If there’s one thing all curl types have in common, it’s the need for moisture, and lots of it. Because of the unique shape of curly and coily strands, natural oils produced by the scalp don’t always make it all the way down the hair shaft. That’s why curl-specific oiling routines aren’t just “nice to have”—they’re essential.
At The Curl Ambassadors™, we’ve spent years working exclusively with curls, coils, and waves of every texture. Through thousands of in-salon consultations, we’ve seen firsthand how the right natural oils can transform curls from dry and dull to juicy and defined. But not all oils are created equal, and how you apply them matters just as much as what’s in the bottle.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best natural oils for curly hair—what they do, who they’re for, and how to use them. We’ll also feature a few of the curl-friendly products we trust in our salon, with blends that are thoughtfully formulated to deliver results.
1. Jojoba Oil
When clients ask us why their curls still feel dry even after conditioning, the answer is often in their oil routine—or lack of one. Jojoba oil is one of the most universally recommended oils for curly hair because it closely resembles the scalp’s own natural sebum. This means it blends easily into the scalp’s ecosystem without clogging pores or weighing curls down.
Who it’s best for: For curly hair types in the 2A to 3B range or for anyone with fine strands or low-porosity hair, jojoba is a lightweight hero. It moisturizes without leaving behind residue and helps restore shine while keeping the scalp balanced and healthy.
At The Curl Ambassadors™, we often recommend starting with jojoba-based oils when someone is new to oiling, especially if they’re hesitant about greasy textures. Its non-greasy, fast-absorbing nature makes it a great entry point.
How to use it: After washing, apply a few drops of jojoba oil directly to damp hair or massage it into the scalp as part of your LOC (Liquid–Oil–Cream) routine. It’s also ideal for softening ends or taming frizz between wash days.
Their replenishing oil has a lightweight formula that blends jojoba with rosehip and macadamia oils to deliver both moisture and antioxidant protection. Its versatility makes it ideal for use as a leave-in sealant, nourishing scalp oil, or even a restorative hot oil treatment. It’s free from heavy synthetic additives and well-suited to multi-use routines for hair and skin.
2. Argan Oil
Argan oil is often referred to as “liquid gold” for good reason. Sourced from the kernels of the Moroccan argan tree, this nutrient-rich oil is loaded with essential fatty acids, vitamin E, and antioxidants. For curly hair, argan offers a balance of softness, strength, and shine, making it a go-to for curls that feel brittle, damaged, or in need of protection.
What sets argan oil apart is its ability to smooth the hair cuticle while improving elasticity and manageability. It helps tame frizz and flyaways without leaving hair greasy, which is why it’s a staple in many strengthening and restorative hair routines.
Who it’s best for: While argan oil benefits all curl types, it’s especially helpful for color-treated hair or curls that are prone to dryness and breakage. At The Curl Ambassadors™, our Curly Colour™ and Curly Lites™ services are carefully designed to protect the integrity of your curl pattern during chemical processes. For clients post-colour, we often recommend introducing gentle oils like argan into their aftercare to help restore suppleness, reinforce elasticity, and extend the vibrancy of their curls.
How to use it: Work a small amount through dry or slightly damp curls, focusing on the mid-lengths and ends. It’s excellent as a finishing oil to add shine or as a softening touch between wash days.
3. Almond Oil
Almond oil is a nourishing powerhouse for curly hair. It’s rich in vitamins E and D, plus essential fatty acids that penetrate deeply to restore moisture and shine. It’s lighter than many thicker oils, making it a great choice for a broad range of textures—from fine waves to thick coils—especially when dryness or scalp sensitivity is a concern.
Almond oil works by conditioning the scalp, smoothing the hair cuticle, and helping to reduce breakage and frizz. Its mild, fast-absorbing nature makes it a versatile and user-friendly option for daily curl maintenance.
Who it’s best for: All curl types benefit from almond oil, but it’s particularly effective for flaky scalps, dry ends, or anyone seeking nourishment without heaviness.
How to use it: Warm a few drops in your palms and work through damp or dry hair, focusing on the mid-lengths and ends. You can also use it on the scalp to soothe dryness or gently break down old gel casts without overloading the hair.
Formulated with sweet almond oil as its base, this blend delivers deep, penetrating moisture. It also includes avocado oil and shea butter to lock in hydration and soothe the scalp. The lightweight, multi-oil formula is perfect as a hot-oil treatment, scalp massage oil, or to refresh second-day curls without causing buildup.
4. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil stands out in natural hair care thanks to its high concentration of lauric acid, a medium-chain fatty acid with a linear structure that absorbs deeply into the hair shaft. This unique molecular composition allows coconut oil to effectively reduce protein loss and strengthen curls from the inside out, making it a favourite among curly hair treatments.
Who it’s best for: It’s particularly beneficial for high-porosity, coarse, or excessively dry hair needing repair and resilience. Those textures benefit most from the deep-emollient properties that restore lost protein, smooth the hair cuticle, and reinforce the hair’s natural structure. If your curls lack bounce or feel brittle, a warm coconut-oil treatment can restore elasticity and shine.
