I’m not one to throw money at every shiny beauty product that crosses my path, but Oribe Gold Lust Nourishing Hair Oil? It’s a game-changer. If you’re chasing hair that feels like silk, smells like a high-end perfume, and looks like you just stepped out of a salon, this is your ticket.
Trust me, I was skeptical too—$59 for a bottle of hair oil sounds like a bougie indulgence. But after weeks of using it, I’m hooked, and I’m here to tell you why you should be too. This isn’t just oil; it’s liquid luxury for your locks.
My Journey With Oribe Gold Lust Nourishing Hair Oil
Picture this: I’m standing in front of my bathroom mirror, staring at my hair, which looks like it’s been through a windstorm and lost.
My ends are split, my strands are frizzy, and the shine I used to have in my 20s? Long gone.
I’d been coloring my hair for years—blonde highlights, balayage, you name it—and the damage was starting to show.
I’d tried every drugstore oil, from argan to coconut, but nothing gave me that polished, healthy look I was after.
Then, a friend raved about Oribe Gold Lust Nourishing Hair Oil.
She called it her “holy grail,” and I rolled my eyes. Another overhyped product, I thought. But curiosity got the better of me, and I caved.
The first thing that hit me was the packaging. The amber-to-black gradient bottle with gold lettering screams sophistication, like something you’d find on a celebrity’s vanity. It’s not just a bottle; it’s a vibe.
When I twisted off the cap, the scent—oh, the scent—was like walking into a luxury spa. Notes of sandalwood, jasmine, and bergamot swirled together, making my bathroom feel like a five-star retreat. I applied a few drops to my damp hair after a shower, and the lightweight formula sank in without a trace of greasiness.
My hair air-dried faster than usual, and when I ran my fingers through it, it felt softer, smoother, almost like I’d never touched a curling iron.
Over the next few weeks, I experimented. I used it as a pre-shampoo treatment, on dry hair for frizz control, and even as a heat protectant before blow-drying. Each time, my hair looked shinier, less frazzled, and smelled divine.
People noticed—friends, coworkers, even a random barista complimented the scent. But it wasn’t just about looks. My hair felt stronger, less prone to breakage, and those dry ends started to behave. Was it perfect?
No. On days I overdid it with the blow-dryer, I still needed something heavier for hydration. But for an everyday glow-up, this oil was delivering.
The Pros of Oribe Gold Lust Nourishing Hair Oil
- Lightweight Magic That Doesn’t Weigh You Down
You know how some hair oils feel like you’ve dunked your head in a vat of grease?
Not this one.
Oribe’s formula is so light it practically vanishes into your strands, leaving behind shine and softness without that heavy, coated feeling.
I have medium-thick, wavy hair, and even on my finer sections, it never made my hair look flat or oily.
It’s like the oil knows exactly how much your hair needs and doesn’t overstay its welcome.
- A Scent That’s Basically a Perfume
Let’s talk about that fragrance again because it’s a standout. The blend of jasmine, sandalwood, lychee, and bergamot isn’t just a scent—it’s an experience. It lingers subtly, giving your hair that “I just left the salon” vibe all day.
I’ve had strangers ask what perfume I’m wearing, only to be shocked when I tell them it’s my hair oil. It’s a mood-lifter, plain and simple.
- Versatility for Every Hair Routine
This oil is a multitasker, and I’m all about products that pull double (or triple) duty. You can use it on damp hair to speed up drying and protect against heat, on dry hair to tame flyaways, or as an overnight treatment for deep conditioning.
I’ve even dabbed a tiny bit on my hands for a quick moisture boost. No matter how you use it, a little goes a long way, so that pricey bottle lasts longer than you’d think.
- Shine and Strength in One Bottle
After a month of consistent use, my hair wasn’t just shinier—it felt healthier. The blend of argan, jasmine, and Oribe’s Signature Complex (a fancy mix of watermelon, lychee, and edelweiss flower) seems to actually repair damage.
My split ends looked less ragged, and my hair didn’t snap as easily when I brushed it. It’s not a miracle worker, but it’s as close as I’ve gotten to one.
- UV and Heat Protection
If you’re like me and can’t resist a good blow-dry or curling session, this oil has your back. It’s formulated to shield your hair from heat and UV damage, which is a lifesaver for color-treated strands like mine.
I noticed less fading in my highlights, and my hair didn’t feel as fried after styling. It’s like a sunscreen and heat protectant rolled into one, without the sticky residue.
