The Best Hair Oils For Curly Hair 

Hair oils are an essential part of any curly-haired routine. While it may seem counterintuitive to apply oil to your hair, curly hair actually needs as much moisture as it can get, and oil is the best way to do this. Because of the shape of a curled piece of hair, it is extremely difficult for the natural oils that the scalp produces to make their way down the shaft of the hair and into the ends. This can result in the ends of the hair becoming extremely dry, which in turn disrupts the curl pattern and can lead to frizzy and undefined curls. Using hair oil is a great way to combat this, as manually adding in the oils that the ends of the hair are missing will prevent dehydration and seal in the moisture gained from conditioners.  

Choosing for Your Hair Type

Not all curls are the same, and therefore don’t need the same amount of oil. We’ve broken down curly hair into its three main categories to give you some general advice as to which oil is right for your hair. 

Type 2 Hair 

Type 2 hair covers curls that are wavy or extremely loose. Rather than tight spirals, type 2 curls have more of an “S” shape that doesn’t spring or coil as much as other types of curls. Many people have type 2 curls without realizing it, as the wave pattern can be so loose it simply appears as frizz if it is not cared for properly.

As this curl pattern isn’t very tight, there is some chance for natural scalp oils to make their way into the ends of type 2 hair. This means that using a heavy hair oil can give the hair too much oil, weighing down the wave pattern and causing it to look greasy and undefined. Those with type 2 curls should aim for lighter oils such as grapeseed, jojoba, or sweet almond oils. These oils aren’t too dense and will provide the lightweight hydration that type 2 hair needs. 

Type 3 Hair 

Type 3 hair means curls that are defined, bouncy, and springy. Unlike type 2, type 3 curls have a clear pattern and are less likely to frizz, even when not given the proper treatment. Because of this increase in curl pattern, this hair type tends to get dry very easily as it is significantly harder for natural oils to reach the ends of the hair. 

This type of hair needs heavy oils but in smaller amounts. Types of oils that are suitable for this hair type include olive and avocado oils, as these are much denser than the oils suggested for type 2 hair and provide a higher level of hydration. It is important to not use too much of these oils, as if you do, you run the risk of overwhelming the hair and leaving it unable to absorb all the oil. This in turn leads to greasy curls that struggle to hold any definition. 

Type 4 Hair 

If your curls are kinky, coily, or highly textured with an extremely tight curl pattern, Type 4 is the category into which they fall. It is nearly impossible for any natural scalp oil to distribute itself amongst your strands, and chances are your hair is naturally very dry. This means it is imperative that you use a hair oil somewhere in your hair care routine as this will prevent dryness and breakage, as well as help to support a healthy curl pattern. 

Type 4 hair should be using rich oils in significant doses. Castor oil, olive oil, and coconut oil are all great options for this hair type, so look out for products containing these ingredients. You can use a lot more oil than those with Type 2 and 3 hair as your hair is likely naturally a lot drier and requires significantly more moisture to maintain its shine and bounce. 

What else should I take into account? 

Your hair type isn’t the only factor you should consider when choosing a hair oil. The density of your hair plays a large part in dictating what type of hair oil you should be using. Hair density simply means how much hair you actually have on your head. Those with high density have “thick” hair and those with low density have “thin” hair.  Thin hair becomes weighed down very easily and requires very light oils to stop it from becoming greasy and dull. Products with sweet almond oil and jojoba oil are great choices for those with low hair density as they provide lightweight hydration without overwhelming the hair. 

Those with a higher hair density (“thick” hair) can use much thicker and richer oils as there’s more hair to absorb it. Look out for products with avocado or coconut oil, as these work very well in thick hair and help to maintain hydration and a healthy curl pattern. 

Hair porosity should also be on your mind when choosing a hair oil, as this will help you choose the type of oil you buy. Porosity is a measure of how well your hair is able to absorb and maintain moisture. Low porosity hair means the hair shaft struggles to absorb moisture. Oils like jojoba, grapeseed, and argan oil are recommended for low-porosity hair, as they have much smaller molecules than other oils and penetrate into the shaft of the hair a lot more easily. 

