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Best Oil for Frizzy Hair

Updated November 2022
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Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
Aria Starr Beauty Organic Argan Oil
Aria Starr Beauty
Organic Argan Oil
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Pure & All-natural
Bottom Line

100% pure Moroccan oil with restorative benefits. Best applied in 1 or 2 drops, this powerful oil can also be used on the face and body.

Pros

Weightless oil. Removes dullness. An all-natural choice for those who don’t want any chemicals in their hair routine. Can be used as a conditioning mask or smoothing treatment on damp and dry hair.

Cons

Some complaints that the earthy scent is not perfumed enough. Due to the unrefined nature, some complain about sediment at the bottom of the bottle.

Best Bang for the Buck
Hair Food Smoothing Oil
Hair Food
Smoothing Oil
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Simple Formula
Bottom Line

Made with avocado and argan oil for hair that feels smooth and looks healthier.

Pros

Works great for curly hair. Helps to prevent further breakage. Made without parabens, sulfates, mineral oil, and dye, and it is safe for color-treated hair. Comes in a 3.2-ounce bottle.

Cons

A few reported that it made their hair feel greasy.

John Frieda Frizz Ease Nourishing Elixir Oil
John Frieda
Frizz Ease Nourishing Elixir Oil
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Perfumed Oil
Bottom Line

Goes on light as air, a little goes a long way. Just a dab brings frizz-free and nicely perfumed locks for curly and straight hair.

Pros

A nourishing and light argan oil elixir is suitable for all frizz types and color-treated hair. It has a great scent and makes both fine and coarse hair soft and silky, even in humidity. Can be applied to either damp or dry hair.

Cons

Those with finer hair find that this serum can make their hair look oily.

Garnier Fructis Sleek & Shine Anti-Frizz Serum
Garnier Fructis
Sleek & Shine Anti-Frizz Serum
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Best for Everyday Use
Bottom Line

A frizz-smoothing oil in an easy, no-mess bottle that’s just as effective as more expensive alternatives.

Pros

This serum goes on like oil with gel tendencies, avoiding the oily nature that many frizz-reducing products take on. Penetrates dehydrated locks even in 97% humidity, with an argan oil base. Users rave about the scent and de-frizzing abilities, especially during styling.

Cons

Some find that when they apply the product after they brush towel-dry damp hair, it can be less effective, so try applying it before brushing.

Moroccanoil Moroccanoil Treatment
Moroccanoil
Moroccanoil Treatment
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Customer Favorite
Bottom Line

A smoothing oil with multiple benefits that adds shine and moisture to your strands.

Pros

Contains ingredients such as argan oil and linseed oil, and is made without parabens, sulfates SLS and SLES, and formaldehyde. Works to keep hair detangled and free of flyaways. Can be used on all hair types.

Cons

This product is a bit pricey.

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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.About BestReviews 
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Buying guide for Best oil for frizzy hair

Hair frizz can be a serious problem for many, especially when humidity levels are high. Frizzy hair arises from a lack of moisture in dry or damaged hair, which reacts as soon as it hits the humidity. This is why people with wavy or curly hair tend to experience frizz more frequently. Anti-frizz oil can help bring some much-needed moisture to dehydrated hair.

Anti-frizz oil targets hair at the cuticle. The cuticle is made of overlapping protein layers and protects the outside of your strands. Anti-frizz oil encourages these protein layers to sit smoothly against each other, creating a flyaway-free, shiny, healthy look. Some anti-frizz oils can be applied to damp hair after a shower, while others are more effective when applied to dry hair.

Finding an anti-frizz oil that’s appropriate for your hair is important. In this guide, we outline the best formulas available on the market and the different problems they help target.

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Wearing your hair down when recently washed or on humid days can invite frizziness. Instead, try wrapping hair into a bun or different braids to stay frizz-free. This step will make for a smooth, wavy look later on.

How to use anti-frizz oil

Lightly coat your hands with the oil of your choice. Start with a small amount, and apply it from the tips of your hair to the midpoint of your strands. Avoid oiling the scalp, as that could create a greasy appearance.

