By Tara Young

Quench dry strands, coax frizz into submission and illuminate dull locks. From the shower to the beach to the BBQ, a Hair Oil will have your hair as smooth as a Renaissance goddess' all summer long, and it's within arms reach.

Like slathering your body in oil after a shower, there is just something so luxurious about running Hair Oil over your scalp and hair - and with an endless list of benefits, it has to be the most underrated hair product out there and we're going to tell you why.

It can be hard for the natural oils to travel from your scalp all the way to those frazzled ends, so that's where a hydrating Hair Oil comes in. Combining fatty acids and antioxidants, a hair oil will replenish the lipid layer on the surface of the hair, adding a protective layer to prevent breakage as well as offering protection from the elements - and of course a healthy shine.

But before you go picking the prettiest-looking hair oil and lathering it on your hair: find the right one for your hair type. The goal is to add moisture back without the oiliness, which, if you have fine hair, is a deal breaker.

The best thing about hair oil is how versatile they are. Deeply hydrating and conditioning, fighting frizz and tangles, adding shine and silkiness, these are two of the best multi-taskers on offer.

Intensively replenishing with that classic powdery vanilla scent, Oi Oil by Davines does it all. It features Roucou Oil which rebuilds damaged hair and detangles for smooth healthy hair. Oi Oil is best for thick, coarse hair types.

Formulated with Argan Oil, Jasmine Oil, Sandalwood and Shae Butter, Gold Lust Nourish Oil by Oribe is luxuriously lightweight, it penetrates the hair shaft to restore, strengthen and condition damaged locks. Ideal for dry, damaged and colour-treated hair.

Is your hair fried within an inch of its fragile life? Bring it back with an intensive treatment oil, for healthy hair from the inside out.

Cult classic No.7 Bonding Oil by Olaplex does exactly what it says it's going to. The highly concentrated oil repairs bonds while dramatically increasing shine, softness, and colour vibrancy. Great for all hair types including curls and fine hair.

Putting the sleep in beauty sleep; Night Recovery Monoi Oil by Christophe Robin works while you rest. The deeply nourishing overnight treatment is made with Monoi from the Tiare flower, French Lavender and Cedarwood to renew and strengthen strands, leaving them soft and glossy upon waking. Designed for Medium to thick damaged hair.

Salon fave Young Again by Kevin Murphy will rewind the time on ageing hair. Infused with Immortelle to help counteract oxidation this daily treatment oil delivers deep conditioning benefits that leave hair feeling soft and smooth with an overall boost to shine. Ideal for dry, damaged and brittle hair.

Newbie K18 Molecular Repair Hair Oil is flying out the door. This biotech-engineered weightless oil works alongside natural oils like avocado and sunflower oil, and hemisqualane and squalane to strengthen, repair damage, reduce frizz at two levels of the hair fibre, and improve shine. Can be used on all hair types.

Perhaps our favourite category of Hair Oils; Hair and Body Oils. Sheer fragranced oils that soften and strengthen hair, add protection and a satin glow. Perfect light layers for warmer months.

If fragrance isn't your thing, Coconut Body Oil by Foile is light, clear and unscented. As a natural emollient that is rich in hydrating properties, Coconut Oil will leave your skin smooth and glowing and Coconut oil makes for a great scalp moisturizer too.

Soften and protect hair, all over. Agender Oil by Noto Botanics is formulated with moisture-rich Hemp Seed Oil, smokey Vetiver and sweet Lavender to create the perfect harmony and nutrient-dense treatment with an earthy scent.

Chloe Zara's Hair and Body Perfume Oil is a wonder oil. It promotes strength, offers protection from heat and UV, while smoothing frizz, sealing split ends and helping combat humidity. A glossy moisturizer for hair and skin. The scent of Saffron, Pineapple, Fig and Sandalwood has us lusting for summer.

Reach for the top shelf, Cote D'Azur Hair & Body Oil by Oribe blends Calabrian bergamot, white butterfly jasmine and sandalwood to delicately scent hair and skin, while a restorative blend of nourishing oils, including sweet almond, meadowfoam and starflower, impart a satin glow and silk-finish softness.

PRE-SHAMPOO TREATMENT
Apply hair oil before shampooing to nourish and strengthen your hair. To use hair oil as a pre-shampoo treatment, apply the oil from the mid-lengths to the ends of your hair, leave it on for 5-10 minutes, then shampoo, condition, and style as usual.

PRE-BLOWDRY TREATMENT
Using hair oil before blow drying can help prevent frizz, add shine and smooth the hair. Apply hair oil from the mid-lengths to the ends of damp, freshly washed hair. Blow dry your hair as usual, using a round brush for added smoothness and lift at the roots.

LAST STEP IN YOUR STYLING ROUTINE
Most commonly, hair oil is used as the last step in your styling routine to add moisture, shine, and eliminate frizz. When applying, focus on the ends and any other areas that tend to frizz. Have some unwanted flyaways? Use a drop of oil to smooth them down.