16 Best Hair Moisturizers for Luxurious And Healthy Locks

Reviewed by Dr. Ipsita Johri, Dermatologist & Aesthetician  |  Written by Neha Tiwari, Copy Editor
Updated on Feb 09, 2024
Best Hair Moisturizers for Luxurious And Healthy Locks
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While the beauty market is scanty in products that truly nourish the hair, the best hair moisturizers do the real magic by infusing moisture into damaged strands for a lustrous look. Hair moisturizers do not add artificial gloss to your locks like most hair products, instead, they deeply nourish, hydrate, and promote hair health. Our hair is exposed to many problems, such as pollution, sweat, UV rays, hot tools, and more, which makes hair moisturizers an essential addition to our beauty regime.

"Conditioner doesn't solve dryness," says hair expert and YouTube hair guru Chris Wenzel. He added that moisture escapes the hair shaft due to "environmental pollution, sun damage, wear and tear, and heat styling" do damage to your hair. That's when hair moisturizer comes to the rescue!

When it comes to hair moisturizers, products with natural ingredients like shea butter, jojoba oil, coconut oil, and argan oil are a great deal. However, in addition to natural ingredients, there are several factors to consider before making a purchase. Hence, to help you make an informed buying decision, we have listed highly recommended hair moisturizing products that we have thoroughly tested. Keep reading to know more.

16 Best Hair Moisturizers

OGX renewing+ Argan Oil of Morocco is insanely popular as one of the best natural hair moisturizers. What gives the product an edge over others is that it protects your hair from harmful UV rays. The product has an ultra-lightweight formula that works like a serum. It deeply nourishes, rejuvenates, and adds shine to your hair. It can be applied and massaged onto the scalp for healthy hair growth. The product is a single solution for many hair problems like dryness, frizz, dullness, breakage, coarse texture etc., and works for all hair types.

Pros
  • Cruelty-free
  • Non-oily shine
  • Heat protection
  • Improves elasticity
  • Pleasant herbal scent
  • Small amount required
Cons
  • No apparent cons
  • Non-greasy

    Tea Tree Hair and Body Moisturizer

    Tea Tree Hair and Body Moisturizer
  • If you are someone who does not like using too many products in your beauty regime, then Tea Tree Hair and Body Moisturizer is the perfect choice for you. As the name suggests, the product not only hydrates hair but also the skin. It has a refreshing scent and water-based texture, enriched with the goodness of tea tree essential oil, jojoba oil, and peppermint oil that have abundant benefits. The product revitalizes your scalp, promotes healthy hair growth, moisturizes hair, and makes it manageable. Not to forget, it acts like a leave-in conditioner and controls frizz. Overall, the product is worth every buck spent.

    Pros
    • Vegan
    • Multi-use
    • Non-greasy
    • Cost-efficient
    • Hygienic pump bottle
    Cons
    • Non-specific utility
  • Best for Deep Hydration

    R+Co High Dive Moisture + Shine Crème

    R+Co High Dive Moisture + Shine Crème
  • Add natural luster and bounce to your mane with the R+Co’s High Dive Moisture + Shine Crème. It is infused with Sodium PCA and sunflower seed extract, which are known for their moisturizing properties. These ingredients seal moisture into the locks, protect the hair from environmental aggressors, and restore vitality to hair. This is regarded as one of the best hair moisturizers as it is also packed with the goodness of vitamin E and provitamin B5, both of which add shine to the hair and prevent the hair from getting damaged. Add it to your cart now to tame frizzy hair and get smooth-textured locks without hurting your pockets!

    Pros
    • Packed with nourishing ingredients
    • Tames flyaways and frizz
    • Vegan
    • Gluten-free
    • Cruelty-free
    • Paraben-free
    Cons
    • Strong scent
    • Might not be suitable for color-treated hair
  • Cantu Shea Butter Moisturizing Curl Activator Cream

    Cantu Shea Butter Moisturizing Curl Activator Cream
  • Cantu Shea Butter Moisturizing Curl Activator Cream is an excellent nourishing product for people with wavy and curly hair. It is enriched with shea butter, coconut oil, and other deep conditioning oils to fight frizz, brittleness and dryness. When applied on washed and dampened hair, the product activates the natural hair shape and gives dolly curls as an end result, which looks as good as heat styled hair. The cream has a dense, oily texture that provides long-lasting nourishment. For best results, use the product thrice a week after washing your hair.

