13 best hair oils for shiny, soft and smooth locks

The Kérastase hair oil has built up quite the fan base, and it’s easy to see why. The gorgeous golden packaging adds a little luxury to your everyday routine, and I’m a sucker for luxe-looking bottles. But, of course, it’s what’s on the inside that really counts, and the elixir ultimate certainly doesn’t disappoint.

Hero ingredients include amla extract, camellia and argan oil which all help to strengthen strands, stimulate hair growth and even prevent premature pigment loss, meaning it works to keep grey hairs at bay. It also acts as a heat protector up to 230C, seals split ends and instantly adds shine while smoothing strands and fighting frizz. So, whether used on damp hair as a primer or dry hair as a finisher, Kérastase took the top spot for me as the best all-rounder. Lauren Cunningham

The packaging alone of this Kérastase hair oil had me mesmerised. The unique golden bottle makes for a perfect addition to any beauty cabinet. However, the real star is the formulation of the oil that caters to my 4C hair type whether I’m wearing it out naturally or in a braided style. It’s a multipurpose product and can be used as a primer, finisher or refresher, along with its heat protection up to 230C.

I love to use it to refresh my hair when it’s feeling somewhat dull and super frizzy, and I’ve found that it also provides an instantly smooth and nourished feel. Plus, it’s jam-packed with oils from argan, camellia and marula for a truly divine smell.

I’ve recently started going for wash and blow dry appointments at the Amazon Salon and my stylist Korell Williams uses a range of Kérastase products on me, including the elixir ultime which they swear by. If it’s good enough for the professionals, it’s certainly good enough for me. Vanese Maddix

Coming in at just £8, this hair oil is a real bargain buy. Argan oil, coconut oil and moringa oil are the key ingredients working to smooth strands and add shine. But dimethicone is the key ingredient used to fight frizz, which is the aim of the game for this hair oil. As someone with a lot of frizz to fight, I can safely say this hair oil delivers.

Dimethicone is famous for giving a sleek, silky look to hair, although it is a rather controversial ingredient. While some people love it for its silky smooth texture, others find it can be quite drying, as its glossing effects stop moisture from penetrating strands. I’d recommend doing your research beforehand to check it’s right for your hair type and texture, as those with dry ends may wish to stay away. LC

I don’t usually gravitate towards popular luxury brands when it comes to hair products as I find a lot of them to be quite gimmicky and not suitable for afro hair types. But I decided to give Dior’s hair oil a chance and I haven’t looked back.

It does a great job of adding a radiant and shiny look and feel, and I love using it as the last step in my hair routine as it gives me the same excitement that I get from spritzing myself in my favourite perfumes. The formula is enriched in essential rose wax and as you can imagine, this along with the infusion of the signature Miss Dior blooming bouquet scent makes for incredible smelling hair. VM

Moroccanoil is one of the most famous hair oil brands, building a strong reputation as the go-to solution for hard-to-tame manes. Working with the hero ingredient, argan oil – which comes from the argan tree native to Morocco, hence the name – it is thicker than the likes of coconut oil, jojoba oil or castor oil. Although suitable for all hair types, it will work best for those with thicker, frizzier locks (ie, someone with a similar hair type to me).

A little goes a long way, and the handy pump distributes the perfect amount, so long as you press it gently. I love using this on the ends of my hair, as argan oil works wonders to help heal split ends, moisturise strands and reduce breakage. For a deeper treatment, I also like to work it into my roots for an hour pre-washing to give my scalp some much-needed TLC. LC

There’s a good reason why this hair oil is always sold out; it’s because it works wonders with whatever stage your hair is at. Whether you use it on wet hair or in between washes, this non-greasy formula brings some much-needed life back to the locks.

As someone with a 4C hair type, my wash routine looks different to those with European hair and depends on whether my hair is in a protective style or out in its natural form. However, one thing I love about the formula is that it leaves my hair looking and feeling completely rejuvenated with a glossy shine. The standout ingredient in the formula is kakadu plum, which is known for its moisturising and hydrating properties.

If you’re wondering why this oil is called everyday gloss, it’s because one sniff will transport you to the exact smell of a strawberry lip gloss (non-overbearing of course). VM

Although you may not have already heard of Celui, it’s certainly one that should be on your radar. Founded by haircare content creator Anisa Sojka (who incidentally shared her tips for healthy hair with us), this oil softens, smooths and seals fraying ends.

