Davines Oi Hair Oil Review
The Davines Oi Hair Oil is one of the most popular salon hair oils, known for making hair incredibly soft, shiny, and smooth. A multi-purpose finishing and styling product, it can help detangle hair, reduce frizz, add shine, and protect strands from environmental stress. That said, Davines products are incredibly pricey and with so many other hair oils on the market that I truly love, I was curious to see if the Oi Oil was actually worth the $57 price tag. Some Davines products are truly must-have, but not all, so I definitely went into this with a skeptical mind.
Below, I share my full, unsponsored review of the Davines Oi Oil. Focusing on what it does well, who it works best for, tips for using, and a few budget-friendly dupes, keep reading for everything you should know about the Davines Oi Hair Oil.
davines oi hair oil review
The Davines Oi Oil is a leave-in hair oil designed to add shine, smooth frizz, and soften hair without making it greasy. Meant to moisturize the hair while also protecting it from environmental stress and dryness, you can use this oil on damp or dry hair, though I find it easier to use on damp hair since it is on the thicker side.
What makes the Davines Oi Oil is that it is Infused with roucou oil, a plant extract rich in antioxidants and beta-carotene that helps protect hair from damage and aging. Some of the key benefits of the Davines Oi Oil include:
Adds shine
Reduces frizz
Softens hair
Helps detangle
Prevents from environment damage
All hair types can use this hair oil; you’ll notice the biggest improvements if you have dry, frizzy, or color-treated hair. I have fine hair and enjoy this hair oil as a treatment rather than finishing step because it is on the thicker side. However, if you have thick or coarse hair, you’ll love it as the finishing step in your haircare routine as it’ll add glass-like shine, polish, and smoothness.
how to use the davines oi hair oil
There are two ways to use the Davines Oi Oil, before styling for frizz control, or as a finishing oil, which gives you lots of shine and polish.
To use a before styling:
Apply 1-3 pumps to clean, towel-dried hair, focusing on mid-lengths to ends.
Blow dry or style as usual.
Before using anything with heat, make sure to apply a heat protectant.
To use as a finishing oil:
Apply the smallest amount (barely half a pump to start) to dry hair.
A little goes a long way, so start small!
Smooth through the ends to add shine and reduce frizz.
Focus primarily on the ends, and then mid-lengths in order to distribute the product strategically without weighing down your hair.
pros
Hydrates and makes your hair very soft
Reduces and tames frizz
A little goes along way; you really only need 0.5-1.5 pumps, so it’ll last a long time
Works on wet or dry hair
Adds salon-like shine
Infused with roucou oi, which protects hair with beta-carotene and antioxidants
Works on all hair types
Vegan and cruelty-free
cons
The scent is very strong and also polarizing; it’s much more masculine than any other hair product I’ve used before, and definitely lingers for a while. You’ll either love it or hate it.
Pricey at $57 (which comes out to $12.50 per ounce)
If you use too much (especially on dry hair), it’ll make your hair feel greasy and weighed down
Contains silicones
Not a scalp treatment; meant for mid-lengths to ends only
Heavier, thicker oil that can weigh down fine hair
Does not work as a heat protectant
who the davines oi oil works best for
A deeply hydrating and shine-enhancing hair product, the Oi Oil works best for those who have dry or frizzy hair. Those with thick or coarse hair will also love this oil, because it’s thick enough to add hydration that absorbs deeply, rather than sits on top of the follicle superficially.
If you have color-treated hair that can get dull over time, the Oi Oil will add tons of shine while also protecting against environmental damage, making it worth checking out.
Lastly, if your hair feels dry or straw-like after washing, even if you use a hydrating conditioner, I highly recommend trying the Oi Oil to help bring moisture back into your hair while preventing breakage.
who the davines oi oil might not work for
As I mentioned, the Davines Oi Oil is a thicker oil, which makes it a luxurious treatment, rather than just a finishing product. That said, the thickness of the oil will make it hard for some to use. If you have very short hair or fine hair, the oil might be too heavy for you. I have fine hair and can use the Oi Oil as a finishing product, but it’s too thick for me to apply as a hydrating treatment post-washing.
If your hair gets oily easily, the Oi Oil is one to skip, as it’ll just exacerbate that even more.
is the davines oi hair oil worth the price?
If your hair tends to be dry, frizzy, or thick, the Davines Oi Oil is one of the best luxury oils for making hair feel softer and smoother. The biggest downside is the price, but the bottle lasts a long time because a little goes a long, long way. The scent also isn’t for everyone, but most people love it (I’m in the minority).
The Oi Oil makes your hair smoother and shinier, reduces frizz, and provides deep hydration rather than just superficial shine.
When you consider functionality, results, and value, I do recommend Davines Oi All in One Milk and think it’s worth the price. Davines is a higher-priced brand, but this product fulfills its promises and does what it says.
That said, if you have fine to medium hair, I would instead recommend the Davines Oi All in One Milk. It’s a leave-in conditioner rather than an oil, but it has a more lightweight formula, also works as a heat protectant, and is easier to use (in my opinion). For more detailed differences and similarities between the two, check out my Davines Oi Oil and Milk All In One comparison guide.
davines oi hair oil dupes
At $57 per bottle, the Davines Oi Oil is one of the more expensive hair oils out there; it comes out to $12.50 per ounce. If you’re looking for similar results at a cheaper cost, there are a few dupes that I also own and recommend.
Moroccanoil Treatment Hair Oil - Okay, this oil is slightly more expensive when you break down the price per ounce, but a little goes a LONG way and you can sometimes find it at QVC or Macy’s during the holidays for a better value. If you have dry, frizzy hair but don’t love the Oi scent or want something more cost-effective, the Moroccanoil Treatment Hair Oil is a true dupe. The smell is a mild vanilla (a little earthy, not too sweet), it works for all hair types, and also doubles as a heat protectant, whereas the Oi Hair Oil doesn’t. I love this as a pre-shampoo deep conditioning treatment, and it also provides ton of shine after styling. Maybe a little more expensive per ounce, but you’ll stretch it farther and get that added heat-protectant use, too.
Price breakdown: $50 for 3.4oz, or $14.7 per ounce
Verb Ghost Weightless Oil to Fight Frizz and Enhance Shine - If we’re breaking down price per ounce, this is the best valued dupe. The formulas are super similar, as the Ghost Oil is thicker as well. The scent is much milder; I can use this daily without triggering a headache. This also does a great job at reducing frizz, adding shine, and providing that finishing touch to your hairstyle. I’ve repurchased it many times over the years.
Price breakdown: $36 for 4oz, or $9 per ounce
Kerastase Gloss Absolu Glaze Drops Anti-Frizz Hair Oil - such a solid, versatile oil, and the price is really fair. 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. 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. It’s unfortunately more expensive per ounce than the Davines Oi Oil, but less up front.
Price breakdown: $39 for 1.52oz, or $25.65 per ounce