    Pros
    • Mild scent
    • Leave-in hydrator
    • No harsh ingredients
    • Styling cream benefits
    • Small amount required
    Cons
    • Not for all hair types
    • Can weigh hair down
  • Best Dermatologist-tested

    ORIBE Supershine Light Moisturizing Cream

    ORIBE Supershine Light Moisturizing Cream
  • Pamper your tresses with the nourishing formula of ORIBE’s Supershine Light Moisturizing Cream. Crafted with moringa seed extract, soy protein biopolymer, vegetable-derived protein, ginger root extract, and amber extract — this potent formula tames the most stubborn frizzy hair, draws moisture into the scalp, strengthens hair roots, and protects the hair from the damaging effects of thermal styling. Elevate the shine of your locks with this nourishing formula that is specially designed to quench the thirst of dry hair. The inclusion of Oribe Signature Complex (Watermelon, Lychee, and Edelweiss Flower) makes this a must-have to protect hair from oxidative stress and damage. 

    Pros
    • Dermatologist-tested
    • Color-safe formula
    • SLS-free
    • Gluten-free
    • Makes hair look glossy
    • Lightweight formula
    Cons
    • Slightly overpriced
  • Carol’s Daughter Mimosa Hair Honey (Best for Afro Hair)

    Carol’s Daughter Mimosa Hair Honey (Best for Afro Hair)
  • Lightweight oils and serums are often ineffective hair moisturizers for 4C hair. Such hair types are naturally bushy, and only dense and rich products penetrate and tame such tresses. Carol’s Daughter Mimosa Hair Honey has a luxurious, indulgent formulation that intensely moisturizes coily hair. It reduces frizz, coarseness, and brittleness by nourishing and sealing in natural shine. The hair moisturizer cream is a great everyday product to tame children’s hair as it is free from harmful chemicals, sulfates, and parabens.

    Pros
    • Mild scent
    • Softens hair
    • Hydrates scalp
    • Protects from heat
    • Small amount required
    • Climate Pledge Friendly
    Cons
    • Bit greasy
    • Leaves little residue
  • A Little Amount Goes a Long Way

    tgin Butter Cream Daily Moisturizer

    tgin Butter Cream Daily Moisturizer
  • tgin Butter Cream Daily Moisturizer has a rich texture to tame extremely crimpled and coily hair. The low-profile product boosts softness and makes hair more manageable. Despite dense ingredients like shea butter, cocoa butter, castor oil, and coconut oil, its consistency is water-based and not too greasy. The hair moisturizer cream is luxuriously hydrating and improves hair health. The application can be a little time-consuming due to the thick consistency, but once evenly distributed and settled, the product shows excellent long-lasting results.

    Pros
    • Mild scent
    • Heat protection
    • Great for styling
    • Small amount required
    Cons
    • Leaves a residue
    • Not for all hair types
  • Cost-effective Choice

    Maui Moisture Smooth & Repair + Vanilla Bean Hair Butter

    Maui Moisture Smooth & Repair + Vanilla Bean Hair Butter
  • Coconut water has several nourishing benefits. Maui Moisture Smooth & Repair + Vanilla Bean Hair Butter offers the goodness of coconut water for hair care with a refreshing blend of aloe juice. The magic ingredients deeply hydrate and rejuvenate the tresses without causing a greasy scalp. The leave-in conditioner prevents hair coiling due to excess sweat and shows long-lasting results. It works effectively on thick, coarse, and damaged hair and softens the texture. The product is organic and free from harsh ingredients. Its indulgent vanilla scent makes your hair care regime delightful and luxurious.