You can also apply anti-frizz oil as an overnight or leave-in treatment. In fact, there is no more effective way to reap the benefits of an anti-frizz oil than with a periodic overnight treatment or mask. Coconut and other nut oils are popular choices for this.

Consult the instructions before applying your oil. Most need to be heated before application. An anti-frizz oil applied at a lukewarm temperature can help stimulate the hair follicles.

Oil type

There are a range of anti-frizz oils for different hair types. Thin, fine, and even greasy hair types can all benefit from anti-frizz oil. The key is differentiating which oil is best for your hair type.

Many anti-frizz oils are available both in pure form and mixed blends. Much of the time, these oils are combined with alcohol, preservatives, and other ingredients to maintain the product’s shelf life and effectiveness.

Coconut oil

This is suitable for all hair types, but coconut oil is particularly helpful if you’re looking to strengthen your strands. It nourishes your hair by helping maintain a healthy scalp and replenishing thirsty strands. It’s ideal as a weekly treatment for slow-growing hair and weak hair that breaks easily.

Argan oil

While it might not benefit those with naturally greasy hair, argan oil can work wonders for frizzy and dry hair. This oil is full of vitamin E and fatty acids, which help repair over-processed and heat-damaged hair. It’s famously used backstage at runway shows to transform unruly locks into soft, shiny, and frizz-free ones.

Almond oil

An antioxidant-rich nut oil that’s slightly lighter than the rest, almond oil is ideal for eliminating dandruff. It’s high in fatty acids, protein, and magnesium, promoting hair growth and helping prevent breakage. Along with reducing dandruff, it can also help with redness and other scalp irritation.

Marula oil

A rising star in the world of hair oils, and for good reason, marula oil is chock-full of vitamin C and other nutrients. Marula has a fruity scent for those who don’t like the nutty scents of other oils on the market. It’s particularly useful during the summer, as it prevents hair from drying out excessively due to sun damage.

Jojoba oil

With antibacterial benefits, jojoba oil is known to remedy dry scalps and dandruff. It works well with human hair because of its similarities to sebum, the oil that naturally occurs in human hair. If you’re looking to maintain your hair’s natural balance, a product containing jojoba oil could be right for you.

Kukui oil

A relative newcomer to the anti-frizz world, kukui oil is revolutionary. The kukui nut is a centuries-old secret from Hawaii. It gives hair that highly desired shine and has a lightweight finish, yet it seals in hydration, keeping hair bouncy and defined.

How anti-frizz oil can benefit your hair

Anti-frizz oil can improve a variety of hair issues, and there are many benefits to adding an anti-frizz oil to your hair routine. Using products with natural oils is eco-friendly and better for your health, as it nourishes your hair rather than feeding it toxic chemicals. The most popular benefits to using anti-frizz oil include:

  • Fighting dry scalp and dandruff issues
  • Nourishing hair and stimulating growth
  • Restoring shine and healthy appearance to hair
  • Combating oily hair
  • Preventing and remedying styling or heat damage

Features

Scent

Sometimes, anti-frizz oils carry the natural scent of their oil, such as coconut oil, which smells nice. But some oils necessitate the addition of a more pleasant aroma. Take argan oil, for instance. It has a more raw essence that is often combined with other scents, such as sandalwood, to make it more enjoyable. Notably, although artificial scents might smell better, they can cause reactions in people with sensitive skin.

Bottle size

Anti-frizz oils are available in small and large bottles that are generally transparent but occasionally opaque. Smaller bottles usually require a smaller amount of product upon application.

Dispensar type

If you’re using a pure oil such as argan, it may come in a bottle with a dropper for more accurate application. When combined with other ingredients, oils are usually sold in a pump bottle, as the consistency is too oily to spray. However, if an oil is combined with a gel or a more watery substance, a spray nozzle may be used.

Consistency

The consistency of anti-frizz oil is generally oily with a slick texture, which is why a small dose is often recommended to start. In some cases, it can be of a more viscous consistency, especially when combined with gel-like materials for a serum.

