Curls and Coils Need Extra Hydration—Rest Assured, They'll Drink Up These 10 Hair Oils
Everything you need to know about the essential step in your curl care routine.
Shawna Hudson
No well-rounded curly hair routine is complete without a hair oil designed to nourish and revitalize your curls in the product lineup, and yet, it can be hard to determine what initially makes the biggest difference in your hair game. Sure, taking a closer look your hydrating shampoo and conditioner combination or scalp scrub might help improve your styling routine from day-to-day, but hair oils are what will give your curls the extra "umph" they need to reach their potential. These underrated products have countless benefits for all hair types, but if you have curls or coils, it should be the one step in your routine you spend some extra time on.
Putting it simply, tighter textures require some extra love and attention to truly thrive, and that will take some effort on your part. This, however, does not need to be back-breaking if you have products that will help address all your hair washing and styling woes. My curls or extra tight, and require constant hydration and frizz control to keep my strands healthy. I prefer to wear my hair in protective styles, but when it's not tucked away in braids, I rely on oils to give me the definition and shine I crave. It's taken me years to master a routine that provided me with my desired results, but as a beauty editor, I've had the opportunity to test hundreds of hair oils that deserve to be part of it.
Since I've currently only using two and can't help but dream of the others I'll be adding to the routine when my hair needs more TLC, I'm sharing my finds with you below. Keep scrolling to learn more about the best hair oils for your curls from celebrity hairstylist and colorist Jennifer Korab, then take a look at every shine-boosting and strength-building hair oil belongs in your routine.
What should I look for in a hair oil?
When you're shopping for a hair oil that will provide all the benefits your curls and coils need to be at their best, Korab recommends paying special attention to the unique formulations of the options popping up online or lining the shelves of a beauty supplier. "I recommend looking for an oil that is lightweight and non-greasy," says Korab. "[One that] adds hydration and controls frizz. I also like to look for an oil that has heat protection." The last thing you want is for your tresses to appear weighed down, or appear limp and lifeless after product application. To prevent this, opt for hair oils that will be easily absorbed by your curly strands, allowing for easy styling and detangling.
The best way to determine how your curls will respond to hydration is to give your hair a porosity test. Additionally, Korab recommends choosing hair oils formulated with organic and natural blends. These hair oils should be crafted using nourishing ingredients to strengthen your strands and promote growth while also making your hair styling process easier. That's right—your wash day could be done in half the time with the right product on hand. So, what does this mean? Put simply, a good hair oil will help define your hair without relying on the use of synthetic additives that could do more harm than good.
How should hair oil be applied?
Believe it or not, there is an easy way to get the most out of a nourishing hair oil without wasting product (and Korab has all the juicy details). While the frequency and times at which you apply hair oil product is heavily dependent on your hair type, the stylist recommends using it once a day, after you've stepped out of the shower for peak absorption. If you have curls that tend to be more coarse and dry, consider also amping up the hydration by also using a lightweight serum. Right now, I can't get enough of the Restoring Hair & Edge Drops ($56) by Cécred since they use five key peptides to help restore hair density while enhancing scalp health and follicle vitality. While it does have a higher price point, you get fast results without using much of the product on my 4c hair.
Looser curl patterns that are still course (type 3 curls) might reap the most benefits from adding a layer of hair-oil to a leave-in conditioner, applying at the bottom of the ends and then working your way to the scalp for even coverage. Contributing editor Shawna Hudson, cites this easy method as her go-to for locking in moisture. "Typically, I like to avoid using too much oil on my roots so they don't become greasy, but if your hair is extra dry, you might be able to get away with using it on your roots every day," she says. To determine the ways in which your curls will respond to hair oil, make sure you start slowly and take note of the speed as to which product is absorbed.
The Best Hair Oils for Curls, Listed
- Best for Reinforcing the Lipid Barrier: Cécred Nourishing Hair Oil
- Best for Combating Frizz: Verb Ghost Weightless Hair Oil
- Best for Lightweight Hydration: Pattern Jojoba Hair Serum
- Best for Promoting Shiny Strands: Davines OI Oil
- Best for Reducing Breakage: Kérastase Curl Manifesto Huile Sublime Repair Hair Oil
Best for Reinforcing the Lipid Barrier: Cécred Nourishing Hair Oil
Size: 1.7-oz bottle | Scented: Yes (Temple Oud) | Silicone-Free: Yes
When it comes to deciding which hair oils to invest in for effortless styling and fuss-free wash days, this one should be at the top of your list. Yes, the bottle alone looks as if it could be a work of art for your shower, but I also love this one for its fast-absorbing and moisture-boosting formula. It has 13 oils (including baobab, moringa, black seed, and sea buckthorn) to level up your hair's elasticity and shine, while bioactive keratin ferment reduces breakage.
Pros: Designed to reinforce your hair’s lipid barrier and seal in moisture
Cons: Offered at a high price point
Customer Review: "Took my hair down from a four month protective style, washed with clarifying shampoo and did the whole routine blow out on my thick tight coiled hair. Added this oil in sections before cornrowing my hair and my hair has never felt better!"