    Pros
    • Color safe
    • Controls frizz
    • Cost-effective
    • Heat protection
    • Humidity resistant
    Cons
    • Inefficient packaging
  • Editor’s Pick

    Amika Water Sign Hydrating Hair Oil with Hyaluronic Acid

    Amika Water Sign Hydrating Hair Oil with Hyaluronic Acid
  • A hair moisturizer that is an all-in-one treatment crafted with natural ingredients and backed by science is this amazing product by Amika. It contains a powerful blend of jojoba, castor and coconut oil that have superb antibacterial and antifungal properties. To note more, the product also has squalene extracts that help to restore the suppleness of the hair shafts along with improving hair follicle elasticity(1). Overall, the product is great for all hair types —- thick, wavy, curly, coily and straight, and helps to curb frizz, prevent moisture loss from the hair shafts, and cure split ends with gradual use. 

    Pros
    • Imparts bounce
    • Avoids weighing down of hair
    • Reduces visible flakes
    • Combats scalp itching
    Cons
    • Sticky texture
  • Best for Dry Hair

    BONDI BOOST Volume & Texture Styling Cream with Aloe & Rosemary

    BONDI BOOST Volume & Texture Styling Cream with Aloe & Rosemary
  • A styling and moisturizing cream that is more than just a hair pomade and imparts vibrance, increases volume, and combats moisture loss, is a real hustle to find. However, the hustle ends with the invention of the Bondi Boost hair moisturizing cream. It helps to battle common hair problems like hair follicle thinning, clumpy hair, and visible flakes effortlessly. What's more is that the product contains natural ingredients like aloe vera that is known for its superb emollient-like properties, and rosemary that has remarkable anti-bacterial superpowers. To add on, it helps to tame frizz, improves hair luster, and prevents the reoccurrence of static hair.

    Pros
    • Lightweight formula
    • Does not cause build-up
    • Vegan
    • Strengthens fragile hair
    Cons
    • Runny texture
  • Best for color treated hair

    Color Wow Money Mask Deep Hydrating & Strengthening Hair Treatment

    Color Wow Money Mask Deep Hydrating & Strengthening Hair Treatment
  • The Color Wow Honey mask is one of the choicest recommendations and the secret to get rid of flyaways, and static hair that your salon stylist probably won't divulge to you.The product provides miraculous results and gives a supple look without weighing down the hair. Moreover, it is formulated with Mediterranean actives like blue sea kale extracts that help to maintain the lipid concentration within the hair follicles(2). To add more, it helps to soften coarse hair, strengthen weak roots, and instills an unmatched alluring bounce. Lastly, it helps curb visible flakes, combat breakage, and is one of the most compatible choices for color-treated hair. 

    Pros
    • Airweight texture
    • Non-sticky
    • Sulfate-free
    • Improves hair texture
    Cons
    • Overpowering fragrance
  • Cantu Shea Butter Daily Oil Moisturizer

    Cantu Shea Butter Daily Oil Moisturizer
  • While dense deep conditioners are great for occasional damage control, we all still need one go-to moisturizer for daily use. Cantu Shea Butter Daily Oil Moisturizer is one such product that can provide everyday care to your hair. The product is paraben-free, silicone-free, and does not contain any harsh chemicals. It works as a daily nourishing serum, detangler, or heat protectant before blow-drying your hair. The oil-based moisturizer is incredible for damaged, bleached, and permed tresses and promotes hair health.

    Pros
    • Color safe
    • Lightweight
    • Cruelty-free
    • Cost-efficient
    • Seals in shine
    • Makes hair silky
    Cons
    • No apparent cons
  • Mielle Organics Avocado Moisturizing Hair Milk

    Mielle Organics Avocado Moisturizing Hair Milk
  • Mielle Organics Avocado Moisturizing Hair Milk offers the goodness of avocado, aloe juice, and honey that deeply conditions and intensely hydrates the tresses and scalp. The rich formulation helps tame most types of curly and coily hair. It helps reduce brittleness, coarseness, and breakage by penetrating into the hair follicles and nourishing them. The product can be used as a daily heat protectant, leave-in conditioner or a styling product, which makes it multifunctional.

