15 Best Hair Oil for Curly Hair in U.S. [December, 2023]

Curly hair can often be dry and frizzy, needing extra moisture and hydration to look its best. Using a hair oil is a great way to add shine, tame frizz, and deeply condition curls. But with so many options on the market, it can be tricky to know which oil will work best for your curl type and hair needs.

We reviewed the top-rated hair oils for curly hair to help you find your perfect match. Keep reading for an in-depth look at 15 of the best hair oils for curls, plus tips on how to shop for and use hair oil.

1. OGX Renewing + Argan Oil of Morocco Penetrating Hair Oil Treatment, Moisturizing & Strengthening Silky Oil for All Hair Types, Paraben Free, Sulfated-Surfactants Free, 3.3 fl oz

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Key Features:

• Penetrates to help renew dry, damaged hair
• Moroccan argan oil conditions and strengthens
• Lightweight formula won’t weigh hair down
• Paraben- and sulfate-free

Our Expert Review:

This budget-friendly oil uses argan oil along with antioxidant-rich sunflower seed oil to renew dry, damaged curls. The formula penetrates strands to deliver hydration without leaving hair feeling greasy or limp. It’s a great rejuvenating treatment for parched curls and safe for color-treated hair. Reviewers say it smells amazing and helps hydrate their dry, frizzy hair.

2. MIELLE Mielle rosemary mint growth oil, 2 Ounce

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Key Features:

• Stimulates hair follicles to encourage growth
• Rosemary and peppermint oils invigorate the scalp
• Lightweight oil won’t weigh hair down
• Seals in moisture to prevent breakage

Our Expert Review:

The Mielle growth oil uses a blend of rosemary, peppermint, castor oil and more to stimulate the scalp and encourage hair growth. It has a refreshing tingling sensation when applied. The lightweight oil absorbs well without leaving residue or making hair greasy. Reviewers share impressive before and after photos showing how it helps grow their hair long and thick.

3. Olaplex No.7 Bonding Oil, 30 ml

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Key Features:

• Repairs damaged, compromised hair
• Proprietary bond-building technology
• Olive-derived ceramides hydrate and strengthen
• Minimizes frizz and flyaways

Our Expert Review:

This ultra-hydrating oil reduces breakage and repairs damaged hair with Olaplex’s patented bond-building technology. It’s ideal for rejuvenating heat-styled, chemical-treated, or otherwise compromised curls. The oil seals in moisture, smooths the cuticle, and minimizes frizz for noticeably softer, shinier, more defined curls. It’s a splurge, but a little goes a long way.

4. OUAI Hair Oil – Hair Heat Protectant Oil for Frizz Control – Adds Hair Shine and Smooths Split Ends – Color Safe Formula – ParabenPhthalate and Sulfate Free (1.5 oz)

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Key Features:

• Lightweight oil quickly absorbs
• Tames frizz and adds shine
• Protects against heat damage
• Clean formula free of parabens and sulfates

Our Expert Review:

This multitasking oil can be used on damp or dry hair to smooth, hydrate, and protect curls. It’s super lightweight, absorbs quickly, and can be used from roots to ends without leaving residue. The clean formula with abyssinian oil, lychee oil, and omega-7 hydrates hair and seals in moisture for frizz-free, touchably soft curls with a healthy glow.

5. African Pride Moisture Miracle 5 Essential Hair Oils Contains Castor, Grapeseed, Argan, Coconut & Olive Oil, Seals in Moisture & Adds Shine to Hair, Vitamin E, 8 oz

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Key Features:

• Nourishing blend of 5 oils
• Seals in moisture and softens hair
• Reduces breakage and split ends
• Light citrus scent

Our Expert Review:

This budget-friendly oil blend contains aloe vera juice along with five nourishing oils: olive, coconut, grapeseed, castor, and argan oil. Just a few drops seals in moisture, boosts shine, and helps reduce breakage. It has a light citrus scent and won’t leave hair feeling greasy. Reviewers say it softens coarse, dry curls and makes hair much more manageable.

6. OGX Extra Strength Renewing + Argan Oil of Morocco Penetrating Hair Oil Treatment, Deep Moisturizing Serum for Dry, Damaged & Coarse Hair, Paraben Free, Sulfated-Surfactants Free, 3.3 fl oz

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Key Features:

• Extra-strength formula for very dry, damaged hair
• Penetrates to renew and nourish
• Moroccan argan oil conditions and strengthens
• Sulfate- and paraben-free

Our Expert Review:

This extra nourishing oil uses a higher concentration of antioxidant-rich argan and sunflower seed oils to renew extremely dry, coarse curls. It helps bring very parched hair back to life with lasting hydration. The formula absorbs well without weighing hair down. It’s ideal for curly hair that’s extra thirsty and in need of serious moisture.

