One of the biggest mistakes guys make with their hair is thinking that hair oil is an optional add-on for special occasions. 

But if you’re a man who’s looking to Level Up your style and grooming game, you’re going to have to do better than your scalp-drying 3-in-1 shampoo.

That’s where hair oils come in.

Each oil type is particularly effective at dealing with one kind of common problem, whether it be an irritated scalp, frizziness, or anything else under the sun.

So in this article, we’ll cover 5 of the best hair oils for men, and how you can get the most out of each one for your coif. By the end, you’ll know how to unlock new ways of styling your hair that you didn’t even know were possible.

1. Tea Tree Oil

First up, tea tree oil is a natural and powerful way to calm scalp irritation. If you’re someone who’s tried practically every anti-dandruff shampoo on the market without success, this kind of hair oil might be worth a shot (especially if you’re only shampooing once a week like ever diligent Level Up member should).

So what exactly is tea tree oil? It’s an essential oil derived from the leaves of a plant known as Melaleuca alternifolia, found in Australia. This powerful ingredient has been used for centuries to treat scalp and skin issues, relying on its natural antifungal, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.

Thanks to its unique properties, tea tree oil can help to treat scalp issues like dryness, psoriasis and eczema as well as reducing dandruff. Just remember: when using tea tree oil for hair care it's important not to use it in its pure form, as it can be an irritant. Make sure to dilute your oil with a carrier oil like jojoba or coconut before applying it to your hair and scalp.

Note: You may find tea tree oil also advertised as a “serum,” which isn’t something to be afraid of. Tea tree oil is often mixed with other soothing ingredients like peppermint to help alleviate discomfort and leave a fresh scent. 

2. Sunflower Oil

Sunflower oil is seen as having a wide range of benefits for your hair, with concentrations of Vitamin-E and oleic acid that tackle scalp inflammation and hair breakage. Typically, sunflower oil is used as a pre-shampoo treatment, given its ability to penetrate deep into the hair follicles and ensure that you’re nourishing your scalp from within. 

It can also be used after shampooing to help lock in moisture and reduce frizz. To use sunflower oil for your hair health, simply saturate your strands with the oil, massage it into your scalp and leave it in overnight. You can then wash it out with a gentle cleanser in the morning. 

Keep in mind that sunflower oil is fairly potent, so only small amounts are necessary when mixed with other ingredients to get your hair back on track.

3. Argan Oil

This oil variety comes from a Moroccan tree, and is known for its high fatty acid and vitamin-E qualities. Fatty acids are especially useful for repairing damaged hair strands and follicles.

If you hopped on the blonde hair dye trend in the past couple years, your hair likely took a beating from the chemicals used to change its color. Argan oil helps your hair grow back strong and reduces hard-to-manage frizz. 

It also cuts down frizz and flyaways by helping retain moisture in the hair — making it a fan-favorite feature in any hairstyling product.

Pro Tip: If you style your hair the correct way using a blowdryer, it’s worth applying a touch of argan oil in your hair as a heat protectant. This will help shield your strands from the high temperatures and prevent them from becoming damaged or dried out.

4. Olive Oil

This versatile oil contains monounsaturated fats and antioxidants, which help to hydrate hair and minimize breakage. Now, it's important to remember that all should be extra careful when applying olive oil to your hair as it can be quite greasy. To avoid this, make sure you apply the oil only to the ends of your hair, or mix it with a lighter product like jojoba oil or almond oil.

When used regularly, Olive Oil helps to reduce scalp irritation, restore natural shine and improve hair strength, protecting against split ends.

You can use olive oil either before or after shampooing to help lock in moisture and add shine. 

To get the most out of olive oil, heat it up lightly and massage into your scalp for about 15 minutes before rinsing it off with a gentle cleanser. Alternatively, you can wait until the next morning to wash it out. It’s also great to use as a serum after styling your hair if you need some extra shine throughout the day. 

Pro Tip: While this isn’t exactly the most ideal solution for guys who struggle with dandruff (since it can actually worsen existing flakes), if you are suffering from breakage or dryness in your hair, it can be an effective way to improve your hair health and vitality. 

5. Castor Oil

Finally, castor oil is the best choice for men with thick, curly hair or locks. This type of oil is packed with fatty acids that can help nourish your scalp and promote hair growth. Castor oil offers an effective remedy for thinning hair or baldness because it increases the blood circulation to the scalp and encourages healthy hair growth.

It also has anti-fungal properties that help to protect against dandruff and other scalp problems. To use castor oil for your hair, simply massage it into your scalp and then leave it in for a few hours before washing it out with a gentle cleanser.

This multipurpose vegetable oil is usually mixed with other ingredients to give an aroma as smooth as your fresh haircut. So if you’ve been struggling with hair growth, dryness or scalp inflammation, give castor oil a try. It might just be the last ingredient your mane needs to get back in shape! 

So there you have it

The 5 best hair oils for men who want to keep their hair looking great and healthy. Whether you’ve got thick, curly locks or thinning hair, these oils can give you the results you’re looking for. Give one a try and let us know how it works for you!