8 Best Hair Moisturizer For Black Men 2024

Find reviews for the best hair moisturizer for black men and learn how to moisturize black male hair to keep the curls soft and well defined.

As a hair stylist who has specialized in African American hair, I can tell you they need special attention as they tend to be coarse, dry, thick, and denser than other hair textures.

But this doesn’t make the hair any stronger. They are vulnerable to damage, dryness, breakage, thinning and other issues. 

So using a very rich and nourishing moisturizer for black men is important to keep type 4 hair soft, healthy, and manageable. I've reviewed some of the top 8 moisturizers below.

 

 Key Takeaways:

Hair Moisturizers For Black Men	Best For
As I am Double Buttercream	Coarse, Dull Hair
Tgin Butter Cream Daily Moisturiser	Dry Scalp
OKAY Black Jamaican Castor Oil	Hair Growth
Cantu Shea Butter Leave-in Conditioner	Thinning Hair
Carol’s Daughter Hair Milk Moisturiser	Dreadlocks, Braids
Alikay Naturals Moisture Rich Hair Parfait	360 Waves
Maui Moisture Vanilla Bean Hair Butter	Frizzy, Unmanageable Hair

 

Top Hair Moisturizer For Black Men 2024

As I am Double Buttercream

The first moisturizer for black hair I tried was this double buttercream from As I am and I must admit it was a total game-changer for my hair. When I applied it, I found it has butter-like consistency that claims to penetrate deep into your strands to moisturise them.

And I have low porosity hair, so I was glad to see it worked effectively in just one application!

I also liked how the ingredient list includes Shea butter, Almond oil, Cocoa butter, Coconut oil and Castor oil. According to research shea butter "...has been shown to have both emollient and occlusive properties which enables it to trap moisture in the epidermal layers of the skin."(Ayanlowo, Olusola & Ebie, Cynthia & Cole-Adeife, Olufolakemi & Ilomuanya, Margaret & Adegbulu, Abigail. (2021). Shea Butter As Skin, Scalp and Hair Moisturiser in Nigerians. Dermatologic Therapy. 34. 10.1111/dth.14863.)

When it comes to 4c black hair, I trust natural ingredients like these over silicones.

All of these ingredients have great hydrating properties that promise to make your hair soft and moisturised.

This hair moisturizer is also perfect for you if you are trying to get rid of dryness in your hair. It can also fix split ends, thanks to the pro-Vitamin B5 content in it. I found my curls looking healthier and softer after using this cream.

Fair warning! The cream also contains almond oil and other nut-based ingredients. So if you're allergic to these be careful.

Pros:

• Contains shea butter and almond oil that nourish 4c hair from within
• Contains panthenol that soothes inflamed scalp
• Penetrates deep into the hair even if you have low porosity hair

Cons:

• Might cause an allergic reaction due to certain ingredients like nuts

My Ratings:

• Moisturizing Powers - 5/5
• Ingredients - 4/5
• Consistency - 4.5/5

 

 

Tgin Butter Cream Daily Moisturiser

I'm a huge fan of tGIN, and have been using their hair gels for quite some time now. So it was really a no-brainer to test out their buttercream daily moisturiser.

The moisturizer is a part of their Moist Collection which features essential oils and vitamins that help in regaining lost moisture. So perfect for my low porosity 4c curls!

Now coming to the product itself. It has a wonderful slip!

I like the consistency better that that of the Cantu Shea Butter cream or the As I Am buttercream.

And I also like how versatile this moisturizer is! It made my hair soft and shiny on use, but it was also a great help while styling my hair.

I always use it to smooth down any flyways, even if I'm braiding my hair or wearing a durag.

The main ingredients in this moisturiser are shea butter and cocoa butter, both of which are rich in Vitamin E, Vitamin A and fatty acids.

Also, this make the tGIN buttercream more nourishing and "heavy" than As I Am cream or Carol's Daugther which feature argan or olive oil as main components.

This isn't necessarily a bad thing, it just means it might weigh down black men's hair which are not of the 4c kind (3b and 3c curls!). And it can be too much for some dudes who already struggle with oily scalps.

