Hair oils are a cornerstone of professional hair care, delivering moisture, nutrients, and protection to all hair types. But to create an effective hair oil formulation, you need to understand the distinct roles of essential oils vs carrier oils. Each offers unique benefits—and when used correctly, they create synergistic blends that elevate your product’s performance.
Whether you’re a salon owner, a beauty brand founder, or a stylist looking to launch a private label hair oil, this guide helps you understand which oils to use, how to balance them, and what works best for different hair types.
What Are Carrier Oils?
Definition and Role
Carrier oils are base oils derived from nuts, seeds, or plants. They are typically used in higher quantities and serve as the main moisturizing and conditioning component in a hair oil formula. Their fatty acid content nourishes the hair shaft and seals in moisture.
Popular Carrier Oils in Hair Care
| Carrier Oil | Key Benefits | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Argan Oil | Adds shine, repairs split ends | All hair types |
| Jojoba Oil | Mimics scalp’s natural oil, lightweight | Fine or oily hair |
| Castor Oil | Promotes hair growth, enhances thickness | Curly, coily hair |
| Coconut Oil | Reduces protein loss, penetrates hair shaft | Dry, damaged hair |
| Olive Oil | Deep hydration, strengthens strands | Thick, coarse hair |
What Are Essential Oils?
Definition and Role
Essential oils are concentrated plant extracts known for their therapeutic properties. In hair oil formulations, they are used in small quantities (typically 1–3%) for scalp stimulation, fragrance, or specific treatments such as dandruff control or soothing irritation.
Note: Essential oils must be diluted in carrier oils before direct application.
Popular Essential Oils for Hair
| Essential Oil | Key Benefits | Best Uses |
|---|---|---|
| Tea Tree Oil | Antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, treats scalp issues | Dandruff-prone scalps |
| Rosemary Oil | Improves circulation, promotes hair growth | Thinning hair |
| Lavender Oil | Calming scent, supports scalp health | Relaxing treatment blends |
| Peppermint Oil | Cooling effect, stimulates scalp | Oily scalp, hair loss |
| Ylang Ylang Oil | Boosts sebum production, nourishes dry scalp | Dry, brittle hair |
Essential Oils vs Carrier Oils – Key Differences
| Feature | Carrier Oils | Essential Oils |
|---|---|---|
| Usage Ratio | 95–99% of formula | 1–3% of formula |
| Primary Purpose | Moisturizing, nourishing | Stimulating, therapeutic, fragrant |
| Application Safety | Can be used directly | Must be diluted |
| Texture & Weight | Varies (light to heavy) | Very light, volatile |
| Fragrance | Mild or neutral | Strong botanical scent |
Formulating the Perfect Hair Oil: Blending Strategies
Start with the Right Base
Choose carrier oils based on your target client’s hair type. For lightweight formulations, opt for jojoba or grapeseed. For deep conditioning, go with argan, olive, or coconut.
Add Targeted Essential Oils
Use essential oils to enhance performance and sensory appeal:
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For dry scalp: Lavender + coconut oil
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For hair growth: Rosemary + castor oil
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For calming blends: Ylang ylang + jojoba oil
Always test essential oils for skin compatibility and ensure proper dilution.
Product Insertion – Launch Your Custom Oil with HODM Cosmetics
Bulgarian Rose Oil Hair Oil
Bulgarian Rose oil hair oil as aromatherapy oils nourish, balance and condition hair and boost self esteem, confidence, hope and mental strength and efficiently fights depression. It soothes the scalp, adds sheen, luster, moisture, strength and manageability to the hair. Color lasts much longer and it stimulates the scalp promoting blood circulation, anti-hair loss and promoting healthy hair growth. Bulgarian Rose oil hair oil to fortify and revitalize hair. It prevents breakage, adds sheen and improves body and texture. It strengthens hair shafts and heals itchy scalps.
- Size: 3.4 fl oz / 100 ml
- Key Ingredients: ROSE ESSENTIAL OIL
- Key Benefits: Nourishes and balances, soothes the scalp, strengthens hair shafts, prolongs color vibrancy, enhances confidence
Moroccan Argan Oil Elixir Oil Haircare Tailored
Argan oil is rich in vitamin E, phenols, carotenes, squalene, and fatty acids. The essential fatty acids fight against drying, dehydration, and the loss of elasticity. Morocco Argan oil elixir oil is a luxurious elixir to restore over-processed hair damaged by chemicals and environmental free radicals – it also revives, hydrates, and detangles hair, wigs, and hair extensions. Ultra-light miracle argan oil leaves no residue and No oil build up, only provides a silky finish and a brilliant shine.
- Size: 3.4 fl oz / 100 ml
- Key Ingredients: ARGANIA SPINOSA KERNEL OIL(ARGAN OIL)
- Key Benefits: Restores damaged hair, hydrates and detangles, fights dryness and loss of elasticity, leaves no residue, provides silky shine
Moroccan Argan Oil Elixir Oil Skincare Tailored
Argan oil contains vitamin E, Phenols, carotenes, squalene, and fatty acids, This liquid gold is a phenomenal multi-purpose, lightweight natural oil that brings out the glow in skin, hair, and nails as a “miracle ingredient”. It has excellent moisture retention, against juvenile acne and flaking of the skin. Morrocan Argan oil elixir oil is used in the treatment of wrinkled or scaly dry skin, anti-aging benefits, It has extremely high levels of Vitamin E, saponins(skin-soften agents), and 80% fatty acids which make it perfect for healing many skin ailments as well as protecting against premature aging caused by oxidation.
