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The 11 Best Moisturizers for Hydrated and Soft Natural Hair

Bouncy and beautiful curls and coils.

By Nerisha Penrose, Ariana Yaptangco and Tasha Nicole Smith
natural hair moisturizers
Edward Berthelot//Getty Images

When it comes to hair hydration, many different products on the market are catered to combating dryness. While we have hair oils, hair masks, and leave-in treatments that can alleviate and treat many of these issues, sometimes the simplest solution is best. Just like our skin, a moisturizer is an essential part of any successful hair care routine. “A good hair moisturizer is important because it not only adds moisture to the hair, but it also reduces frizz, breakage, and brittleness,” says celebrity hairstylist, Alexander Armand, who has worked with stars like Marsai Martin, Serena Williams, and Quinta Brunson. When our face feels dry, we apply moisturizer.

  • Gold Series Pro-V Hydrating Butter Cream

    Best for Beginners

    Pantene Gold Series Pro-V Hydrating Butter Cream

    $8 at Walmart
    Read more
  • Shea Yogurt Moisturizer

    Best for Curly Hair

    Alikay Naturals Shea Yogurt Moisturizer

    Read more
  • Double Butter Rich Daily Moisturizer

    Best for Very Dry Hair

    As I Am Double Butter Rich Daily Moisturizer

    Read more
  • Shea Butter & Pure Coconut Oil Leave-In Conditioner

    Best for a Budget

    Suave Professionals Shea Butter & Pure Coconut Oil Leave-In Conditioner

    Read more
  • Retention/Strength Dual Treatment

    Best Multi-Use Hydrator

    Curl Rehab Retention/Strength Dual Treatment

    Read more


Whether it’s labeled as a moisturizer or a leave-in conditioner, it’s a holy grail product that rehydrates and shields your hair from the brisk winds, rough towels, harsh ingredients, and touchy-feely hands it encounters daily (cue: Solange). With the expansive variety of textures, finding the perfect moisturizer for your hair can be a task; it’s not a one size fits all. Natural hair is beautifully unique with every curl, coil, and kink requiring something different to ensure maximum hair health. “It’s important to be mindful of the suggested hair texture the moisturizer says it’s best suitable for. For example, if the product is marketed for medium to fine hair and that’s your hair type, then it’s best to use that,” says Armand. To make the search a bit easier, we did some of the heavy lifting for you, consulting hair experts and thousands of customer reviews. Ahead, find the 11 best hair moisturizers.

Best for Beginners

Pantene Gold Series Pro-V Hydrating Butter Cream

Gold Series Pro-V Hydrating Butter Cream
Best for Beginners

Pantene Gold Series Pro-V Hydrating Butter Cream

$8 at Walmart
Pros
  • Affordable
Cons
  • Can cause build-up

A little goes a long way with this thick cream from Pantene’s Gold Series. The butter-soft blend melts into the shaft for manageable and soft hair.

Walmart rating: 4.4/5 stars

A Walmart reviewer says: “This is the perfect moisturizer for my hair, not too light or too heavy, absorbs easily with a nice sheen.”

Hair TypeFor natural, transitioning, and relaxed hair
Size6.8 oz
Ingredient CalloutsSulfate Free, made with the key ingredient, Argon Oil
What It isPantene Gold Series Pro-V Hydrating Butter Cream is a nourishing styling cream that provides moisture and shine.
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Best for Curly Hair

Alikay Naturals Shea Yogurt Moisturizer

Shea Yogurt Moisturizer
Best for Curly Hair

Alikay Naturals Shea Yogurt Moisturizer

Pros
  • Hydrating
Cons
  • Not recommended for fine hair

All of your favorite hair care ingredients—shea butter, sweet almond oil, argan oil, coconut oil, and more—are blended to perfection and topped off with a yummy, citrus scent.

Walmart rating: 4.4/5 stars

A Walmart reviewer says: “Keeps hair soft and manageable. I love it.”

Hair TypeTextured
Size8 oz
Ingredients CalloutsCoconut Oil and Argon Oil
What It IsAlikay Naturals Shea Yogurt Moisturizer lightweight cream-based moisturizer.
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Best for Very Dry Hair

As I Am Double Butter Rich Daily Moisturizer

Double Butter Rich Daily Moisturizer
Best for Very Dry Hair

As I Am Double Butter Rich Daily Moisturizer

Pros
  • Softens hair
Cons
  • Some dislike the smell

As I Am’s Coconut CoWash is every naturalista’s holy grail, but the DoubleButter Cream is coming for the top spot. Enriched with the finest butters (shea and cocoa) and a slew of essential oils, this blend helps to retain moisture and leaves hair soft for days.

Amazon rating: 4.6/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer says: “I’ve noticed that as well as my hair feeling moisturized, I’m also retaining length. I’m very happy with this product and will definitely keep this as part of my hair care regime.”

Hair TypeCurly and Coily Textures
Size8 oz.
Ingredient CalloutsShea Butter and Cocoa Butter
What It IsAs I Am Double Butter Rich Daily Moisturizer is a leave in styling cream best used to lock in moisture.
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Best for a Budget

Suave Professionals Shea Butter & Pure Coconut Oil Leave-In Conditioner

Shea Butter & Pure Coconut Oil Leave-In Conditioner
Best for a Budget

Suave Professionals Shea Butter & Pure Coconut Oil Leave-In Conditioner

Pros
  • Nourishes damaged hair
Cons
  • Can leave residue

Suave Professionals collaborated with over 5,000 women to deliver a moisture-rich collection for women with natural curls, coils, and waves. The Nourish and Strengthen Leave-In Conditioner feels like butter when applied to hair. Thanks to its star ingredient, shea butter, the deeply nourishing formula leaves hair smooth from root to tip.

Target rating: 4.6/5 stars

A Target reviewer says: “My hair looks more moisturized, defined, and the best part is that it doesn’t get frizzy! I am more confident showing off my curls and it smells amazing.”

Hair TypeAll Hair Types
Size13.5 oz
Ingredients CalloutsShea Butter and Coconut Oil
What It IsSuave Professionals Shea Butter & Pure Coconut Oil Leave-In Conditioner is a detangling moisturizer used to strengthen your hair.
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Best Multi-Use Hydrator

Curl Rehab Retention/Strength Dual Treatment

Retention/Strength Dual Treatment
Best Multi-Use Hydrator

Curl Rehab Retention/Strength Dual Treatment

Credit: curl rehab
Pros
  • Multi-use
Cons
  • Packets are not reusable

We love a multi-use product! This treatment can be used as a detangler, conditioner, or leave-in hair mask. Hydrating coconut milk and avocado de-frizz curls and restore moisture for extra bounce.

Amazon rating: 4.5/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer says: “I love how it moisturizes my hair and leaves my hair feeling soft before I style my curls!”

Hair TypeCurly, Dry hair
Size4.8 oz
Ingredients CalloutsCoconut Milk and Avocado
What It IsCurl Rehab Retention/Strength Dual Treatment is a hair mask used to revitalize dry dull hair.
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Best For An Investment

PATTERN Leave-In Conditioner

Leave-In Conditioner
Best For An Investment

PATTERN Leave-In Conditioner

Credit: pattern beauty
Pros
  • Hydrating
Cons
  • Not great for tight, kinky, coils

You can trust Tracee Ellis Ross's Pattern Beauty to deliver the softest, most hydrated curls. Bonus points for the delicious jasmine, bergamot, and sandalwood scent.

Ulta Beauty rating: 4.7/5 stars

An Ulta Beauty reviewer says: “This product made my hair, so soft and manageable.”

Hair TypeCurly hair
Size9.8 oz
What It IsPattern's Leave in Conditioner is a daily moisturizer and styler used to hydrate and define natural curls.
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Best For Fine Hair

Briogeo Rosarco Milk Reparative Leave-In Conditioning Spray

Rosarco Milk Reparative Leave-In Conditioning Spray
Best For Fine Hair

Briogeo Rosarco Milk Reparative Leave-In Conditioning Spray

Credit: briogeo
Pros
  • Lightweight
Cons
  • Pricey

Spritz on this lightweight conditioning spray made with rosehip, argan, and coconut oils to eliminate frizz and detangle coils.

Sephora rating: 4.2/5 stars

A Sephora reviewer says: “It makes my hair feel really soft and definitely has helped with frizz.”

Hair TypeStraight, Wavy, Curly, and Coily
Hair TextureFine, Medium, and Thick
Size1.75 oz/ 52 mL
Ingredient CalloutsThis product is vegan and cruelty-free.
What It IsA lightweight leave-in conditioner that locks in hydration and locks out humidity that causes frizz.
What Else You Need To KnowThis leave-in conditioner is formulated with rosehip, argan, and coconut oils to seal the hair cuticle, minimizing frizz and enhancing smoothness, shine, and manageability. It‘s also perfect for nourishing and detangling hair right out of the shower and formulated with 98 percent naturally derived ingredients.
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Best For Color-Treated Hair

SheaMoisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen & Restore Leave-In Conditioner

Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen & Restore Leave-In Conditioner
Best For Color-Treated Hair

SheaMoisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen & Restore Leave-In Conditioner

Credit: shea moisture
Pros
  • Hydrating
Cons
  • Some dislike the smell

Jamaican black castor oil is the star of this intensely nourishing leave-in conditioner, formulated to revive color-treated and permed hair.

Ulta Beauty rating: 4.5/5 stars

An Ulta Beauty reviewer says: “This product provides so many benefits. My hair has some SERIOUS strength after long term use of this conditioner.”

Hair TypeNatural, Chemical Processed, Heat Styled
Size11.0 oz
Ingredient CalloutsJamaican Black Castor Oil
What It IsA leave in conditioner that strengthens and hydrates your hair
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Best for Adding Volume

adwoa beauty Baomint Moisturizing Curl Defining Cream

Baomint Moisturizing Curl Defining Cream
Best for Adding Volume

adwoa beauty Baomint Moisturizing Curl Defining Cream

Credit: adwoa
Pros
  • Hydrating
Cons
  • Pricey

Customize your curls thanks to the buildable formula found in Adwoa’s curl cream. Apply the product based your hair's density and desired volume.

Sephora rating: 4.6/5 stars

A Sephora reviewer says: “The product helped define my curls and left my hair feel soft. My hair felt hydrated and moisturized.”

Hair TypeWavy, Curly, and Coily
Hair TextureFine, Medium, and Thick
Size16 oz/ 453 g
Ingredient CalloutsFree of sulfates SLS and SLES, parabens, formaldehydes, formaldehyde-releasing agents, phthalates, mineral oil, retinyl palmitate, oxybenzone, coal tar, hydroquinone, triclosan, and triclocarban, and contains less than one percent of synthetic fragrances. This product is also cruelty-free, and gluten-free, and comes in recyclable packaging.
What It IsA creamy, rich styler that detangles while leaving your strands shiny, silky, and smooth with a soft hold.
What Else You Need To KnowThis cream is formulated to be buildable. Based on the density and the desired volume of your curls, use more or less product. It is packed with superfoods, omega 6 and 9 fatty acids, and vitamin E to provide a soft to medium hold and work well as a wash and go styler on wavy or curly hair textures.
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Best for Curl Definition

Camille Rose Curlaide Moisture Butter

Curlaide Moisture Butter
Best for Curl Definition

Camille Rose Curlaide Moisture Butter

Credit: camille rose
Pros
  • Defines curls
Cons
  • May not be suited for fine hair

Packed with natural ingredients like green tea, organic rice milk, and jojoba oil, this moisture butter smooths and softens hair for pillow-soft curls.

Ulta Beauty rating: 4.9/5 stars

An Ulta Beauty Reviewer says: “This is my favorite styling cream. It provides so much moisture and hold.”

Hair TypeCurly Hair
Size8.0 oz
Ingredients CalloutsGreen Tea and Jojoba Oil
What It IsAn everyday moisturizer that softens hair and defines curls.
What Else You Need To KnowThis product is vegan
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It's a 10 It's a 10 Miracle Leave-In Conditioner - 10 fl oz

It's a 10 Miracle Leave-In Conditioner - 10 fl oz

It's a 10 It's a 10 Miracle Leave-In Conditioner - 10 fl oz

Credit: Courtesy of Brand
Pros
  • Softens hair
Cons
  • Can weigh hair down

“Offers great moisture which contributes to the overall health of the hair and making sure each strand is infused with moisture!” says celebrity hairstylist, Alexander Armand

Target rating: 4.8/5 stars

Hair TypeAll Hair Types
Size10 oz
Ingredients CalloutsSunflower seed and green tea leaf extract and silk amino acids
What It IsA lightweight water-based moisturizer that offers extreme hydration and seals and protects hair
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Ouidad Coil Infusion Triple Treat Deep Conditioner

Coil Infusion Triple Treat Deep Conditioner

Ouidad Coil Infusion Triple Treat Deep Conditioner

Credit: Courtesy of Brand

“Recently, I got my hair done at the Ouidad salon in New York City and the deep treatment they gave revived my curls in a way I’ve never seen before. While that’s only an in-salon treatment, Jessica and Daphne, my stylists, recommended that I use the Coil Infusion Triple Treat Deep Conditioner for similar results. The apple cider vinegar and peppermint refresh the scalp while the avocado and coconut oils are like a tall glass of water for your curls.” - Danielle James, Digital Beauty Director

Hair TypeCoily Hair
Size12.5 oz
Ingredient CalloutsOlive Oil and Castor Oil
What It IsA deep conditioning treatment
What Else You Need to KnowThis product is cruelty free.
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Meet The Expert

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Rachel Eisenlohr, hairstylist at the Mark Ryan Salon

Alexander Armand, Celebrity Hairstylist

Jessica O’Brien, Ouidad Stylist & Educator

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What kinds of products can you use to moisturize dry hair?

