“This oil is the best for medium to thick, curly, or straight, and every texture in between,” New York City-based cosmetologist Cataanda James previously told Allure. She says a little goes a long way when working it into wet or dry curls.
Allure contributor Jailynn Taylor applying the Cécred Nourishing Hair Oil
Jailynn Taylor
Taylor after applying the Cécred Nourishing Hair Oil
Jailynn Taylor
Tester feedback from Allure contributor Jailynn Taylor
“I’ve tried countless oils searching for one that nourishes my locs without causing buildup, and the Cécred Nourishing Hair Oil delivers on both fronts. Upon application, my locs feel softer and better sealed with the moisture they need to stay strong and flexible. Rather than sitting on the surface, this oil absorbs well and keeps my locs hydrated for days with a subtle sheen. I apply a few drops to my scalp and along the length of my locs between wash days, and the results are immediate: less dryness, more movement, and easier manageability. The Temple Oud fragrance is pleasant and lingers just enough without being overwhelming.” —Jailynn Taylor, contributor
- Key ingredients: baobab oil, sea buckthorn oil, bioactive keratin ferment
- Hair it’s best for: all hair types, especially coily
- When to apply: after styling
- Additional benefits: adds a subtle sheen, reduces breakage
- Scent: oud, sandalwood, jasmine, vetiver, violet leaves
- Sizes: 1.7 oz.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do hair oils work?
“Hair oils help smooth the hair cuticle and reduce styling breakage while minimizing frizz,” cosmetic chemist Kelly Dobos says. However, it isn’t the oil smoothing the cuticle. “Most hair ‘oils’ on the market actually contain very little oil; they’re primarily made from siloxanes and hydrocarbons,” explains Dobos. These ingredients, also known as silicones and mineral oils, respectively, are added to many hair oils because some of the lipids in natural oils can weigh hair down and cause fine hair to look greasy. Therefore, products with a high oil concentration are better on thick, textured, or coily hair, she says.
Which hair oil is right for me?
“Rather than choosing an oil for your hair type, you should consider what you need the oil to do for your hair,” says Sophia Emmanuel, a hairstylist in New York City. For example, if you’re looking to enhance shine and softness, olive, carrot, and jojoba oils, all of which act as moisture-sealing emollients, are helpful. On the other hand, avid users of hot tools like blow-dryers or straighteners should reach for silicone-infused products to protect the hair’s cuticle. Keep in mind, however, that silicone has long-term effects. New York City-based board-certified dermatologist Joshua Zeichner, MD, tells Allure, “Continued use of silicones over time can weigh down the hair, so it’s important to regularly wash hair to prevent any build-up.”
When should I use hair oil?
Hair oils can have varied application directions, so be sure to read the bottle before you start your treatment. While many hair oils call for post-shower application on dry or damp hair, others are meant to be applied pre-wash. “The main benefit of pre-wash oils is that of an emollient, which provides a coating over the hair shaft, which seals the cuticle and traps moisture inside,” Vladyslava Doktor, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Boston, previously told Allure.
Meet the experts
How we test and review products
We always enlist a range of testers for our makeup vertical, but hair-care products and tools are another story. While there are certain products that can be used across different hair textures, lengths, curl patterns, thicknesses, colors (natural and unnatural), and needs, hair products are often created with specific consumers in mind. Many are created to address a concern (dandruff, breakage, brittleness) or to work most effectively for a specific hair type (4C curls, wavy hair, gray hair). You wouldn’t want to pick up a purple shampoo that’s only been reviewed by someone with, say, auburn hair, or a diffuser that’s never been tested by anyone with curls—right?
