Finding the best hair oils for curly hair can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack—every bottle promises shine, frizz control, or hydration, but not every formula delivers. Curly textures are naturally drier and more prone to frizz than straight or wavy hair, which makes choosing the right oil a critical step in any curly hair-care routine. Above all else, it’s important to understand your curl type, porosity, and styling needs, and then find an oil that meets your requirements, but more importantly, nourishes without weighing strands down. To cut through the noise, we tapped curl-savvy hair-care pros to share their insights on which oils actually work best, and how to use them for maximum benefits.
Our Top Hair Oils for Curly Hair
- Best Overall: Cécred Nourishing Hair Oil, $44
- Best for Damaged Hair: K18 Molecular Repair Hair Oil, $65
- Best Lightweight: Kérastase Gloss Absolu Glaze Drops Anti-Frizz Hair Oil, $36
- Best for Frizz: Haruharu Black Bamboo Frizz-Free Hair Oil, $22
- Best for Hair Growth: Camille Rose Cocoa Nibs & Honey Ultimate Growth Serum, $16
- Best Drugstore: Garnier Fructis Moroccan Sleek Smoothing Hair Oil, $8
- Best for Hydration: Gisou Honey Infused Hair Oil, $44
- Best for Softening: Davines Oi Hair Oil, $57
- Best for Heat-Styling: Amika Superfruit Star Lightweight Hair Styling Oil, $32
- Best for UV Protection: Bumble and Bumble Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil Frizz-Reducing Hair Oil, $47
Frequently Asked Questions
Alongside expert advice, we, the editors, tested formulas across curly textures to highlight the best on the market. Here are the 10 that experts and editors agree on, including frizz-smoothing serums, bond-repairing blends, and moisture-locking formulas that actually work.
Best Overall: Cécred Nourishing Hair Oil
Cécred
Nourishing Hair Oil
Why we love it: We all aspire to achieve hair that can withstand a full Beyoncé choreography, and it starts with the right oil. Cécred’s Nourishing Hair Oil offers a blend of 13 plant-based oils designed to hydrate, protect, and shine. At the heart of the formula is the African Oil Blend (baobab, moringa, and black seed oils) to keep strands supple and resilient, while sea buckthorn oil replenishes with fatty acids and vitamin E. Bioactive Keratin Ferment takes it a step further, reinforcing the hair’s natural barrier, reducing breakage, and restoring protein for healthier movement with every flip and twirl. Our editor in chief, Jessica Cruel, noted that the silicone-free formula is a win in her book.
The finishing touch? Temple Oud, Cécred’s signature fragrance that lingers with notes of oud, sandalwood, and night-blooming jasmine. Whether worked into braids or smoothed over a fresh blowout, this oil delivers lasting nourishment while looking right at home in its sculptural, vanity-ready bottle.
Allure contributor Jailynn Taylor applying the Cécred Nourishing Hair Oil
Jailynn Taylor
Allure contributor Jailynn Taylor after applying the Cécred Nourishing Hair Oil
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
“I love Cécred Nourishing Hair Oil because of the instant results proven after the first use. In general, there are various benefits to oiling curly hair, and results depend on the type of oils applied. Cécred Nourishing Hair Oil is a blend infused with 13 of the most efficacious oils, no fillers, and is multifaceted, rendering a myriad of benefits without weighing the hair down. It has strengthening properties, absorbs into the cuticle for a transfer-free wear, smooths flyaways, tames frizz, encourages hydration and moisture retention, and the scent is simply alluring! It’s best for medium to thick, curly, or straight, and every texture in between. A little goes a long way. Works on wet or dry curls. This is the only oil that is truly perfect for ALL hair types!
I like to add a few drops to my lightener when bleaching darker hair to lighter shades of blonde for deep penetration and nourishment during the process.” —Cataanda James, New York City-based cosmetologist
- Key ingredients: baobab oil, sea buckthorn oil, bioactive keratin ferment
- Who it’s for: all hair types
- Scent: oud, sandalwood, jasmine, vetiver, violet leaves)
Best for Damaged Hair: K18 Molecular Repair Hair Oil
K18
Molecular Repair Hair Oil
Allure shopping director Shanna Shipin applying K18 Molecular Repair Hair Oil
Shanna Shipin
Why we love it: Instead of masking damaged hair with surface shine, K18’s Best of Beauty-winning Molecular Repair Hair Oil rebuilds hair strength at the bond level where breakage begins. This biotech-engineered formula uses the brand’s patented K18Peptide. The founder, Suveen Sahib, says other bond-building brands work cosmetically, making the hair look smooth and glossy without fixing the problem, while their formula “works at a deeper level to molecularly change and repair the polypeptide chains that have been broken, as well as reconnecting the disulfide bonds.”