Best for Combating Frizz: Verb Ghost Weightless Hair Oil
Size: 4.0-oz bottle | Scented: Yes (fresh citrus) | Silicone-Free: No
I've written several love letters to Verb's Ghost Oil over the years, but it still remains one of my top picks for supporting the growth and strength of my curly hair. Weightless and restorative, this oil combats frizz for smooth, soft curls and strengthens the hair follicle so that it can lock in moisture with bamboo extract. It's hero ingredient, argan oil, enhances elasticity while delivering antioxidant properties to improve hair strength. All in all, this is one you'll want in your product lineup.
Pros: Weightless formula immediately eliminates frizz and smoothes strands
Cons: Does not deliver long-lasting hydration for tight curls and coils
Customer Review: "I had written off hair oil as something I couldn't use because anything I tried just made my clean hair look like I hadn't washed it in weeks. This oil is absolutely perfect and makes my hair so smooth and silky without looking even the slightest bit greasy. The pump is convenient and makes it easy to get the right amount. It's a nice thick formula and doesn't run through my fingers. I love it!"
Best for Lightweight Hydration: Pattern Jojoba Oil Hair Serum
Size: 4.1-oz bottle | Scented: Yes (fresh herbal) | Silicone-Free: Yes
This oil, which contains a blend of jojoba, safflower, and lavender oil, helps curls maintain moisture, reduces breakage, and even helps with an itchy scalp. Not only is it incredibly lightweight, but it's designed to promote hair health and elasticity while maintaining moisture levels. All of Pattern's haircare essentials is a game-changer for all curly routines, but this one was made with low porosity hair like mine in mind.
Pros: Helps low porosity hair remain moisturizing and protected against breakage
Cons: Formula might be heavy for loose curl patters and high porosity hair
Customer Review: "So hydrating for my often dry and frizzy 3a/3b hair! A little bit can go a long way, so I find just a couple pumps on wet [or] damp hair with a lil' extra on my ends, style as usual and my hair feels so much healthier. I also like to rub some on my hands and run it through dry hair between wash days to help detangle and revitalize. I’ve noticed a huge difference in the last month!"
Best for Promoting Shiny Strands: Davines OI Oil
Size: 4.5-oz bottle | Scented: Yes (aromatic floral) | Silicone-Free: No
Davines OI Oil is another product I've touted frequently for all my styling needs, but it's also a washday hero thanks to a formula that hydrates and reduces frizz while detangling course, dry hair. The ingredient I love the most in this one is roucou oil which has beta-carotene and antioxidants to protect and strengthen your strands as you go from washing to styling. It's also one of my favorite hair oils to use for aromatherapy.
Pros: Adds shine to curls and coils while addressing tangles and frizz
Cons: Formula has a noticeable, herbal scent
Customer Review: "Davines Ol Oil has a lightweight, non-greasy formula that absorbs quickly into my hair. It leaves my hair feeling incredibly soft and looking shiny without any heavy residue. After just a few uses, my hair became more manageable and less prone to frizz and flyaways. The oil contains roucou oil, which is rich in antioxidants and helps protect and strengthen the hair."
Best for Reducing Breakage: Kérastase Curl Manifesto Huile Sublime Repair Hair Oil
Size: 1.7-oz bottle | Scented: Yes (warm floral) | Silicone-Free: Yes
Some luxury hair oils can transform any bathroom into a spa getaway, and Kérastase's Curl Manifesto Huile Sublime Repair Hair Oil is one of the best ones you can get your hands on. While $50 might feel steep, the results you get from this oil are second-to-none. Ideal for fine, medium, and thick hair, it works overtime to nourish and detangle hair; leaving it frizz-free and shiny. It also smells amazing with a warm floral blend that lingers in the air long after you've left the room.
Pros: Can be used in different steps of the hair and scalp care routine to prevent breakage
Cons: Offered at luxury price point
Customer Review: "This is the best 'one and done' product that I’ve found for my thick 2C-3A curls, replacing a leave-in conditioner, curl activating cream, and max hold gel combo that I’ve used for years. It has excellent hold and gives me great definition. A little goes a long way, making it a better value than it seems to be, considering the price point. Refreshes nicely with a steamer or spritz of water. Will definitely purchase this in the future!"
Best for Repairing Damaged Bonds: Olaplex No. 7 Bonding Oil
Size: 1.0-oz bottle | Scented: Yes (fresh clean) | Silicone-Free: No
This classic bond-repairing hair oil is essential for not only repairing your strands after chemical treatments or protective styles, but also helping to prevent future damage. It's formulated with the brand's patented Bond Building Technology which reversed hair hair damage by repaired broken disulfide bonds. The No. 7 Bonding Oil also maximizes vibrancy and shine, as well as offers heat protection up to 450°F.
