Suffering from dry high porosity hair? These daily moisturizers might just be what your hair needs to get over the moisture retention issues.
Being in quarantine for most of this year allowed me the time to simplify my hair regimen and fine-tune my hair’s needs.
Even though I tried many new products, I’m so coordinated with my hair’s needs, pretty much everything I tried was a hit for my hair.
One of the things I started using more of is daily moisturizers. I inserted this step before applying Arewa Hair Styling Oil.
You can read about my basic quarantine hair care regimen here. These daily moisturizers for dry hair article will be covering:-
- What is a daily moisturizer?
- How to moisturize natural hair daily
- How to use hair moisturizer
- Best daily moisturizers for dry natural hair
What is a Daily Moisturizer?
A daily moisturizer is a conditioner you can apply to your hair every day without it causing a lot of build-up.
The daily moisturizer refreshes your hairstyles and provides moisture before sealing with an appropriate butter or oil or a combination of the two.
You can also use a daily moisturizer when wearing a protective style under a wig. Your hair doesn’t have to wet to apply a daily moisturizer.
Applying a daily moisturizer will seal in more moisture and promote length retention.
What is the Difference Between Daily Moisturizers and Leave-in Conditioners?
They are essentially the same thing but bear with me for a moment.
A leave-in conditioner is formulated to be applied and left in when your hair is wet.
You don’t have to rinse out a leave-in conditioner and it can be creamy or liquid.
A daily moisturizer, on the other hand, is much thicker and creamier than most leave-in conditioners.
A daily moisturizer is better for type 4, coarser, kinkier hair to optimize moisture retention.
It is the best product to apply to dry natural hair between full regimen days.
The thirstier your curls are, the more you need a daily moisturizer over a traditional leave-in conditioner.
If you have finer hair, you are better off using a liquid leave-in conditioner or diluted creamy leave-in conditioner.
You usually will have to experiment with a combination of leave-in conditioners and a daily moisturizer to determine what suits your hair’s needs.
As the seasons change, your hair may also prefer a daily moisturizer over a leave-in conditioner and vice versa.
Some daily moisturizers might also be just too heavy to use every day. In this case, use it every few days instead.
Can I Use a Leave-in Conditioner as a Daily Moisturizer?
Yes, you can use a liquid leave-in conditioner as a daily moisturizer. It works great if you plan to wet your hair every day.
If you’re not going to wet your hair every day, then the daily moisturizer is best, or in the case of fine hair, a creamy leave-in conditioner.
Can You Moisturize Your Hair Everyday?
Yes, you can moisturize your hair every day but how much moisturizer you apply depends on your hair texture and the style you’re currently wearing.
To avoid build-up, don’t get too heavy-handed with the application and your hair will be happy.
Why Is My Hair So Dry Even When I Moisturize?
Usually, when your hair remains dry despite moisturizing, there are two things that could be wrong:-
- The order you’re applying your products is wrong
- You’re using the wrong products for your hair type and needs
Check out Hair Porosity and Hair Types for more on addressing this. I also highly recommend 365 Days of Moisture for Dry & Parched Hair.
Ok, now that I’ve covered the most FAQs about daily moisturizers for dry natural hair, here are the 11 best daily moisturizers to use.
1. Alikay Naturals Shea Yogurt Moisturizer
Alikay Naturals Shea Yogurt Moisturizer is formulated with highly moisturizing ingredients including shea butter.
It is especially great for kinkier curlier hair. This daily moisturizer is thick and smells yummy.
You only need a little at a time and it can be used on wet and dry hair. BUY HERE.
Alikay Naturals Shea Yogurt Moisturizer Ingredients: Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter), Argania Spinosa (Argan) Oil, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Triticum Vulgare (Wheat) Germ Oil, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Botanical Blend, Fragrance
2. As I Am Double Butter Rich Daily Moisturizer
Featured in the recent breakdown of best As I Am products for natural hair, this daily moisturizer is formulated with two types of butter.
Cocoa butter and shea butter work together to promote manageability and shine and lock in moisture.
As I Am Double Butter Rich Daily Moisturizer also strengthens hair and improves the appearance of split ends. BUY HERE.
As I Am Double Butter Rich Daily Moisturizer Ingredients: Aqua/Water/Eau, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil, Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Butter, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Cetearyl Alcohol, Ethoxylated Sorbitan Ester, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Glycerin, Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil, Cera Alba/Beeswax/Cire d’abeille, Lanolin, Betaine, Beta Vulgaris (Beet) Root Extract, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Fruit Powder, Phyllanthus Emblica Fruit Powder, Citrus Reticulata (Tangerine) Fruit Extract, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Potassium Sorbate, Phenoxyethanol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Triethanolamine, Potassium Sorbate, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Fragrance/Parfum (Anise Alcohol, Coumarin, Limonene), Curcuma Longa (Turmeric) Root Powder
3. Curlsmith Intense Treatment Serum
The Curlsmith Intense Treatment Serum is formulated to restore strength, shine, and softness to dry hair.
