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Moisturizing the hair, just like the face, is essential to getting the plumpest, smoothest and healthiest hair of your dreams. And, just like we all have different skin types, different hair types require targeted products.
Below we are focusing on the curly-haired set with these curly hair moisturizers that are made to intensely hydrate curly, coily, or wavy hair types by replenishing lost moisture, protecting, and preventing future breakage. These moisturizers come in the forms of milk, oil, and cream that are lightweight and absorb easily into the hair.
These options are also multipurpose in use and can be used as treatment products after you wash and condition, to detangle and define the curls or as styling products to help tame frizz while providing extra shine and body. Keep reading to find out more about the top-rated curly hair moisturizers of 2024.
Review of the Best Curly Hair Moisturizer of 2024
SheaMoisture Raw Shea Butter Extra-Moisture Detangler — Best Overall
This extra moisturizing detangler is ideal for damaged and transitioning hair types. This detangler is in the form of a lightweight oil and provides the perfect slip to help release knots and tangles while minimizing any breakage from combing. Use this treatment pre or post-wash, apply to wet hair, comb through, and do not rinse.
Pros
- This formula is sulfate-free and color-safe
Cons
- If you or your hair is not a fan of oil-based products, another option might be better
TGIN Sweet Honey Hair Milk — Runner Up
Infused with raw honey and agave nectar, this hair milk contains moisture and antioxidants to help condition and detangle kinky, curly, and wavy hair. Regular use of this product will improve the softness and manageability of your hair and can be used daily or every other day as needed. You only need a small amount and it can be used as a post-wash leave-in conditioner or setting cream for soft, smooth, and shiny hair.
Pros
- This milk will help to minimize breakage
Cons
- If you have straight hair, this product may be too heavy
Cantu Shea Butter Daily Oil Moisturizer — Honorable Mention
Another great hair moisturizer is this daily oil-based product that is ideal for relaxed, textured, colored, and permed hair. Made with pure shea butter and essential oils to replenish and moisturize, your hair will be stronger and healthier and most importantly, it will bring back your natural shine. This product has a ton of uses and can be massaged into wet hair after shampooing as a deep conditioner or as a styling tool to help calm the hair.
Pros
- You can use this product before and after styling as a heat protectant
Cons
- This product is not sulfate or paraben-free
Carol's Daughter Conditioning Hair Milk — Contender
This multifunctional, leave-in moisturizer and rich hair cream quickly and easily absorbs into the hair, leaving it looking shiny, keeping it nourished and frizz-free. With ingredients such as shea butter, soybean oil, and even agave nectar, this product will provide the deepest moisture for your hair while helping to softly define and hydrate curls. Use this product after washing, apply to soaking wet hair, and style as desired.
Pros
- This product contains no mineral oil or artificial colors
Cons
- This is not a detangler
Maui Moisture Quench + Coconut Oil Curl Milk — Also Consider
This hair treatment is unique as it has replaced chemically-treated water as the first ingredient and with aloe leaf juice. Ideal for thick, curly, and natural hair types, this curl milk will help detangle, defrizz, and define curly hair while keeping it ultra-hydrated. Ideal use is to shampoo and condition the hair, apply a small amount of milk to the palms, rub together, and apply evenly to the surface of towel-dried hair working through to the ends. Style as usual.
Pros
- These products are paraben and silicone-free
Cons
- This cream is very thick
Curls Aloe & Blueberry Juice Curl Moisturizer — Another Option
Formulated with certified organic blueberry extract, this curl cream, and moisturizer is meant to refresh, revive and rejuvenate 2nd-day curls with pure aloe and blueberries. The aloe leaf juice is used to strengthen, add shine, and combat frizz, while blueberry extract repairs damage, prevents breakage, and encourages hair growth. Apply this product to wet or dry hair or whenever some intense moisture and conditioning are needed.
Pros
- This moisturizer will help wavy, curly, and very curly hair types
Cons
- This product should be sprayed into the hands first then applied to the hair
A Buying Guide to the Leading Curly Hair Moisturizers
Things to Consider When Buying Curly Hair Moisturizers
You cannot just go out and pick any curly hair moisturizer on your chemist’s shelf. Here is a list of things to remember when choosing a moisturizer.