High porosity hair finds it much easier to absorb oils and moisture,  but due to gaps in the hair’s cuticle, it struggles to maintain it. Hemp seed oil, coconut oil, and olive oil are all great options as they tend to be a lot thicker and work to fill in the caps in the hair cuticle. These oils also act as sealants, helping the hair maintain the hydration it receives from the hair oil. 

There are many hair oils on the market, and knowing which ones are worth your time and money can be a tricky task. We have rounded up the 19 best hair oils for curly hair to help you decide which product is right for you.

1. Blu Atlas Hair and Body Oil

The best hair oil for curly hair comes from the premium men’s personal care brand, Blu Atlas. Their hair and body oil contains sweet almond, argan, and saw palmetto oils to gently smooth and nourish hair from the inside out. These oils penetrate deep into the hair cuticle to create shine and support a healthy level of hydration, which in turn will make your curls defined and bouncy. The formula is 100% vegan and cruelty-free, so you know it is as gentle on the environment as it is on your hair.

2. Garnier Ultimate Blends Coconut Hair Oil for Frizzy Hair

Garnier has combined the enriching properties of coconut oil, cacao seed butter, and cocoa seed butter to create this luxurious hair oil that will have your curls looking their best. Using butter to support the function of the coconut oil allows the product to give the intense level of hydration that those with very curly hair need. The coconut also lightly fragrances the hair, so you will be smelling fantastic all day long. It also offers heat protection up to 230℃ so it is perfect for protecting your curls during heat treatment or even on a hot summer’s day. 

3. Living Proof No Frizz Vanishing Oil
 

Fine and loose curls often struggle to stay defined and more often than not can descend into frizzy chaos. Living Proof’s No Frizz Vanishing Oil harnesses the properties of their exclusive biomimetic 5-oil blend to mimic the natural oils that hair produces to tame frizz and flyaways, and leave curls silky and defined. Hemisqualane is also featured in the ingredient list as it has been proven to be a great sealant and locks in the moisture gained from the 5-oil blend. This hair oil is extremely lightweight and fast absorbing, so it is the perfect product to add to your morning hair care routine. 

4. Pattern Jojoba Oil Hair Serum

Jojoba oil is a superstar in the haircare world due to the way in which it delivers hydration to the hair in a lightweight form. Pattern have recognized this and blended jojoba with rosehip, lavender, and olive oil to create a rich and nourishing formula that will add shine and bounce to your curls. It is perfect for low-porosity hair as the formula is extremely easy to absorb and will create a layer of protection along the hair shaft that protects it from breakage and damage. This oil also feels great when massaged into the scalp during those times when your hair needs a little extra TLC.

5. Charlotte Mensah Manketti Hair Oil

Manketti oil is an unsung hero of dry hair and is a valuable haircare ingredient that doesn’t receive the accolades it deserves. Charlotte Mensah has harnessed the nourishing powers of this oil to create a product that will rescue dry curls even on their worst days. The formula has been enriched with organic ximenia oil to create an all-round hair oil that adds shine, treats damage, and supports a healthy curl pattern. It also gives instant results upon use, minimizing frizz and taming flyaways, which leads to more defined and healthier-looking hair. 

6. Ouidad Mongongo Oil Multi-Use Curl Treatment

Ouidad’s Mongongo Oil Multi-Use Curl Treatment is a hair oil that delivers serious results. Mongongo oil is rich in vitamin E and linoleic acid to smooth hair cuticles and lock in moisture. Broccoli seed oil and palm seed oil have also been used in the formula as they have strengthening properties that penetrate deep into the hair and fortify it against future damage or breakage. This oil also has a high heat tolerance and can be used before styling with hot tools as a way to protect the hair and preserve existing hydration. 

7. Joon Saffron Hair Elixir Oil

Joon Haircare has created one of the best oils for curly hair. Their Saffron Hair Elixir Oil draws on Persian beauty secrets and rituals to deliver a product that will have your curls living up to their full potential. Rose, saffron, and pistachio have long been used in Persian beauty rituals thanks to their hydrating and healing properties. This hair oil is infused with each of these ingredients to create a formula that adds intense shine and hydration to your hair while repairing damage from the inside out. Not to mention, it smells absolutely incredible and will have you turning heads all day long. 

