Designed to quench thirsty natural hair, this ultra-hydrating moisturizer locks in moisture from roots to ends. Containing humectants like glycerin for moisture attraction, plus oils to smooth cuticle sealing properties to seal in that moisture for ultimate hydration. Hair moisturizers are thicker than leave-in conditioners and should be applied directly onto dry strands for maximum moisture retention. They’re particularly recommended for type 4 curls or other textures with higher levels of kinkiness to retain more hydration.
Water
Moisture retention is critical to healthy strands. Some naturals find that spraying their locks with water helps, while others opt for leave-in conditioner or heavier scalp moisturizers to protect from dryness and frizz. When purchasing a hair moisturizer, look for products with water as the primary component. Combining water with other moisturizing agents like oils and creams helps provide maximum hydration to your locks. Consider how frequently you shampoo your hair. Washing with anything over lukewarm water opens the cuticle layer of the hair shaft to allow moisture to escape through, leading to dryness, frizz, and tangling. Moisturizer should be applied immediately following washing strands to combat these effects and help avoid dryness, frizz, and tangling. You could also use leave-in conditioner or moisturizing oil before braiding protective styles or braiding hair into protective braids; it is beneficial during colder months!
Shea Butter
Shea butter is a plant lipid produced from shea tree nuts that contains fatty acids, antioxidants, vitamins such as A and E, and anti-inflammatory properties. Hair oil can also help soothe and moisturize dry, itchy strands and help control dandruff. It offers excellent scalp benefits Thanks to natural oils that quickly absorb into the scalp and hair without leaving behind an oily feel or clogging pores. Look for A-grade shea butter to maximize its healing properties and preserve its unrefined form, with a yellow hue and nutty fragrance. Shea butter can be used alone or combined with other ingredients to form hair oil, conditioner, moisturizer, or leave-in treatments, moisture spritzes, or leave-in treatments; Queen Cleopatra kept jars of shea butter on hand!
Argan Oil
According to Hughes, Argan oil has long been revered for its therapeutic benefits to keep strands hydrated and healthy, acting as a barrier against heat damage. Argan oil, harvested from the kernels of argan trees (Argania spinosa), has long been considered “liquid gold.” Packed with vitamin E, linoleic acid, and antioxidants – and offering profound hydrating benefits – argan oil truly deserves this name! Search for cold-pressed argan oil with an authentic, nutty aroma and smooth texture without watery properties. Be wary of products using multiple oils to reduce production costs, as these may contain less pure argan oil. Apply a few drops to your fingertips and rub into your scalp, paying particular attention to areas prone to dryness, such as the ends. Add extra drops onto your face and neck for a light moisturizer as a fair remedy against dandruff or dry, itchy skin conditions. This treatment also works great as an antidandruff measure!
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera may be best known for relieving sunburns, but offers numerous hair care benefits. The gel in its leaves contains vitamins and enzymes to remove dead skin cells on your scalp and strands to retain moisture more efficiently. It also has antifungal and antiseptic properties, which fight dandruff, itchiness, and other scalp infections. Aloe vera contains the same pH levels as your scalp and strands, making regular use beneficial in returning them to their natural states. You can apply aloe as a pre-poo treatment before shampooing or combine it with conditioner for deep conditioning treatments. To maximize its effects, try applying fresh aloe vera gel twice weekly to your hair and scalp and washing it off with mild shampoo afterward. Before beginning use on your locks, be sure to conduct a patch test either inside your elbow or the nape of your neck just in case any allergies present.