- Size: 3.4 fl oz / 100 ml
- Key Ingredients: ARGANIA SPINOSA KERNEL OIL(ARGAN OIL)
- Key Benefits: Restores over-processed hair, hydrates and detangles, protects from environmental damage, provides silky finish, adds brilliant shine
Bulgarian Rose Oil Facial Oil
Made with Bulgarian rose essential oil – a highly concentrated rose plant essence. This super-fine oil absorbs instantly, refreshes, nourishes, and smoothes the skin by boosting the cell-renewal turnover. Fights free radicals stimulate collagen production and help support the structure of the skin with a proven anti-aging action. Has a toning and astringent effect on the capillaries just below the skin surface. Poses strong aromatherapeutic properties that calm not only the mind but also your skin. Helps your skin defeat everyday stress and preserves skin healthy and youthful.
- Size: 3.4 fl oz / 100 ml
- Key Ingredients: ROSE ESSENTIAL OIL、MACADAMIA TERNIFOLIA SEED OIL 、JOJOBA SEED OIL、EVENING PRIMROSE OIL、SEA BUCKTHORN OIL、OLIVE OIL
- Key Benefits: Boosts cell renewal, fights free radicals, stimulates collagen production, tones and firms skin, calms mind and skin
Jojoba Oil Golden
The most comprehensive serum ever created, this blend is extremely effective at balancing moisture levels & restoring elasticity to skin and hair while protecting them from environmental stressors. Jojoba oil golden brings new life to skin and hair, rejuvenates hair follicles, and keeps the skin moist and wrinkle-free.
- Size: 3.4 fl oz / 100 ml
- Key Ingredients: SEED OIL
- Key Benefits: Balances moisture, restores elasticity, protects from stressors, rejuvenates hair follicles, keeps skin wrinkle-free.
Organic Coconut Oil
Organic coconut oil delivers a rich flavor and aroma that’s nutrient-rich and naturally delicious. Nutrient-rich skin & hair care treatment provides deep, nutrient-rich hydration without feeling sticky or greasy. The most comprehensive serum ever created, this blend is extremely effective at smoothing and brightening skin, hair, and nails while protecting them from environmental stressors.
- Size: 3.4 fl oz / 100 ml
- Key Ingredients: COCONUT OIL(COCOSNUCIFERAL)
- Key Benefits: Deeply hydrates, smooths and brightens, nourishes skin and hair, protects from stressors, non-greasy finish
Hair Silky Oil
Hair silky oil restore over-processed hair damaged by chemicals and environmental free radicals . It also revives. Hydrates and detangles hair, wigs and hair extensions. Ultra-light miracle jojoba oil argan oil,camellia seed oil and sweet almond oil leaves no residue and no oil build up, only provides silky finish and brilliant shine.
- Size: 3.4 fl oz / 100 ml
- Key Ingredients: ARGANIA SPINOSA KERNEL (ARGAN) OIL、MACADAMIA INTEGRIFOLIA SEED OIL、SIMMONDSIA CHINENSIS (JOJOBA) SEED OIL、PERSEA GRATISSIMA (AVOCADO) OIL、CAMELLIA JAPONICA SEED OIL、RICINUS COMMUNIS (CASTOR) SEED OIL、ALEURITES MOLUCCANUS SEED (KUKUI) OIL、CALOPHYLLUM INOPHYLLUM SEED (TAMANU) OIL、SCLEROCARYA BIRREA SEED (MARULA) OIL、COCOS NUCIFERA (COCONUT) OIL、OLEA EUROPAEA (OLIVE) FRUIT OIL
- Key Benefits: Restores damaged hair, hydrates and detangles, revives hair and extensions, leaves no residue, adds silky shine
Nature Explore Hair Oil
Maximum touch nature material. The nature explore hair oil restores over-processed hair damaged by chemicals and environmental free radicals-it also revives, repairs, and detangles hair, wigs, and hair extensions. Ultra-light miracle jojoba or Argan oil, camellia seed oil sweet almond oil and so on 11 oils leave no residue and no oil build only providing a maximum smooth and silky finish and a brilliant shine. Heat protection, UV protection, and color protection.
- Size: 3.4 fl oz / 100 ml
- Key Ingredients: HIPPOPHAE RHAMNOIDES FRUIT OIL、ARGANIA SPINOSA KERNEL OIL、MACADAMIA INTEGRIFOLIA SEED OIL、SIMMONDSIA CHINENSIS (JOJOBA) SEED OIL、PERSEA GRATISSIMA (AVOCADO) OIL、CAMELLIA JAPONICA SEED OIL、RICINUS COMMUNIS (CASTOR) SEED OIL、ALEURITES MOLUCCANUS SEED (KUKUI) OIL、CALOPHYLLUM INOPHYLLUM SEED (TAMANU) OIL、SCLEROCARYA BIRREA SEED (MARULA) OIL、COCOS NUCIFERA (COCONUT) OIL、OLEA EUROPAEA (OLIVE) FRUIT OIL
- Key Benefits: Restores and repairs, hydrates and detangles, protects from heat and UV, enhances color vibrancy, adds silky shine.