Just a few drops deliver 24 hours of order to frizzy hair, noticeably fewer split ends, and significantly more shine, all while protecting against heat up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. The lightweight texture makes it easy to layer into any routine, whether you’re applying it on damp hair for repair or as a finisher on dry strands for instant gloss. With avocado oil, hemisqualane, and sunflower oil reinforcing hydration, this treatment works like skin care for your hair, correcting damage over time while leaving a polished finish.
“My poor curly hair—after many years of continued heat-styling, it needs hair oil like it needs hydration. Which is to say: desperately! But because my hair is low porosity, I find that so many oils just sit on the top of the shaft—rather than penetrate the hair. K18, however, continues to prove itself as a mainstay in my routine, because this oil is simply built different. Not only does it leave your hair with a natural-looking shine, but it restores life, lustre, and bounce. It’s a K18 product, so of course it’s going to repair the hair while tamping down on damage-induced frizz! A word of caution: A little goes a long, long way! It’ll take trial and error, but I would not recommend overusing the product, otherwise, you will be left with greasy-looking strands. If you have finer hair, one drop could truly be all you need for your whole head; for my thick hair, I use two, sometimes three—but that’s it! When I use it along with the K18 Leave-In? Compliments galore!” —Shanna Shipin, shopping director
- Key ingredients: K18peptide, avocado oil, hemisqualane
- Who it’s for: all hair types
- Scent: unscented
Best Lightweight: Kérastase Gloss Absolu Glaze Drops Anti-Frizz Hair Oil
Kérastase
Gloss Absolu Glaze Drops Anti-Frizz Hair Oil
Allure commerce producer Sarah Hoffmann applying the Kérastase Gloss Absolu Glaze Drops Anti-Frizz Hair Oil
Sarah Hoffmann
Why we love it: Instead of coating hair with weight, Kérastase Gloss Absolu Glaze Drops deliver a sheer layer of hydration that absorbs instantly into fine strands. This isn’t your typical heavy oil that flattens texture; it’s a fast-absorbing elixir infused with wild rose oil, bursting with vitamins A, C, and E to restore, strengthen, and smooth while enveloping hair in a mesmerizing scent. The magic lies in its versatility: Work it through damp hair before styling for moisture that moves with you, or smooth over dry strands as your secret weapon against flyaways and dullness.
Hoffmann before applying the Kérastase Gloss Absolu Glaze Drops Anti-Frizz Hair Oil
Sarah Hoffmann
Hoffmann after applying the Kérastase Gloss Absolu Glaze Drops Anti-Frizz Hair Oil
Sarah Hoffmann
“I was scared of hair oils for a long time. Adding oil to my already grease-prone scalp? No, thank you very much. But I’ve learned that curly hair in particular really benefits from a hint of hair oil here and there. Kérastase’s lightweight oil is ideal for breaking up the cast formed by my curl shaping products without weighing my hair down, and I use what’s left to smooth out the curls that have gone frizzy (there’s always a few that refuse to behave). These drops also make all the difference in the world for second-day hair—add a bit to your ends and it looks and feels like you just rinsed out your conditioner.” —Sarah Hoffmann, commerce producer
- Key ingredients: wild rose in oil, vitamins A, C, and E
- Who it’s for: fine and medium hair
- Scent: floral with citrus, rose, vanilla, and sandalwood
Best for Frizz: HaruHaru Black Bamboo Frizz-Free Hair Oil
Haruharu
Black Bamboo Frizz-Free Hair Oil
Allure contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai applying the HaruHaru Black Bamboo Frizz-Free Hair Oil
Deanna Pai
Why we love it: Porosity can make or break how your hair holds onto moisture, and Haruharu Wonder Black Bamboo Frizz-Free Hair Oil is formulated to adapt no matter where you fall on the straight-to-curl spectrum. At its core is black bamboo water, a nutrient-packed base that hydrates and softens, paired with argan oil and sugarcane-derived squalane to trap in moisture without weighing hair down. Its light texture makes it just as effective for fine hair as it is for thicker strands, smoothing frizz and split ends without leaving residue. To further support strength, the formula layers in a complex of 10 hydrolyzed plant proteins, 17 amino acids, and eight peptides, which work together to repair weak areas and boost elasticity while enveloping your hair in an uplifting citrus blend softened by lavender and geranium.
