The quest for supple, luminous hair has madehair finishing oil a star product. Long confined to oil bath rituals, modern formulas are designed to be light, protective and, above all, invisible.
Yet the choice is a tricky one: how do you find a nourishing oil that disciplines frizz, seals in moisture and imparts shine without weighing down the fiber?
In the lines that follow, I propose a simple method: understand the precise function of finishing oil, distinguish between oil and serum, then use a concrete example: Madame d'Alexis Day Serum, a genuine 99% natural hybrid, to inform a reasoned purchase.
What is a finishing oil and what is it used for?
Definition of oil baths
Unlike a bath oil or pre-shampoo, which are designed to be rinsed off, finishing oil is applied as the last step in the hair care process, so it remains on the lengths. Its non-greasy texture envelops the hair fiber in an ultra-fine protective film.
Key actions of finishing oil for the hair fiber
- Instant shine: fatty acids reflect light and revive highlights, even on dull hair.
- Anti-frizz: the oil smoothes scales and slows down humidity.
- Thermal protection: applied before blow-drying, it limits damage up to 230°C.
- Seals in moisture: at the end of the routine, it locks water and nourishing active ingredients into the heart of the fiber.
The truth is, the image of a "greasy" product is outdated; today's laboratories have mastered remarkably fine argan or jojoba fractions, worthy of a silk veil.
Oil or serum: what are the differences and when should you use them?
Available textures
- Rich oil: argan, castor; ideal for thick or damaged hair.
- Dry oil: fractionated coconut, rosehip; perfect for fine tips, satiny result.
- Light serum: a combination of plant oils and ceramides, like Sérum Jour Madame d'Alexis, for an imperceptible, nourishing finish.
Best times to apply day serum
- Before smoothing: 2 drops heated between the palms can be used in place of a synthetic heat protector.
- After blow-drying: apply pressure to lengths to revive shine and tame flyaways.
- Daily touch-up: on dry hair, in the morning, to re-form the anti-pollution barrier without greasiness.
Thus armed, the consumer identifies the finishing oil best suited to his or her hair type, combining nutrition and protection while preserving that sought-after movement which, in my opinion, is the sign of the true beauty of well-cared-for hair.

Selection criteria: finding the right finishing oil for your hair
Choosing a hair finishing oil comes down to four parameters: formula, origin of raw materials, budget and suitability for your hair type.
I always recommend checking the INCI list for the presence of organic plant oils, which guarantee a high content of essential fatty acids and therefore a long-lasting repairing action.
Vegetable oil | Main force | Ideal for | Average price |
---|---|---|---|
Argan (organic oil, rich in omega-9 fatty acids) | Instant shine and softness | Dry or colored hair | €€ |
Fractionated coconut | Penetrating power, sunny fragrance | Curly hair, dull ends | € |
Jojoba (sebum-like structure) | Regulates sebum production | Fine hair, oily hair | €€ |
Avocado (omega-7) | Deep nutrition, elasticity | Thick, frizzy hair | €€€ |
Ricin (ricinoleic acid) | Growth support, density | Thinning hair | € |
Liquid shea | Protective film, moisture sealing | Very dry, frizzy hair | €€ |
*Échelle indicative basée sur des formats de 50 ml, hors marques luxe.
Quelques clientes m’ont confié qu’un mélange maison “argan + jojoba” avait sauvé leur chignon lors d’un été méditerranéen ; la clé résidait dans le ratio : deux tiers jojoba pour la légèreté, un tiers argan pour la brillance longue durée.
Why Madame d'alexis Day Serum is a game changer
Discreet but formidable star assets
- Certified organic Jojoba: refines touch, regulates scalp.
- Plant ceramides: consolidate cuticles, limit breakage.
- Orange blossom: seals in moisture and subtly scents, alcohol-free.
Observable benefits from the very first pump
- Natural heat protection up to 220°C; goodbye silicone sprays.
- Deep nourishment with no apparent greasy film - I see it as an ideal ally before a meeting under harsh neon lights.
- 48 h anti-frizz defense, even in stormy weather; tested on an outdoor shoot.
Formulated without sulfates, parabens or silicones: a reassuring argument for sensitive scalps and advocates of clean beauty.

How do I use Madame d'Alexis day serum?
How to apply hair finishing oil for professional results
Quantity and warmth in your hands
- Short hair: 1 drop.
- Square or medium-length: 2 to 3 drops.
- Long or curly hair: 4 drops, distributed strand by strand.
Rub palms together for five seconds: heat releases volatile active ingredients and facilitates gliding.
Wet or dry hair, before or after straightening
- Wet hair: apply oil before styling; it acts as a heat protector and reduces blow-drying time.
- Dry hair: as a finishing touch, to close scales and reflect light.
Reasonable frequency
- Daily use on dry tips: no risk if dose remains minimal.
- Spot application before a straightening iron: protects without saturating roots.
Common mistakes and avoidable drawbacks
- Over-dosage: greasy effect, dull appearance, dandruff; the solution? Gently brush in oil, then dab off excess with a towel.
- Unsuitable oil: a rich formula can weigh down fine hair; conversely, an oil that's too dry won't soften frizzy hair.
- Direct contact with oily scalp: follicle clogging and itching; always give priority to the lengths.
By applying these precise gestures, Finishing Oil becomes the ultimate touch in a mastered hair routine: an invisible, but oh so radiant armor that magnifies every movement of your hair.