How to use it: Warm coconut oil until it liquefies, then apply as a pre-shampoo treatment on dry hair, focusing on mid-lengths and ends. Leave it on for 20 minutes up to overnight before washing. When used as a post-wash treatment, apply sparingly to dry ends to avoid greasiness.
5. Castor Oil
Castor oil is one of the heaviest natural oils used in hair care, thanks to its rich content of ricinoleic acid and omega fatty acids. It forms an occlusive layer around the hair shaft, locking in moisture and providing long-lasting hydration, ideal for thick, coily curls that dry out quickly. Many users also report that castor oil supports strength and helps reduce breakage, contributing to better length retention.
Who it’s best for: Castor oil is especially suited to tight curls and coils (3C to 4C) or anyone looking for powerful moisture-sealing properties. It’s commonly used in twist-outs and protective styles to keep ends hydrated and defined.
How to use it: Because it’s so dense, castor oil should be mixed with a lighter oil (like jojoba or almond) before application. Use on ends or scalp during twisting or braiding routines, or as a hot-oil treatment. Apply warm to aid absorption, leave it on for up to an hour (or overnight with a shower cap), then shampoo thoroughly to avoid buildup.
This castor-rich styling cream includes castor oil and pro-vitamin B5, offering both definition and moisture while helping elongate curls. Its lightweight formula provides medium hold without stiffness and is well-suited for defining styles like wash-and-go or rod sets.
6. Avocado Oil
Avocado oil is rich in monounsaturated fatty acids and vitamin E, both of which help strengthen the hair shaft and boost shine. Its penetrating nature allows it to moisturize deeply, protect against frizz, and smooth the cuticle, making it ideal for thick, dry, or transitioning hair types.
Who it’s best for: This oil supports densely coiled or dry curls, especially during transitioning phases. It seals in hydration, fortifies strands, and creates a protective layer against breakage and environmental stressors.
How to use it: After applying your hydrating products (like leave-in conditioners or styling creams), use a few drops of avocado oil as the final step in your routine to seal moisture. You can also mix it into twist-out bases for added nourishment.
This salon-approved elixir blends cold-pressed avocado oil with moringa, amla, grapeseed, jojoba, and vitamin E. It offers non-greasy hydration, helps lock in shine, and encourages curl bounce, all without build-up.
Layering Oils: A Pro Tip for Curls
One of the most effective (and often overlooked) techniques in curly hair care is oil layering, which involves strategically combining different oils based on how they interact with the hair strand. Think of it as building a moisture barrier that works with, not against, your texture.
The idea is simple: begin with a penetrating oil like jojoba or coconut, which can move past the cuticle layer and deliver moisture to the hair’s inner structure. Once that hydration is in, follow up with a sealing oil like almond, castor, avocado, or argan. These heavier oils coat the strand and help lock that moisture in, preventing it from evaporating throughout the day.
This layering method is particularly helpful in drier climates, after colour services, or during protective styling. At The Curl Ambassadors™, we often educate our clients on techniques like this during one-on-one consultations, helping them build curl routines that reflect their unique porosity, density, and goals.
Pro Tip: Apply oils to damp, not soaking-wet hair, and always start with a small amount to avoid buildup.
Final Tips for Applying Natural Oil
When it comes to natural oils, more isn’t always better. A little goes a long way, especially for curls, which thrive on balanced hydration, not heavy buildup. Whether you’re new to oils or refining your current routine, here are a few expert tips to make the most of them:
- Patch test first.
Even natural ingredients can trigger sensitivities. Always test new oils on a small area of skin before applying them to your scalp or hairline. - Use sparingly.
For most curl types, just a few drops are enough. Start with less and build up as needed. Too much oil can lead to limp curls or residue that’s hard to wash out. - Know your hair’s porosity and texture.
Low-porosity hair often prefers lighter oils, like almond oil, while high-porosity or coily textures respond better to richer options, like castor or coconut oil. If you’re unsure of your porosity, one of our stylists can help assess it during your next visit. - Try hot-oil treatments monthly.
For 3C to 4C curls or hair recovering from dryness, a warm oil treatment can replenish moisture and restore elasticity. This is especially useful between protective styles or after colour services. - Apply oils on damp hair.
Water is the ultimate hydrator, and oils simply help seal it in. Applying oils to damp, not soaking wet, hair ensures you’re locking in moisture where it counts most.
Ready to Build Your Curly Oil Routine?
Curly hair thrives on natural nourishment. By choosing the right oils, you can keep curls defined, hydrated, and strong.
Not sure where to start? Book a visit with one of our curl specialists. We’ll help you understand your texture, porosity, and styling habits so you can build a routine that actually works. From oil layering techniques to post-colour hydration tips, we’ll teach you how to manage your hair the best way possible.
Because when you understand your curls, you can love them even more.
