The Lush Hair Oils I Swear By to Bring Back Shine, Softness and Fight Frizz
Sadaf Razi is Adore Beauty's Senior Beauty Editor.
She's a former fashion editor (who worked at various glossy mags) and stylist-turned digital beauty and lifestyle writer. She has been in the lifestyle/media industry for over 10 years and her work has also been featured on international covers like Elle France and Vanity Fair Mexico.
Some of her fave Adore Beauty products include Cicaplast B5, CeraVe Cleansing Oil and Lancôme Renergie Triple Serum.
I recently found out that I have a ‘Leo Rising’ which to me, means absolutely nothing.
When I asked one of my astrology-enthusiast friends she said, “Yes I can see that because Leos usually have big manes.”
She’s not wrong; I have a lot of hair. And with a big mane comes a host of big problems.
You know what they say, “More mane-y, more problems.”
Besides holding a treasure trove of secrets (à la Gretchen Wieners from Mean Girls), my big, thick and coarse hair also holds concerns like brittle and straw-like ends, frizziness and come winter when all moisture is zapped from my hair, my tresses start looking a little dull and lacklustre.
As a current hair oil addict, my dry and stressed hairs stood up in excitement when I heard about K18’s new hair oil.
Deep in my hair oils era, road-testing this hair saviour (not to be confused with the wildly popular K18 hair mask) seemed very befitting.
The thing is, I’ve also been trying a lot of other great hair oils for my thirsty tresses too, and noticed all of them had these things in common…
They all made my thick, coarse hair softer, shinier, smoother and silkier!
If you’re on the hunt for the best hair oil, best hair oils for dry hair or best hair oil for shinier hair, you’ll want to add one (if not all) of these to cart.
Best Hair Oils for Dry and Damaged Hair.
1. K18 Molecular Repair Hair Oil.
Fast facts:
- A biotech-engineered, powerhouse hair oil that strengthens, repairs damage and reduces frizz.
- Has a light formula (can confirm it doesn't feel as dense and heavy as a lot of other hair oils) that works on all hair types.
- Designed for 24-hour frizz control by smoothing and softening the cuticle without weighing it down.
- Promises 78% reduction in split ends, more shine and also offers 232°C heat protection.
- Uses the K18PEPTIDE™ technology to repair and strengthen damage at the innermost layer of hair to actually reverse the damage that leads to frizz in the first place.
- Infused with avocado oil, sunflower oil and squalane to nourish, smooth, enhance shine and improve colour vibrancy.
- Is silicone-free.
How to use the K18 Molecular Repair Hair Oil:
A highly concentrated formula, it’s best to start with only 2-3 drops.
Apply to damp, towel-dried hair before styling or on dry hair as a finisher.
Got the K18 molecular repair mask?
Use the K18 hair mask first on clean, damp hair, then wait 4 minutes.
Apply the molecular repair hair oil, and wait 4 minutes for maximum strengthening results.
My K18 Molecular Repair Hair Oil review:
The most recent hair repairing hair oil I’ve been road-testing in my ‘hair-oils-have-become-my-whole-personality’ era is the K18 molecular repair hair oil.
The K18 hair oil has more of a weightless consistency which for someone like me who gets oily hair quick, is golden.
I first tried this on dry hair, and because of the lightweight viscosity, I made the rookie mistake of applying a little too much through my hair making it look greasy.
But even after applying too much it still didn’t weigh my hair down.
Then I applied it to damp hair after washing and towel-drying which is when I usually like to apply hair oils…
While I didn’t feel an immediate softness or more manageability (like some of the others) when running my blow-drying brush through my wet hair, the results after styling were instant.
My hair was noticeably shinier, sleeker and the usual frizz party I get at the top of my head was one hundred percent less hectic.
I didn’t even need to go over my hair with my straightener and my hair still looked sleek and smooth the next day.
It also comes with a lovely smell!
2. Kérastase Elixir Ultime Original Hair Oil.
Fast facts:
- A multipurpose hair oil that works on both fine and coarse hair.
- When worked through dry hair, adds shine and protects hair from humidity.
