Using a hair oil has completely transformed the health of my hair. I was always hesitant to try one, worried that it’d make my hair greasy or weigh down my fine, straight hair, but I knew it was important to incorporate one into my haircare routine in order to get my hair long without breakage or split ends.

From coconut oil from the grocery store to higher end brands, I’ve tried so many hair oils and have finally figured out the best options that hydrate, repair damage, add shine, and help make fine, straight hair healthy and strong.

best hair oils for fine, straight hair

dae prickly pear hair oil

I find Dae to be really hit or miss, with some products being perfect (Cactus Fruit 3-in 1 Styling Cream) and others falling short (any shampoo or conditioner). That being said, the Prickly Pear Hair Oil has been in my rotation for years and I’ve repurchased it quite a few times. This is a really lightweight oil that’s going to add tons of shine, but it’s one of the few that won’t weigh down fine, straight hair. I can use it on wet or dry hair, and it’s going to enhance shine, tame some flyaways, and add hydration to my hair. I love to use this oil when I’m going to be outside; the heat helps activate the oil to really penetrate deep into the follicle for extra TLC, and it really makes your hair shine beautifully. Bonus: it’s clean beauty certified and smells amazing - fruity but not too sweet. If you have kids, they’ll love the scent of this.

k18 molecular repair hair oil

Pricey, but K18 is the real deal when it comes to hair health. The K18 Molecular Repair Hair Oil is my favorite to use pre-shampoo and on days when I’m at home and can really let it soak in. A perfect addition to your Sunday Reset routine, this is the most restorative hair oil I’ve tried. A little goes a long way, as K18 formulates their products to be more concentrated than other brands do. I like to apply a few drops to my scalp and to the ends of my hair; it reduces frizz, enhances scalp health, helps reduce split ends. It also works as a heat protectant, so if you find that your hair gets weighed down or won’t hold a curl when you use something creamy or heavy, I recommend trying a few drops of the K18 oil instead.

kerastase gloss absolu glaze anti-frizz hair oil

The Kerastase Gloss Absolu Glaze Drops Anti-Frizz Hair Oil is such solid, versatile oil, and the price is really fair. I love to use this after the shower, or as a final step if I need a little extra polish. The beauty of this oil is that it really works over time, and you’ll notice a difference in smoothness and strength after a few weeks. I personally prefer this oil over the Kerastase Nutritive Hydrating Split Ends Serum, especially for fine hair; it’s a thinner oil, but still provides you that split end protection, and won’t work against you when you’re trying to style your hair. My main criticism is that the scent is a little strong, but you don’t need a ton of drops so that helps it to not be too overpowering; it also fades as the day wears on. A similar oil (in regards to function, price, and quality), the Davines Oi Oil, is super strong and that scent lingers, so compared to that, the scent of the Kerastase Gloss Absolu Glaze Drops Anti-Frizz Hair Oil is not a dealbreaker.

amika superfruit star lightweight hair styling and heat defense oil

Anytime my fine, straight hair looks lifeless or blah, I reach for the Amika Superfruit Star Lightweight Hair Styling and Heat Defense Oil. While it can also be used as a heat protectant, It’s the perfect finishing touch, and my go-to for special events or days when I want to feel extra put-together. This won’t hold a style like hairspray will, but if you want a salon-level polish that gives your hair a little hydration boost, I really love this one. Pro tip: pack this in your suitcase anytime you travel. Whether you’re going somewhere humid like the beach or dry like the mountains, the change in climate can wreak havoc on your hair (and also cause frizz); this Amika oil is my secret weapon to fight environmental damage. And because it does double as a heat protectant, it’s one less hair product you have to pack.

As far as drugstore hair oils go, I really haven’t found one I love. The Kristin Ess Subtle Shine Softening Oil is good, but I don’t love the packaging. If you can, I recommend saving on a leave-in conditioner or hair mask as there are great drugstore options, and then spending a little more on a hair oil - my favorite drugstore hair mask is under $12 and I’ve used it for years. You only need a little bit, so one bottle will last a long time; it’s worth the investment, in my opinion.