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“There are so many products you can use to moisturize hair, depending on your exact needs,” says Eisenlohr. “Masks, leave-in conditioners, heat protectors, oils, and creams are all great. But you really shouldn’t settle for one moisturizing product and hope that it does the trick. You really need a combo starting from inside the shower all the way through heat styling and finishing products. If your hair is truly dry and in need of serious help, you need to take a look at all your products and involve several steps to further moisturize your hair.” - Rachel Eisenlohr

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What causes dry hair?

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“Dry hair can be a result of your natural hair texture,” says Eisenlohr. “Curly hair is, of course, at the top of the list for being dryer from the get-go. But also fine color-treated hair is always going to be in need of some regular moisturizing as it is weakened easily, even by everyday wear and tear. Your hair type will play a big role in dryness, with types 3 and 4 (very curly hair) taking the lead. Because the follicle doesn’t lay flat, it’s prone to breakage and dryness more than other types.” - Rachel Eisenlohr

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What ingredients work best for tight textures?

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“Honey is a great ingredient for 4c texture hair. The thickness of the ingredient helps add a great amount of moisture. Aloe Vera is also an amazing ingredient for curly hair especially,” - Alexander Armand

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What ingredients should people look for in a good moisturizer?

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The products should have lead ingredients that support moisture such as aloe Vera, Shea butter, Jojoba oil, coconut oil, honey, and etc,” - Alexander Armand

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Why is hair dry even with moisturizer? How can you help prevent this?

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Hearst owned

“If you regularly use a conditioning product in your wash day routine and are finding that your hair still feels dry, it may be because the product is only providing a surface level cosmetic repair rather than allowing the moisturizing properties to penetrate through the hair cuticle as they should be. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including low-quality ingredients that cause product build-up on the hair strands, or frequently using protein-heavy products that can over-proteinize hair over time.

To prevent this, it’s important to choose formulas that contain high quality ingredients and are formulated for your hair type. Curly hair, for example, requires a delicate balance of moisture and protein so curls can keep their ideal shape and look healthy. Unbreakable Bonds™ Shampoo and Conditioner have a very low amount of protein and contain highly moisturizing ingredients like hyaluronic acid and ceramides to provide curls with the hydration they need while also helping repair and build bonds.” - Jessica O'Brien

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How do you best treat dry, brittle hair that is falling out?

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“If hair is falling out directly from the scalp, always consult a doctor or dermatologist to get a professional medical opinion. But if you’re experiencing breakage from the mid-shaft of the hair or towards the ends, it may be because the products you’re currently using have too much protein, which can make hair feel more brittle and drier. To treat this, I recommend adding more moisture into your routine. It’s important to identify what your specific hair needs. Dry hair needs products that provide increased hydration and help with elasticity to prevent breakage, while damaged hair is usually caused by excess heat styling or chemical services and needs products that help to strengthen strands over time. Ouidad specifically formulates products to give you the perfect balance between protein and moisture.” - Jessica O'Brien

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What is the best treatment for dry and damaged hair?

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“At the salon, I always recommend Ouidad’s Deep Treatment Curl Restoration Therapy. This is a great professional-strength deep treatment that helps replenish moisture and essential nutrients, which reinforces the strength of hair and helps restore elasticity as well. For an at-home option, my favorite is the Curl Therapy Lightweight Protein Foam Treatment. This is a gentle strengthening treatment that also replenishes hair with essential moisture, so you can use it at home to help prevent breakage and future damage without the risk of over-proteinizing the hair.” - Jessica O'Brien

Headshot of Nerisha Penrose
Nerisha Penrose
Beauty Commerce Editor

Nerisha is the beauty commerce editor at ELLE.com, covering all things beauty (and fashion and music). She has a penchant for sneakers and nude lip glosses, and spends way too much time re-watching 90s sitcoms.

Headshot of Ariana Yaptangco
Social Media & Beauty Editor

Ariana Yaptangco oversees all #content across ELLE's social media platforms and covers beauty news. When she isn't staring at a screen, you can find her drinking tea, trying new skincare products, or yelling about the New York Mets. 

Headshot of Tasha Nicole Smith
Beauty Assistant

Tasha Nicole Smith is ELLE Magazine's beauty assistant. She loves all things hair, makeup, and skincare so you’ll find her talking about it here. She enjoys Marvel movies, a good pair of heels, and lemon drop martinis and also shares a birthday with Beyoncé, which is her go to fun fact.
 

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