- When used on damp hair before styling or air-drying, this beautifying Kerastase hair oil leaves hair feeling softer and healthier.
- Is made with a blend of natural and luxurious hair oils like marula oil, argan oil and camelia oil.
- Has a rich and nourishing feel and smells heavenly (like, SO so good).
How to use the Kérastase Elixir Ultime Original Hair Oil:
Use on damp hair before styling or air-drying, or smooth a little onto dry hair to add shine.
(Our Senior Content Manager Joanna Fleming loves it too. Watch her reel to see how to use it on dry hair).
If using as a pre-shampoo treatment - work into brushed hair and massage into the scalp.
Emulsify with a little water and then rinse before shampooing as normal.
My Kérastase Elixir Ultime Original Hair Oil review:
I.will.not.rest until everyone with hair on their head knows about this gorgeous hair oil.
I’ve waxed lyrical about this shine-enhancing hair oil to anyone who will listen and I’ll continue to do so.
I know, I know it’s $72. If you don’t want to spend that much on a hair oil right now, I get it, but whenever your wallet allows, I would add this to cart. Just trust me on this one.
I wish it wasn’t worth it, but if your hair has lost its shine, is feeling coarse or you want more manageability when styling (thick hair pals, I know the big breath we take before we embark on what feels like an eternity when drying and styling our hair) - this hair oil is unmatched.
I was actually once in a Zara store and a lady tapped me on the shoulder, told me she follows Adore Beauty and said, “I bought that hair oil you always talk about. But it was expensive.”
I gave her a hug and said “I know, I do apologise to your bank account, but your hair will be shinier, softer and smell great.”
True story.
Now, I really didn’t think I was going to love another bougie hair oil and while I’m obsessed with this one, the next one is also just as good…
3. VIRTUE Healing Oil.
Fast facts:
- This hair oil treatment works to rebuild and repair damaged hair strands.
- Formulated with Virtue’s exclusive Alpha Keratin 60ku protein.
- Created with a blend of pure, hydrating oils to nourish dull and dry hair as well as vitamin E to protect against pollution.
- Is Virtue healing oil a heat protectant? This hair oil treatment can be used as a pre-styling treatment or a finishing serum.
- Scented with creamy coconut (can vouch this lasts ages), refreshing yuzu and warm woods.
- Is safe for coloured and chemically-treated hair.
- Leaves hair with a glossy finish.
How to use the VIRTUE Healing Oil:
Pump a few drops into your hands and work through damp and/or dry hair then style as desired.
My VIRTUE Healing Oil review:
I recently did a whole review on this magical hair oil that gave me instantly, I repeat, INSTANT-LY shinier, softer and glossier hair so you can have a full read here.
This is the best hair oil for those who need extra hydration and who have dry and damaged hair.
Powering this hair oil is Virtue’s signature Alpha 60ku protein that smoothes, resurfaces and fills in cracks of damage in the hair.
Two days after using this hair oil, my hair was still glossy and polished!
It's definitely one of the best hair oils you'll ever use in your life. I promise you.
Since using these hair oils, dry and lacklustre hair is a thing of the past.
But Adore Beauty happens to have a bunch of other really popular hair oils too.
Here's a few more excellent hair oils for dry hair to keep on your radar:
A styling oil to protect, soften, smooth and repair all hair types. Has over 100 five-star reviews. Strengthens weakened and damaged bonds within the hair and is suited to all hair types and textures.
A luxurious hair oil treatment that’s perfect for those with brittle, coarse, and thick hair. Infused with Monoi de Tahiti, this hair oil treatment nourishes and repairs your hair while you sleep, leaving you with healthy and shiny locks in the morning.
A rich, hydrating oil treatment to add shine and softness to your hair. Is deeply nourishing and keeps hair bright and vibrant Has over 200 five-star reviews. Also protects against UV damage during sun exposure.
Has over 100 five-star reviews. Smoothes frizz, creates a protective hair shield and gives a beautiful shine.
Humble brag - we do the best haircare reviews, tips and recommendations. Read some more of our BIQ haircare stories below:
