What Are the Best Hair Oils and Do They Really Make a Difference?
Quick answer: Yes, hair oils can make a real difference to how your hair looks and feels: smoother, softer and shinier, with less visible frizz. The best oil depends on your hair type. Light oils such as argan and jojoba suit fine hair, while richer oils such as coconut, olive and castor suit thick or dry hair. If you like the idea of castor oil without the heavy feel, Thin Lizzy Xcellerate35 Serum includes it in a light, spray-on serum.
Hair oils have been part of hair care for generations, and for good reason. A few drops can make dry ends look smoother, help tame frizz and add a healthy-looking shine. But with so many oils on the shelf, it's easy to end up with the wrong one, or to use too much and wonder why your hair looks flat. Here's how the most popular hair oils compare, how to use them properly and how to choose the right one for your hair.
Do Hair Oils Really Make a Difference?
For how your hair looks and feels, yes. Oils coat the hair strand, which helps lengths feel softer, look glossier and tangle less. They're especially useful for dry, frizzy or coloured hair, and for ends that look rough. What oils do is condition the hair you already have. They're a cosmetic step, so if you're worried about sudden shedding, talk to your GP.
The Most Popular Hair Oils, Compared
- Coconut oil: rich and moisturising. It's a favourite for a pre-wash conditioning session and can help dry ends look smoother. Use sparingly on fine hair.
- Argan oil: light and silky. It's ideal for smoothing frizz and adding shine without a greasy finish.
- Jojoba oil: very light and fast-absorbing, so it suits fine hair and anyone who dislikes a heavy feel.
- Castor oil: thick and rich. It's traditionally used to condition the hair and scalp and add gloss. On its own it can feel sticky, so many people prefer it blended into a lighter product.
- Olive oil: a rich, softening oil that's great as an occasional pre-wash mask for thick or very dry hair.
- Sweet almond oil: a gentle, medium-weight oil that helps curls look defined and feel soft.
Which Hair Oil Is Best for My Hair Type?
- Fine hair: jojoba or argan, used in tiny amounts on the ends only.
- Dry or coarse hair: coconut, olive or argan.
- Curly hair: sweet almond, argan or a little castor to help define curls and smooth frizz.
- Frizz-prone hair: argan for everyday smoothing, plus a light gel for flyaways along your parting.
Hair Oil Myths
- "Oils always make hair greasy": not if you use the right amount. Start with one or two drops and focus on the ends.
- "All oils are the same": they differ a lot in weight and feel, which is why matching the oil to your hair type matters.
- "Oils are only for dry hair": even oilier hair types can use a light oil on the ends.
- "More is better": too much oil weighs hair down. A little, often, works better.
Our Picks
Xcellerate35 Serum
Best for: anyone who wants castor oil in a light, daily spray.
Pure castor oil is thick and can be messy to apply. Xcellerate35 is a light spray serum made with 35 ingredients, including castor oil. Spray it onto clean, damp hair, massage it into your scalp and brush through from root to tip, as part of your daily routine.
- 35-ingredient formula, including castor oil
- Light spray, not a heavy oil
- Applied to clean, damp hair
- Easy to use every day
Smooth Hair Wand
Best for: flyaways and frizz that oil alone doesn't tame.
Oil smooths the lengths, but stray hairs around the parting and hairline often need something with more hold. This clear gel uses a specially shaped wand to smooth flyaways, frizz and baby hairs into place without the hard, crunchy feel of regular gel or hairspray, and it removes easily with no residue.
- Clear, strong hold
- Doesn't harden or flake
- Leaves no residue
- Suitable for all hair types
How to Use Hair Oil
- Start small: put one or two drops in your palm. You can always add more.
- Warm it up: rub your palms together so the oil spreads evenly.
- Focus on the ends: smooth it through the ends first, then the mid-lengths, keeping it away from your roots if your hair is fine.
- Try a pre-wash mask: for very dry hair, apply a richer oil to the lengths, leave it for 20 to 30 minutes, then shampoo it out.
- Mix it in: add a drop of oil to your conditioner or hair mask for extra softness.
- Finish your style: smooth a tiny amount over dry hair to tame frizz and add shine.
- Patch test: if you have sensitive skin, try a new oil on a small area first.
Simple DIY Hair Oil Blends
- For softness: equal parts coconut and jojoba oil on the lengths before washing.
- For shine: a few drops of argan oil mixed with your leave-in conditioner.
- For a rich weekly mask: mash half an avocado with a spoonful of olive oil, apply to the lengths, then rinse and shampoo.
For more on hair care, read our guide to Xcellerate35 Hair Serum, our honest guide to hair serums and our tips for healthier-looking lengths.
What Customers Say
"This wand is brilliant for taming flyaways and keeping my hairstyle looking neat. It's easy to use and doesn't leave hair sticky or stiff."
Siobhan K., Thin Lizzy customer (Smooth Hair Wand)
"Easy to use and keeps fly aways, AWAY."
Kate O., verified customer (Smooth Hair Wand)
"My wife loves this product she has been using it for a while now"
Shiu M., verified customer (Xcellerate35 Serum)
Read all Smooth Hair Wand reviews →
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best hair oil for frizz?
Argan oil is a popular choice because it's light and silky, so it smooths frizz and adds shine without a greasy finish. Use just a drop or two on the lengths.
Should I put oil on wet or dry hair?
Both work. On damp hair, a little oil helps with detangling and smoothing as it dries. On dry hair, it tames frizz and adds shine as a finishing touch.
How often should I oil my hair?
A light finishing oil can be used daily. Richer pre-wash masks are best once a week or so, depending on how dry your hair is.
Can I leave oil in my hair overnight?
Yes, for dry or thick hair. Protect your pillow with a towel or wear a soft cap, then shampoo in the morning.
Can I buy Thin Lizzy hair care products in stores?
Yes. Thin Lizzy is available at Farmers, Life Pharmacy, Chemist Warehouse and Unichem stores across New Zealand. The range can vary by store, so the easiest way to get the full range, bundles and online deals is to shop online. See our FAQ page for stockist details.
Looking for a deal? Many of our best sellers are available in bundle offers from time to time. See our current Bundle Offers →
Final Thoughts
Hair oils really can help your hair look smoother, softer and shinier, as long as you choose the right weight for your hair and use only a little. Start small, focus on the ends and enjoy the shine.
