The Best Hair Moisturizer

Buying Guide

We all know that it’s important to wash our hair. But if your locks refuse to behave after you step out of that shower, the problem isn’t usually cleanliness. It’s moisture — or the lack thereof.

That’s where a good moisturizer comes in. When you shampoo, those suds wash away dirt and sweat, but they also take away the natural oils that keep your hair soft and bouncy. The result can be hair that’s frizzy and dry, and too much washing can even damage your hair, especially in hot weather. Moisturizers replenish your hair’s oils and keep it healthy in a variety of ways depending on the formula.

As you might imagine, all moisturizers are water-based. Other ingredients will include some type of humectant like glycerin to draw moisture in from the surrounding air, and oils to lock that moisture in. There will usually also be some kind of emollient to soften the hair texture and proteins or amino acids for general hair and scalp health.

There are a couple of basic types of moisturizers, and each is meant to be used in a different way to retain water within the hair’s interior shaft. They can be distinguished from conditioners, which almost always incorporate some kind of moisturizing agent and are applied in the shower. Conditioners differ in formulation, and often offer additional benefits beyond just moisturization. As with conditioners, there are different types of moisturizers that can be thicker or thinner, suitable for daily use or not.

Most people will want to apply moisturizer after shampoo, but the reverse approach can have benefits for those with exceptionally dry or frizzy hair. If you want to try this method, make sure you work your conditioner into the strands of hair, not the scalp. Don’t rinse it off but leave it in as you rub in your shampoo, allowing the moisturizer to protect your natural oils. Also, check manufacturer instructions for each product.

You can also use moisturizing creams or gels that are meant to be applied on dry hair, or at least on hair that’s been freshly showered. This “leave-in” moisturizer is usually of a thicker consistency, and it works best for those that have naturally curly hair and/or hair with low porosity. (Porosity is the hair’s ability to hold onto moisture.) This kind of moisturizer should stay in your hair longer than conditioner, so it may be enough to comb it through from roots to ends a couple of times a week.

Finding the right moisturizer can be a process of trial and error, and some hair types may not need any at all. If your hair often feels oily, you can try a product that’s heavier on emollients and proteins and light on humectants — or simply go without. If your hair dries out easily, go the opposite route and get a strong hydrating moisturizer that contains coconut or mineral oil to prevent your ‘do from becoming damaged. You should know that weather can play a factor, too. Coconut oil is also great for helping hair seal in its oils through hot, humid days. Moisturizers that are rich in proteins and humectants can protect your locks in dry climes.

Finally, make a checklist of things you don’t want in your moisturizer. Most modern products don’t have them, but keep an eye out for parabens or sulfates that have been linked to hormone irregularities and other health risks. And while many moisturizers add some scent to your hair, make sure it’s not overdone if you have a sensitive nose.

If you had any doubt that moisturizing can help your hair, the proof is in the pull. One healthy, moisture-rich hair can stretch out without breaking, while dry or damaged hair will snap. If you do a quick check and find your curly hair is too brittle, it might be time for some product.

Want to give your hair a little extra staying power? Here’s one big tip: Go easy on the heat. It’s basic science that a higher ambient temperature will cause more water to evaporate, and that goes for the water stores in your hair. We all like hot showers, but consider turning the temperature down a few degrees, or shortening your time under the taps. You can also help by leaving off the high heat setting when blow drying your hair, if possible.