    Pros
    • Color safe
    • Pleasant scent
    • Organic ingredients
    • No harsh chemicals
    • Award-winning product
    • Long-lasting moisturizer
    Cons
    • Slight residue
  • Creme of Nature Creamy Oil Moisturizing Hair Lotion

    Creme of Nature Creamy Oil Moisturizing Hair Lotion
  • Argan oil is one of the best natural hair moisturizers for daily use. Creme of Nature Creamy Oil Moisturizing Hair Lotion offers the goodness of argan oil to naturally condition the locks, detangle, reduce flyaways and seal natural shine for beautiful hair. Unlike dense moisturizers, the product has a slick feel and is easy to apply and distribute evenly. Argan oil has excellent heat resistance, which makes the product a makeshift heat protectant and UV shield. This spray-in conditioner is one of the best hair moisturizers for moderately curly hair.

    Pros
    • Lightweight
    • Easy-to-use
    • Water-based
    • Boosts shine
    • Works as a serum
    • Premium Beauty badge
    Cons
    • Requires re-applications
  • SheaMoisture Maduka Honey & Mafura Oil Intensive Hydration Leave-in Milk

    SheaMoisture Maduka Honey & Mafura Oil Intensive Hydration Leave-in Milk
  • Milk and honey are a miracle blend. And, this Leave-in milk conditioner by SheaMoisture contains the goodness of honey for beauty benefits. The product has organic ingredients and no harsh chemicals, which makes it safe for daily use. The hydrator can be used to tame frizz on children’s hair and provide natural moisturization and nourishment. The product can also be used as a styling gel for elaborate braids and hairstyles. This is one of the best hair moisturizers for curly hair, especially type 2 curls.

    Pros
    • Detangles
    • Not greasy
    • Manages hair
    • Pleasant scent
    • Perfect for thick hair
    Cons
    • Not-vegan
    • Inefficient squeeze bottle
  • Pleasant Scent

    Carol’s Daughter Hair Milk Original Leave-in Moisturizer

    Carol’s Daughter Hair Milk Original Leave-in Moisturizer
  • Carol’s Daughter Hair Milk Original Leave-in Moisturizer is the best hair moisturizer if you are looking for a product that tames all curl types. The product luxuriously conditions dry, rough, brittle, and dehydrated tresses for a smooth, silky mane. The leave-in moisturizer is also a great styling product that beautifies low-porosity curls. It contains the rich goodness of shea butter, agave nectar, and nourishing oil for deep conditioning and hydration.

    Pros
    • Lightweight
    • Pleasant scent
    • Perfect consistency
    • Hygienic packaging
    • No harsh chemicals
    Cons
    • Greasy

    Hair moisturizers are more than an indulgent add-on to your beauty regime. In fact, they are not only essential but also makeshift alternatives to products like styling gels, heat protectants, etc. Here are some benefits of hair moisturizers.

    Benefits of Using the Best Hair Moisturizers

    According to Dr. Ipshita Johri, our medical reviewer and professional skin, hair, and aesthetic consultant, “Hair moisturizers can be beneficial for the protection of hair color.” She also suggests hair moisturizers for the prevention of gray hair. Some other benefits of using the best hair moisturizers are:

    1. Manageable tresses that are easy to detangle and style

    2. Heat and UV protection

    3. Damage control and repair of dry, brittle hair

    4. Reduction of split ends, and frizz

    5. Smooth, soft, and silky hair texture

    6. Naturally lustrous and beautiful hair

    Now that we know the best hair moisturizers and their benefits, let us learn the right ways to use them.

    How to Use Hair Moisturizer Cream?

    Here are a few ways to use hair moisturizer -

    1. Whether you are using a serum, oil, hair milk, lotion, or pomade, ensure that your hair is clean and slightly damp. You can then take the directed amount of the product in your fingers and evenly distribute it through the lengths of your hair. 

    2. The best hair moisturizers can be used to massage the scalp for better hair growth. Other inferior quality products are only for surface shine and applying them on the scalp can result in hair fall. Make sure you read the product description well before making a purchase. 

    3. After you have applied the product evenly, let it penetrate. You can also blow dry or style your hair as desired.  

    Let us understand how we can buy the best hair moisturizers for our specific needs.