The Cons of Oribe Gold Lust Nourishing Hair Oil
- The Price Tag Stings
Let’s not sugarcoat it: at $59 for a 3.4-ounce bottle, this oil is a splurge.
I winced when I hit “add to cart,” and if you’re on a budget, it’s a tough sell.
I’ve tried cheaper oils that do a decent job, so if you’re not ready to drop serious cash, you might hesitate.
For me, the results justified the cost, but it’s not a product I’d buy without some serious thought.
- Not Hydrating Enough for Very Dry Hair
While I love the lightweight feel, it’s a double-edged sword. If your hair is super dry or damaged—like mine was after a perm experiment—this oil might not cut it on its own.
On days I used a hairdryer, my ends still felt a bit parched, and I had to layer on a heavier leave-in conditioner. It’s great for subtle shine, but if you need intense moisture, you might need to pair it with something else.
- The Dropper Can Be Messy
The bottle’s dropper design looks sleek, but it’s not the most user-friendly. I’ve had a few oops moments where I dispensed too much and ended up with oil on my hands or counter.
A pump would’ve been easier to control, especially when you’re in a rush. It’s a small gripe, but when you’re paying this much, you want perfection.
- Scent Sensitivity for Some
As much as I adore the fragrance, it’s strong. If you’re sensitive to scents or prefer something more neutral, this might be overwhelming.
I didn’t mind, but my sister, who tried it, said it gave her a slight headache. It’s not a dealbreaker for most, but it’s worth noting if fragrances aren’t your thing.
Tips For Using Oribe Gold Lust Nourishing Hair Oil
- Start Small and Build Up
When I first started using this oil, I went overboard and ended up with greasy-looking hair. Less is more here. Start with one or two drops—seriously, that’s enough for shoulder-length hair. Rub it between your palms, then work it through your mid-lengths and ends.
If you need more, you can always add another drop, but it’s easier to add than to wash out excess.
- Use It on Damp Hair for Best Results
I found the oil works best when applied to damp, towel-dried hair. It absorbs better and helps speed up air-drying, which is a godsend if you’re always running late like me. Just make sure your hair isn’t soaking wet, or the oil might slide off instead of sinking in.
Pat your hair with a microfiber towel first for optimal results.
- Incorporate It as a Pre-Shampoo Treatment
For a deep conditioning boost, try using the oil as a pre-shampoo treatment once a week. I massage a generous amount (about five drops) into my scalp and ends, let it sit for 10-15 minutes, then shampoo as usual.
It leaves my hair feeling nourished without any residue, and it’s a great way to pamper your strands without extra effort.
- Protect Your Hair from Heat and Sun
Since the oil offers heat and UV protection, make it a staple in your styling routine. I apply a couple of drops before blow-drying or using hot tools, focusing on the ends where damage is most noticeable.
If you’re heading out into the sun, a quick swipe through your hair adds a protective layer to prevent color fading and dryness.
- Store It Properly to Maintain Quality
This might sound obvious, but keep the bottle tightly closed and away from direct sunlight. I made the mistake of leaving mine on a sunny bathroom shelf, and the scent seemed to fade slightly over time.
Store it in a cool, dark place to preserve that luxurious fragrance and ensure the oils stay potent.
- Pair with Complementary Products
To maximize results, I pair the oil with Oribe’s Gold Lust Shampoo and Conditioner. The trio works together to keep my hair soft, shiny, and healthy.
If you’re not ready to commit to the full line, a lightweight leave-in conditioner or a hydrating mask can boost the oil’s moisturizing power, especially for very dry hair.
Comparing Oribe Gold Lust To Other Hair Oils
- Oribe Gold Lust Nourishing Hair Oil Compared To Verb Ghost Oil
Verb Ghost Oil, priced at around $20 for 2 ounces, is a budget-friendly alternative that I’ve used when my wallet needed a break.
Its lightweight formula, infused with moringa and argan oils, is a dream for fine hair, smoothing flyaways and adding a subtle sheen without weighing strands down.
I found it perfect for air-drying days, leaving my wavy hair soft and frizz-free.
However, Oribe’s Gold Lust edges it out with its luxurious scent—jasmine and sandalwood versus Verb’s clean, less memorable fragrance.
Oribe also offers UV and heat protection, which Verb lacks, making it more versatile for my color-treated, heat-styled hair. If you’re after affordability and lightweight shine, Verb’s a solid pick, but Oribe’s premium performance and fragrance make it my go-to.
