If you’re just getting started on your holistic hair wellness journey, this is one of the most important points of interest to stop at along the way. Carrier oils are going to be used in many hair rituals and even spiritual practices. So, in this post you’ll learn 13 of the best carrier oils for your hair. Additionally, you’ll see how it can benefit your healthy hair journey in the eyes of a hair stylist.

*Heads up! This post contains affiliate links which means I may earn a small commission on any products purchased through these links. This will be at no additional cost to you.

What Exactly Is A Carrier Oil?

Carrier oils are plant-based. And they are one of the best, effective, and inexpensive natural hair remedies to get your hair in shape.

These oils are often used to dilute essential oils that are applied directly to the hair or skin. However, carrier oils have many benefits individually. When used on their own, this is known as being applied “neat”.

Because many of these oils come from tree nuts, it’s recommended that you consult with your physician before use, especially with pre-existing allergies. Otherwise, do a patch test on the inside of your arm and watch for any reaction within 24 hours.

How To Choose The Best Oil For Your Hair

Hair oiling is a great practice to adopt, especially if you’re just getting started in the holistic hair world. If you want to incorporate carrier oils into your hair rituals check out my post about planting the seeds for healthy hair.

Understanding certain characteristics will help you when it comes to choosing the right oil for you. Hair identity differs for everyone. Some oils work better if you have coarse, super damaged, or thick hair. And others are for you finer haired girlies.

Carrier oils are often divided based on if they are used for moisturizing vs. as a sealant.

Moisturize vs. Sealing Oils

Did you know that there was a difference? If not, it’s totally okay. Not many do.

Moisturizing oils are usually high in fats, like omega 3s, that can easily get into the hair cuticle. These work from within to soften the hair. They are great if you are doing a pre-shampoo oil treatment, or even your weekly hot oil treatment.

Sealing oils sit on top of the cuticle, keeping moisture inside. They are also good for environmental protection, preventing anything from the outside getting in. Many times, these are lighter in weight and used for best results on fine, thin hair.

This is why it’s important to know the specific characteristics of your hair, like porosity, wave pattern, texture, and density. Does that make sense?

Great, let’s keep going!

Best Carrier Oils For Hair

Now it’s time for us to get into the 13 best carrier oils for your hair!

1. Coconut Oil

Coconut oil has been a staple beauty ingredient in tropical regions for centuries and has many other uses, too. In the last decade it has gained more popularity in the beauty industry due to its amazing benefits for hair, skin, and nails.

Packed with healthy omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E, coconut oil is ideal for penetrating the cuticle, locking in moisture, and providing outer protection.

Using a fractionated coconut oil like this one removes the long chain triglycerides (fatty lipids), leaving the medium chains behind. This keeps the oil in a liquid state even in cold temperatures and allows for better absorption.

Go coconuts over these hair benefits:

  • Extremely nourishing for hair and scalp
  • Repairs dry, brittle hair
  • Makes hair strands stronger
  • Reduces breakage
  • Can be used as a leave in (ends only) or a hair mask
  • Great for Dry to Very Dry Hair, and Curly Hair Types
  • Fine to medium hair may find coconut oil to be too heavy.
  • Not for hair growth

2. Argan Oil

Indigenous to Morocco, and southwestern Algeria, argan oil is extracted from the nut of the argan tree. It has been a beauty staple across the Mediterranean area for hair and skin. Argan oil is rich in vitamins and minerals, as well as other antioxidants and fatty acids. And it is known for pairing well with other carrier oils, essential oils, and herbs for hair growth.

Endless hair benefits include:

  • Lustrous shine
  • Increases elasticity
  • Great for all hair types (Pure argan oil may be too heavy for fine hair. If so, try a lighter version like this one.)
  • Safe for every day use
  • Adds moisture and hydration
  • Protects from breakage and splits
  • Makes hair softer and more manageable
  • Focus on ends of hair

3. Castor Oil

Castor oil is the holy grail of carrier oils as it has numerous uses from hair and skin, to medicinal or health and wellness benefits. It comes from the castor bean found in the tropics of east Africa.

It is rich in vitamin e, linoleic, oleic and fatty acids such as omega 6 + 9, and has antibacterial, anti-fungal, and healing properties.

Key Benefits of Castor Oil For Your Hair:

  • pH balancing
  • Shields against environmental damage
  • Locks in moisture
  • Softens hair
  • Soothes scalp conditions such as dandruff, scalp infections or inflammation
  • Improves blood circulation
  • Promotes hair growth
  • Reduces hair loss

Castor oil is thick. And you may find it heavy if you have finer hair. But, if you suffer from dryness or scalp issues, it’s perfect. Plus, it can also be great to promote lash and brow growth.

4. Avocado Oil

Avocado is one of many natural hair remedies with cosmetic benefits. So of course its oil is used in many beauty formulations. And not only that, it’s a must-have in your healthy hair diet.

Its high content of monounsaturated fats, along with vitamins A, B, D, E, and antioxidants make it a great contender for at-home hair treatments.

Wanna know how it can benefit your locks? Keep reading:

Why you’ll love it:

  • Reduces dandruff
  • Prevents breakage & protects against damage
  • Helps to detangle hair
  • Can be used as an intense, hydrating conditioner or mask
  • Great for damaged hair
  • Natural UV & sun defense
  • Repairs hair shaft
  • Increases hair luster
  • Penetrates cuticle for deep healing
  • Perfect for all hair types

They don’t call avocados a super food for nothing! No matter where your hair lies on the texture spectrum, avocado oil is a key hair ingredient.

5. Jojoba Oil

You can say calling jojoba an oil is sort of a misnomer. Though it comes from the Simmondsia Chinensis plant, it’s structure is similar to that of a liquid-like wax.

Jojoba oil is native to North America, found in the desert regions of Mexico, Arizona, and So Cal. And it has been a popular ingredient in the beauty industry because it mimics the sebum your scalp and body naturally produces. It is noncomedogenic, meaning it will not clog pores, and posses antibacterial and anti-fungal properties.

Here’s why jojoba can work for you:

  • Treats conditions like psoriasis, eczema, controls dandruff
  • Safe for daily use
  • Restores moisture
  • Repairs breakage
  • Lightweight
  • Balances scalp pH
  • Washes out easily
  • Promotes thicker hair
  • Shields against free radical damage
  • Seals in hydration
  • Prevents hair loss while aiding in regrowth

6. Grapeseed Oil

Where are all of my wine lovers at? No this isn’t wine for your hair- although that sounds amazing. But, grapeseed oil is a byproduct of wine and grape juice. So whoever said nothing good comes from wine is wrong.

Can you guess where grape seed oil comes from? But of course, the seeds.

This oil is high in antioxidants to protect against free radicals and environmental damage. Plus, it has vitamin E, linoleic acid, omega 3 fatty acids, and carotenoids. These are all important for supporting a healthy hair wellness journey.

Thirsty for more?

Your hair will drink up these amazing grapeseed oil benefits:

  • Stimulates cell production to encourage growth
  • Adds luster and shine
  • Frizz fighter
  • Non greasy and lightweight
  • A great sealant on top of water based products to lock in hydration
  • Strengthens weak, brittle hair
  • May prevent premature grays

Along with the above, grapeseed oil is said to prevent production of a hormone DHT (dihydrotestosterone) which is linked to hair loss. According to Mariska Nicholson in Byrdie’s blog post, when applied directly to the scalp with rosemary oil, this can reverse hair loss or thinning.

7. Sweet Almond Oil

Sweet Almond Oil was originally used in Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine for dry scalp conditions. It also contains squalene. This is naturally produced within plants, animals, and your body to protect and lubricate. However, it’s popularity has led it to become unsustainably sourced in past decades.

Thankfully, sweet almond oil is inexpensive to produce in a sustainable way. For that reason, it is commonly found in many hair products on the market today.

Why you’ll love it:

  • Makes hair more manageable
  • Smoothes cracks and breaks within hair on a cellular level
  • Strengthens and prevents split ends
  • Perfect for dehydrated, dry, damaged, frizzy hair
  • Lightweight and has biotin to thicken hair
  • Reactivates dormant hair follicles and improves blood flow
  • Encourages hair regrowth and keratin production

8. Amla Oil

This oil is found in mostly tropical and subtropical regions. And it comes naturally from the Indian gooseberry. Amla oil is translates into ‘the nectar of life’ in Sanskrit and is commonly used in Ayurvedic medicines. Due to its high concentration in minerals, vitamins, antioxidants, and phyto nutrients, this oil has numerous benefits for hair of all different types and textures.

