweight, non-greasy hair oil packs a potent formula that targets a host of hair concerns. We found it particularly effective in nourishing the scalp and fortifying strands, with visibly reduced split ends. The mint infusion adds a fresh yet subtle scent, while the formula earns bonus points for soothing an itchy scalp.
The best hair oil for curly and textured hair
What you need to know: In-the-know beauty aficionados would’ve already stumbled upon Bread Beauty Supply’s award-winning multi-use hair oil. Designed specifically for curly and textured hair, this hair oil sets a bold promise: “Like lip gloss, but for your hair.” Boasting three powerhouse ingredients of Australian Kakadu plum oil, coconut extract and safflower oil, this oil envelopes your strands in protective fatty acids, hydrating vitamin C and caprylic/capric triglycerides that deliver that glass-like gloss.
Why we love it: We love a versatile product, and what stood out to us is that this hair oil can be used in three different ways: pre-wash, post-wash (ideal for thick, curly, or coily hair), and as a styling product for a polished finish that keeps flyaways in check. Curly and textured hair can often be tricky to manage, but this oil effortlessly detangles curls, leaving them bouncy, silky and glossy – without any greasy residue.
The best hair oil for frizzy hair
What you need to know: JVN Hair’s Complete Nourishing Shine Drops is the ultimate magic elixir for frizz-prone hair. Powered by hemisqualane and meadowfoam ester, this supercharged formula swiftly enhances hair health and strength while locking in moisture for an enviable, satin-like finish. Moreover, the product also contains hibiscus extract, which protects your locks from humidity and prevents colour from fading.
Why we love it: Ah, frizz – our ultimate hair nemesis during the harsh Nordic winters. This hair oil restores softness and lustre without weighing hair down. A little goes a long way, so expect your bottle to last. It also works well as the final step in your styling routine, delivering a natural, healthy shine.
The best hair oil for oily hair
What you need to know: If you have oily hair, choosing a lightweight hair oil is paramount. Look for non-greasy formulas with ingredients that regulate sebum production while providing essential nutrients, such as jojoba and rosemary oil, which are featured in Ouai’s hair oil. Without weighing down your strands, this oil offers much-needed moisture (yes, even oily hair needs hydration) while shielding against UV rays, pollution, and heat.
Why we love it: Applying oil to already oily hair might sound counterintuitive, but Ouai’s herbal-scented hair oil – which feels more like a serum – smooths hair without leaving a sticky feel. Just a few drops do the trick, and thanks to the pump dispenser, you won’t end up with an oil-drenched bottle.
The best hair oil for dry hair
What you need to know: Oribe is known for its cult-favourite haircare products, and its Gold Lust Hair Oil is a must-have for parched strands. Dry hair calls for deep hydration, and this luxurious blend of jasmine, edelweiss flower, lychee, sandalwood, cassis, bergamot, and argan extracts does just that. The formula absorbs quickly into the hair shaft, quenching strands from the inside out and reviving dull, brittle hair.
Why we love it: While it is ultra-hydrating, this hair oil has a lightweight consistency that spreads effortlessly. Expect a noticeable difference, especially in dry lengths, which feel much smoother. We particularly loved using it as an overnight treatment, where its intensely hydrating properties truly shine. For those with combination hair, avoid using it on the roots as it may lead to greasiness.
The best hair oil for fine hair
What you need to know: By now, you’ve probably heard of Gisou’s Honey Infused Hair Oil, enriched with Mirsalehi honey and bee garden oils – signature ingredients that hydrate and nourish the hair. Thanks to its airy texture, this hair oil is particularly well-suited for fine hair, unlike richer oils such as castor or coconut oil, which can weigh strands down. Plus, honey’s antioxidants and amino acids help combat breakage – a common concern for fine hair.
Why we love it: After applying this lightweight hair oil, it almost feels like nothing was used – yet it still boosts shine and smoothness. Fine hair requires just one to two drops of this liquid gold, whether as a styling aid or a treatment (let it soak in for a few hours or, ideally, overnight). We also love its luscious scent, a blend of sweet honey and floral notes that subtly lingers in the hair after use.
The best hair oil for damaged hair
What you need to know: Been bleaching your hair or overusing heat tools to the point where your tresses feel brittle and fragile? Olaplex No.7 Bonding Oil is your ultimate saviour for damaged strands, featuring its patented Bond Building Technology, designed specifically to repair overworked tresses. Infused with sunflower seed oil and green tea oil, this formula works hard to restore your mane to its former glory – and beyond – leaving you with silky-smooth, vibrant locks. Frizz and unruliness, be gone.
Why we love it: While softening the hair, this oil enhances natural texture beautifully, especially on wavy and curly strands. We also love that it doubles as a heat protectant, ensuring you don’t undo the progress you’ve just made by using the oil. Those who prefer more neutral-scented hair oils, this one’s for you.
The best hair oil for hair growth
What you need to know: Many turn to hair oils to stimulate growth, and while The Ordinary’s Multi-Peptide Serum for Hair Density leans more towards a serum-like consistency, it remains one of the most promising options. Formulated with natural extracts like Larix Europaea wood extract and Camellia Sinensis leaf extract, along with peptide complexes and caffeine, this cruelty-free, vegan formula works to nourish the scalp and hair follicles – supporting growth and promoting fuller, healthier locks.
What we love about it: Now, you won’t turn into Rapunzel overnight – this product requires consistent, long-term use before noticeable results appear. But patience pays off – within weeks, we saw subtle signs of hair growth and improved thickness. For best results, massage it into the scalp in the evening a couple of times per week and let it work its magic overnight. By morning, you may want to wash your hair to remove any residue.