14 Best Carrier Oils For Hair For Voluminous Looks (2024): Expert-Approved
Volumize your tresses with organic oils that provide nourishment to your scalp.
Leata A. Williams is the founder of Mane Theory, Inc. She is a L’ Oreal trained licensed cosmetologist who began styling hair at a very young age. Leata’s love for hair came about once she realized the versatility of styles that can be done. With altering her hair, trying many different cuts, colors, and extension techniques, Leata experienced extensive hair damage.
Read full bio of Leata A. Williams
Experience: 4 yearsShiboli has a master’s degree in English literature from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and is a certified skincare coach with four years of experience. As a commerce editor, she guides her team members on the best practices to create crisp and authentic content.
Read full bio of Shiboli Chakraborti
Experience: 5 yearsAditi Naskar has a postgraduate degree in English literature from Presidency University, Kolkata, a bachelor’s degree in education from WBUTTEPA, Kolkata, and a diploma in health and wellness. She is an associate commerce editor with 5 years of experience and specializes in reviewing fitness and health products.
Read full bio of Aditi Naskar
Experience: 7 yearsAnjali is an associate editor at StyleCraze. She specializes in hairstyles and hair and skin care and has written over 200 articles in these domains. She has 7 years of experience, and her philosophy about hair and skin care is simple: if you love and care for it, it will be healthy.
Read full bio of Anjali Sayee
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The right oil can help you achieve smooth and soft hair. If you struggle with dry, dull hair, find the best carrier oils to add to your hair care routine. Carrier oils are natural oils extracted from nuts, seeds, and plants that can be applied to the hair directly or mixed with essential oils. They have micronutrients and minerals that provide nourishment to the scalp and reverse hair damage. They add shine to your hair, boost volume, and promote hair growth. Read on to know more about the benefits of these oils and find the best oil suitable for your hair type. Explore the world of botanical oils and their rich vitamin content, antioxidant properties, and ability to enhance the flexibility and growth of your hair.
In This Article
How Are Carrier Oils Beneficial For Hair And Scalp Health?
Carrier oils are versatile and highly beneficial in treating multiple hair issues. They are known to:
- Treat dandruff-prone and dry scalp
- Stimulate hair growth
- Protect hair from damage due to heat and hair styling
- Nourish and moisturize hair
- Add shine to hair
- Protect hair from chemical additives and non-natural ingredients
In short, carrier oils are the hair care superheroes. Here are bestselling carrier oils available online in 2024.
14 Best Carrier Oils For Hair That Give A Velvety, Voluminous Look
1. Best For Hair Growth: Sky Organics USDA Organic Cold-Pressed Castor Oil
Want luscious, long hair? Try this cold-pressed organic castor oil from Sky Organics. It is replete with nourishing fatty acids that moisturize and condition hair. This thick oil rejuvenates dry, dull hair and scalp. Its anti-inflammatory properties help soothe dandruff, while its natural fatty acids lubricate the hair shaft. The oil also promotes fuller-looking lashes and brows. It is free from artificial additives and chemicals too. Click on this video to learn more about the tester’s experience of using the product.
- Reduces scalp inflammation
- Cruelty-free
- Vegan
- Hexane-free
- Fragrance-free
- Alcohol-free
- Preservative-free
- 100% organic
- May cause allergies in some
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
This product has made it to our top favorite list with more than 56,268 rave reviews on Amazon.
2. Best For Moisturizing Hair: Handcraft Blends 100% Pure Avocado Oil
Give the right treatment to your hair at home with this 100% pure, cold-pressed avocado oil from Handcraft Blends. This premium quality oil is not just great for your hair but also for your skin and nails. It is a powerhouse of omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins A, D, and E. It is also a prime ingredient in most moisturizers, face creams, and sunscreens. The oil controls frizz, detangles hair, and adds sheen to your strands without making them greasy. They are absorbent and nutrient-rich, containing vitamins and antioxidants that support overall hair health. The antioxidants in the oil protect hair from UV damage, soothe itchy scalp, and promote hair growth. The bottle contains 100% pure, unfiltered, undiluted avocado oil free from preservatives and additives. Learn more about the reviewer’s experience with the product in this video.
- Minimizes frizz
- Hexane-free
- Lightweight
- Fast-absorbing
None
StyleCraze TriviaWhy We Think It's Worth Buying
This product is so liked by shoppers that it has gained over 531 great reviews on Amazon.