Frequently asked questions about hair finishing oil
What oil should I use before straightening my hair?
The ideal oil is light, rich in monounsaturated fatty acids and with a high smoke point;argan and grapeseed meet these criteria perfectly.
They coat the fiber, limiting the dehydration induced by 200°C, while leaving a non-greasy finish. I avoid castor oil, which is too viscous, and reserve olive for pre-shampoo baths: its fragrance doesn't hold up well under heat.
Is it a good idea to apply oil every day?
Yes, as long as the gesture is measured:
- 1 to 2 drops for fine hair;
-
3 drops for thick or curly lengths.
A daily touch reinforces the lipid barrier, especially on dry or colored ends. On the other hand, saturating the scalp impairs oxygenation and promotes oily dandruff, so limit application to the lengths.
What replaces the heat protector?
A serum containing plant ceramides or argan esters plays this role naturally. These molecules form a heat-resistant film comparable to synthetic polymers, with no residual silicone.
Sérum Jour Madame d'Alexis protects up to 220°C; I use it before a Paris-Lyon-Marseille blow-dry, and my brush still remembers the shine I got.
Can I smooth my hair after applying oil?
Yes, if the oil is classified as "dry" or "ultra-light"; it should penetrate within thirty seconds. Simply wait until the wick no longer feels damp: the straightener will glide through without internal cooking.
I made the opposite mistake when I first started out; the result was dull ends, a fried smell and an express appointment to the hairdresser!
Which oil is best for curly hair?
Curls demand a balance between nutrition and bounce. I recommend :
- Fractionated coconut oil: penetrates deeply, reduces frizz.
- Avocado oil: rich in omega-7, it softens without breaking definition.
- A touch of jojoba to regulate dry scalp.
Is finishing oil suitable for oily hair?
Counter-intuitive but true: a few micro-drops of organic jojoba rebalance sebum secretion. Hair becomes less shiny at the roots and shinier on the lengths; it's all a question of dosage and application strictly under the ear.
What are the possible disadvantages of hair finishing oil?
- Overload: greasy effect, dull film, embedded dust.
- Oil not adapted to hair type: shea butter on fine hair, for example, weighs it down.
- Excessive heat on an oil with a low smoke point: micro-degradation of the cuticle.
Which finishing oil should I choose for my hair?
To choose the right oil, start with the porosity of the fiber: an argan finishing oil is suitable for thick hair, while a jojoba elixir is ideal for fine hair.
Look for the best oil by balancing molecular weight and smoke point. hair oil is heat-resistant yet light.
Different hair types (curly, straight, color-treated) dictate the synergy: coconut + macadamia for curls, avocado + shea for bleached lengths.
How to use finishing oil
A good practice is to use a hair oil on a warm strand: the cuticle, half-open after blow-drying, captures the active ingredients better.Apply oil from mid-length to the ends, never at the roots.
Warm three drops of Finishing Oil between palms, then smooth from bottom to top to avoid overdosing. Incorporate it into your hair routine after the moisturizing serum; you can apply oil as a touch-up in the morning to revive shine.
Which oils for curly hair?
Oils for textured hair should nourish without breaking the spiral. For curly hair, use :
- Fractionated coconut oil: penetrates quickly, limits shrinkage.
-
Avocado oil: rich omega-7, high affinity with keratin.
Mix a dab of both for long-lasting curl definition, then cold-seal under a satin cap.
What are the benefits of hair oils?
The benefits of oils lie in their high fatty acid content. Hair oils:
- Deeply nourish hair (omega-9).
- Repair cracked hair with phytosterols.
- Offer an anti-UV shield whenvegetable oil is enriched with natural tocopherol. Result: smoothed cuticle, mirror-like shine, tactile density.
How to combat hair loss?
To combat hair loss, target micro-circulation. An anti-hair loss oil often combines :
- Castor oil: ricinoleic acid known to prolong the anagen phase.
- Jojoba oil: rebalances sebum, essential for fine, asphyxiated hair. Massage twenty drops into damp scalp, then leave for two hours before shampooing.
Which oils for dry, damaged hair?
Oils for dry hair should provide a supple, occlusive film. Opt for a treatment oil enriched with melted cocoa butter; on damaged hair, shea oil liquefied at 40°C restores elasticity and nourishes hair without silicone.
Which oil for fine hair?
An oil for fine hair must be non-comedogenic.Jojoba oil is still the queen: its density mimics sebum and leaves a dry finish. A light grapeseed oil is preferable if you have normal hair with a flat tendency. Two drops are enough to avoid smothering fine hair.
How to choose an organic hair oil?
To choose organic oil, check the Cosmos or Natrue label;organic oil must indicate its natural origin (cold-pressed, solvent-free). A certified vegetable oil guarantees the absence of pesticide residues, thus preserving the " organic hair " footprint of a clean routine.
Hair finishing oil: the ultimate beauty gesture for sublimated fiber
Properly chosen,hair finishing oil is more than just an accessory: it's the ultimate bulwark against dryness, oxidation and frizz. It nourishes deep down, adds mirror-like shine and simplifies daily styling. J
Anyone looking for a high-performance skin care product is invited to discover Sérum Jour Madame d'Alexis. Its 99% natural, sulfate- and silicone-free formula combines thermal protection, nutrition and lightness.