This unique daily moisturizer can also be used as a pre-shampoo treatment and an overnight restoring treatment. BUY HERE.
Curlsmith Intense Treatment Serum Ingredients: butyrospermum parkii (shea) butter, jojoba esters, persea gratissima (avocado) oil*, olea europaea (olive) fruit oil*, fragrance (parfum), avena sativa (oat) kernel oil, carapa guaianensis (andiroba) seed oil, macadamia ternifolia seed oil, prunus armeniaca (apricot) kernel oil*, aloe barbadensis (aloe vera) leaf juice, ocimum basilicum (basil) leaf extract, piper nigrum (black pepper) seed extract, rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary) leaf extract, salvia officinalis (sage) leaf extract, helianthus annuus (sunflower) seed oil, isopropyl myristate, limonene, linalool, iron oxides (CI 77491/red, CI 77492/yellow, CI 77499/black).
For fine hair, the Curlsmith Curl Conditioning Oil-In-Cream is a better fit for your hair. BUY HERE.
4. Design Essentials Almond & Avocado Daily Moisturizing Lotion
I’ve been using Design Essentials Almond & Avocado Daily Moisturizing Lotion for the past few months and I love the results.
It’s a daily moisturizer that’s thick, creamy, and oily, which is something coarser hair drinks in quickly.
This daily moisturizer might feel sticky when using but once dry, it leaves hair frizz-free and shiny. BUY HERE.
Design Essentials Almond & Avocado Daily Moisturizing Lotion Ingredients: Aqua/Water/Eau, Glycerin, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Polysorbate 20, Acetamide MEA, Cetearyl Alcohol, Ceteareth-20, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Polyquaternium 11, PPG-14 Butyl Ether, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Stearalkonium Chloride, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil, Panthenol, Fragrance (Parfum), Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Butter, Cetyl Alcohol, Isopropyl Lanolate, Behentrimonium Methosulfate, Phenoxyethanol, Benzoic acid, Ethylhexylglycerin, Glycereth-2 Cocoate, Benzyl Benzoate, Citral, Geraniol, Lyral, Limonene, Linalool, Lilial
5. Oyin Handmade Hair Dew Daily Quenching Hair Lotion
Hair Dew Daily Quenching Hair Lotion is a rich and creamy lotion formulated with castor oil, olive oil, and aloe vera juice.
Great for refreshing hair every day for a moisture boost and can also be used as a leave-in conditioner on full regimen day. BUY HERE.
Use this on its own or also layer the Burnt Sugar Shine & Seal Pomade over it for even more moisture retention.
Hair Dew Daily Quenching Hair Lotion Ingredients: purified water, ricinus communis (castor) oil, olea europaea (olive) oil, aloe barbadensis leaf juice (organic), olea europaea (olive) oil, behentrimonium methosulfate (and) cetearyl alcohol (emulsifier derived from colza oil), cocos nucifera (coconut) oil, cetyl alcohol, phenoxyethanol (and) caprylyl glycol (preservative), squalane (from olive oil), fragrance, and love!
6. Oyin Handmade Burnt Sugar Shine & Seal Pomade
Oyin Handmade Burnt Sugar Shine & Seal Pomade Ingredients: castor oil, hydrogenated soybean oil, organic virgin coconut oil, mango seed butter, olive oil, unrefined hempseed oil, candelilla wax, cocoa butter, broccoli seed oil, fragrance
7. Mielle Avocado Daily Moisturizing Hair Milk
Mielle Avocado Moisturizing Hair Milk is formulated with a blend of moisturizing and botanical ingredients.
This is a great daily moisturizer that hydrates dry, thirsty hair while encouraging length retention. BUY HERE.
Mielle Avocado Moisturizing Hair Milk Ingredients: Aqua (water), Aloe Barbadensis Leave Juice * (Decolorized), Glycerin, Persea Gratissima (Organic Avocado) oil, Behentromonium Methosulfate, Cetyl Alcohol, Caprylic/Capric Triglycerides, Cetyl Esters, Cetearyl Alcohol, Phenoxyethanol, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Polyquaternium-7, Fragrance (Parfum), Hydroxpropyltrimonium Honey, Panthenol, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis *(Organic Jojoba) Seed Oil, Hydroloyzed Wheat Protein, *Achiellea Millefolium(Yarrow) Extract, *Urtica Dioica(Nettle) Leaf Extract, *Salvia Officinalis (Sage) Extract, *Equisetum Arvense (Horsetail) Extract, *Lavandula Angustifolia( Lavendar) Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Benzoic Acid, Ethylhexylglycerine, Glyereth-2 Cocoate
8. tgin Butter Cream Daily Moisturizer
tgin Butter Cream Daily Moisturizer has some really great ingredients included such as shea and cocoa butter, sweet almond oil, and Vitamin E.
Provides maximum hydration and moisture retention for dry hair when used every day. It can also be used as a hair styler.
