12 Ways to Use a Hair Oil

One of our favorite hair care products would have to be hair oil. That's because there are so many ways you can use it as part of your hair care and styling routine. Whether you apply it before hopping into the shower to shampoo or to help tame frizzy hair, one thing’s for certain: hair oil is very versatile. The L’Oréal Paris Elvive Extraordinary Oil Treatment is a lightweight hair oil that instantly transforms dry hair strand by strand into nourished, silky, and shiny hair. You can use it before shampoo for luxurious nourishment, to polish strands for no frizz and flyaways, and as a lightweight finishing touch for silky softness and luxurious shine. Below, keep reading for 12 different ways to use a hair oil.

1. Use It...as a Pre-Shampoo Treatment

We all put our hair through a lot on a daily basis—and everything from water to coloring to styling can leave your hair feeling drier. So, try using a hair oil as a pre-shampoo treatment to help moisturize your hair before washing, which can help you retain your natural oils. Apply hair oil before washing and conditioning as usual.

2. Use It…for Lightweight Shine

When you have fine hair, it’s easy to go overboard with styling products. But a lightweight hair oil, like ours, can help add shine and turn dry hair into silky hair without weighing your fine hair down. Stay away from your roots and focus on applying hair oil to the ends of your hair.

3. Use It…to DIY a Spa Treatment

You don’t have to head to the spa for a fancy hair treatment to reap some of the rewards. You can use your hair oil at home to recreate the spa experience. Here’s how to do it: Apply hair oil from root to tip, then wrap your hair in a towel. Consider heating up your towel with hot water and squeezing it out to create a mini sauna for your hair (just make sure the towel isn’t too hot!). Leave the hair oil on for 30 minutes, then rinse out with cool water.

4. Use It…on Wet Hair Before Blow-Drying

Do your at-home blowouts tend to not look so smooth or shiny? Add a hair oil to the mix. Apply it, along with a heat protectant, to damp hair after shampooing and conditioning. Then blow-dry your hair with a round brush and finish with a spritz of a lightweight hair spray.

5. Use It…to Tame Frizz and Flyaways

If your hair poofs up as soon as you step outside—especially when the weather is humid—you’re definitely not alone. Try applying 1-2 pumps of hair oil to dry hair to help smooth frizz and flyways. 

6. Use It…Before Creating a Braid

Braids are one of the prettiest types of hairstyles—and while braids look gorgeous when they’re messy, sometimes it’s easier to work with hair that’s smooth. Prior to braiding, run a small amount of hair oil through your hair.

7. Use It…to Protect Against Split Ends

Although going in for a trim is the only way to get rid of split ends, you can still help protect your strands by using a hair oil as part of your regular hair care routine. Put it on wet or dry hair—whatever you prefer!

8. Use It…as a Finishing Touch

Just as you can use a hair oil before blow-drying your hair, you can also use it after you’re done styling. Whether you blow-dried your hair or curled or straightened it, squeeze a small amount of hair oil into your hands, rub your hands together, then gently work the hair oil through your hair from mid-lengths to ends.

9. Use It…Before Bed

Be a sleeping beauty by applying a hair oil pre-bedtime. Throw your hair into a top knot and use a silk pillowcase to further up your beauty sleep game.

10. Use It…to Help Detangle Curly Hair

Have curly hair but never tried a hair oil before? Now’s the time to start! Once you’re done shampooing and conditioning, apply a few drops of hair oil to wet hair, then use a wide tooth comb to help detangle.

11. Use It…During and After Pregnancy

During and after pregnancy, your hair can go through a number of changes—and while the only solution is time, it never hurts to take care of your hair while you wait for it to return to normal. Our hair oil can help nourish dry hair in need of a little love. Apply it on dry hair from mid-lengths to ends to soften the feel of hair.

12. Use It…Whenever Your Hair Could Use a Little Extra Something-Something

Regardless of your hair type or texture, a hair oil can help revive the appearance of your hair whenever necessary. No wonder it’s one of our favorite products!

For more hair care advice, here are Our 10 Best Hair Care Tips for Every Hair Type.