9 Ways to Use a Hair Oil

It’s pretty much impossible to choose our favorite hair care product, but hair oil would definitely be a top contender. That's because there are so many ways you can use an oil as part of your hair care and styling routine. Whether you apply it before hopping into the shower for a treatment or use it to help tame frizzy hair, one thing’s for certain: hair oil is very versatile and can serve many purposes. Below, we’re sharing 9 of our favorite ways to use a hair oil.

How to Use Hair Oil

Ready to add hair oil to your hair care routine? It’s time to show you all of the many ways you might want to use one.

1. As a Pre-Shampoo Treatment

You put your hair through a lot on a daily basis — everything from water to hair dye  to styling can leave your strands feeling dry. Try using hair oil as a pre-shampoo treatment to help moisturize your hair before washing, which can help your hair retain its natural oils. Simply apply hair oil before shampooing and conditioning.

2. To Add Lightweight Shine

When you have fine hair, it’s easy to go overboard with styling products. unfortunately, doing so can weigh down hair and even make it look overly oily. Instead of piling on product, using a lightweight hair oil can help add shine and turn dry hair into silky strands without weighing down fine or thin hair. 

The L’Oréal Paris Elvive Extraordinary Oil Treatment is a great  choice for fine hair because it nourishes without being too heavy or greasy. Simply apply a dime-sized amount onto dry strands and stay away from your roots, focusing  the hair oil on the ends of your hair instead.

3. To Detangle Curly Hair

If you have curly hair and never tried using hair oil, now’s definitely the time to start. Once you’re done shampooing and conditioning, apply a few drops of oil onto wet hair, then use a wide-tooth comb to help detangle. Another detangling tip for curly hair (and all hair types): Start at the ends and lengths of your hair and gently work your way up to the roots. 

4. 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. Frizzy hair plagues us all from time to time, but thankfully, a hair oil can help tame that frizz. Try applying one to two pumps of hair oil to dry hair to help smooth frizz and hair flyaways, concentrating on your lengths and ends so as not to make your roots or scalp look greasy.

5. To Protect Against Split Ends

Although going in for a trim is the real trick for how to get rid of split ends, you can still help protect your strands by using  hair oil as part of your regular hair care routine. Hair oil can also help prevent future split ends from coming in since it can keep hair hydrated and nourished. Put it on wet or dry hair — whatever you prefer!

6. As DIY a Salon Treatment

You don’t have to head to the spa for a fancy hair treatment to reap some of the same rewards — use a hair oil at home to recreate the spa-like experience. Here’s how to do it: Apply hair oil from the roots to the tips of your strands, then wrap your hair in a towel. Leave the hair oil on for 30 minutes, then rinse it out with cool water. While you’re waiting, consider really amplifying your at-home spa experience by smoothing on a face mask or popping cucumber slices over your eyes.

7. For Hair Prep Before Using Heat

A lot of the time, your hairstyle is only as good as the products you prep your hair with. And — you guessed it — using a hair oil is a great way to get your strands ready for styling. Simply apply a small amount of product onto dry hair, mainly on the lengths and ends, in addition to a heat protectant. Then, use your flat iron or curling iron as usual.

You can also add hair oil to damp hair right after washing and before blow-drying to make your at-home blowout look  smoother and shinier. 

8. As an Overnight Treatment

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

9. To Add a Finishing Touch

Just as you can use a hair oil before blow-drying your hair, you can also use one after you’re done styling. Whether you blow-dried your hair or curled or straightened it, pump 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.

Next: How To Use A Hair Mask For The Best Results

Edited by: Shannon Stubbs, Photo Credit: Crystal Miller