In that case, you should go for something more "lighter" like the Black Jamaican Castor Oil.

My favourite thing about this shampoo is that it is free of harmful ingredients like sulfates, paraben, and petrolatum.

And while I think lanolin is a fantastic emollient, the lack of makes it okay for vegans to use this cream too!

This is also a great moisturiser if you are in the middle of transitioning your style. I always use it when I'm growing out my curls or wearing protective hairstyles.

Pros:

• Safe to use on sensitive scalp it's sulfate-free, paraben-free, & petrolatum-free
• Lanolin-free formula so vegans can use it
• Contains shea butter and cocoa butter that nourish hair strands
• Great for transitioning hairstyle as it's not too rich and holds hair in place

Cons:

• It's more expensive than other products here

My Ratings:

• Moisturizing Powers - 4/5
• Ingredients - 4.5/5
• Consistency - 4.5/5

 

 

OKAY Black Jamaican Castor Oil

The Black Jamaican Castor Oil from OKAY is the perfect moisturiser for dry and dehydrated curls, especially if you don't want to use the heavier creams or parfaits.

Most oil-based moisturizers for black hair come with coconut oil but I was glad to see this one has argan oil as the chief ingredient. Coconut oil can be comedogenic, and it might not suit people with scalp acne or skin problems.

Argan oil is a rich source of Vitamin E which creates a protective layer of moisture around your hair. So it's a great choice for both low porosity and high porosity hair.

I loved the texture of this product! It's very light and has a great slip. You don't have to use a lot on your curls.

My favourite part is that this oil is silicone-free. Now don't get me wrong, silicones are great for showing immediate smoothening effects. But I hate washing off the product residue. So the no-silicone thing was great news to me!

My hair was also feeling a bit dry, brittle, stressed and thin as I had coloured it recently. So I have this oil to thank for making it look healthy again.

This is a vegan and cruelty-free oil. So folks looking for an eco-friendly alternative will like this castor oil product.

I have one suggestion for you. This hair oil should be applied to damp hair to get the best results. And then you can use a comb to evenly distribute it across your hair.

Pros:

• Contains argan oil and castor oil that nourishh hair without weighing it down
• Omega-3 rich formula strengthens hair strands from the roots
• Vitamin E formula mproves elasticity, reducing hair fall
• Nourishing formula repairs exisiting damage on hair
• Good for vegans and who want a cruelty-free formula

Cons:

• None that I could find

My Ratings:

• Moisturizing Powers - 5/5
• Ingredients - 5/5
• Consistency - 4/5

 

 

Cantu Shea Butter Leave-in Conditioner

Cantu is a famous brand that is known to make effective hair products for African American hair textures. This leave-in conditioner is a great moisturiser for your hair.

This is also a good addition to your hair care kit if you are looking to develop 360 and 180 waves. This hair moisturiser is enriched with the goodness of hemp seed oil.

Hemp seed oil is rich in omega 3 fatty acids, omega 6 fatty acids and antioxidants. It also contains minerals like calcium, magnesium, sulfur, potassium and phosphorus. 

It penetrates deep into your hair shafts to improve hydration and reduce hair fall and breakage.

This product is gentle enough for daily use although there are reports of the product leaving residue on your scalp.

You can apply it to your dry and split ends or certain damaged areas. This product is free of harmful ingredients like sulfates, parabens and mineral oil.

Pros:

• Contains hemp seed oil that helps repair hair damage
• Instant moisturisation as it penetrates hair shaft quickly
• Formula is safe on scalp as its sulfate-free, paraben-free and mineral oil-free

Cons:

• Might leave residue on hair as it dries into hard flakes
• Strong smell that might not suit everyone's tastes

My Ratings:

• Moisturizing Powers - 4.5/5
• Ingredients - 4/5
• Consistency - 3.5/5

 

 

 

Carol’s Daughter Hair Milk Moisturiser

This hair milk contains the goodness of Agave nectar, Shea butter and sweet almond oil. Agave nectar is plant-based natural nectar. It helps in absorbing and retaining moisture in your hair. 