Renewal Keratin Smooth Repair Hair Oil No.6
Reinvent dry, damaged hair with repair’s keratin-rich, leave-in formula. This lightweight hair oil instantly mends split ends and works overtime to reduce breakage and increase elasticity. Left silky, glossy, and irresistibly soft hair. Keratin protein penetrates the hair cuticle and bonds to the brittle, broken scales helping to restore strength and moisture and repair the hair while also preventing further damage. Improves moisture, softens, smoothes, and adds shine to hair while providing thermal protection.
The anti-oxidant blend of sunflower seed extract, lavender, clover, carnation, and marigold extract helps prevent color fading. Perfect for all hair types and textures. The natural botanicals complex helps smooth the cuticle and allows the hair to naturally adjust to its moisture level, which keeps the frizz down on humid days and seals in the moisture on dry days.
- Size: 1.86 fl oz / 40 ml | 3.4 fl oz / 100 ml
- Key Ingredients: ARGANIA SPINOSA KERNEL OIL(ARGAN OIL)、MACADAMIA INTEGRIFOLIA SEED OIL、LAVENDER ESSENTIAL OIL、ROSE ESSENTIAL OIL
- Key Benefits: Repairs split ends, reduces breakage, enhances elasticity, prevents color fading, provides thermal protection
Hair Growth Oil
This hair growth oil deeply revitalizes the scalp, nourishing it while effectively removing excess oil, dirt, and dead skin cells to create the ideal foundation for hair growth. Infused with a unique blend of nourishing and stimulating ingredients, it strengthens the hair shaft, reducing breakage and preventing excessive hair loss. With consistent use, this oil promotes healthier, fuller, and denser-looking hair, helping you achieve noticeable growth and vitality over time.
- Size: 2.03 fl oz / 60 ml | 3.4 fl oz / 100 ml
- Key Ingredients: SUNFLOWER SEED OIL、GERANIUM OIL、CASTOR OIL、PEPPERMINT OIL、ARGAN OIL、THYME OIL、SWEET ALMOND OIL、ROSEMARY OIL、ZINGIBER EXTRACT、CEDARWOOD OIL、SESAME SEED OIL、COCONUT OIL、AVOCADO OIL、VITAMIN E、OLIVE OIL、SAW PALMETTO OIL、JOJOBA OIL、CANOLA OIL
- Key Benefits: Revitalizes scalp, nourishes and cleanses, strengthens hair shaft, reduces breakage, promotes fuller growth
Fragrance Hair Oil
Fragrance hair oil revives, hydrates and detangles hair, wigs and hair extensions. Ultra-light miracle jojoba oil, argan oil, shea butter and coconut oil provide silky finish and brilliant shine. Fragrance hair oil live an invigorating aromatic experience with delicate vanilla flora fruity gourmande notes for a bright day filled with happiness.
- Size: 1.86 fl oz / 40 ml | 3.4 fl oz / 100 ml
- Key Ingredients: ARGANIA SPINOSA KERNEL (ARGAN) OIL、SIMMONDSIA CHINENSIS SEED WAX、COCOS NUCIFERA (COCONUT) OIL
- Key Benefits: Revives and hydrates, detangles effortlessly, adds silky shine, nourishes with natural oils, offers uplifting fragrance
Perfect Hair Oil
Hair oil is a luxurious elixir to restore over-processed hair damaged by chemicals and environmental free radicals – it also revives, hydrates, and detangles hair, wigs, and extensions. Ultra-light miracle rose essential oil leaves no residue and No oil build up, only provides a silky finish and a brilliant shine. Rose essential oil’s formula soothes depression, insomnia, frigidity, headache, nervous tension, and stress-related complaints. A feeling of well-being, even happiness, and the individual under its influence will develop an amiable tolerance.
- Size: 1.86 fl oz / 40 ml | 3.4 fl oz / 100 ml
- Key Ingredients: ARGANIA SPINOSA KERNEL OIL、ROSA DAMASCENA FLOWER OIL
- Key Benefits: Restores damaged hair, hydrates and detangles, adds silky shine, uplifts mood, relieves stress and tension
Summary – Use Both for Maximum Results
Essential oils and carrier oils are not competitors—they are partners in creating high-performing hair care products. While carrier oils do the heavy lifting in moisturizing and conditioning, essential oils deliver powerful treatment properties and scent. Together, they form the foundation of every great professional hair oil.
When you’re formulating your own private label hair oil, start by identifying your customer’s hair needs, select a base oil that matches, and enhance it with a purposeful essential oil blend.
📞 Ready to launch your signature oil? Contact HODM Cosmetics today to develop your own premium, customized hair oil formulation.