Brand value
There is no need to compromise on the type of brand you choose for your curly hair. A product that seems affordable and cheap in value might have very short-lasting results and can even damage your hair. This is why it is essential to only purchase from well known brands that guarantee to keep your hair moisturized. These brands have a reputation to maintain, and they would not sell anything that hampers their customers’ satisfaction.
Ingredients
Always look for hair moisturizer creams that come with many natural ingredients like aloe vera. Any product with natural ingredients might seem costly, but it is actually quite beneficial for your hair and its health. Low-quality products might be cheaper in price, but they will have ingredients that can prove to be damaging to your hair, like sulfates and silicone.
Size
The size of the bottle you choose depends on the thickness and length of your hair. The longer the hair, the harder they are to maintain - especially if your hair is curly. You can go for a standard-sized bottle if your hair is as short as a bob. However, you can buy something double the size or just get more bottles from the store for longer or hair that is more dense.
Scent
Women are actually quite particular about their scents when it comes to hair products. If you want your hair to smell nice after applying moisturizer, go for fragrances that genuinely complement your personal choices. You can find plenty of varieties in the market ranging from tropical scents to two more fruity flavors and even scents like vanilla.
Durability
We can say that a hair moisturizer for curls should be durable as it will serve you for months and years to come. Most people find their favorite brand after trying out a couple of moisturizers and then stick with it for the years to come. If you are one of those people, then it is essential to look for the availability of products and see if the brand is reputable enough to make the product for years to come.
Top Ingredients in a Curly Hair Moisturizer
Glycerin
The first ingredient found in curly hair moisturizers is a water binder called glycerin. It locks moisture in your hair along with other ingredients. Glycerin is used in soaps and lotions to keep them moisturized. In some cases, glycerin is also listed as vegetable glycerin. It does not have any kind of color or pigmentation, so don't worry about changes to hair color.
Aloe vera
The queen of moisturizing, aloe vera is perfect for soothing your scalp. Naturally, aloe vera does not have a pleasing fragrance. Still, it is mixed with multiple ingredients in curly hair moisturizers to mask its smell. Besides moisturizing, aloe vera also offers properties that make your natural hair glossy and shiny. It is also essential to lock in the natural oils of your scalp.
Avocado oil
Avocado oil is a natural ingredient with plenty of benefits for your body. Ideally used in a low-carb diet, avocado oil also has moisturizing properties. You can see avocado oil in shampoos, but nowadays, it is a common ingredient in curly hair moisturizers. If you suffer from a dry scalp, then purchasing a product with avocado oil can give you significant results within weeks.
Jojoba oil
Jojoba oil is like sebum for your hair. Sebum is a natural substance that grows on your scalp and keeps it moisturized. Since the dry scalp is very common in people with dry hair, most moisturizers come with jojoba oil.
Shea butter
Shea butter is a natural carrier of vitamin A, which moisturizes the hair and holds the moisture in it. If you have thick, dry hair, shea butter is a natural ingredient that can do wonders for your hair. Other than nourishing your hair, it is also perfect for your body.
Ingredients To Avoid When Buying Curly Hair Moisturizer
When buying a curly hair moisturizer, you need to look for certain hair-damaging ingredients that may have a harsh impact on your scalp and cuticles.
Silicone
Silicone is a dangerous ingredient that can dry out your hair instantly. Although good in moderation, you need to avoid non-soluble silicones. It leaves a plastic-like impact on your hair. Using too much silicone on your hair can leave it looking dry and brittle. It is essential to find a product that does not have silicone (or has only traces of silicone).
Mineral oil and wax
You must avoid these ingredients if you want healthy-looking curly hair. Mineral oils also build up like silicone on your hair strands and do not just get out with regular washing. You may need to wash your hair with a restoring shampoo, but those can also be really hard on the hair. Wax is also not suitable for curly hair because it messes up the natural texture and is very hard to get off.
Types of Curly Hair Moisturizers
There are 2 main types of moisturizers that can leave your curls defined and gorgeous:
Leave-in
This moisturizer does not require washing and can be used 2 times a month. A leave-in curly hair moisturizer works wonders if you apply it in bulk quantities. It has a smooth texture and works best on wet hair. When your hair dries out, a leave-on moisturizer will leave it looking fresh and well-defined.
Washable
This can also be called a hair conditioner. These moisturizers are used after shampoo and left in the hair (not scalp) for at least 3 to 5 minutes. A washable hair moisturizer can be used 2 times a week for maximum results.
