How to Choose a Salon-Exclusive Hair Oil | 7 Oils Compared by Hair Thickness, Frizz and Desired Finish

Makers of salon-exclusive hair oils describe in detail "for what kind of hair" and "for what kind of finish" each oil is made. Here we line up 7 of the oils we carry from 3 viewpoints: hair thickness, frizz and coarseness, and the finish you want. They are not ranked. Kérastase and LOA THE OIL are covered in Kérastase Hair Oils Compared and LOA THE OIL Types Compared, respectively.

The 7 oils compared

ELUJUDA FO
Tax incl. 120ml ¥3,146ELUJUDA MO
Tax incl. 120ml ¥3,146Lebel IAU Serum Oil
Tax incl. 100ml ¥2,640Lebel viege Oil
Tax incl. 90ml ¥2,750

By hair thickness and stiffness: ELUJUDA FO and MO

Milbon's ELUJUDA divides its oils into 2 by hair stiffness. FO is for hair lacking body that is hard to move, and MO is for stiff hair that is hard to move. Both contain baobab seed oil (a hair-protecting ingredient).

By frizz and coarseness: IAU Serum Oil

LebeL's IAU Serum Oil is described by the maker as an oil for hair that tends to get coarse. It contains green nut oil (Plukenetia volubilis seed oil) and, according to the maker, smooths the texture of frizzy hair from within. The scent is floral green.

For age-related changes: viege Oil

LebeL's viege is an aging care (care suited to age) series for the scalp and hair of mature women. Apply 1–3 pumps of the oil mainly to the ends after towel-drying, then dry.

If you dislike heaviness or use a flat iron: Iluca no senaka Oil

Kami ni Drama wo.'s "Iluca no senaka Oil" is an oil the maker describes for people who dislike the heaviness of oil. It can be used twice, at night after bathing and in the morning before using a flat iron, and contains a heat-reactive ingredient (γ-docosalactone).

By the finish you want: SEE/SAW Clear Oil

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

LebeL's SEE/SAW Clear Oil comes in 2 types depending on the style you want to create. Flat if you want a smooth surface and a sleek look, Sharp if you want to show movement and dimension at the ends. For both, spread an appropriate amount well in your palms and apply mainly to the ends.

How we tell clients to apply oil at our salons

With any oil, start with a small amount. Spread it over your whole palms, then apply to the ends → mid-lengths, and just smooth whatever is left over the roots so hair doesn't get heavy. The same oil gives a different finish depending on whether you apply it to wet hair and dry, or use it on dry hair as a finish. The basics are covered in How to Use Hair Oil.

FAQ

What is the difference between salon-exclusive and drugstore oils?

Salon-exclusive products are made on the assumption that they will be sold through salons. For how to think about the difference, see Salon-Exclusive vs. Drugstore Shampoo.

Which is better, milk or oil?

It depends on your hair condition and the finish you want. See Hair Oil vs. Hair Milk.

Can men use them?

The makers' descriptions of the 7 oils in this article make no distinction by gender.

Online store shipping is free for orders of ¥3,980 or more (tax incl.) to Honshu, Shikoku and Kyushu (¥440 for Hokkaido and Okinawa).

Sources (each maker's official site): ELUJUDA FO/MO (Milbon), IAU Serum Oil (LebeL), viege Oil (LebeL), Iluca no senaka Oil (Kami ni Drama wo.), SEE/SAW Clear Oil Flat (LebeL), SEE/SAW Clear Oil Sharp (LebeL)

*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.