3. Best Natural Conditioner: Handcraft Blends 100% Pure Apricot Oil
This cold-pressed apricot oil from Handicraft Blends is one of the best carrier oils for massage and aromatherapy. Its vitamin- and fatty acid-rich formula offers endless benefits to the skin, hair, and nails. The oil is a great moisturizing agent that penetrates the scalp to provide intense nourishment and lasting hydration. Apricot oil is one of the most preferred nourishing ingredients for hair care. It helps condition and moisturize dry strands, promotes hair growth, and adds shine to the tresses. It’s a great source of vitamins A and E that help prevent split ends and reduce dandruff, making it an effective split-end treatment. It improves elasticity, stimulates hair growth, and maintains follicle health. This video gives you more information
- Offers UV protection
- Vegan
- Hexane-free
- Lightweight
None
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
With 20,590 positive reviews on Amazon, this product has become a bestseller.
Sky Organics USDA Organic Cold-Pressed Castor Oil Best For Hair Growth | Handcraft Blends 100% Pure Avocado Oil Best For Moisturizing Hair | Handcraft Blends 100% Pure Apricot Oil Best Natural Conditioner | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hair Type | Dry | - | - |
| Dimensions | 3.94 x 3.94 x 3.94 inches | - | - |
| Weight | 1.04 Pounds | 8.96 Ounces | 1 Pounds |
| Number of Items | - | 1 | - |
| Package Dimensions | - | 7.24 x 1.85 x 1.77 inches | 9.09 x 4.65 x 3.35 inches |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 56,268 | 531 | 20,590 |
| Price | $9.99 | $15.95 | $13.95 |
4. Best For Frizzy Hair: Leven Rose 100% Pure and Organic Jojoba Oil
Jojoba oil is a common ingredient in eco-friendly hair care products. This 100% organic, unrefined, cold-pressed jojoba oil is extracted from the simmondsia chinensis seeds locally grown in Arizona. The oil is packed in a dark, amber bottle that protects it from oxidation and photosensitivity. Pure jojoba oil moisturizes dry scalp, prevents split ends, strengthens hair, and manages frizzy hair by improving its manageability. It also leaves your hair soft and shiny. The Leven Rose jojoba oil also works magic by healing chapped and dry lips, treating acne, and reducing stretch marks. You can even use this oil as a makeup remover. This multipurpose oil has garnered a long list of positive reviews that praise its efficacy in adding more volume, shine, and manageability to the hair. Moreover, no animal testing is conducted on the product, making it ideal for ethically conscious consumers.
- Works as a makeup remover
- Cruelty-free
- Organic
- Great for curlier hair
- Fights split ends
- Non-sticky
None
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
It has gained over 22,750 positive reviews on Amazon, making it an all-time best-seller.
5. Best Hair Mask: Viva Naturals Sweet Almond Oil
Almond oil is rich in fatty acids and vitamin E, making it perfect for skin and hair care routines. The expeller-pressed Sweet Almond Oil from Viva Naturals retains the vitamins and antioxidants during the extraction process, delivering the nourishment your skin deserves. It is quick-absorbing and has a non-greasy texture. Sweet almond oil hydrates, strengthens, and smoothens dull, dry hair. It also soothes scalp inflammation, softens hair texture, promotes healthy hair growth, and works wonders to enhance shine. This oil is not tested on animals, which makes it ideal for people seeking ethically conscious formulations. You can use this oil in your DIY hair masks or substitute it with a hair serum for impeccable results.
- Quick-absorbing
- Non-greasy
- Non-GMO
- Non-allergic
- Hexane-free
- 100% natural
- Unscented
- May trigger allergies in some
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
More than 13,323 Amazon users have vouched for this amazing product.
6. Best For Dry Scalp: Maple Holistics 100% Pure Sunflower Oil
This 100% Pure Sunflower Oil from Maple Holistics is rich in fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamin E. It helps soothe dry scalp, seals moisture and adds shine to your hair. The fatty acids in the oil provide essential nutrients to repair hair follicles protecting the hair, and preventing breakage and further damage. You can pair this oil with essential oils to boost its efficacy. It boosts your hair quality while adding radiance to your skin. It perfectly complements your daily beauty regimen.