Pai before applying the HaruHaru Black Bamboo Frizz-Free Hair Oil
Deanna Pai
Pai after applying the HaruHaru Black Bamboo Frizz-Free Hair Oil
Deanna Pai
Tester feedback from contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai
“Hair oil and I don’t really mix. While I could probably use the frizz control, my hair is so fine that oil just tamps it down at the crown and smushes any bit of volume. That’s where this stuff has proved different. Instead of just pairing oil with oil, the argan oil and bamboo water feel a lot more lightweight—think a serum. And while it doesn’t completely eliminate my frizz (an impossible task), it gave my hair a nice shine and smoothed some of the flyaways around my hairline.” —Deanna Pai, contributing commerce editor
- Key ingredients: bamboo water, argan oil, peptide complex
- Who it’s for: all hair types
- Scent: grapefruit, orange, lime, lavender, bergamot, and geranium
Best for Hair Growth: Camille Rose Cocoa Nibs & Honey Ultimate Growth Serum
Camille Rose
Cocoa Nibs & Honey Ultimate Growth Serum
Why we love it: Camille Rose’s Cocoa Nibs & Honey Ultimate Strength Serum manages to target both breakage and growth simultaneously. This healing blend is powered by Ayurvedic ingredients like virgin amla oil and brahmi, two staples in traditional hair remedies known for fortifying strands and stimulating hair growth. Where many growth-focused serums stop at scalp care, this one works double duty: It nourishes the scalp while sealing split ends and reinforcing fragile strands to prevent future breakage. The addition of cocoa nibs and honey brings deep moisture, leaving hair softer and more manageable after each use. Applied directly to the scalp a few nights a week, the oil is designed to open blocked follicles, encourage new growth, and condition thinning areas over time.
Tester feedback from associate manager of audience development Melanie Curry
“As someone with textured hair, it’s easy to find hair oils—I mean, have you seen the market?? But quantity doesn’t equal quality, and my high-porosity hair needs an oil that’ll tame my frizz and dryness—all without weighing down my strands and leaving them uber greasy. This Camilla Rose oil is packed with hair-strengthening ingredients like cacao seed butter and amla oil that hydrate and strengthen your strands. If you’re a girlie with high-porosity hair and struggle keeping your strands moisturized and frizz-free, please try this bb. It might be your saving grace, like it was mine.” —Melanie Curry, associate manager of audience development
- Key ingredients: virgin amla oil, brahmi, cocoa seed butter
- Who it’s for: thinning or breakage-prone hair
- Scent: chocolate and almond
Best Drugstore Oil: Garnier Fructis Moroccan Sleek Smoothing Hair Oil
Garnier Fructis
Moroccan Sleek Smoothing Hair Oil
Why we love it: Sometimes the simplest solution is the most effective, and Garnier Fructis Sleek & Shine Moroccan Sleek Oil Treatment proves just that. Infused with sustainably sourced argan oil and boosted with vitamin E, this lightweight formula smooths frizz and flyaways instantly while adding a glassy shine. Use it on wet, damp, or dry hair; the fast-absorbing formula won’t weigh you down or leave residue. Apply it in the shower for extra conditioning slip, on damp strands to prep for styling, or as a finishing touch after a blowout to tame stubborn frizz. The fact that it delivers softness and manageability for under $10 makes it a true standout in the drugstore aisle.
Expert feedback from James
“I love this Garnier Fructis hair oil for its incomparable frizz control! Whether wearing your hair curly or sleek, or applying it to wet or dry hair, it will beat the frizzies on contact. As part of the Sleek & Shine collection, it does what it says and truly does sleek and smooth those unruly strands without weighing them down, leaving them soft and touchable with incredible shine.” A pro tip from James: “To tame the frizzies, apply an ample amount into the palm of your hand, rub together to warm up the oil, and gently press the oil into your hair to ensure not to disturb the curls or create unwanted frizz.” —James
- Key ingredients: argan oil, vitamin E
- Who it’s for: dry, frizz-prone hair
- Scent: argan oil
Best for Hydration: Gisou Honey Infused Hair Oil
Gisou
Honey Infused Hair Oil
Why we love it: A drop of Gisou’s Honey Infused Hair Oil goes a long way, and that’s exactly why it’s one of my personal favorites. Infused with sustainably sourced Mirsalehi honey (from the Mirsalehi family’s six-generation-strong bee garden, no less), this oil is designed to do it all—hydrate, repair, smooth frizz, add shine, and protect against heat up to 450 degrees. The honey is rich in vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and antioxidants, helping to restore hair’s natural moisture balance while strengthening strands over time. What makes it especially versatile is its multipurpose use: Apply a few drops as a pre-styling primer, finishing oil, overnight treatment, or even mix it into a hair mask for an extra nourishing boost. No matter your hair type, fine, medium, thick, curly, or wavy, it melts in without greasiness, leaving behind a soft finish.
