Hair oil: what's all the fuss about?

Officially the fastest selling product in the multi-million pound hair industry, hair oil has come a long way since it's Eighties hot oil origins.

BY Katy Young

Scarlett Johansson, who is famous for her glossy locks, is a big fan of hair oils. Photo: Rex

One in ten of us can't be wrong?

So forget what you think you know about hair oil. The big beauty players have created a completely new generation of oils for the hair. They've swapped sachets for sleek pumps, heavy textures for light-to-the-touch silkiness and used ingredients that suit both your hair, and thankfully your hands.
And they're popular. L'Oréal reported that their new Mythic oil is the fastest selling L'Oréal Professionnel product to date, with over 1 million sold in Europe since its launch this year. Luxury brand Kérastase boasts a five time award winning Elixir Ultime, which a year after it's creation has sold over 200,000 bottles. While Moroccanoil, which launched back in 2009 with one hair oil is now the most searched for hair oil brand on Google.
In actual fact hair oil is the new hair serum. So while it still adds that glossy, swishy shine, the humble hair oil also adds protection and nourishment for hair. And where serums typically just coated hair with silicone for that glassy gloss, oils add shine in a far more hair friendly way. Usually based on the essential fatty acid, vitamin e and anti-oxidant rich argan oil, hair oils actually pentrating the hair to treat and condition at the same time.
It's not just the consumers who are fans. As well as its powerful celebrity following, including Scarlett Johansson, Lady Gaga, Jessica Biel, hair oil is now the staple of every backstage hair stylist at the shows. The professionals know that used in the right way, oil is the ultimate multi-tasking hair styling and conditioning product there is.
But using it in the right way matters - so if you have tried it and weren't sold on the idea, take our advice and try again. And do shop around, some versions are heavier than others (most good brands do a wardrobe to suit hair types, but we think Moroccanoil The Original Treatment, £30.45, www.feelunique.com is good for taming coarse hair, while Kerastase Elixir, £25.88, www.hqhair.com , works well on normal hair and L'Oreal's Professionals Mythic Oil, £13.55, www.feelunique.com , has a smart option for super fine hair).
The pros advise using hair oil like this. For a more intense conditioning treatment use oil on wet hair, or for that elusive "just stepped out of a salon" super expensive shine use it on dry. Pump a ten pence piece, max, into your hand and always rub into palms beforehand. Then smooth evenly over the pony tail lengths of your hair, never near your scalp.