- Suits dry hair/scalp
- Detangles hair
- Can be used in DIYs
- Cruelty free
- Vegan
- Cold-pressed oil
None
StyleCraze Trivia7. Best For Hair Thickness: Pura D’or Professional Organic Fractionated Coconut Oil
Coconut is touted as the ultimate go-to fix-everything product for hair care. This pure organic fractionated coconut oil from Pura D’or Professional is a non-greasy beauty oil that works wonders on your hair. It moisturizes hair, reduces irritation, protects from UV damage, and infuses natural antioxidants into your hair. On the other hand, it is a great DIY beauty blend and magical carrier oil for hair. It penetrates your scalp to promote blood circulation and boost hydration. It also stimulates hair follicles, controls frizz, and rejuvenates the hair.
- Hexane-free
- Non-staining
- Light consistency
- Controls frizz
- Great for over-processed hair
None
8. Best Antioxidant-Rich Oil: Sky Organics Grapeseed Oil
The oil extracted from grape seeds helps balance scalp moisture. It is rich in antioxidants, vitamins A, E and K, and fatty acids that protect skin from environmental aggressors, reduce visible signs of aging, and enhance the skin’s natural radiance. It is also a great carrier oil that blends seamlessly with essential oils to help strengthen brittle hair, moisturize hair strands, combat split ends, and soothe the scalp. Its lightweight and non-greasy formula helps reduce hair loss, protects your hair shafts from UV damage, and controls signs of premature aging.
- Non-greasy
- Lightweight
- Fragrance-free
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
None
9. Best For Healthy Hair Growth: Cliganic Organic Argan Oil
Get healthy, smooth, and shiny hair with the help of Cliganic Organic Argan Oil. Argan oil has been used for ages by Moroccan women, and this best-kept secret is now a popular hair treatment solution for people worldwide. The carrier oil contains vitamin E and fatty acids that tames frizz and adds instant shine. The oil is 100% cold-pressed, unrefined, and all-natural. It is a great solution for hydrated skin and healthy nails and cuticles. The oil is gentle on the scalp, and you can massage it to stimulate healthy hair growth. The oil is free of any additives and completely vegan.
- Chemical-free
- Lightweight
- Fast absorbing
- Cruelty-free
- Vegan
- Controls frizz
None
10. Maple Holistics Pure Evening Primrose Oil
The Maple Holistics Primrose Oil is enriched with essential fatty acids and is suitable for all hair types. This cold-pressed, premium, therapeutic grade primrose oil complements your hair growth by minimizing hair loss. Besides adding volume, it also helps add sheen to your frizzy, dull hair. The oil also helps moisturize your hair and helps fight the signs of premature aging. This oil is surely a people’s favorite with multiple positive reviews praising its purity and lightweight texture.
- Lightweight
- Versatile product
- Minimizes hair fall
- Adds volume
- Improves hair elasticity
- Overpowering fragrance
11. Best For Split Ends: Horbaach 100% Pure Sweet Almond Oil
Say goodbye to your split ends with the Horbaach 100% Pure Moisturizing Almond Oil. It is a vitamin E-rich premium-grade oil that can repair your damaged tresses and rejuvenate your dry skin. The mono and polyunsaturated fats in this oil can help treat the dry and damaged scalp, improve your hair texture, and reverse damage caused by heat styling tools. Regular massages with this paraben-free, a non-GMO formula can improve blood circulation on your scalp and promote healthy hair growth.
- Vegan
- Paraben-free
- SLS-free
- 100% natural
- No added mineral oil
- Suitable for all hair types
None
12. US Organic Pumpkin Seed Oil
US Organic has come up with premium grade, 100% pure, cold-pressed pumpkin oil that benefits your hair. The antioxidants in the oil promote hair growth and heal scalp infection. It adds a boost of hydration to the hair follicles and reduces hair loss to a great extent. Moreover, this GMP- and USDA-certified oil is a great carrier oil that gives off miraculous benefits when blended with essential oil extracts.
- Paraben-free
- Alcohol-free
- Fragrance-free
- Cruelty-free
- No fillers
None
13. Life-Flo Pure Sesame Oil
Sesame oil is a great lifesaver for those looking for an effective carrier oil that works wonders to provide nourishment and lubrication to their hair. This oil is rich in antioxidants that help treat dandruff, reduce premature hair graying, maintain scalp health, boost hair growth, and reduce hair loss.
- Prevents premature hair greying
- Hexane-free
- Food-grade
- Gentle on scalp
None
14. Best For Daily Use: Shiny Leaf Organic Fractionated Coconut Oil
The Shiny Leaf Organic Coconut Oil is an unscented, 100% pure fractionated coconut oil. It is a boon to dry scalps and damaged tresses. It has a lightweight formula that gives your hair the right amount of nourishment and shine, without making it greasy. It is the ideal carrier oil for creating your favorite essential oil blends. It is a versatile, premium-quality coconut oil that can be effortlessly incorporated into skin and hair care routines.
