Collage: Paula Balondo; Source images: Courtesy of brands Save Story Save this story Save Story Save this story The best hair oils might sound completely counterintuitive. If you're trying to keep your hair from looking greasy, why would you add oil to it? But today's formulas are a far cry from the heavy, greasy treatments of decades past. The right hair oil can be the difference between hair that puffs up the second you step outside and strands that stay smooth , glossy, and manageable.
Whether you're dealing with frizz, dry ends, heat damage, or simply want to add a little extra polish to your style, there's a hair oil designed for the job. Some are packed with nourishing botanical oils (like argan oil , squalane , and castor oil ) that seal in moisture, while others rely on lightweight silicones to seal the cuticle, dial up the gloss , and shield hair from humidity without weighing it down.
How do hair oils work? Which hair oil is right for me? When should I use hair oil? Meet the experts How we test and review products Our staff and testers Best Overall: Oribe Gold Lust Nourishing Hair Oil Save to wishlist Save to wishlist Oribe
Allure social director Kassidy Silva applying the Oribe Gold Lust Nourishing Hair Oil.
Why it's worth it: Oribe ’s Gold Lust Nourishing Hair Oil is the ultimate indulgence for every hair type. Silky and weightless, it tackles dryness and frizz with a blend of argan and jasmine oils, plus Oribe’s Signature Complex—a mix of antioxidant-rich watermelon, lychee, and edelweiss flower extracts—to keep strands strong, hydrated, and shiny. It has a subtle sandalwood and bergamot scent that leaves hair smelling as luxe as it looks. New York City-based hairstylist, Andrew Inconstanti , calls it “liquid gold” for its instant smoothing effect, effortless shine, and color-enhancing boost. “It also smells like a high-end perfume, so your hair will smell expensive all day long,” he says.
Silva before applying the Oribe Gold Lust Nourishing Hair Oil
Silva after applying the Oribe Gold Lust Nourishing Hair Oil
Tester feedback from social director Kassidy Silva
“Two pumps of the Oribe Gold Lust oil are all it takes to keep my hair shining all day long. After towel-drying my hair, I pump a quarter-size amount into my palms and work it through the ends, and run a comb through a few times to lightly distribute the product to my roots. If my hair is looking a little dull after drying, I'll add one more pump once I'm finished styling.” —Kassidy Silva, social director
Key ingredients: jasmine oil, argan oil, edelweiss flower, lychee Who it's best for: all hair types When to apply: on damp or dry hair Fragrance-free: no Sizes: 1.7 oz., 3.4 oz. Best for Frizz: Kérastase Gloss Absolu Glaze Drops Anti-Frizz Hair Oil Save to wishlist Save to wishlist Kérastase
Allure senior staff writer Elizabeth Gulino applying the Kérastase Gloss Absolu Glaze Drops Anti-Frizz Hair Oil
Why it's worth it: If you've long loved Kérastase's iconic Elixir Ultime , but wish it delivered an even more mirror-like, glass-hair finish, Gloss Absolu Glaze Drops is the answer. As the brand's lightest hair oil in its lineup, it swaps heavier botanical oils for a featherweight silicone blend to tame frizz and boost shine without leaving hair greasy or limp. Hyaluronic acid pulls in moisture, wild rose oil leaves hair softer, and glycolic acid smooths the hair cuticle so it reflects more light. Th…