8. Living Proof Curl Moisturising Shine Oil

This is another entry from Living Proof on this list because yes, their products are just that good.  Their Curl Moisturising Shine Oil is designed specifically with curls in mind and has been formulated with ingredients to support healthy and happy hair. The emollient base smooths frizzy curls, allowing them to be easily tamed. The formula also features their signature 5-oil blend, which is packed with fatty acids and vitamins to nourish and replenish the hair, leaving it soft, silky, and super manageable. This hair oil is silicone, sulfate, paraben, and phthalate free, which means it is packed with ingredients that will only do good things for your hair.

9. Mizani 25 Miracle Nourishing Oil

 
Mizani’s 25 Miracle Nourishing Oil is ideal for thin and fine curls thanks to its ultra-lightweight and fast-absorbing formula. This hair oil includes all of the most popular hair care oils; coconut, olive, sunflower, and jojoba, to create a powerful blend that provides potent hydration right to the cuticle of the hair. Despite the concentration of oils, this product is very lightweight, making it perfect for those whose hair gets weighed down easily by other products. This combination of oils also brightens hair and prevents it from becoming dull or lackluster as the day goes on. 

10. Olaplex No. 7 Bonding Oil
 

A driving factor behind Olaplex’s viral success in the past few years has been thanks to their No. 7 Bonding Oil. This highly restorative oil noticeably fixes damaged hair within its first use and provides amazing long-term results. It is the perfect formula for those who haven’t been looking after their curly hair as they should and are needing a product that will quickly restore the curl pattern. Bis-aminopropyl Diglycol Dimaleate is the star of this hair oil, repairing and creating bonds within the hair, leaving it looking stronger, smoother, and generally healthier.

11. Bumble and bumble Curl Anti-Humidity Gel-Oil
 

Those with curly hair know that their hair’s worst enemy is humidity. Even after hours spent in the morning carefully styling and smoothing curly hair, exposure to humidity can undo all your work in a matter of minutes. Bumble and bumble’s Curl Anti-Humidity Gel-Oil aims to combat this so your hair can stay frizz free all day long. The formula uses a blend of oils (jojoba and avocado) and butters (shea and cocoa) to create a smoothing formula that seals moisture into the hair. It also works to keep humidity from entering the hair cuticle, protecting against frizz and ensuring smooth and glossy hair all day long.

12. Jamaican Mango & Lime Original Black Castor Oil
 

If you’re after a simple yet effective formula, the Jamaican Mango & Lime Original Black Castor Oil might be the product for you. This concentrated formula contains high-quality castor oil that has been roasted and ground from the Jamaican black castor oil bean and then boiled to extract pure castor oil. This pure oil contains hydrating and restorative properties, and when applied to hair, penetrates deep and provides intense hydration.  

13. Aveda Nutri-Plenish Multi-Use Hair Oil
 

If you’re looking for an all-rounder product that will do it all, the Aveda Nutri-Plenish Multi-Use Hair Oil has got you covered. This oil has been enriched with pomegranate oil, coconut oil, and mango butter to create an uplifting and nourishing formula that will leave your hair looking and smelling its best. As the name suggests, this oil can be used in multiple ways, including as a leave-in treatment, an overnight treatment, or as a post styling serum to seal in smoothness. 

14. Verb Ghost Weightless Hair Oil
 

Verb’s Ghost Weightless Hair Oil is aptly named, as it is so lightweight it is like there is nothing in your hair at all. At the heart of this formula is moringa oil, which is rich in fatty acids that strengthen the hair from root to tip and create brilliant shine. Hydrolyzed soy protein also features in the ingredient list as it acts as a sealant and locks in the hydrating properties of moringa oil. A unique feature of this product is that it can be combined with another styling product and it will emulsify, which when applied to the hair will allow it to reach a new level of shine. 

15. Fable & Mane HaiRoots Hair Oil

 Drawing on Indian beauty secrets that have been developed over centuries, Fable & Mane’s HaiRoots Hair Oil is one of the best hair oils for curly hair currently on the market. This oil is designed to be used before you wash your hair to thicken hair and moisturize the scalp in order to create longer and stronger-looking curls. Ashwagandha and dashmool are the heroes of the formula, providing a thickening and moisturizing proponent that leaves hair looking and feeling smoother, stronger, and shinier. 