Tester feedback from Taylor
“Gisou’s Honey Infused Hair Oil surprised me with how deeply it sinks into my thick locs without leaving any buildup. The Mirsalehi honey creates a rich, nourishing formula that keeps my locs softer and more supple for days after application. I smooth a few drops along the strands and onto my scalp after retightening to seal in moisture, rehydrate, and soothe my scalp while adding shine throughout. I’m also obsessed with the light honey scent—it’s not overly sweet and layers perfectly with my other fragrances.” —Jailynn Taylor, contributor
- Key ingredients: Mirsalehi honey, bee garden oils
- Who it’s for: all hair types
- Scent: honey
Best for Softening: Davines Oi Hair Oil
Why we love it: If you’ve never heard of roucou oil, listen up. It’s an antioxidant-rich component that doesn’t just hydrate and detangle, but actively strengthens hair structure from within—and luckily, for your hair. Davines OI Oil is chock-full of this powerhouse ingredient. Just a pump or two floods strands with nutrients such as beta-carotene and ellagic acid, resulting in noticeably softer and frizz-free hair that leaves behind a sleek finish that lasts throughout the day. It’s especially effective on coarse or dry hair, because its deeply nourishing formula makes the hair more manageable. The oil also creates a protective barrier against environmental aggressors and styling damage, resulting in healthier hair over time.
“Davines Mini OI Hair Oil is a staple in my kit! It delivers instant softness and shine, and the scent is subtle enough not to compete with anything else I’m wearing. A little goes a long way, so if you have fine hair, make sure you’re applying small amounts at a time. I love it for coarse or dry textures, especially when I need quick results that actually last. It works beautifully on wet hair to detangle and prep, or on dry hair to smooth and define your curls. My hair is fine, so I mostly use it after doing full highlights to keep my moisture locked in and my ends feeling hydrated.” —Vanessa Ocando, New York City-based cosmetologist
- Key ingredients: roucou oil, beta-carotene
- Who it’s for: all hair types
- Scent: contains fragrance, but notes aren’t specified
Best for Heat-Styling: Amika Superfruit Star Lightweight Hair Styling Oil
Amika
Superfruit Star Lightweight Hair Styling Oil
Why we love it: If you’re looking for one hair oil that can do it all, Amika Superfruit Star Lightweight Hair Styling Oil earns the title. The formula delivers three standout benefits in a single pump: strengthens strands to reduce breakage, smooths frizz (even in high humidity), and provides heat protection up to 450 degrees. Despite its power, the texture stays featherlight, making it safe to use on all hair types without causing buildup. Infused with sea buckthorn, the brand’s signature superfruit rich in omega fatty acids and antioxidants, it nourishes and restores hair’s natural lipid barrier, boosting shine and softness over time. Non-cyclic silicones add slip and conditioning benefits, allowing styles to look sleek while shielding against damage.
Expert feedback from Ocando
“Amika’s Superfruit is one of those multitasking oils that actually delivers. I use it on my curls almost daily because it helps defrizz, reshape, and revive definition without weighing anything down. The texture is light enough for fine to medium hair, but still nourishing enough to make a visible difference in dryness or frizz. The scent is delicious! I love that it works on both wet and dry hair. On damp curls, it’s a perfect prep step before styling, especially if I’m air-drying or diffusing. On dry hair, it’s great for touch-ups or smoothing out second-day frizz. Also, the fact that it’s clinically proven to make hair 7x stronger is a bonus, especially if you’re dealing with color-treated or fragile strands.”
- Key ingredients: sea buckthorn, non-cyclic silicones
- Who it’s for: all hair types
- Scent: warm vanilla, spicy sweet clover, fresh citrus
Best for UV Protection: Bumble and Bumble Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil
Bumble and Bumble
Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil
Why we love it: A true backstage staple, Bumble and Bumble Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil has earned cult status for good reason. This lightweight oil disappears into hair on contact, softening coarse strands, detangling knots, and taming frizz. The formula is built on a six-oil blend, coconut, argan, macadamia, sweet almond, safflower seed, and grapeseed, that delivers deep conditioning and a silky finish whether you’re air-drying, heat-styling, or refreshing next-day hair. Added UV filters give it an edge, protecting against the drying effects of sun exposure, while also shielding from heat damage.
