Every naturalista needs a few key products to keep her curls, coils, and kinks looking their best — a divine deep conditioner [1], a curl-defining or hydrating cream [2], and a sumptuous hair oil. A good hair oil is one of the most diverse beauty products you'll ever own because it's great for locking in moisture, calming damage, and reducing frizz. If you're looking for a more specific hair remedy for an irritated scalp, thinning hair, or maybe a luxurious intensive treatment, then we've found the perfect hair oil for you — keep reading to discover our top picks.

The right hair oil can revolutionise your hair care regime, once you understand what your hair really needs. Many naturalistas recommend the LOC method, which stands for liquid-oil-cream. The LOC method suggests that the best way to keep afro-textured hair hydrated and healthy is to start your styling routine with a liquid-based product like water, or a styling milk. Then, follow by using a natural oil or oil product on your damp hair, like castor oil, argan oil, or peppermint — depending on your specific hair concern. Finally, finish off your routine with a hydrating cream or curl-defining gel to unlock the happiest coils of your life.

For more specific hair concerns, you'll want to first do a spot test to make sure you're not allergic to certain natural oils. When choosing the right natural oil for your hair need, there a few much-loved oils — like olive oil, castor oil, jojoba oil, peppermint oil, tea tree oil, and argan oil — that naturalistas swear by. From my experience, olive oil is great for damaged, thinning hair, and works wonders for curl definition; castor oil is an all-around winner and can be used to moisturise both the hair and scalp, although it's a bit heavier and better suited for thicker hair; jojoba oil is also great for moisturising the scalp, but its much lighter than castor oil so it's a great alternative for thinner hair types; peppermint oil is great for an itchy scalp, especially if you add a few drops into your deep conditioner; a small amount of diluted tea tree oil can help to lift product build-up on your hair and scalp; and argan oil is a wonderfully light serum for reducing frizz, especially if you're using hot tools.

If you fancy using some these oils, then I would recommend either mixing a small amount in your deep conditioner or styling products, using one of the gentler oils as a part of the LOC method, or using your favourite oil on it's own as an intensive hot treatment. Alternatively, you can choose from one of the incredible products ahead that are rich in these oils, and tailored to your specific hair concern.

Virtue Healing Oil

Virtue Healing Oil [3] (£40) is a luxurious blend of alpha keratin, birrea seed oil, coconut oil, and watermelon seed oil that is proven to rebuild weak and damaged hair. We would recommend this as an overnight treatment for chemically-processed or heat damaged hair.

Paul Mitchell Lavender Mint Overnight Moisture Therapy

Paul Mitchell Lavender Mint Overnight Moisture Therapy [4] (£16) is an indulgent deep treatment that works wonders while you sleep. It's infused with monoi, pequi, and jojoba oils to strengthen your hair, while the lavender, peppermint, and tea tree oil clarifies your scalp and enhances your sleep experience.

Nessa Crowning Glory

Nessa Crowning Glory [5] (£29) hair and scalp oil is great for hormonal hair and thinning strands. Made with argan and jojoba oils, nettle, Indian gooseberry, and rosemary, this multi-tasking oil hydrates your hair, and enriches your scalp with vitamins, collagen, and omegas.

Macadamia Professional Ultra Rich Moisture Oil Treatment

Macadamia Professional Ultra Rich Moisture Oil Treatment [6] strengthens strands with its blend of macadamia and argan oil, as well as mongongo, olive fruit, and sweet almond oils for added moisture. We also love that it has a pump, so there's no cleanup needed.

Carol’s Daughter Black Vanilla Moisture & Shine Pure Hair Oil

Carol's Daughter Black Vanilla Moisture & Shine Pure Hair Oil [7] (£17) is great for dry and brittle hair, and it is best used as a hot oil treatment or added into your favourite deep conditioner. The ingredients include some lesser-known oils in the curly hair community, like camomile extract and safflower oil, while the added calendula makes this product cocktail extremely calming.

The Mane Choice Multi-Vitamin Scalp Nourishing Growth Oil

If you're frustrated with hair that's not growing as fast as you'd like, consider adding The Mane Choice Multi-Vitamin Scalp Nourishing Growth Oil [8] (£12) into your regime. It's full of vitamins and biotin to stimulate damaged hair follicles.

Ouidad Mongongo Oil Multi-Use Curl Treatment

We love that this Ouidad Mongongo Oil Multi-Use Curl Treatment [9] (£38) comes in a spray bottle because it makes it much easier to apply. The formula contains mongongo nut oil, coconut oil, American palm seed oil, and broccoli seed oil that makes a great treatment for different curl types. It's a product that we would use for reducing frizz and offering protection from heat styling.

Shu Uemura Art of Hair Essence Absolue

Shu Uemura Art of Hair Essence Absolue [10] (£34) is best used as a pre-treatment before you shampoo or you can try it as a luxurious leave-in treatment. It's made with pure, indulgent camellia kissi seed oil, and all you need is one or two pumps to cure thirsty strands.

MarulaOil Rare Oil Treatment

We can't get enough of this lightweight formula of cold-pressed marula oil for treating dry ends. Plus, the sleek black design of the MarulaOil Rare Oil Treatment [11] (£30) bottle will give you the urge to show it off on your vanity.