16. Bread Beauty Supply Hair-Oil: Everyday Gloss

Bread Beauty Supply Hair-Oil: Everyday Gloss is a product that is powerful enough to cater to all types of curls but is lightweight enough that it can be used every day. This non-greasy formula coats the strands of hair and works to penetrate deep into the shaft to provide moisture from the inside out. It is powered by Kakadu plum, an ingredient known for its powerful hydrating properties that is ideal for curly hair. This oil can be used post-wash, pre-wash, and even in between washes to help maintain shine and moisture levels and extend the lifespan of your curls. 

17. Curlsmith Shine Oil 
 

Curlsmith is dedicated to creating products that help those with curly hair care for their locks and have them looking their best. Their Shine Oil has been designed to replenish the moisture lost during heat styling and everyday wear and tear to create brilliant and bouncy curls that shine. The formula contains Curlsmith’s PlantSilk technology, which is a unique blend of plant-derived esters that outperform silicones and are even more lightweight than raw oils. The result is instant softness and shine that lasts all day long without leaving a greasy or oily residue in your hair. 

18. Mauli Rituals Grow Strong Hair Oil

 
As curly hair grows longer, thickness and fullness can often be compromised as the curl pattern struggles to keep up with the sheer amount of hair. If this is an issue you are facing, try Mauli Rituals Grow Strong Hair Oil. This hair oil has been formulated with powerful herbs such as bhringraj, brahmi, and amla, which have been used for their thickening and strengthening properties for centuries. This herb blend is then added to a rich oil blend made up of argan, sesame, and coconut oils to create an intense formula that is packed with thickening and restorative components. Massaging this oil into your curls every night will have your hair looking thicker and fuller in no time. 

19. Kerastase Curl Manifesto Huile Sublime Repair
 

Last but certainly not least in our list of the best hair oils for curly hair is the Kerastase Curl Manifesto Huile Sublime Repair. This oil has been designed for hair and scalp to support healthy curl formation from root to tip. A base of sunflower seed oil and jojoba oil is supported by the nourishing and healing effects of Manuka honey and ceramides. Manuka honey is packed with the nutrients that curly hair craves, delivering them right to the root and restoring hair from the inside, and the ceramides work to fill gaps in the hair’s structure to create fuller and stronger locks. This product is certainly a splurge, but the results it delivers completely outshine the price point.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Does Hair Oil Do? 

Hair oil is a great way to maintain the health of your hair. Our scalps naturally produce oils that are designed to hydrate and protect our hair, but due to various factors such as scalp health, curl pattern, and hair density, this doesn’t always work. Instead, hair oil can be used to supplement the natural oil that the hair needs in order to maintain happy and healthy hair. 

Hair oil works by increasing the elasticity of your hair, making it stronger and less prone to breakage. Additionally, hair oils work to hydrate the hair, making it shiner and bouncier. Oils are rich in vitamins and fatty acids that enter the hair cuticle and shaft to hydrate it, as well as create a barrier around it to seal in the moisture. This barrier acts as a protectant for the hair, preventing issues such as heat damage from occurring. This barrier also protects against frizz, as it prevents humidity from entering the hair shaft.

How Do I Know If I Need Hair Oil? 

If your hair tends to be on the drier side, then you will benefit from the use of hair oil. Additionally, if you have type 2, 3 or 4 hair, a hair oil should be in your hair care routine. This is because wavy or curly hair struggles to deliver oils from the roots to the ends due to its shape, causing the ends to become dry. 

Dry hair looks worse for those with curly hair, as it can disrupt the curl pattern and make the curls look frizzy and undefined. Using oil to supplement what your hair is missing out on is a great way to maintain the health of your hair 

How Often Do I Use Hair Oil? 

How often you use hair oil is entirely up to what you think is best for your hair. If you’re looking for regular maintenance of moisture levels, then using it on at least every wash day is a good start. If you have long and thick hair, chances are your hair can cope with the use of oil every day. However, if your hair is very fine, you may want to use oil less frequently. It also depends on the porosity of your hair, as those with high porosity can use an oil a lot more frequently than those with low porosity, as your hair has no difficulty absorbing the oil. 

If you’re starting to use oil in your hair care routine, start small. Then slowly increase the frequency with which you apply the oil and see what your hair can handle. You should be able to find your sweet spot very easily, and you will soon be on your way to happy, healthy, and shiny hair.