Oils and Serums for Hair Repair

Hair oils are treatments that improve the condition of your hair. Their molecules absorb into the hair and scalp, moisturizing with essential fatty acids that help prevent split ends and breakage. If your hair is damaged or dry, coat your hair with oil from scalp to ends, leave on for at least 20 minutes, then wash out. Thicker oil may require two shampoos. You can also use just a few drops on wet or dry hair to smooth, tame dry ends, and add shine.

Although most hair serums include oils in their formulas, they are usually lighter and coat the hair rather than sinking into the strands. Serums add ingredients that help smooth, protect against humidity, and enhance shine. They work best when you apply them to wet hair prior to styling. Many serums are formulated to protect hair from sun, pollutants, and heat styling tools.

Choose your hair oil or oil-packed serum based on the condition and texture of your hair:

Avocado and moringa oils are especially light and ideal for fine hair that can lose volume. Apply them sparingly, focusing on the ends up to the middle portion of your hair, avoiding the scalp so as not to weigh hair down or make it look oily.

Argan oil smooths, removes frizz and flyaways, and adds shine to thick, curly, or extra-dry hair.

Black Castor oil increases blood flow to the scalp to promote faster hair growth and thicker strands.

Coconut oil is creamy and replenishes moisture while also boosting shine and adding definition to curly hair.

Marula oil has a light texture, but it’s packed with nourishing vitamins, anti-aging amino acids, and moisturizing fatty acids to restore hair that’s been colored or chemically treated.

Jojoba and macadamia oils add hydration and protect hair strands. These oils are ideal for all hair types.

1: Get back to the roots of healthy hair with Shea Terra Egyptian Black Castor Hair Oil. This pure, cold-pressed, syrupy oil helps soothe the scalp, strengthen hair, and increase hair growth. It can be used as a deep conditioning or a leave-in treatment. Although it may require a few shampoos, slather the oil all over your scalp, hair, and even eyebrows to promote faster growth and thicker strands.

2: Swap frizz for shine with John Masters Organics 100% Argan Oil. This pure, organic, lightweight oil hydrates, repairs split ends, and tames frizz. Argan oil is packed with antioxidant vitamin E and omega-6 fatty acids. Smooth one or two drops of this concentrated oil from roots to ends. Mix a few drops with leave-in conditioner or hair mask. Use it on your face and body, too, as it is gentle on sensitive skin.

3: Manage your messy mane with Kinky-Curly Perfectly Polished Nourishing Hair Oil. This rich blend of argan, apricot kernel, Abyssinian seed, and wheat germ oils hydrates, protects, and boosts glossiness. Use it for a hot oil treatment, pre-shampoo, scalp massage, and as a finishing aid on dry hair.

4. Heal your hair with Giovanni 2Chic Repairing Super Potion Hair Oil Serum. Damaged or overprocessed hair will soak up this finishing serum, which strengthens and tames hair with blackberry extract and coconut oil. Say goodbye to frizz and flyaways and hello to shine. Argan and macadamia oils, shea butter, and keratin help prevent breakage and split ends.

5: Fortify curly hair with Ouidad Bye-Bye Breakage Strengthening + Thickening Serum. This treatment rebalances the scalp’s pH to help promote hair growth. The light formula is infused with jojoba oil, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, amino acid-rich plant collagen, and Irish moss to provide essential nutrients to the scalp to help reduce breakage, encourage healthier hair growth, and reduce excessive shedding. Rosehip, bamboo shoot extract, burdock, and chamomile promote volume and thickness.