Most impressively, the all-natural formula reads more like a cocktail recipe than your typical ingredients list with jojoba seed oil, lavender flower oil and olive oil just a handful of the core players. It’s worth noting that a little goes a long way, so be sure to apply only a small amount if you’re someone with finer strands. LC

Founded by a biomedical scientist, physician and world-leading stem cell biology expert, Augustinus Bader is the luxury brand to know for those looking for potent products with visible results. Every product is made with a patented trigger factor complex called TFC8, comprised of more than 40 ingredients that deliver incredibly impressive results.

Working to stimulate the body’s natural renewal process, this hair oil helps to heal damaged strands and restore and regenerate new ones for healthier, happier hair. Of course, prolonged use will yield the best results, but I noticed my hair felt hydrated, shinier and smoother after the first couple of uses. LC

I’m quite particular when it comes to what I use on my afro hair, so I wasn’t quite sure what to expect when it came to this do-it-all oil from Herlum – it can be used on the face, body and hair but to my surprise, it does it all. The silky formula absorbs beautifully into my hair when it needs moisture and an instant shine. I also love to add the excess oil to my cuticles.

The formula is enriched with ingredients, including copaiba oil, known for its soothing and nourishing skin properties and century-long use in countries like Brazil. You’ll also find rosehip oil and squalane in the vegan and nut-free formula. VM

Founded by Jen Atkin, celebrity hairstylist to Bella Hadid and Kendall Jenner, Ouai has racked up a loyal following of beauty buffs, and it’s easy to see why. Designed to fight frizz, seal split ends, repair damaged strands and protect from heat styling, this one hair oil has many functions, reducing your need for a whole host of products.

African galanga, argan, ama and Asian borage oils are the key ingredients, working to hydrate the hair, soothe scalps and restore strength and shine, which is exactly what I found that it did when smoothed through my strands. Whether used on damp strands to aid with styling, loaded on as a hair mask overnight or sparingly smoothed through dry locks to add extra oomph, it’s a one-stop-shop for silky-looking strands no matter your hair type. LC

There aren’t many hair products that give you the same level of spa-like comfort at home, however, Kama Ayurveda has managed to take that same great smell and feeling and bottle it up as a scalp and hair oil.

Infused with a blend of 13 botanical extracts from false daisy which is known for stimulating hair growth and soothing the mind (double win) and balloon vine, an antioxidant that protects the skin and soothes inflammation. Scalp health is equally as important to me and I love how the formula considers that because there’s truly nothing worse than an itchy scalp.

I like to reach for this especially when my hair is in knotless braids as a way to soothe my scalp and keep it nourished. VM

Gisou is famous for its honey-infused products, and many people hark on about this outstanding hair oil. Enriched with honey, it works to tame frizz, define curls and revive dull-looking locks, all of which I have aplenty.

Sweet almond oil, argan oil and coconut oil also work to boost the benefits, meaning it can be used as an overnight mask and everyday styling product – everything you need from a great hair product. For non-vegans after silky, shiny hair, you’re sure to be satisfied – just remember, one to two drops is enough. LC

This Chāmpo option can be trusted to revive lacklustre locks in seconds. Formulated with hydrogenated olive oil, the formula is slightly thinner than some of the others within this review, meaning it’s perfect for those with finer strands.

Jojoba and coconut oil help to hydrate and condition the hair, while turmeric, amla extract and malic acid are just a handful of the ingredients helping to boost growth and strength. Although it was a little too light for my hair type, it did quickly fight frizz and flyaways and the scent is also just divine. Plus, coming in at just 28ml, it’s a great travel find too. LC

Olaplex is a brand that needs very little introduction. Its haircare range promises to make locks stronger, healthier and more resilient, thanks to its patented bonding molecule. Its shampoo is one of my favourites, so too is its hair oil, which has become a holy grail. The formula leaves my hair looking and feeling nourished, glossy and shiny. Owing to the fact it’s lightweight, it doesn’t leave my strands feeling heavy, weighed down or greasy, and can be used on both wet and dry hair. With heat protection powers up to 230C, it is a great product to apply before styling. While the bottle looks decidedly small, from experience, it lasts a very long time – so it’s a great investment. Eva Waite-Taylor