Here’s why this oil is popular for hair oiling:

  • Boosts hair growth
  • Strengthens hair follicles when applied directly to scalp
  • Prevents hair loss
  • Provides natural UV protection
  • Improves scalp health
  • Restores shine and volume
  • Adds hydration

9. Tamanu Oil

Tamanu oil is known for its popularity of use in some Polynesian beauty rituals. This oil is native to tropical Asia and comes from the nut of tamanu trees. Because of its thick and greasy consistency, it’s not recommended to be applied directly to the hair. Though, coarse and dry hair may handle it better than finer hair.

However, this oil truly shows its value when it is blended with other ingredients or formulated in products.

Check out the hair benefits:

  • Weightless Moisture
  • Increases Shine
  • UV Protection
  • Offers Slight Heat Protection
  • Great for Most Hair Types, but works best when added into shampoos and conditioners
  • Smoothing
  • Calms the scalp

10. Kukui Nut Oil

Kukui, also called the Candlenut, is loosely translated as light or enlightenment in the hawaiian language. So of course this made the list of the best carrier oils for hair.

This oil is produced by the Aleurites Moluccanus tree, found in the Indo-Malaysia region. It wasn’t until later that these seeds were transported to Hawaii.

Rich in linoleic and oleic fatty acids, along with vitamin B, this oil blesses the hair in multiple ways.

Your hair will love it because:

  • Boosts collagen production
  • Strengthens hair follicles to prevent hair loss
  • Accelerates hair growth due to potassium levels
  • Works as a primer on damp hair
  • Absorbs quickly
  • Softens hair
  • Adds moisture
  • Detangles
  • Improves dry hair after overexposure to elements
  • Offers humidity resistance
  • Repels outside moisture to reduce unwanted frizz
  • Soothes dry, itchy scalp
  • Protects against scalp infections

11. Baobab Oil

Baobab oil is climbing its way to the top as a key ingredient in the beauty industry. It is one of the moist nourishing oils for skin. And within the last several years, it has reintroduced itself as an amazing hair ingredient, too. The oil comes from the seeds of the Baobab tree found in Africa and parts of Australia.

Here’s why you should try it:

  • Ultra Moisturizing
  • Strengthening
  • High in Omega-3 Fatty Acids
  • Contains Hydroxycinnamic Acid Glycoside which offers antibacterial, anti-fungal, & anti-inflammatory properties
  • Improves the look & feel of hair
  • Increased Shine
  • Healer of hair

12. Marula Oil

Marula oil is native to parts of Southern Africa and plays a bigger role in skin care. Only recently has it started to be incorporated into more hair care products. This lightweight oil is rich in vitamins C and E, and oleic acid.

In fact, marula oil is also high in L-arginine, more commonly known as a vasodilator ( which helps increase blood supply to hair follicles).

Not convinced yet?

Here’s how your hair will benefit:

  • Lightweight, non-greasy and absorbs quickly
  • Perfect for daily use
  • Repairs damage
  • Prevents split ends
  • Smoothes frizz
  • Balances natural oil production
  • Anti-aging
  • Reverses environmental and chemical damage while protecting against future damage
  • Promotes hair growth due to increased follicle stimulation
  • Supports scalp health

You’ll find marula oil works best on the following hair types: dry, frizzy, brittle, damaged, over treated, and curly.

However, thicker hair types may benefit from adding this oil into a deeply penetrating conditioner to get the best results.

13. Olive Oil

Olive oil is used for more than just cooking or as a salad dressing. As a matter of fact, it’s a holy grail beauty product that dates back thousands of years. Though it’s inexpensive, it has been coined as the term liquid gold.

However, I would not suggest this oil for you if you are a fine-haired friend or suffer from an oily scalp.

Additionally, this is not a good oil to style hair, or to use as a source of heat protection. But, if you have dry, thick, or heavily processed hair, here’s some amazing results you can expect:

  • Adds shine
  • Restores natural body and bounce
  • Softens and conditions
  • Soothes the scalp
  • Penetrates the hair shaft for ultimate moisture
  • Great for hair treated with relaxers, perms, or bleach
  • Frizz fighter

At one point or another, I have been lucky enough to use these hair oils in my holistic hair rituals. Being that you too are on a holistic hair wellness journey, these oils offer many benefits for you. Carrier oils are an inexpensive way to treat you and your hair to luxurious at home treatments. Also, as you get more familiar with your hair needs, you can mix multiple oils.

Are there any carrier oils that you have tried? Which ones were your favorite? Let me know in the comments below!