7. SOL DE JANEIRO Brazilian Glossy Nourishing Hair Oil l Fights Frizz

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Key Features:

• Lightweight oil quickly absorbs
• Fights frizz and adds shine
• Seals in moisture and nourishes hair
• Delicious pistachio and salted caramel scent

Our Expert Review:

This luxurious hair oil smooths and softens curls while enveloping you in a mouthwatering pistachio and salted caramel scent. Monoi and argan oils seal in moisture and restore shine without leaving greasy residue. Just a few drops tames frizz and flyaways for glossy, luminous curls. It’s on the pricier side but the indulgent sensory experience makes it worth it.

8. Pacifica Beauty | Pineapple Curls Smoothie Glossy Oil Smooths Frizz + Flyaways | Hydrating Treatment for Dry and Damaged Curls Hyaluronic Acid | For Curly + Coily Hair | Vegan + Cruelty Free

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Key Features:

• Defines, smooths, and enhances curls
• Hydrating, frizz-fighting formula
• Pineapple, banana, and hyaluronic acid
• Clean, vegan, and cruelty-free

Our Expert Review:

This lightweight oil smooths and defines curls with antioxidant-rich oils and nourishing fruit extracts. Pineapple hydrates, banana softens, and hyaluronic acid seals in moisture. It enhances curl definition, fights frizz, and protects against heat damage without leaving buildup. The tropical scent provides sensory enjoyment, too. It’s a great natural oil option.

9. Luseta Curl Enhancing Hair Oil Define Curl & Restore Bounce Anti frizzing and Smoothing for Curly Hair Type 3.38oz

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Key Features:

• Formulated for curly hair types
• Defines curls and reduces frizz
• Restores bounce and shine
• Avocado, argan, and monoi oils

Our Expert Review:

This hair oil is specially formulated to meet the needs of curly hair. It moisturizes dry curls, softens and smooths the cuticle, and reduces frizz. The result is springy, defined curls with noticeably more shine. It also helps restore curl shape and elasticity. The lightweight oil won’t weigh hair down or leave it greasy. Plus, it smells amazing!

10. TWIST Curl Reign Multi-use Miracle Oil, 2.5 ounces

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Key Features:

• Lightweight, quick-absorbing
• Softens and smoothes hair
• Reduces frizz and flyaways
• Can be used in various ways

Our Expert Review:

This versatile oil can be used on wet or dry hair to tame frizz, hydrate curls, and impart shine. It absorbs quickly without leaving residue or weighing hair down. Use it to seal in leave-in moisture, smooth the cuticle before heat styling, refresh second-day curls, or add glossy shine. The clean formula works well for all curl types. It delivers soft, frizz-free hair without greasiness.

11. Moroccanoil Treatment

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Key Features:

• Salon-quality formula
• Embraced by curly hair professionals
• Proprietary argan oil blend
• Outperforms other oils

Our Expert Review:

This luxury oil is a long-time favorite of curly hair stylists. The proprietary formula combines antioxidant argan oil with other beneficial ingredients to deeply nourish hair. It outperforms other oils at conditioning, detangling, smoothing frizz, and boosting shine. Just a few drops provides noticeable softness, silkiness, and enhanced definition. It’s especially great before diffusing.

12. Botanic Hearth Moroccan Argan Oil for Hair & Skin Argan Hair Oil for Curly Frizzy Hair | Promotes Hair growth and Repairs Dry, Damaged Hair | Non GMO Verified | 4 fl oz

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Key Features:

• 100% pure Moroccan argan oil
• Repairs dry, damaged hair
• Tames frizz and flyaways
• Promotes hair growth
• Unscented

Our Expert Review:

This best-selling 100% pure argan oil is organically grown in Morocco. It’s rich in vitamins and fatty acids that nourish hair, improve elasticity, and repair damage. The lightweight oil is quickly absorbed to hydrate hair without leaving oily residue. It makes hair softer, smoother, and easier to manage. Plus, it stimulates the scalp to promote faster hair growth.

