Some beauty rituals stand the test of time. For centuries, people have relied on plant-based oils to keep their hair healthy and nourished. While the ritual has remained largely unchanged, today’s formulas have evolved to meet the needs of modern consumers.

Over the past few years, people have become increasingly invested in hair health, fueling demand for premium haircare and a new generation of lightweight, multifunctional hair oils. Far more than products that simply add shine, today's formulas help hydrate, provide heat protection, tame frizz, and improve the overall condition of the hair.

Jim Ryan Ros, founder and creative director of Culture Salon Manila, says more people are looking for products that do more than simply style their hair.

"Hair oil is actually one of the easiest products for people to understand because many of us grew up seeing oils being used for different beauty and wellness purposes. Consumers are also becoming more educated about hair health, not just styling. They now look for products that nourish, protect, and improve the overall condition of their hair," Jim tells Manila Bulletin Lifestyle.

"Traditional hair oils were often thick and heavy, leaving hair feeling greasy and weighing it down," he explains.

Among the latest releases is Aveda Miraculous Oil High-Shine Hair Concentrate silicone-free formula made with botanical ingredients that smooths frizz, boosts shine, and protects hair from heat up to 232°C (450°F) without weighing it down. Suitable for all hair types, it also helps make hair softer, more manageable, and safe for color-treated hair.

"Rather than simply coating the hair, they help nourish, smooth, and protect while maintaining natural movement and shine. You get the benefits of hydration and frizz control without the heavy or oily finish that older formulas were known for."

Jim believes almost everyone can benefit from using hair oil, choosing one suited to their hair type and concerns. The key is choosing formulas that match individual hair needs rather than assuming every oil works the same way.

Those with dry, color-treated, chemically processed, or frizz-prone hair often notice the biggest difference, but even those with finer strands shouldn't automatically rule out hair oils.

"People with fine or thin hair often avoid oils because they're worried their hair will look flat or greasy. However, lightweight botanical oils provide nourishment and shine without weighing the hair down."

Using too much product remains one of the most common mistakes. "One of the biggest mistakes is applying too much product, especially directly onto the scalp. Our scalp naturally produces its own oils, so most people only need to apply hair oil from the mid-lengths to the ends, where the hair tends to be drier and more damaged."

He recommended applying a small amount to damp, towel-dried hair after showering. Concentrated formulas require only a few drops depending on hair type: one to two drops for fine hair, two to five drops for medium hair, and five to 10 drops for thick hair. Many modern hair oils also double as heat protectants before blow-drying or using hot styling tools.

For a finishing touch, one to three drops can be applied to dry, medium to thick hair from the mid-lengths to the ends to smooth frizz and add shine. Since the formula is highly concentrated, it is best to start with a small amount and add more only if needed.

Premium hair oils often come with a higher price tag, but Jim believes the long-term benefits make them a worthwhile investment. "I always encourage consumers to look beyond the immediate shine. A premium hair oil should not only make your hair look beautiful. It should also improve its long-term health."

He recommends looking for formulas made with plant-based, naturally derived ingredients instead of products that rely heavily on silicones or synthetic coating agents. "A salon-quality formula delivers multiple benefits in one product—hydration, heat protection, frizz control, softness, shine, and overall hair health. You're investing not just in styling, but in maintaining stronger, healthier hair with continued use."