    Buying Guide : How to Find the Best Hair Moisturizers

    To understand how to find the best hair moisturizers, you should first be clear about your hair care needs. 

    1. If you want to manage curly or coily hair, then a deep conditioning pomade or hair moisturizing cream would be the right pick. Look for rich ingredients, such as shea butter, cocoa butter, and castor oil, for long-lasting results.

    2. If you want to boost shine and reduce frizz from straight to wavy hair, then a lightweight serum, oil, or lotion would be the ideal choice. Argan oil, jojoba oil, tea tree oil, and grapeseed oil are hydrating ingredients to achieve the best results. Other shine-boosting ingredients include panthenol, cetyl alcohol, aloe juice, and glycerin. 

    3. If you want your hair moisturizer to work as a heat protectant, then go for products with argan oil, almond oil, or coconut oil as they have high heat resistance.

    So, there you have it. We have curated a list of the best hair moisturizers for several hair care needs based on our observations. The above-listed products are highly reviewed by customers on Amazon, and for all the right reasons. They are also packed with the goodness of potent haircare ingredients that can make your hair bouncy, shiny, and appear healthier. But before making a purchase, we suggest you go through our buying guide and resolve any queries so that you pick the best product. Happy shopping!

    FAQ's

    Which moisturizer is the best for hair?
    OGX renewing+ Argan Oil of Morocco is one of the best hair moisturizers for most hair types. However, if you are looking for a more cost-effective product, then Maui Moisture Smooth & Repair + Vanilla Bean Hair Butter would be a good choice.
    How often should I moisturize my hair?
    Using a small amount of hair moisturizer after every hair wash is effective. This would be as frequent as two to three times a week. Can also be used daily or even as often as twice a day if you have extremely frizzy hair.
    Is it better to moisturize hair wet or dry?
    Wet hair absorbs the product better as the hair follicles open up on washing. This provides better results. While moisturizing dry hair won’t cause any issue, it will require more product than usual. If applying on dry hair use a hyaluronic acid serum 1st to improve absorption.
    How do you rehydrate dry brittle hair?
    There are several remedies by which you can replenish your dry and brittle hair. One of the most effective ways is infusing moisturizing ingredients into the hair in the form of hair mask, hair conditioner, hair moisturizer, hair oil, etc.
    Should you moisturize your hair or scalp?
    You should always moisturize your hair shaft along with the scalp. As moisturizing the scalp minimizes the chance of flaky and dehydrated roots while hydrating the shaft will add shine and bounce to the hair.

    Why Trust Pinkvilla

    Hair moisturizers have been an essential part of Neha’s hair care routine, and she has tried various brands over the years. Recently, she tested some popular hair moisturizers, considering ingredients, personal experience, and some other factors. After thorough experimentation, she confidently presented her findings on them. Resultantly, she was able to identify the top performers, and the one that has become an essential part of her daily routine is OGX renewing + Argan Oil of Morocco. 

    Our product experts study the specifications of every product we suggest and try them out to bring what’s proven to be worthy of your money, time, and energy. We also have subject matter experts from various fields like Fashion, Skincare, Haircare, Home Decor, and Health & Fitness onboard to make sure our suggestions are credible and trustworthy. You can trust Select to be your faithful shopping guide for all the right reasons!

    1. Biological and Pharmacological Activities of Squalene and Related Compounds: Potential Uses in Cosmetic Dermatology

    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6253993/

    2. Evaluation of the Efficacy and Safety of Blue Fenugreek Kale Extract on Skin Health and Aging: In-vitro and Clinical Evidences

    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9527619/

    Meet the Expert
    reviewer
    Dr. Ipsita Johri
    Dermatologist & Aesthetician

    Dr. Ipshita Johri, MBBS, DDVL, and DPD, has 11+ years of experience as a professional skin, hair, and aesthetic consu More

    Author BIO
    reviewer
    Neha Tiwari
    Copy Editor

    Neha Tiwari, a certified Haircare coach, an experienced writer, educator, translator, and editor, has been catering t More