Oils seal in moisture, soften hair, add shine and protect strands from friction and breakage. Used after a water-based leave-in conditioner or moisturiser, the right oil can keep curls moisturised for days. The best routines match the right oil to your hair: lighter oils like argan suit fine or low-porosity curls, while richer oils like castor work beautifully on thick, high-porosity coils.
Here's how it all works, and the oils we stock that have earned their place on our shelves. You can shop curated selection of oils right here!
What do oils actually do for curly hair?
Curly and coily hair is naturally drier than straight hair. The twists and turns of each strand make it harder for your scalp's natural oils (sebum) to travel down the hair, so the lengths and ends miss out. That's where bottled oils come in. A good hair oil does four jobs:
- Seals in moisture: oil forms a light barrier over the hair, slowing down water loss after you've hydrated your curls
- Reduces friction: lubricated strands snag less against each other, your pillowcase and your comb, which means less breakage
- Adds softness and shine: oil smooths the cuticle so curls look glossy and feel touchable, not crunchy
- Supports your scalp: massage oils like rosemary into the scalp to nourish the place every curl starts
One thing oils don't do: hydrate. Oil and water don't mix, so applying oil to dry hair just makes for greasy dry hair. Water first, then oil to lock it in.
Sealing vs penetrating oils: what's the difference?
Not all oils behave the same way. Some sink into the hair shaft; others sit on top. Most routines benefit from one of each.
| Type | What it does | Examples | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Penetrating oils | Absorb into the hair shaft to soften and strengthen from within | Coconut, olive, avocado, argan (partially) | Pre-wash treatments, deep conditioning |
| Sealing oils | Coat the strand to lock in moisture and add shine | Jojoba, grapeseed, castor, sweet almond | The last step of your styling routine |
| Scalp oils | Nourish and stimulate the scalp, often with botanicals like rosemary and mint | Rosemary oil blends, biotin-infused oils | Scalp massage between wash days, growth-focused routines |
How do you use oil in a curly hair routine?
The easiest method is LOC or LCO — Liquid, Oil, Cream (or Liquid, Cream, Oil):
- Liquid : start with damp hair or a water-based leave-in conditioner. This is the actual moisture.
- Cream: layer a curl cream or butter for definition and softness.
- Oil: finish with a few drops smoothed over the lengths and ends to seal everything in.
Low-porosity curls often prefer LCO (oil last, and lighter oils only)whilst high-porosity curls tend to love LOC with richer oils. Not sure about your hair porosity? If your hair takes ages to get fully wet in the shower, you're probably low porosity. If it soaks up water instantly and dries just as fast, you're likely high porosity.
For scalp oils, apply directly to the scalp in sections 2–3 times a week and massage in for a few minutes .
Which oil suits your curl type?
| Your hair | Go for | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Fine or wavy curls | Light oils: argan, grapeseed | Seal without weighing curls down or loosening your pattern |
| Low porosity | Light penetrating oils: argan, sweet almond | Heavy oils sit on top of low-porosity hair and cause buildup |
| Thick curls and coils | Medium oils: olive blends, biotin oil blends | Enough slip and seal for denser hair without greasiness |
| Tight coils, high porosity | Rich oils: castor, olive, butters-plus-oil blends | High-porosity hair loses moisture fast and richer oils hold it in longer |
| Focus on scalp health or growth | Rosemary & mint scalp oils | Rosemary is the most researched botanical for supporting fuller-looking hair |
The best oils for curly hair
Every oil below has passed the Curldrop Standard- screened ingredient by ingredient, and tested on real curls before it earned a place here.
1. Mielle Rosemary Mint Scalp & Hair Strengthening Oil 59ml
The cult scalp oil, and for good reason. Rosemary and mint give a gentle tingle that tells you it's working into the scalp, with biotin to support stronger-feeling strands. Use it 2–3 times a week with a few minutes of massage. Best for: scalp-focused routines, all curl types.
2. Nature Spell Rosemary Oil For Hair 150ml
A UK-made, no-frills rosemary oil at a lovely price — over twice the size of most scalp oils. If you want to try the rosemary routine without committing, start here. Best for: scalp massage, budget-friendly consistency.
3. OGX Renewing+ Argan Oil of Morocco Extra Penetrating Oil 100ml
Argan is the all-rounder of hair oils: light enough for fine and low-porosity curls, with partial penetration that softens from within. A few drops over damp hair adds shine without flattening waves. Best for: 3A–4C curls, low porosity, daily finishing.
4. Cantu Strengthening Biotin-Infused Hair & Scalp Oil 59ml
A dual-purpose oil that works on both lengths and scalp, with biotin and a blend of nourishing oils. A solid middle-weight choice if you want one bottle that does both jobs. Best for: 3A–4C curls, length sealing plus scalp care.
5. As I Am Jamaican Black Castor Oil Water 455ml
Castor oil's benefits in a water-based spray — which means it hydrates and nourishes in one step. A clever option for tight coils that find pure castor oil too heavy. Best for: 4A–4C coils, refresh days, protective styles.
6. ORS Olive Oil Sheen Spray 404ml
A classic finishing spray that adds gloss and softness in seconds — especially good over protective styles, twist-outs and kids' styles. Best for: quick shine, 3A–4C styles, gentle detangling slip.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can oil hydrate my hair on its own?
No, and any product that claims otherwise is overpromising. Hydration comes from water. Oil's job is to keep that water in. Apply oil to damp hair or over a water-based leave-in, never to bone-dry hair.
Does rosemary oil really help hair growth?
The honest answer: the research is promising but modest. One frequently cited study found rosemary oil performed comparably to 2% minoxidil over six months. It supports a healthy scalp environment, which is the foundation for healthy growth — but no oil is a miracle, and consistency over months matters more than any single product.
Will oil weigh down my fine curls?
Heavy oils can weigh your hair down, so go light. For example, choose argan over castor oil, use 2–3 drops on the ends only, and apply to wet or damp hair so that it distributes thinly. If your curls drop by day two, try using less next time.
How often should I oil my hair?
Lengths and ends: every wash day as the final sealing step, plus a touch-up mid-week if hair feels dry.
Scalp oils: 2–3 times a week. More isn't better as buildup blocks moisture the same way it blocks anything else.
The takeaway
Oils are the seal, not the source: hydrate with water first, then lock it in with an oil that matches your curl type and porosity. Light argan works great for fine and low-porosity curls, richer castor and olive suits thick, thirsty coils, and rosemary for the scalp they all grow from.
Every oil in this guide, like everything at Curldrop, has been screened ingredient by ingredient and tested by real people with curls before we stock it. That's the Curldrop Standard.
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