In my decade-long career as an editor, I've been able to test an incredible amount of products, from hair care and beauty tools to in-office treatments and, yes, even a bidet. Though I love the opportunity to try new things from both emerging brands and legacy companies, there are a select few products I always reach for and will happily spend money on. One of those products is the Crown Affair The Oil ($40).
While I have a lot of hair, it's very fine, meaning it can oftentimes get weighed down or feel greasy after using styling products. I also blow-dry and curl my hair every few days, so I'm very aware of my need to use products that are heat protectant. Beyond that, I'm truly just lazy — I love products that are multiuse, work for both heat-styling and air-drying, and are relatively forgiving if I accidentally use too much.
Crown Affair's The Oil is the only product out of hundreds I've tried that gives me the same flawless result every time I use it, no matter if my hair is being styled with heat, left completely to its own devices, or in a different climate — which is saying a lot.
What do I like about The Oil, you ask? *Russell Hammond voice* Everything. First off, it's very lightweight, so it doesn't weigh down my fine hair or leave it looking greasy, even after blow-drying. That's also not to say that it doesn't provide full coverage — a little bit of this product goes a long way.
It's also foolproof when it comes to application. I've oftentimes applied what I feel like is too much to soaking-wet hair and to nearly fully air-dried hair and gotten the same final blow-dried result. I also love that the theory holds true for air-dried hair as well as blow-dried. No matter what I do, my hair is shiny, smooth, and decidedly frizz-free — even when I go to my ridiculously humid hometown in Florida.
Finally, the scent. Bergamot is one of my favorite smells, so I adore how The Oil leaves a lingering fragrance on my hair. It feels like a true perfume, rather than the kind of sickly sweet or fruity scent many hair products opt for.
Because the brand says the product can be used on any hair type, it's broken down how to apply it for each general style. How much you use will depend on the length, density, and porosity of your hair.
While The Oil isn't wildly expensive, it's still on the pricier side when compared to, say, drugstore brands. That being said, the quality of this product can't be beat — it really makes the case for spending your money on products that use quality ingredients and scientifically backed formulas. While I'm lucky enough to get most of my beauty products for free, this is one I continue to purchase myself time and time again.