Expert feedback from Ocando
“Bumble and Bumble Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil is one of those staples that earns its spot in your routine. I love it because it’s lightweight, subtly scented, and packed with moisturizing ingredients. It’s especially great for anyone dealing with dryness, frizz, or UV exposure, which makes it a go-to for vacation hair or summer styling. It works beautifully on both wet and dry hair. One of my favorite tricks (and I learned this from their website!) is adding a couple of drops to your conditioner for an extra moisture boost, especially if the hair’s been exposed to sun, salt, or chlorine. I reach for this oil when I’m traveling or spending long days in the sun. It helps protect my hair from drying out and keeps it feeling soft and manageable, even after full days outdoors. For clients, I recommend it to those with fine to medium textures who want frizz control without sacrificing volume or movement.” —Vanessa Ocando, New York City-based cosmetologist
- Key ingredients: coconut oil, argan oil, macadamia nut oil
- Who it’s for: all hair types
- Scent: frangipani, golden honey, tonka bean
Frequently Asked Questions
What oil is best for curly hair?
“Choosing the right oil isn’t about finding a one-size-fits-all solution. It’s about tuning into what your curls need in the moment,” says Ocando, who notes that curly hair often craves hydration that can shift depending on weather, color services, or styling choices. She adds that “the right oil can transform frizz into bounce, dryness into shine, and breakage into strength,” and recommends starting with lightweight oils before experimenting with richer textures. “Look for ingredients like shea butter, hydrolyzed silk, argan oil, and olive oil; these will help with frizz control and create smoothness.”
James echoes that advice, explaining that “Curly hair is naturally drier than straighter textures, so I recommend oils that are more fluid in viscosity, have ease in spreadability for effortless distribution from root to tip.” For her, the most effective formulas tend to be blends since “oil blends are my preferred formulas for curly hair because they are infused with various oils which address multiple hair concerns.”
Should I put oil on wet or dry curly hair?
“It really depends on timing, texture, and the final look you’re going for,” says Ocando. While oils can be applied to wet curls, she cautions, “only if the formula is made for wet-hair application and safe for heat-styling. Otherwise, blow-drying over the wrong oil can backfire [acting as cooking oil], causing damage, dulling shine, and weakening the cuticle.” For her, dry hair tends to absorb oils more effectively since the strand isn’t waterlogged: “I always use oils as the final touch, once my curls are styled and cool.”
James agrees that the choice comes down to hair goals and porosity. She explains that “applying oil on dry, curly hair seals in moisture, minimizes frizz, and enhances shine. Using oil on dry hair as a pre-poo is an effective curly hack to easily release shed hair and encourage ease in detangling before adding water during the shampoo.” At the same time, she notes that “applying oil on wet hair [helps] smooth the cuticle, boost curl definition, control, and manageability,” though over-application can be a risk. On dry hair, James says, “you have more control over use because you are able to visibly see the oil on the surface of the hair during application.”
How often should you oil curly hair?
“There’s no universal rule in oiling frequency; this depends on your curl type, porosity, and how much moisture your hair loses daily,” says Ocando. For highlighted or chemically treated curls, “oil may be needed more often, even daily, to stay supple. But remember that oil seals in moisture; it doesn’t create it.” Her advice: “If your curls show signs of dryness, frizz, dullness, tangling, or shedding, start with hydration, then layer in oil to lock it in.”
James stresses moderation. “In general, you should oil curly and straight hair textures sparingly and on an as-needed basis. Overuse of oil causes the hair and scalp to become coated, which will block any moisture from entering the hair shaft. This results in weighted, limp curls.” She warns that “over time, excess oil buildup causes an adverse reaction, causing dry strands and loss of elasticity. Overuse and excessive buildup on the scalp can block the hair follicles, preventing sufficient oxygen supply to the follicle, which results in a lack of proper nourishment, decreases blood flow and circulation, causing excess shedding and hair loss.”
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When Allure tests a product, our editors look at it from every angle in an effort to best serve you. We review ingredients, scrutinize brand claims, and, when necessary, examine peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies. In addition to testing each and every product that’s included in each and every review, we rely on experts who shape their fields, including dermatology, cosmetic chemistry, and medicine, to help us vet the ingredients and formulas.
For our list of the best curly hair oils, we considered each product’s performance across five primary categories: product ingredients and efficacy, packaging, fragrance (or lack thereof), texture, and product wear. Every product was determined to have excelled in each category by our editorial team, which is composed of in-house writers and editors as well as contributors—along with special consideration from board-certified dermatologists. To learn more information on our reporting and testing processes, read our complete reviews process and methodology page.
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