The 15 Best Hair and Scalp Oils to Boost Shine and Tame Frizz

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Using oil blends to treat hair and the scalp has origins in the 5,000-year-old system of Indian Ayurvedic medicine. Shalini Seneviratne, founder of holistic beauty brand Wildpatch, was raised in the tradition and has been oiling her hair for as long as she can remember. The practice, she says, is “the first beauty ritual many South Asians learn.” The rest of the world has been catching on to its myriad benefits, as the global hair-oil market is projected to reach $3.9 billion by 2024.

SCALP OILS

Moisturizing the skin and removing buildup are these formulas’ goals, since a healthy scalp sprouts fuller hair. “Dullness, brittleness, or a lack of volume can start at the root,” says Helen Reavey, celebrity hairstylist, trichologist, and founder of Act+Acre hair care, who cites follicle-clogging buildup as a common cause of weakened strands. Most scalp oils are meant to be used as a prewash treatment, massaged into the scalp to loosen debris, then shampooed out.

HAIR OILS

Strand-centric formulas are used primarily to protect the hair and dial up shine. Most versions are also surprisingly lightweight, helping to make locks lustrous but not lank. For best results, these blends are usually applied to clean, damp hair as you would a leave-in conditioner. Comb through or mist on and style as usual.

COMBINATION THERAPY

These multitasking oils are designed to safely treat both scalp and hair. While application strategies vary from blend to blend, most double-duty formulas can be applied conservatively as a smoothing, frizz-fighting, leave-in treatment—or slathered on as a hydrating mask (then rinsed out later). Extra-lightweight oils may also be used on dry hair as a shine-boosting styler.

Using one of the best scalp oils to treat dryness and boost hydration is nothing new, and actually has origins that lead back to the 5,000-year-old system of Indian Ayurvedic medicine—talk about having deep roots. Shalini Seneviratne, founder of holistic beauty brand Wildpatch, was raised in the tradition, and has been oiling her hair and scalp for as long as she can remember. The practice, she says, is, “The first beauty ritual many South Asians learn.”

As for the rest of the world catching on to its myriad benefits, incorporating oil blends into a weekly or daily hair routine has become increasingly popular among beauty enthusiasts in recent years. In addition to stronger, thicker hair, and an overall healthier scalp, many of the best hair oils can also help boost shine and minimize frizz.

Whether your oil comes with a dropper or pointed nozzle for direct application, or is best used after adding a few drops to the palm of your hand, it's hard to go wrong with the following favorites that come expert and shopper-approved. To achieve your healthiest hair yet, read on for some of our go-to slick picks.

Complete Pre-Wash Scalp & Hair Treatment Oil

Here's a top-rated pre-wash treatment that helps your hair grow stronger and thicker, thanks to key ingredients like rosemary extract, squalane, and hemisqualane. It also nicely clarifies the scalp to remove heavy dirt and product build-up.

Customer review: "So far my hair has totally looked more strong and shinier, however, I was using this to prevent hair loss, and my hair is still falling out. It's not always the solution." —alk53

Dry Scalp Treatment

This pre-poo dry scalp treatment uses Moroccanoil's coveted Argan oil to gently clarify your scalp while soothing and repairing itchy, flaky skin. Plus, we're just obsessed with the scent.

Customer review: "In the winter, I struggle with my scalp getting dry and itchy. I’ve tried a few different shampoos and conditioners but they haven’t worked as well as I’d hoped. This oil took care of the problem! I use it as an overnight treatment when I’m planning on washing my hair in the morning. I apply it to my trouble spots, put on a satin sleep cap, and wash/condition my hair the next day. It doesn’t leave any residue behind and my scalp feels great." —Abbi

Rosemary Mint Scalp & Hair Strengthening Oil

You might recognize this biotin-infused scalp and hair oil from BeautyTok where it went completely viral due to its nourishing, split end-mending benefits. Along with biotin, the hair care staple also contains 30 essential oils to increase circulation and prevent dandruff.

Customer review: "I’ve only been using for one month but have noticed that my hair has grown at least two inches! I actually couldn’t believe it until my friends and family started telling me that it is long again! I’m so happy and will continue to use." —Danielle M.

Daily Elixir Scalp Oil

Created by actress and producer Issa Rae, this scalp re-balancing oil from Sienna Naturals is lightweight enough for daily use without leaving your hair greasy. It also features a pointed nozzle for easy, targeted application.

Customer review: "The daily elixir oil leaves my scalp feeling nourished and my gray hair looks so shiny and not dull looking!" —LaVertis A.

Mighty Majesty Fortifying Hair Serum

Jasmine, amla, and sunflower oil combine in this hair serum help to strengthen strands while boosting volume. And as a bonus, the product also helps guard against heat damage, and can even be used as an overnight mask.

Customer Review:

"Great feeling when applied after heat styling. Ends are super soft when used after shampoo and conditioner. Awesome product." —Robyn S.