It makes your hair smooth and shiny. Shea butter is a rich source of Vitamin E and Vitamin A. The high fatty acid content in Shea butter helps in moisturising your hair.

Sweet almond oil is a great conditioner and helps in tackling the dryness and flakiness of the scalp. 

This product is best suited for people with wavy, curly and coily hair. It is free of harmful ingredients like parabens and silicones.

Simply pour a quarter size into your palms and run your finger through your hair from root to tip. 

Pros:

• Moisturises hair as it contains shea butter, agave nectar and sweet almond oil
• Paraben-free and sulfate-free safe on scalp skin
• Liquid formula moves through hair easily

Cons:

• The product dries out on your hair and leaves residue
• Strong scent from added perfumes that can trigger sensitivities

My Ratings:

• Moisturizing Powers - 4/5
• Ingredients - 4/5
• Consistency - 4/5

 

 

 

Alikay Naturals Moisture Rich Hair Parfait

This is an award-winning hair moisturizer for black men that will give you amazing results.

This super nourishing product from Alikay Naturals contains natural and organic ingredients. 

It is enriched with the goodness of shea butter, argan oil and sweet almond oil. 

My favourite part about this moisturiser is its scent. It has a sweet scent that is a treat to your senses. This hair parfait also helps in making your unruly hair more manageable. 

The unique concoction of ingredients like argan oil, shea butter and coconut oil helps in sealing your hair with moisture. 

Take an adequate amount of the products and apply it between your palms. Run your fingers through your hair to evenly distribute the product.

Pros:

• Contains shea butter, coconut oil and argan oil that intensely nourish hair
• Pleasant smell
• Makes hair more manageable as it adds slip while detangling

Cons:

• Rich ingredients might weigh down your hair

My Ratings:

• Moisturizing Powers - 5/5
• Ingredients - 4/5
• Consistency - 4/5

 

 

Maui Moisture Vanilla Bean Hair Butter

The formula of the Maui moisture Vanilla bean hair butter is designed to repair and hydrate your dry hair. 

If you are struggling with frizzy and unruly hair, this product will work wonders on your hair.

This has a pleasant smell of vanilla bean that leaves you feeling fresh throughout the day.

This hair butter provides intense moisturisation to thick and coarse natural hair that has been subjected to a lot of damage.

This is suitable for all types of hair including colored and chemically treated hair. It contains an array of natural ingredients that nourish your hair from root to tips. 

It is free of harmful ingredients like silicones, parabens, mineral oil, synthetic dye and sulfated surfactants. The formula also contains coconut water and aloe vera juice. 

Aloe vera is a rich source of Vitamin A, Vitamin E and Vitamin C.

It soothes irritated scalp, strengthens hair and reduces breakage, repairs damages, encourages hair growth and hydrates your hair. 

Pros:

• Contains coconut water and aloe vera juice that hydrate hair without leaving scalp greasy
• Suitable for frizzy hair as it restores hydration in strands
• Pleasant smell without added perfumes
• Sulfate-free, paraben-free, and mineral oil-free safe for sensitive scalps

Cons:

• None

My Ratings:

• Moisturizing Powers - 5/5
• Ingredients - 4.5/5
• Consistency - 4.5/5

 

 

African Pride Moisture Miracle Conditioner

I used this hair cream next thinking it will be good for my 4c hair as it boasts of a natural formula. Unlike most leave-in conditoners there is no petrolatum, mineral oil or other such harmful chemicals in it.

I like the texture. It is thick and rich but applies well on hair. I can spread it through my thick hair very easily without any issue.

My favorite part about this part about this cream is that it's very nourishing without being greasy. The coconut oil does it's job without making hair look dull.

Although I did notice that there were some flakes on my hair after using this product for a while.

The one drawback I think this cream has is it's smell. I don't like the old-lady-like perfume it's got. It can be very off-putting for some people.

But if fragrances don't bother you, this might just work well for thick, African American hair.

