It may seem an odd concept to apply oil to freshly washed hair, but used in the right way, hair oils give a luxe, glossy, salon-worthy finish while also working to repair, hydrate and improve hair quality over time.
Warm a tiny drop (a little goes a long way) between your palms and apply to mid-lengths and ends of damp hair before styling. If you’re blow-drying, it will speed-up drying time and if you leave it to air-dry (nursery run calling?), it will prevent frizzing and keep hair defined.
For a serious SOS hydration boost, apply all over, leave on for as long as you can (sometimes overnight), then thoroughly shampoo out. Alternatively, if your ends are in need of a serious chop and you want to make them look a little less straw-like, pop a tiny bit of oil to the ends to help your locks look instantly healthier.
To help you find the right oil for your hair type, we've rounded up some of the best to buy in the UK to make your decision easier.
www.boots.com
Whether you've got into the habit of using the straighteners every day or you find your hair suffers when the sun is out, we can all experience dry hair from time to time. This unique formula from L'Oreal uses six flower oil extracts to nourish your hair for luxurious shine and softness. It's a non-greasy formula, so gives your hair a weightless finish, meaning it can be used by all hair types.
One reviewer says: 'I love this oil! I have tried other brands over the past but I always revert back to using this one! My hair always feels so soft, and smells incredible when using this. I use this on natural hair and on extensions (I wear an LA Weave). The formula is brilliant and the added heat protectant is great. I love this product.'
www.lookfantastic.com
Rich in argan and camellia oil and totally silicone-free (it absorbs and treats the hair, rather than just coating with a superficial film), this vanilla-scented oil gives unbeatable glossiness to hair, making it ideal if you find it difficult to make your hair appear shiny. Apply before cleansing as an intensive treatment, or before styling.
One reviewer says: 'I’ve been using this product for 2 weeks now and the difference it has made to my life is huge! Split ends drive me crazy and I would spend a lot of time picking my hair to remove them, but it was all getting too much. I use this every morning, on wet hair like a heat protector. It smells divine and is easy to use. It doesn’t make my hair look oily and best of all, I struggle to find a split end! It may seem expensive but I still appear to have an almost full bottle, so I can see this lasting a good 3 months at least so the price per use is low.'
www.lookfantastic.com
Developed by the hair stylist to the Kardashians, this hair oil is ideal for taming frizzy locks and nourishing split ends. Infused with African Galanga, Ama and Asian Borage oils, the formula works to control the frizz while preserving colour and adding shine.
One reviewer said: 'Only product that actually tames my hair! I’m now on my fourth bottle and will keep on repurchasing. Used so many hair oils beforehand but this one is a life saver, especially when it gets more humid, holidays etc. LOVE.'
www.lookfantastic.com
When Moroccanoil first launched, it changed the way consumers viewed hair oils. Surely it would make hair greasy? But applied to damp hair, this argan oil-enriched treatment sinks straight in, leaving hair easier to brush, while smoothing and repairing after every use. The original formula is great for most hair types, but if you have ultra fine or very light-coloured hair, there’s a ‘Light’ version.
One reviewer says: 'I work as a carer in a care home, the heating is always on. My hair gets so dry. This product is amazing, my hair lengths love the treatment. Plus it's great to use before you use a hair dryer. Five stars well worth the pennies.'
The famous Gisou hair oil is enriched with Mirsalehi Honey from the Mirsalehi Bee Garden and is based on a homemade family recipe. As a natural humectant, honey maintains the hair’s natural moisture balance, resulting in healthy, soft and stronger locks with a silky shine. This oil can be used before styling or after styling.
One reviewer says: 'Best hair oil I have ever used! A little goes a long way so definitely worth the money. Makes your hair feel so moisturised and shiny! Absolutely amazing! Had my hair bleached and this oil really helped with keeping it healthy and nourished! Love the ethics of the brand too. 10/10 ❤️'
www.allbeauty.com
If you like to regularly colour your hair, you've probably found it has suffered quite a lot of damage over the years. Thanks to the Olaplex range of products however, we can continue to colour as we please while keeping our hair nourished and looking healthy. It provides shine, softness, and colour vibrancy while minimising flyaways and frizz and providing UV/heat protection of up to 450°F/232°C.
One reviewer said: 'I was wary about buying this as I have very fine hair and not a lot of it! It tends to get weighted down by some products but this is great. I only need a couple of drops so it will last ages and it gives my hair shine.'
www.boots.com
Textured hair can look and feel a little brittle from time to time, and this oil does a brilliant job at bringing the shine and hydration back to your hair using an Argan Oil infused formula. It can be used on wet or dry hair and it absorbs instantly while still leaving the hair feeling weightless.
One reviewer says: 'I use this as part of my wash day routine. I have 4c hair and am terrified of heat damage, but I love this after stretching or heat. It leaves my hair feeling sleek and silky with a great shine. And most definitely is hydrating.'
www.boots.com
Silky and smooth textured hair doesn't have to cost the earth, and this Tresemmé formula proves it. Formulated with Keratin and Marula oil it's designed to protect hair from frizz for up to 72 hours. It also helps to detangle knots, boost shine, add softness and tame any flyaways.
One reviewer says: 'I love this product. I struggle with frizzy hair. This gives shine, reduces the frizz and it smells amazing. I am impressed to be honest.'