- Oribe Gold Lust Nourishing Hair Oil Compared To Bur Bur Hair Oil
Bur Bur Hair Oil, at about $38 for 1.7 ounces, leans into natural ingredients like sunflower and pumpkin seed oils, promising nourishment and scalp health.
I tried it for a few weeks, and it did hydrate my dry ends well, especially after harsh winter weather.
Its earthy, herbal scent is pleasant but fades quickly compared to Oribe’s lingering Côte d’Azur fragrance.
Bur Bur feels slightly heavier, which suits very dry or coarse hair but left my medium-thick strands a tad greasy if I wasn’t careful.
Oribe’s faster absorption and added UV protection give it an advantage for daily use, especially for protecting my highlights. Bur Bur’s great for natural-focused routines, but Oribe feels more polished.
- Oribe Gold Lust Nourishing Hair Oil Compared To Monday Muse Hair Oil
Monday Muse Hair Oil, around $30 for 1.7 ounces, is marketed as a clean beauty option with coconut and tamanu oils for hydration and shine.
I liked how it softened my hair, especially on curly days, and its subtle citrus scent was refreshing.
However, it’s thicker than Oribe, which sometimes made my hair look weighed down, especially when blow-drying.
Oribe’s lightweight formula absorbs instantly, delivering a glossier finish and better frizz control.
Monday Muse doesn’t mention heat or UV protection, so I had to layer other products for styling. For eco-conscious folks, Monday Muse is a good choice, but Oribe’s versatility and luxe vibe win for me.
- Oribe Gold Lust Nourishing Hair Oil Compared To Chebe Hair Growth Oil
Chebe Hair Growth Oil, often priced at $15-$25 for 2 ounces, is a traditional African formula with chebe powder and oils like castor and grapeseed, aimed at promoting growth and strength.
I gave it a shot, hoping for thicker hair, and it did moisturize my scalp well, reducing itchiness.
However, its thick, sticky texture was tough to distribute evenly, and the herbal scent wasn’t as appealing as Oribe’s spa-like fragrance.
Oribe’s Gold Lust is far lighter, better for daily styling, and includes UV and heat protection, which Chebe lacks.
If growth is your goal, Chebe’s a budget-friendly option, but Oribe’s all-around performance and shine make it superior for my needs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Absolutely, it’s fantastic for most hair types. The lightweight formula adds shine, reduces frizz, and strengthens strands without weighing them down. It’s especially great for dry, damaged, or color-treated hair, thanks to its nourishing blend of argan, jasmine, and Oribe’s Signature Complex. I noticed my hair felt softer and looked healthier after a few weeks, though very dry hair might need extra hydration. It’s not a cure-all, but it’s a solid addition to any haircare routine.
Verb Ghost Oil is the closest dupe I’ve found. It’s lightweight, smooths frizz, and adds shine without buildup, much like Oribe. At $20, it’s way more affordable, though it lacks the luxurious scent and UV protection. If you want similar performance on a budget, Verb’s a great pick, but Oribe’s fragrance and versatility are hard to beat.
Yes, Oribe Gold Lust Nourishing Hair Oil contains silicones like dimethicone. These help smooth hair, reduce frizz, and add shine, which is why the oil feels so silky. Some folks avoid silicones due to potential buildup, but I didn’t notice any issues with regular shampooing. If you’re silicone-free, this might not be for you, but the formula is well-balanced for most.
For Oribe’s Gold Lust Shampoo, I’d recommend L’Oréal Paris EverPure Moisture Shampoo as a dupe. It’s sulfate-free, hydrating, and leaves hair soft and shiny without weighing it down, much like Oribe. At around $8 for 8.5 ounces, it’s a fraction of the price. It doesn’t have Oribe’s luxe scent or premium ingredients, but it performs well for everyday use, especially for color-treated hair.
Why Oribe Gold Lust Is Worth Every Penny?
I’ll be honest—I was ready to write off Oribe Gold Lust Nourishing Hair Oil as just another overhyped luxury product. But after weeks of use, I’m a believer. It’s not just about the shine or the heavenly scent (though those are major perks).
It’s the way it makes my hair feel stronger, look healthier, and turn heads wherever I go. If you’re ready to treat your hair to something special, this oil is worth the splurge. Your strands will thank you, and so will your confidence.