How to Use Hair Oil | Amount and Application on Wet Hair, Dry Hair and for Morning Styling

2026.10.25Styling Hair oil Leave-in treatment

Some hair oils are used before drying to protect hair from heat and friction, some are used on dry hair to add shine and definition, and some can be used for both. Checking first which type the oil you have is will keep you from being unsure how to use it.

Basic application

The basic method is to apply it after towel-drying, from the ends to the mid-lengths, then dry. In the morning or on dry hair, use a small amount on the ends and surface after spreading it well on your palms. For medium-length hair, start with 1–2 pumps and add more if it is not enough.

Application by situation

Situation	How to apply	Amount guide
After a bath (before drying)	Spread from your palms to between your fingers, then run it through like a finger comb from near the ends to the mid-lengths. Dry from the roots	1–2 pumps (KÉRASTASE's steps)
After drying	To finish, work a small amount in from the ends, then through the whole head as if sweeping hair up	+1 pump (same as above)
Morning / styling	Spread well on your palms and apply mainly to the ends. Shape definition and movement by pinching with your fingers	1–3 pumps depending on the oil

KÉRASTASE advises working oil in before drying, removing moisture with airflow rather than heat, and not over-drying the ends.

KÉRASTASE CH Huile Chronologiste N | Tax incl. 75ml ¥8,580 / 75ml (refill) ¥7,260 / 30ml ¥3,960

Oils for wet hair and for dry hair

Some oils are meant for specific situations.

Product	Hair to use on	Maker's description
ELUJUDA Sun Protect Oil	Dry hair	Morning care protects hair from sunlight through the day. Glossy, fine definition (short 1, medium 2, long 3 pumps)
SEE/SAW Clear Oil Flat	Mainly the ends	For sleek styles. Shine that smooths the surface
SEE/SAW Clear Oil Sharp	Mainly the ends	For styles with movement. Shine that shows dimension
IAU Serum Oil	Mainly the ends	Settles hair that tends to feel coarse into a glossy finish
KÉRASTASE Huile Lumière Repair	Wet hair and dry hair	The guide is 1–2 droppers

ELUJUDA Sun Protect Oil
Tax incl. 50ml ¥3,388

SEE/SAW Clear Oil Flat
Tax incl. 80ml ¥4,180

SEE/SAW Clear Oil Sharp
Tax incl. 80ml ¥4,180

Lebel IAU Serum Oil
Tax incl. 100ml ¥2,640

If you apply too much

If it feels greasy, press the ends lightly between a dry towel to remove the excess. Oil near the roots tends to make hair look heavy, so add it a little at a time from the ends. The finer or shorter your hair, the less you need.

For short hair and men

For short hair, even 1 pump can be too much. Spread it thoroughly over your whole palm, then pinch the ends. Some people mix it with wax, but mixing changes the texture, so try a small amount first. The differences between types of styling products are summarized in Wax, Balm, Grease and Gel Compared.

FAQ

What order should I use it in with a hair milk?

Generally, milk first and oil after. For details, see Hair Oil vs. Hair Milk.

Can I apply it before using a flat iron?

Some oils are designed to protect hair from heat (for example, KÉRASTASE Fluide Oléo-Relax R). How to use them differs by product, so please check the product page.

Can I apply it before bed?

It is fine to put a small amount on the ends after drying. If your ends tend to spread from rubbing on the pillow, another option is to just tidy the ends before bed.

See the list of oils in Hair Oil Feature. The differences between KÉRASTASE oils are compared in KÉRASTASE Hair Oils Compared.

Source (KÉRASTASE official site): Huile Chronologiste N, Huile Lumière Repair, Fluide Oléo-Relax R

Source (MILBON): Sun Protect

Source (Lebel official site): Clear Oil Flat, Clear Oil Sharp, IAU Serum Oil

*Results vary from person to person. If a product does not agree with your scalp or skin, stop using it and consult a dermatologist. Prices include tax and are as of the time of posting.