Relax—it’s not as fussy as it sounds! Read on and see how picking up a hair oil instead of thicker products might be worth the investment:
5 of the Best Hair Oils for Men
When it comes to gels and pomades, it’s a constant struggle to find a consistency that works for you. The challenge is that a heavier feel is an everyday reality with most of them, which upon constant use can be pretty off-putting—not to mention may also contribute to dandruff symptoms like flaking and itching, particularly when not rinsed off well.
1. SheaMoisture Men Argan Oil & Shea Butter Defining Cream
That’s where hair oil for men comes in: It can fill the gap for guys who need a bit of moisture and sheen in a more lightweight formula. And, just like your favorite old reliable 2-in-1, it also has a dual purpose of styling plus conditioning, similar to your textbook leave-in conditioner. A couple of pumps help tame flyaways and frizzy hair (which is especially relevant for wavy or curly types). It also helps keep hair smooth and in place by providing a bit of slip, which is something to look into if you’re into looks like ponytails, knots, or man buns. If a little more hold along with conditioning is what you’re looking for, go for the perfect hybrid, SheaMoisture Men Argan Oil & Shea Butter Defining Cream. This product has the benefits of oil and the hold of lightweight styling cream, a perfect mix.
2. The Good Stuff Frizz Control Oi
Hair oil adds some shine without feeling sticky or crispy for straight hair. Bonus: you don’t need much. Ironically enough, a quality men’s hair oil won’t make your hair look oily. A couple of pumps—roughly a dime-sized amount, depending on your hair length—is more than enough for a day’s look. Add some of The Good Stuff Frizz Control Oil to your style for those looking to tame some frizz and achieve a smooth finish. The best part is you can keep it as low a commitment as necessary. Use it only as needed depending on your chosen hairstyle for the day.
3. SheaMoisture Men Tea Tree Oil & Shea Butter Bald Head Moisturizer
This SheaMoisture Men Tea Tree Oil & Shea Butter Bald Head Moisturizer is perfect for those who want to keep their head moisturized and refreshed. The blend of tea tree oil and fair trade shea butter moisturizes your skin, leaving you with a residue-free shine. Plus, the menthol invigorates your skin, giving you a cooling experience. We love how lightweight this moisturizer is too!
4. SheaMoisture Men Maracuja Oil & Shea Butter Beard Balm
Beard care can be overlooked, but it’s just as important to take care of it as the hair on your head. SheaMoisture Men Maracuja Oil & Shea Butter Beard Balm is perfect for doing this because the Maracuja oil-infused Shea Butter helps shape, smooth, and define your beard. Moisturizing your beard regularly will help with hair growth, too, if you’re trying to grow out your beard.
5. TRESemmé Flawless Curls Hydrating Anti Frizz Oil
f you need some moisture, TRESemmé Flawless Curls Hydrating Anti Frizz Oil uses coconut and avocado oils to hydrate, define, and prevent frizz. This is ideal if your hair is on the thicker, curlier side. Either way, you get to go about your business without worrying about your hair ruining your flow. Because if there’s anything we know for sure, it’s how weather can mess with a good hair day!
5 Looks to Create with Hair Oil
1. Front Flow
While hairspray and pomade may have much to do with creating this style, hair oil is a key product, too! Give your ends some shine and hydration with a small amount of hair oil. It’s the perfect finishing touch.
2. Styled to the Side
If you’ve got a strong side part or are creating a style on the side, use hair oil to help weigh your look down to that side. Don’t over-apply the oil because it’ll look like a greasy mess. Focus the oil at the mid-lengths and tips of your strands to help create a style that smoothly and successfully stays to one side.
3. Voluminous Backcomb
To help maintain a frizz-free backcombed style, put in some hair oil before using a comb or your fingers to create your look. You can add more oil in the front for an extra shine.
4. Brushed Back
When you’re creating a style that requires lots of hold, you will need a gel or pomade to do most of the work. Before adding those heavy-duty products, prep your strands with hair oil. Using some oil will help remove frizz and begin to create the shape of the style. This way, you won’t need as much of a paste-based product to keep your look in place.
5. Defined Curls
The best way to perfect curls is to use hair oil. Oil with moisturize curls and help them remain defined. If you have curly hair, taking care of your curls is key to rocking any kind of style. Hair oil is a holy grail product for a reason. It’s excellent for maintaining and re-building hair health and can be used as the first step in a styling routine. Make sure to add oil to your arsenal to make caring for and styling your hair much more effortless.