I used this as a setting cream when I when was wearing twists under my wig earlier in the year and I loved it. Review coming soon. BUY HERE.
tgin Butter Cream Daily Moisturizer Ingredients: water (aqua), glycerin, butyrospermum parkii (shea butter), cetearyl alcohol, coconut oil, amodimethicone, brassicamidopropyl dimethylamine, olea europaea (olive) fruit oil, theobroma caocao (cocoa) seed butter, prunus amygdalys dulcis (sweet almond) oil, triticum vulgare (wheat) germ oil, peg 4 hydrogentated castor oil, ceteareth‐20, aloe barbadensis leaf juice, hydrolyzed soy protein, panthenol (pro-vitamin b5), aspatric acid, fragrance, cyclopentasilozane, iodopropynyl butylcarbamate, dmdm hydantoin, benzophenone-3, tocopheryl acetate (vitamin e), tetra-sodium edta, simethicone, bht.
9. Roots Naturelle Bouncy Curls Ultra Rich Hydrating Crème
Roots Naturelle Bouncy Curls Ultra Rich Hydrating Crème is perfect for daily styling.
It is infused with olive oil, grapeseed oil, jojoba oil, and wheat germ oil.
The hydrating creme is thick and creamy plus a little goes a long way. BUY HERE.
Roots Naturelle Bouncy Curls Ultra Rich Hydrating Crème Ingredients: Purified Water, Vegetable Glycerin, Behentrimonium Methosulfate, Glyceryl Stearate PEG-100 Stearate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Panthenal (Pro-vitamin B5), Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Triticum Vulgare (Wheat Germ Oil), Olea Europea (Olive oil), Simmondsia Chinensis )Jojoba) Seed Oil, Dimethicone, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter), Cocos nucifera (Coconut Oil), Carbomer, Celearyl Alcohol, Polyquaternium 72, Centrimonium Chloride, Quaternium 37 and Propanedial, Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein PG Propyl Silanetriol, Ethythexylglycin, Phenoxylethanol, Frangrance.
10. The Mane Choice Tropical Moringa Oil & Honey Daily Moisturizer and Sealing Cream
The Mane Choice Tropical Moringa Oil & Honey Daily Moisturizer & Sealing Cream is infused with moringa oil and essential hair growth vitamins.
I love the inclusion of nettle extract and horsetail extract for growth while slippery elm bark and marshmallow root provide maximum slip.
This daily moisturizer locks in moisture, strengthens hair, and improves manageability. BUY HERE.
The Mane Choice Tropical Moringa Oil & Honey Daily Moisturizer & Sealing Cream Ingredients: Aqua (Purified Water), Glycerin, Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Glyceryl Stearate, Honey, Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf Juice, Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E), Cholecalciferol (Vitamin D), Ulmus Fulva (Slippery Elm) Bark Extract, Biotin, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Oil, Laminaria (Algae) Extract, Urtica Dioica (Nettle) Extract, Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract, Equisetum Hiemale (Horsetail) Extract, Althaea Officinalis (Marshmallow) Root, Panthenol (ProVitamin B5) Fragrance (Essential Oil Blend), Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Methyl Gluceth-20, Violet 2.
Related Content: Soften, Detangle & Condition Dry Hair with this Moringa Oil Mask
11. The Mane Choice Doesn’t Get Much Butter Than This
The Mane Choice Doesn’t Get Much Butter Than This is a thicker consistency than the moringa daily moisturizer.
Whichever one you choose depends on your personal preferences. This daily moisturizer adds shine, softens, and penetrates hair. BUY HERE.
The Mane Choice Doesn’t Get Much Butter Than This Ingredients: Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Stearyl Behenate, Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil, Cera Alba (Beeswax, Cire d’abeille), Parfum (Fragrance), Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Butter, Mangifera Indica (Mango) Seed Butter, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Daucus Carota Sativa (Carrot) Seed Oil, Brassica Oleracea Italica (Broccoli) Seed Oil, Glycerin, Biotin, Tocopheryl Acetate, Retinyl Palmitate, Tocopherol, Amyl Cinnamal, Benzyl Benzoate, Hexyl Cinnamal, Limonene, Linalool, BHT
There are times when the name of a product might make it sound like a daily moisturizer when it’s a deep moisturizing treatment.
Be sure to read the label properly before you apply it to your hair every day as applying a deep moisturizing treatment every day can lead to a different set of issues.
If you have any more questions about using daily moisturizers on dry natural hair, drop them in the comments section.
Suffering from severe dry hair issues and can’t figure out the best way to handle your hair?
I recommend 365 Days of Moisture for Dry & Parched Hair to build a functional regimen that addresses your hair’s needs.
Rated 5 out of 5 on Amazon, it’s one of the best investments you’ll ever make in your healthy hair care journey.
Learn more and grab up to 20% off HERE.
Abi is a curly hair expert, researcher, product tester, and author of the highly-rated Healthy Hair Care Series. She is also the founder of Ade Ori Hair Care, Healthy Natural Hair Products, and Natural Oils for Hair & Beauty. HNHP has strict editorial standards and ensures all the information on Healthy Natural Hair Products is the best for natural hair care. Learn more about our Editorial Policies
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