Abeille Royale Scalp & Hair Youth Oil-in-Serum

This lightweight hair and scalp oil-in-serum treatment helps leave hair impossibly shiny (and smelling so good) without making it look flat or greasy. It's powered by sustainably-sourced honey as a main ingredient for a texture is as rich as an oil but featherweight as water.

Customer Review:

"This hair and scalp serum is making my hair so soft, full of body and shiny after blow drying and styling. I have very short hair and am massaging the serum onto my scalp after washing and towel drying. I am amazed at the results."—Lucy

Aceite de Moska

Dry and congested scalps are partly to blame for lack of overall hair growth—that's where this popular oil comes in. Ceremonia's Aceite de Moska not only removes build-up and controls oil production, but also nourishes hair and helps seal its cuticles.

Customer review: "Love this product! I use it before I take a shower and definitely see a difference. My scalp also feels so much healthier." —Flora

The Oil

This versatile hair oil works for all hair types and can be used pre-shampoo for a hydrating treatment or daily on ends to prevent dryness. Plus, it boasts a refreshing of bergamont, yuzu, lemongrass, and amber.

Jojoba Oil Hair Serum

Designed specifically for curls and coils by actress Tracee Ellis Ross, Pattern's cocktail of oils—including jojoba, safflower, and rosehip—can be massaged into the scalp to soothe any itchiness. Plus, it's super versatile, as the oil can be used on either wet or dry hair.

Customer review:

"I have recommended this oil to everyone! It's the best and smells great. Great for curly, coily, and straight hair. When I have box braids in this is the only oil I use, stops the scalp from itching. Buy it now!" —Tatiana

Gooseberry Delight Hair Oil

Not only does this Amla-based oil smell amazing, but it can nicely be used as a pre-wash treatment. Or, left in for a few hours, the product can also be applied as an overnight mask, for a little extra conditioning as you snooze.

Customer review: "This has been a lifesaver while trying to grow out damaged hair from bleach. I’ve used every hair mask/treatment under the sun and this is by far my favorite. I have fine full hair, this not only leaves it incredibly shiny but has actually softened dry dead ends which lasts even on days that I don’t use it. I primarily use this as an all over mask at night, washing in the am, however I find that it’s light enough to use on my ends as a styling treatment without weighing hair down or making it look greasy. Absorbs well." —Lilia

Magic Elixir Scalp and Hair Oil Treatment

A powerhouse duo of hydrating and scalp-friendly ingredients, including avocado and rosemary oils, hydrate and nourish the scalp while promoting new growth.

Customer review: "This has been a lifesaver for my dry scalp! Also makes my hair super shiny and feeling healthy." —Brittany

HoliRoots Hibiscus Hydrating Hair Oil Mist

Great for fine and medium hair, this hibiscus oil mist is great for adding a light dose of shine to dull strands. Think of this staple as having all the benefits of a traditional hair oil with less mess.

Customer Review: "I really love this oil! It keeps my curls soft and frizz free. I use it on my kids hair too and it’s definitely worth the price." —Aragarcia95

Cold Pressed Hair Oil

Cold processed and all-natural, this pick contains five plant-based ingredients—including squalane, Argan, and meadowfoam seed oils—to nourish and condition your scalp. And it happens to be just as good at taming frizz as it is at protecting against heat damage.

Hair Oil Everyday Gloss

Here's a silicone-free hair oil that's enriched with kakadu plum and safflower oils to leave hair super soft. Whether you're looking to detangle ahead of shampooing, or just enhance shine, this popular staple can do it all.

Customer Review: "I got this about a month ago and i’m loving the results. It’s definitely made my hair softer and it’s helped with my dry ends. If you plan on trying this i’d get the 3.3-ounce bottle so if you like it you’ll have more and if not then at least you didn’t buy a bigger one" —Marisa177

Nighttime Scalp Serum

This scalp treatment uses hardworking humectants, like moringa and castor oils, to minimize scalp irritation overnight. It also uses the scent of lavender to help lull you off to sleep.

Customer review: "It cleared up my dry and irritated scalp so quickly! Love this product!" —Amy B.

Meet the Experts

• Shalini Seneviratne is the founder of Wildpatch, and an executive at Unilever.

• Helen Reavey is a celebrity hairstylist, trichologist, and founder of Act+Acre.

How do scalp oils make hair healthier?

Many scalp oils are used as a pre-wash treatments, first massaged into the scalp to loosen debris, then shampooed out. After all, a healthy scalp sprouts fuller hair. Celebrity hair stylist and founder of Act+Acre, Helen Reavey, cites follicle-clogging buildup as a common cause of weakened strands. “Dullness, brittleness, or a lack of volume can start at the root,” she says.

What's the best method for using scalp oils?

When it comes to hair oils, these strand-centric formulas are used primarily to protect the hair and dial up shine. Most versions are also surprisingly lightweight, helping to make locks lustrous but not lank. For best results, these blends are usually applied to clean, damp hair as you would a leave-in conditioner.

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