Pros:

• The coconut oil in it helps control dryness and frizz
• It's a natural formula that is free from mineral oils and parabens
• There is boabab oil in it that helps repair damaged hair

Cons:

• The perfume is overpowering
• The product gives very little quantity for a lot of money

My Ratings:

• Moisturizing Powers - 5/5
• Ingredients - 3.5/5
• Consistency - 4/5

 

 

Comparison Table  

 

Best Hair Moisturizers For Black Men	Maui Moisture Vanilla Bean Hair Butter	Cantu Shea Butter Leave-in Conditioner	As I am Double Buttercream	OKAY Black Jamaican Castor Oil	Maui Moisture Vanilla Bean Hair Butter
Images
Moisturizing	4/5	3.5/5	3/5	4.5/5	4.5/5
Ingredients	4.5/5	5/5	4.5/5	4.5/5	3.5/5
Fragrance	4.5/5	3.5/5	3/5	4.5/5	4.5/5
Price	3.5/5	4/5	5/5	4/5	5/5
Silicone-Free	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	No

How to Choose the Best Hair Moisturizer For Black Men

If you're looking for a good leave-in moisturizer for black hair, then here are some factors to keep in mind while making a purchase.

Ingredients - Firstly look for emollient ingredients. Shea butter, cocoa butter, coconut oil, argan oil, castor oil, and lanolin are all your friends! These do not just moisturise hair but also seal hair cuticle preserving moisture.

Also look for products with vitamins and omega-3 fatty acids, especially vitamin B5 and vitamin E. These help repair damaged strands and keep frizz in check.

Silicones and Alcohol - These ingredients are generally harmless, but I like to avoid them while buying a moisturizer for my black hair. Silicones help smoothen hair strands in a jiffy, but they tend to build-up o scalp and hair. And I simply don't like the clarifying process I need to do to get rid of them.

Alcohol is also a common ingredient in most creams, but only some versions of it (Cetearyl alcohol) are good for your hair). The others like ethanol, isopropyl alcohol, etc. can dry scalp and hair and even cause irritation in extreme cases.

Formula - Another thing to keep in mind is the formula. Do you want a cream, a parfait (mix of gel and cream) or oil to moisturize your hair? I like oils for thicker and coarser 4c hair. But I still layer with cream as curly hair can get dry very quickly.

I also use parfaits when I'm trying out a hairstyle and want my hair moisturizers to have a "hold" and keep my strands in place.

 

 

 

 

How To Moisturize Black Male Hair

Now that you know which moisturizer to check out to help nourish black men's hair, here are few tips from my side that helps keep black hair soft and manageable. Here's how you moisturizer black male hair. Check it out!

• Try the LOC method - Yes, the Curly Girl Method isn't just for girls. LOC here stands for leave-in conditioner, oil and cream and shows you the order of applying moisturizers to hair. Here you have to use a water-based conditioner first to hydrate hair, then a oil to moisturize and seal water molecules inside and finally a hair cream to soften tresses and reduce frizz.
• Do a hot oil treatment every 2 weeks - Type 4 hair needs a lot of moisturization and it usually has low porosity so you have use heat to make sure the conditioners penetrate your strands. The best way to ensure this is to use a hot oil treatment. You can simply warm up the oil slightly before applying or use a heated towel to wrap around your head.
• Wear a durag whenever possible - A lot of men do not know that hair can lose a lot of it's natural oils while sleeping thanks to the constant rubbing against the bedspreads, especially if they are cotton. So wrapping a silk or satin durag while sleeping can prevent this from occurring.
• Clarify often - If you're doing everything right and still wondering wny the moisturizers aren't working on your hair then the culprit might be buildup. Product buildup can prevent creams, oils etc. from getting absorbed easily, making them lose their effectiveness. So clarify hair often using a clarifying shampoo or rinse.

 

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Summary on best leave in moisturizer for black hair

African American hair needs more hydration as it tends to have a high porosity, which means that it loses moisture quickly. But this is not the case with everyone as some of these textures can be hard to moisturize as well.

So you'll need a cream or oil that penetrates hair shaft well and has sealing properties.

Using a good hair moisturizer for black men helps keep your coarse type 4 hair in check. It helps manage your locks, prevent tangles and help you style hair the way you want. 

 

 

 

Also Read:

Moisturizer for 360 Waves Hair