- Sulfate-free
- Paraben-free
- Hexane-free
- No added artificial fragrance
- 100% natural
- No added mineral oil
- Lightweight formula
- The pump may leak
Carrier oils moisturizes and nourishes your hair, adding volume and managing frizz in the process. While Picking up a carrier oil for your hair becomes an easier job, when you can keep the following things in mind.
How To Choose The Best Carrier Oil?
Here are a few factors you must consider while choosing the best carrier oil for your hair.
1. Purpose: Each carrier oil is loaded with a unique combination of nutrients and antioxidants. While some carrier oils can help in taming frizz, other one might help in controlling hair fall. Underneath we have listed few oils and their benefits.
- Coconut oil, jojoba oil, argan oil, and almond oil work great on dull and dry hair. They also boost hair moisture.
- Lavender oil, lemongrass oil, and almond oil help soothe and hydrate the dry scalp.
- Coconut, almond, olive, and jojoba oils are great for repairing damaged hair.
- Lemongrass, almond, and grapeseed oils are excellent hair growth boosters.
- Opt for coconut and almond oils for faster hair growth.
- You can treat dandruff-prone hair with jojoba oil, almond oil, grapeseed oil, lemongrass oil, or olive oil.
2. Comedogenic Rating:
When buying an expert-recommended carrier oil, do look for its comedogenic rating – especially if you have oily, acne-prone skin and scalp. Highly comedogenic oils can clog your pores and risk break outs. Argan oil, and hemp seed oil are non-comedogenic, while coconut oil, cocoa butter, and flaxseed oil are fairly high on the comedogenic scale.
3. Aroma: Although most carrier oils are little or no aroma, few might possess an overpowering odor that can be too much for people with sensitive noses.
4. Absorption: Your skin and hair can absorb lighter carrier oils effortlessly. Most users prefer masking their hair with heavier oils pre-shampoo, while lighter oils are used post shower as a serum.
Infographic: Carrier Oil: Benefits And What To Avoid While Buying Them
Essential oils offer a lot of benefits to your hair. But to use them without any side effects, you need the right carrier oils. Did you know they have their own set of benefits and can provide nourishment to your scalp while promoting healthy hair growth? Here’s an infographic that discusses the uses and benefits of carrier oils and what to consider when you are looking for one. Take a look! Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
The Bottom Line
Carrier oils moisturize and nourish your hair, adding volume and managing frizz in the process. You can try the Sky Organics USDA Organic Cold-Pressed Castor Oil to condition your hair and soothe dandruff, or the Handcraft Blends 100% Pure Avocado Oil to deeply hydrate the hair while detangling and adding much-needed shine. You can also choose the Cliganic Organic Argan Oil if you prefer an all-in-one solution to keep your hair, skin, and nails healthy. While picking up a carrier oil for your hair becomes an easier job, when you can keep the following things in mind. Additionally, investing in a professional-grade oil would do really well for your tresses!
Why Trust StyleCraze?
The author of this article, Shiboli Chakraborti, is a certified skin care coach and also has a keen interest in hair care. She loves to research various hair care products to curate the best list for the readers, making their choices easy. After extensive research and reading many consumer reviews online, she has curated the list of carrier oils for hair. These oils support healthy hair and effectively reverse hair damage. The best part is that the carrier oils listed in the post can also be applied directly to the hair or mixed with other oils.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to mix carrier oils with essential oils for hair?
You must choose your carrier oil as per your hair type. Add two to three drops of essential oil to your carrier oil before applying it to your scalp and hair. Massage it well for better results.
Which carrier oil is best for hair growth and thickness?
Coconut and castor oils would be ideal for improving hair growth and thickness.
How many carrier oils can you mix together?
Two or three carrier oils can be mixed at a time to enhance the outcome. But try not to mix too many oils as they may cause an allergic reaction (and understanding which oil caused the allergy could be a challenge).
Should you use a carrier oil for your hair every day?
A nice and warm hair massage once a week is more than enough for boosting your hair health. Overuse of these oils can make your scalp oily and greasy, leaving your hair limp, dull, rough, and weak.
Which oils should not be mixed for the hair?
Avoid mixing mineral oils as they cause product buildup on your scalp and leave your locks looking dull.
Is baby oil a carrier oil?
No. Baby oil is a perfumed mineral oil that clogs your pores. So, avoid using it as a carrier oil.
Read full bio of Leata A. Williams
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