The 14 Best Hair Oils for Healthier, Fuller Red Hair

The summer heat and sun can take a toll on your hair, and redheads who typically have drier, coarser, sometimes textured hair can experience frizz, flyaways, and dry strands overall. One of our favorite products to use in the summertime is hair oil. Not only does it hydrate your red hair and help reduce frizz, but it’s nourishing and combats the adverse effects that being out in the heat and sun has on our hair.

Why do I need hair oil?

If you’re new to using hair oil, you might have some misconceptions about it. As a redhead, using hair oil can significantly benefit your hair. Red hair tends to be drier and less shiny due to its structure, making moisture retention crucial. Hair oil helps lock in hydration, enhance shine, and tame frizz, particularly for curly or wavy red hair prone to dryness and frizz. It also protects against environmental damage, maintains scalp health, and improves overall manageability by softening and nourishing the hair. When selecting a hair oil, opt for lightweight formulas with natural oils like argan or coconut, avoiding heavy products to prevent weighing down your hair. Applying a small amount to the ends and mid-lengths will keep your red locks vibrant and healthy.

How to use hair oil

Apply hair oil to damp hair to help reduce frizz during the drying process, or apply it to styled hair to smooth it. Hair oil can also be applied when refreshing waves, curls, or a blowout to help bring back some shine. Hair oil is also great for applying before bed, so you wake up with shiny, soft hair. The best way to apply hair oil is by applying a small amount to your hands and rubbing your hands together to distribute the oil. Then, rake your hands through your hair, focusing on your mids and ends. Comb through your hair to distribute the oils further, and apply more if needed.

Using hair oil effectively involves several vital steps to maximize its benefits for your hair. Start by selecting the right oil for your hair type and needs—argan oil for shine and frizz control or coconut oil for deep conditioning and moisture. Begin with clean, damp hair after washing and towel-drying. Dispense a small amount of oil into your palm, warming it up by rubbing your hands together.

Next, gently work the oil through the ends of your hair, where it tends to be driest and most damaged. Gradually distribute any remaining oil upwards towards the mid-lengths, avoiding applying too much oil to the roots to prevent weighing down your hair. You can leave the oil to air dry naturally or proceed with your usual styling routine; it can also act as a heat protectant when using heated styling tools.

Experiment with different oils and application frequencies to find what works best for your hair’s unique needs. Whether you use it daily, every few days, or weekly as a treatment, using hair oil regularly can nourish, protect, and enhance the health and appearance of your hair, keeping it looking vibrant and healthy.