13. CURLSMITH – Shine Oil Sensitive, Fragrance Free, for All Curl and Hair Types, Vegan, 2 fl oz

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Key Features:

• Lightweight,multipurpose oil
• Smooths and softens curls
• Clean, fragrance-free formula
• Works for all curl types

Our Expert Review:

CURLSMITH’s shine oil instantly smoothes and softens hair while providing lightweight hydration. It can be used in multiple ways to control frizz, add shine, and enhance definition. The clean formula is free of fragrance, silicone and other potentially harmful ingredients. It works well for all curl types and is ideal for those with sensitive scalps. A little goes a long way.

14. TRESemmé Flawless Curls Hydrating Oil 3.20 Fl Oz (Pack of 1), 1

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Key Features:

• Hydrates dry, thirsty curls
• Reduces frizz up to 100%*
• Enhances curl shape and definition
• Light, non-greasy formula

Our Expert Review:

This hydrating oil formula helps satisfy parched curls and enhance curl pattern. Dry, frizzy hair is transformed into soft, touchable curls with shine and bounce. The lightweight oil formula absorbs quickly without leaving greasy buildup. For best results, scrunch into clean, damp curls before air drying. It’s an affordable, drugstore find that delivers salon-worthy results.

15. JVN Complete Nourishing Shine Drops, Hair Oil for Hydration and Long Term Hair Health, Styling Oil for All Hair Types, Sulfate Free (1.7 Fl Oz)

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Key Features:

• Clean, vegan formula
• Nourishes and smooths hair
• Boosts vibrancy and shine
• Versatile styling oil for all hair types

Our Expert Review:

These nourishing shine drops from celebrity stylist Jonathan Van Ness can be used on all hair types. The clean formula smooths and hydrates for frizz-free, touchably soft curls with incredible shine. It also boosts vibrancy of color-treated hair. Use it to tame, define, and separate curls or add shine to dry styled hair. A little goes a long way, making the splurge worthwhile.

Comparison for best hair oil for curly hair

How to Choose the Best Hair Oil for Your Curls

With so many hair oils on the market, it can be difficult to decide which one is right for you. Here are a few tips for choosing the best hair oil for your curl type and hair needs:

Consider your hair porosity – Low porosity hair repels moisture, while high porosity hair soaks it up. Look for lighter oils like grapeseed or squalane if your curls resist hydration. Opt for heavier oils like olive or castor for thirsty hair.

Identify your goals – Do you want to reduce frizz, add shine, encourage growth, or repair damage? Oils with ceramides like Olaplex help strengthen strands, while botanical oils like rosemary stimulate the scalp.

Look for moisturizing ingredients – Ingredients like argan, coconut, marula and monoi oil are great for hydration and moisture retention. Shea butter and aloe also help smooth and soften curls.

Avoid weigh-down – Look for lightweight formulas that absorb well if your fine curls tend to fall flat easily. Avoid oils like olive and castor oil, which can be too heavy.

Consider added benefits – Some oils contain additional ingredients like vitamin E, keratin, silk amino acids, or thermal protectants for extra nourishment and protection.

Read reviews – Check out reviews from other curly haired users to get an idea of how the oil performs on textures similar to yours.

Choosing an oil formulated specifically for curls is your best bet. But you can always customize your own blend if needed. Experiment to find your perfect match!

Different Types of Hair Oils for Curly Hair

There are several categories of oils that can benefit curly locks:

Hydrating Oils

These oils are rich in fatty acids that nourish strands and seal in moisture:

• Coconut oil
• Argan oil
• Marula oil
• Monoi oil
• Jojoba oil

They smooth the cuticle, soften curls, reduce frizz, and boost shine. Great for dry or damaged hair.

Growth Stimulating Oils

These oils help stimulate blood circulation and promote faster hair growth:

• Castor oil
• Rosemary oil
• Peppermint oil
• Eucalyptus oil

Apply to the scalp to rejuvenate hair follicles and encourage new growth.

Protective Oils

These oils coat the hair to shield against damage from heat styling and UV rays:

• Grapeseed oil
• Sunflower oil
• Avocado oil
• Olive oil

Use them as a pre-styling treatment to limit damage from hot tools.

Essential Oil Blends

These combine carrier oils with targeted essential oils like:

• Lavender oil for relaxation
• Lemon oil for grease-cutting
• Ylang ylang oil for shine

Look for blends formulated for curly hair benefits like moisture, growth, frizz reduction, etc.