Pros: Concentrated, weightless formula provides heat protection up to 450ºF
Cons: None
Customer Review: "[The Olaplex No.7 Bonding Oil] makes my hair instantly smoother, shinier, and frizz-free without feeling greasy. Just 2–3 drops are enough, and it works great both before and after heat styling. With regular use, my hair feels stronger and more manageable, and split ends look noticeably better."
Best for Strengthening Treatment: Briogeo Don't Despair, Repair! Strengthening Treatment Oil
Size: 1.0-oz bottle | Scented: Yes (light floral) | Silicone-Free: Yes
When I went from wearing my hair relaxed to completely natural, I went through a rough awkward growing out phase that could only be helped with this Briogeo classic. The strengthening, silicone-free hair oil uses a formula that's been fortified with repairing ceramides, a macadamia nut derivative to mimic hair's lipid content, plus a rose flower oil and extract to keep curls luscious and glossy.
Pros: Seals split ends while repairing damage and preventing future breakage
Cons: Lightweight, watery formula might be too lightweight for some coarse and thick hair types
Customer Review: "I’ve been using this hair oil for a couple weeks and I love it so far. I’ve applied it to me hair when it’s dry and it adds so much shine and makes it so healthy and glossy looking. It does feel like it’s making a difference in keeping my split ends and breakage at bay. Bonus points for it being cruelty free and vegan! Plus the flower in the bottle is so cute!"
Best for Smoothing Flyaways: Living Proof Curl Moisturizing Shine Oil
Size: 1.7-oz bottle | Scented: Yes (fresh citrus) | Silicone-Free: Yes
This hydrating five-oil blend from Living Proof mimics the natural lipids of curls to help smooth down flyaways, deeply hydrate, and add sheen. It works well for wavy, curly, and coily hair thanks to a fast-absorbing formula enriched with a five oil blend to support healthy strands. I love how it can be used on wet or dry hair for effortless styling and detangling in seconds.
Pros: Silicone-free formula absorbs quickly, delivering smoothness and softness
Cons: Not ideal for those sensitive to fragrance
Customer Review: "I have struggled with fine, dry, frizzy, curly hair my entire life. Most products are too heavy or dry it out even more. A friend gave me some LP shine oil and against ever fiber of my reasoning, I used it one day. I am astounded at the difference! My curls finally look healthier, my hair is actually growing again, and I couldn’t be happier"
Best for Replenishing Moisture Levels: SheaMoisture 100% Pure Argan Oil
Size: 1.6-oz bottle | Scented: No | Silicone-Free: Yes
Never underestimate the power of one good, singular ingredient. Argan oil is a great hydrator and softener for many hair types, but it's particularly great for curls because it adds a lot of moisture without making your curls feel greasy or weighed down. This oil can be used to smooth away frizz and revitalize your tresses, as well as deliver soft, supple skin when used as a body oil.
Pros: Multi-purpose formula can be used to deeply nourish hair and skin
Cons: Could be too heavy for fine, low porosity hair types
Customer Review: "I have been looking for a product that could help tame my frizz for months. Most products were either too expensive or didn't seem to do what they promised! This one hit right on the money in both ways—it actually worked. It didn't make my hair oily like traditional oils (coconut) and a little certainly goes a long way. Ive been using it on my hands and my cuticles are beautiful and shiny from the applications!"
Best for Adding Softness: Rizos Curls Nourish Oil for Hair
Size: 1.0-oz bottle | Scented: Yes (natural citrus) | Silicone-Free: Yes
I've only recently been introduced to this hair oil, but I'm already seeing the benefits two weeks after getting my hands on it. Rizzo's Curls Nourish Oil uses ingredients that are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants such as grapefruit oil, orange oil, and castor oil to moisturize curls and defend against environmental damage. The best part? This one can be used on your skin to give it a radiant glow.
Pros: Formula is enriched with vitamin C to deliver a radiant shine
Cons: None
Customer Review: "This lightweight oil is ideal for those with fine hair, as it delivers on its promise of adding both shine and nourishment without weighing hair down. As an added bonus, it also has a delightful citrusy fragrance!"
How I Chose
As with all of our buying guides at Who What Wear, we compile our edits based on original testing and expert recommendations. To identify the best hair oils for curls currently on the market, I referenced insights from celebrity hairstylist Jennifer Korab and first-hand testing of the products shared above. I also considered several factors, including formulation, pricing, and the product absorption speed. Our editors aware of how important these factors are for a wide range of preferences, so we always make sure to list out all the helpful details. Of course, customer reviews were also kept in mind when creating this list.
Why Trust Who What Wear
At Who What Wear, we know that beauty isn't one-size-fits-all. Over the years, our editors have tested thousands of products—including skincare, makeup, haircare, and nails—while also working closely with trusted experts, like renowned dermatologists, celebrity makeup artists, and other leading industry insiders. Together, this ensures every guide is well-researched, inclusive, and relevant to you.
We focus on formulas that deliver, whether they're affordable favorites or luxury investments. Our product selection is based on tangible results, ingredient know-how, and what we'd truly recommend to our closest friends and family members.