Other ingredients in anti-frizz oils

There are a wide away of ingredients in anti-frizz oil besides the key oil. Deciphering that tiny ingredient list may seem intimidating at first, but it’s important to keep an eye out for the following, which help make anti-frizz oils effective.

Silicones

Silicones seal hair, giving it a sleek finish and protecting against humidity and other forms of damage. Some consider silicones to be controversial due to product buildup over time and the possibility of dry hair, but it’s no secret that this is one of the fast solutions to frizz-free hair.

Common forms of silicones include cyclomethicone, dimethicone, cetearyl methicone, dimethicone copolyol, and phenyl trimethicone.

Proteins

Frizzy hair can be caused by weak hair follicles. Protein can strengthen hair against potential breakage while repairing existing damage. Common forms of protein in anti-frizz oils include vegetable protein, soy protein, wheat protein, and spirulina.

Essential fats and oils

These ingredients help add moisture and promote healthy growth patterns in hair. Popular hydrating essential oils and fats include sunflower, avocado, and olive oil, but fats come in the form of emulsifiers like these:

  • Stearic acid
  • Pantothenic acid
  • Arachidonic acid
  • Linolenic acid
  • Palmitic acid

Sealants

Otherwise known as a cuticle sealant, this key component helps lock in moisture, combat humidity, and provide a softer finish. Popular natural sealants include shea butter, mango butter, cocoa butter, muru butter, and cupuacu butter.

Anti-frizz oil prices

Most anti-frizz oils come in 2.75- to 5-ounce bottles in pump form. Price can range anywhere from $5 to $30.

Inexpensive

Many inexpensive drugstore options contain a higher percentage of filler ingredients. They offer the best bang for your buck and often come in a two-pack, maximizing value. Expect to pay $5 to $10 per bottle or pack.

Mid-range

Some commercial brands carry more prestigious lines that  highlight pure ingredients and hence feature a higher price tag. They are considered the most effective and popular choices due to their accessible price range and successful results. Mid-range products can cost anywhere from $10 to $20.

High-end

There are pricier options available that are organic, cold pressed, or made from more rare ingredients such as marula or kukui. These products can target specific hair types or come from well-vetted salon brands and usually cost upwards of $15.

Tips

  • Use a round brush to make hair smoother. Spinning one of these through your hair while you blow dry helps flatten cuticles. When brushing, start from the bottom of your hair and slowly work your way upward.
  • Incorporate a conditioner with protein into your routine. Protein helps tame frizz and infuses your hair with a healthy shine.
  • Resist the urge to smooth hair with your fingers. It might seem counterintuitive to let your frizzy strands be, but touching them can actually cause more frizz.
  • Don’t shampoo too often. Washing your hair every day depletes it of its natural oils and moisture. Consider replacing your shampoo with a cleansing conditioner — a low-lathering and gentle alternative that hydrates and removes impurities in one step without stripping your hair of its essential moisture.
  • Replace your towel with an old t-shirt. Rubbing your hair with a towel is harsh on the cuticle surface, which creates that dreaded frizziness in the first place. Instead, blot your wet hair with a soft t-shirt or microfiber towel.
  • Keep heat damage to a minimum. Don’t raise the temperature on your straightener or curler to the max. It might be tempting to get fast results, but overheating your thermal tools can really scorch your precious locks. Air dry your hair for as long as possible before styling it with heated tools.
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Never apply essential oil directly to the scalp or hair. Essential oils must be diluted with a carrier oil rather than water, and the blend should be tested on a small patch of skin first to avoid an allergic reaction.

FAQ

Q. Why isn’t applying anti-frizz oil primarily at the roots more effective?

A. Application at the roots can actually worsen an issue of greasiness. It’s better to start out using oil as a spot treatment as opposed to going full-force at the roots.

Q. Should I brush my hair when it’s wet or dry?

A. Brushing your hair when it’s dry can cause breakage, so it’s better to comb wet fingers or a wide-toothed comb through strands instead.

Q. Is there an ideal temperature range to set my styling tools to in order to avoid damage?

A. Try not to set your styling tools to anything above 465°F. The safest range is actually between 250°F and  300°F. Anything higher could swell the cuticle and damage the hair.

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