In Their Kit: The Best Hair Oils, According to Hairstylists

Hair oils are often overlooked when it comes to our haircare routines. But the hardworking serums are here to help tame, smooth, strengthen and moisturise hair – all great attributes, especially in winter.

Here, six Australian hairstylists share their top picks. From one that “actually earns its hype” to another that “punches well above its pricepoint,” these hair oils only leave gloss and no grease.

One piece of advice nearly all the hairstylists agree on: you should start by using less than you think you need.

Jaye Edwards, founder of Edwards and Co

Why do you love it?

This is one of those modern treatment-meets-styling oils that actually earns its hype. What sets it apart is that it doesn’t just sit on the hair for shine; it genuinely feels like it’s working to improve condition over time. It gives that glassy, expensive finish instantly, but underneath that there’s real strength-building happening, thanks to its keratin-based technology. It’s incredibly lightweight, so even finer hair types can get that glossy, polished result without the usual oil heaviness or grease factor.

How is it best used?

Apply one to three drops through mid-lengths and ends on damp or dry hair. Always start lighter than you think you need. It’s buildable, but if you overdo it, even this lightweight formula can start to sit on finer textures. I’d avoid the roots unless you’re intentionally going for a sleek, editorial finish. Because this product is so reparative and protein-based, you don’t need to layer it with other heavy treatments.

Why do you love this more affordable pick?

The Project Sukuroi balm is such an underrated multitasker. It’s technically a balm, but it performs like a lightweight smoothing treatment thanks to the camelina oil, which gives softness, shine and control without that heavy silicone feel some budget options lean into. I love it for clients who want something simple that does a bit of everything. It tames frizz, adds moisture and gives that clean, healthy finish.

How is it best used?

Warm a small amount between your palms and work through damp or dry mid-lengths and ends. It’s more concentrated than people expect, so start small. If you over-apply, finer hair can lose volume and feel a bit coated, so it’s definitely a less-is-more situation.

Brooke Weiss, director of Weiss Hair

Why do you love it?

It delivers glossy, salon-quality shine without any greasiness. It tames frizz and flyaways beautifully without leaving hair feeling coated or heavy. The result leaves your hair looking and feeling more expensive, and the fragrance is also a standout.

How is it best used?

Warm one to two drops between your palms (rub it in like you’re applying hand cream) and work through the mid-lengths and ends of dry hair post blow-wave. It can also be added to damp hair before styling for extra polish. One thing to be mindful of: too much product can weigh down finer hair and lead to build-up over time, so keep it away from the scalp and use sparingly.

It’s lightweight, fast-absorbing and adds noticeable shine without sitting on the surface of the hair. It helps improve manageability, makes blow-drying easier and leaves hair feeling softer and smoother.

How is it best used?

Begin with one to two drops warmed between your palms and work through the mid-lengths and ends of damp hair before styling. Those with thicker or drier hair can be a little more generous. You can also smooth a small amount through dry hair as a finishing product after heat styling. As with most oils, less is usually more.

Anthony Nader, founder of Raw Anthony Nader and co-founder of SSS Hair

Why do you love it?

This scalp oil promotes balance and restores moisture and hair growth over time. It’s packed with goodies like vitamin E, omega-3 and omega-6 (and is made without parabens or silicones) to nourish and leave your scalp feeling soothed.

How is it best used?

The best bit is that it is super easy to use. Simply apply the oil before washing hair. Use only one to three full droppers directly on the scalp. Massage into the scalp and leave for 10 minutes. Then shampoo and condition if you require. Less is more; don’t overload on the oil.

Why do you love this more affordable pick?

For those who are price-conscious and want to pamper their winter hair strands without burning a hole in their pretty purse, this oil will nourish the scalp, tame frizz and smooth unruly hair textures in a flash.

How is it best used?

Give your product a shake before use so the ingredients blend beautifully. Section hair and apply sparingly from roots to ends. Gently massage the oil into your scalp and leave it in for 15 minutes, then shampoo and condition as normal. Don’t apply too much of this oil because it’s so concentrated that you’ll be wasting your money. Less is always more.

Jaimme-Lee Hallgath, founder of Salon Jaimmelee

Why do you love it?

This is one of the few hair oils that does more than add shine. It helps address damage while smoothing frizz, boosting softness and protecting against heat. The lightweight formula never feels greasy, making it suitable for almost every hair type. Only a little product is needed for impactful results.

How is it best used?

Apply one to three drops to damp hair before styling, or smooth through dry ends for added shine. A little goes a long way, so start small.

Why do you love this more affordable pick?

I’m currently obsessed with this product. It’s become my go-to recommendation because it delivers incredible shine, softness and frizz control without feeling heavy on the hair. What really sets it apart is the inclusion of advanced technology peptides, which can help support stronger, healthier-looking hair. It punches well above its price point and leaves hair looking glossy, healthy and effortlessly polished.

How is it best used?

Apply two to four drops to wet or dry hair, focusing on the mid-lengths and ends. It can be used before styling, as a finishing product, or as an overnight treatment. Fine hair types should start with a smaller amount.

Becc Snow, founder of Alchemy Salon

Why do you love it?

Night Shift is an overnight treatment oil/serum. It’s a very premium product, but worth the investment for sure. I love how lightweight it is and how much you can reapply without getting super greasy hair. It also gives you the softest and shiniest hair – especially necessary for the winter months.

How is it best used?

You apply it at the end of the day. Sleep with it, then wash it out in the morning.

Why do you love this more affordable pick?

Reflection is a great serum for de-frizzing and adding shine. It’s not too heavy either, which is always a tricky thing to find with hair oil.

How is it best used?

The best way to use it is to apply a pump or two (depending on your hair length and thickness), spread evenly over the palms of your hands and rake it through the mid-lengths and ends of the hair.

Nina Lee, founder of Extra Silky

Why do you love it?

It’s got an incredible smell, and it’s very nourishing for dry hair! A little goes a long way, so even though it is more pricey than most, it’s a product you may have longer in the long run.

How is it best used?

You don’t need to apply a lot; a little goes a long way. Be extra careful if you have fine hair; I’d warn you to use sparingly. Also, never put oil on before using a hot tool like a straightener, as it can burn the hair. Always apply it afterwards.

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