Oil Creams

These emulsify oils with water and other ingredients to create a creamy oil texture that absorbs easily without leaving residue:

• Whipped hair oils
• Hair creams
• Hair milks

Great for fine or low porosity curls.

How to Use Hair Oil for Best Results

Here are some tips for incorporating hair oil into your curly haircare routine:

Apply to damp hair – Hair absorbs oil best when damp. Smooth oil through clean, towel-dried hair before heat-styling or air-drying.

Focus on mid-lengths and ends – Apply oil mostly to the mid-lengths and ends to hydrate without weighing roots down. Only apply sparingly to roots and scalp if needed.

Use sparingly – A little oil goes a long way! Use a coin-sized amount distributed through all your hair to avoid greasiness. You can always add more if needed.

Try different application methods – Apply to your full head, concentrate on trouble spots, or use as a pre-shampoo treatment. Experiment to see what works best for your curls.

Lock in with stylers – For longer-lasting effects, follow up oil with a hydrating curl cream, gel, or mousse to seal in moisture.

Diffuse carefully – Take extra care not to concentrate high heat in one spot if diffusing oiled hair, which can burn.

Shampoo thoroughly – Make sure to shampoo oiled hair well to remove residue so it doesn’t lead to buildup.

Use as needed – How often you need to use oil will depend on your hair type. Balance with protein treatments to avoid over-moisturizing.

Following these tips will help you maximize the benefits of hair oils for soft, healthy, frizz-free curls!

FAQs about Best Hair Oil for Curly Hair

Q. What oil is best for curly hair?

There are several oils that work well for curly hair, depending on your specific needs and hair type. Argan oil is excellent for hydrating and reducing frizz in curly hair. Coconut oil also provides great moisture. For stimulating growth, castor oil and rosemary oil can help. Grapeseed oil is lightweight and great for fine curls at risk of being weighed down. Olive oil coats hair nicely to protect against heat damage. Try a few different oils to find your personal favorite for nurturing your curls.

Q. Which oil is best for curly hair growth?

Some of the top oils for encouraging hair growth in curly hair are castor, rosemary, peppermint, and eucalyptus oil. Castor oil in particular is renowned for stimulating circulation, blood flow, and hair follicles to boost growth. Rosemary oil also works to nourish follicles and peppermint and eucalyptus provide a tingling sensation to wake up the scalp. Use any of these oils directly on your scalp and massage in to promote growth. Be sure to do a patch test first to check for sensitivity.

Q. Can I use hair oil everyday on natural hair?

Using oil every day is not recommended for most curl types. As it can lead to product buildup and over-moisturized hair over time. Limit oil to 2-3 times per week maximum in your routine. Balance with occasional clarifying shampoos and protein treatments. Very coarse, thick or dry hair can sometimes tolerate more frequent oiling.

Q. What is the best oil for curly hair frizz?

Argan oil is one of the most popular oils for reducing frizz in curly hair. Its high fatty acid content helps smooth the cuticle and seal in hydration. Other good anti-frizz options are coconut, marula, babassu, or olive oil. Ensure you use the oil sparingly to avoid greasiness.

Q. Should I put oil in my hair before or after leave-in conditioner?

It’s generally best to apply oil before leave-in conditioner. Putting oil on first seals in moisture and provides protection. Then layering a leave-in conditioner on top locks that moisture in. Applying oil last can sometimes prevent leave-in conditioners from properly absorbing.

Q. Is hair oil good for curly hair?

Oil can provide many benefits for curly hair. The right oil seals in moisture, smooths the cuticle, softens texture, reduces frizz and enhances curl definition and shine. Oils high in fatty acids like argan, coconut and olive oil work especially well to hydrate and nourish thirsty curls.

Q. Can I use hair oil everyday on natural hair?

Using oil every day is not recommended for most curl types. As it can lead to product buildup and over-moisturized hair over time. Limit oil to 2-3 times per week maximum in your routine. Balance with occasional clarifying shampoos and protein treatments. Very coarse, thick or dry hair can sometimes tolerate more frequent oiling.

Q. Can I make my own hair oil for curly hair?

You certainly can create your own custom hair oil blend! Good carrier oils to use are coconut, argan, jojoba, grapeseed, or olive oil. Add a few drops of essential oils like lavender, rosemary, ylang ylang or lemon to provide additional benefits. Experiment with different oil combos to create your perfect customized hair oil.

Conclusion

Using the right hair oil is an easy way to enhance your curls’ moisture, softness, shine, definition, and manage