The 6 Best Hair Moisturizers for Black Men

If you are in a hurry and just want to find out what the best hair moisturizer for black men is, then we recommend the Jack Black Sleek Finish Texture Cream.

Who says men don’t care about their hair? While many ads and commercials are targeted toward women’s hair care, it doesn’t mean that men want to neglect their hair. Men can have just as many hair-care challenges as women, especially when it comes to moisturizing.

The 6 Best Hair Moisturizers for Black Men in 2023

We poured over product pages, reviews, and articles by experts to whittle down the list of hair moisturizers to five top contenders. Each of these products stood out from the rest for some reason. While they share some commonalities, each product provides something a bit different.

1. Jack Black Sleek Finish Texture Cream

We’d be remiss if we didn’t feature Jack Black’s Sleek Finish Texture Cream as our favorite on the list. It’s versatile, lightweight, and provides a long-lasting hold without making your hair feel greasy or frizzy.

With ingredients like Olive Fruit Oil, Silk Amino Acids, Beet Root, and Rosemary Extract, you know you’re getting the real deal. And with over 590 satisfied customers agreeing with a 5-star rating, we think this is the best.

But don’t take our word for it. As one delighted user wrote:

This stuff is amazing. Is great for styling hair and does not give you that greasy, stiff look. I’m a guy with fairly long wavy/medium curly hair (goes down just past my ears) and this stuff is great for getting the frizz out and not making it looks stiff.

Need we say more?

2. Bumble and Bumble Grooming Cream

If you’re a guy not interested in shiny hair, Bumble and Bumble’s Grooming Crème may be the product for you. Instead of a glossy shine, this crème will leave your hair with a satiny appearance and velvety feel. For guys looking to use a product without a strong scent, this is a great choice.

Since the tube is small, it’s a good thing you only need a little bit (a dime-sized dollop) for each use. Apply a tiny amount to wet hair and massage in with your fingers to lock in moisture. It will also provide definition and a slight hold that lasts all day.

Many users note that it’s on the expensive end, but they keep using it because it makes their hair feel great and holds all day. It was tough to find many complaints about this product. Though there were several comments about the price being higher than other products, it didn’t seem to deter buyers.

3. Shea Moisture Three Butters Styling Smoothie

With water listed as the first ingredient, this product is loaded with moisturizing agents to help dry, dull hair. Part of the men’s line of a popular brand, this cream relies on shea, mango, and avocado butters to moisturize and add shine to hair.

Not only will it work on the hair on your head, it does double duty for men with beards. Shea Moisture dropped their usual fruit and floral scents to create this product just for men with more of a musk scent. Though some users felt the scent was too strong, most reported it smells pleasant.

The Three Butters Styling Smoothie needs to be applied to damp hair, making it a little more diverse than other options. Most users note that a little bit goes a long way, so keep that in mind when applying the product to your hair.

4. tgin Butter Cream Daily Moisturizer

Made by Thank God It’s Natural, this daily moisturizer includes Vitamin E Oil, cocoa butter, and shea butter. Even better, this product is free of parabens, sulfates, petrolatum, lanolin, and artificial colors. 

This butter cream has an appealing scent that’s not overpowering like other products on the market. It can also double as a styling product and encourages hair growth.

The moisturizer should be applied to wet hair to allow the cream to work without leaving a sticky feeling behind. Several commenters noted that after using this product regularly, they could skip a day or two because the butter cream worked so well. Others note that they only apply the product to sections of hair they notice is dry. 

On the downside, a handful of users reported issues with itching after use. Others saw no improvement in the dryness and reported that it left their hair feeling sticky and gummy.

5. Alikay Naturals Moisture Rich Parfait

Alikay Naturals is known for their organic products, and their Moisture Rich Parfait is no different. A blend of shea butter, argan oil, and coconut oil, this product was created for kinky and curly hair. It’s intended to add shine, make hair stronger, and nourish the strands for a healthier head of hair.

Unlike most other products, this one can be used on wet or dry hair. It takes a small amount, about the size of a fingertip. For easier application, rub the product between your palms and work through your hair starting at your scalp.

Though not as strong as other products, this crème smells fruity. It is a lighter crème with more of a whipped texture, making it an excellent choice for different types and lengths of hair. Several reviews noted how the Moisture Rich Parfait makes their hair more manageable and softer.

6. Cantu Shea Butter Men’s Collection Leave-in Conditioner

Unlike the other products on this list, this is a leave-in conditioner. Cantu left out the damaging sulfates, parabens, and mineral oils. Instead, they included hemp seed oil to improve elasticity, shea butter for moisture, and caffeine to promote hair growth and reduce shedding.

Made expressly for men, Cantu’s Shea Butter Leave-in Conditioner is easy to use. Just apply to ends of damp hair and work toward the roots. If you have longer hair or problem areas, apply more product. Comb your hair to distribute the product evenly and leave it in to do its job.

Several users appreciated that the product is easy to use, takes little time to apply, and leaves hair soft to the touch. While some reviewers couldn’t tolerate the smell, others noted that it’s a pleasant coconut scent.

The Truth About Hair Moisturizers

When you’re standing in front of shelves of hair care products, how do you know which one to choose? They may all sound the same, but hair care products, especially moisturizers, can have different effects on your hair.

Thankfully, we’ve researched what different ingredients do, what to look for, and how to choose the right moisturizer for you. 

What Is a Hair Moisturizer?

Hair that is dry, brittle, or hard indicates you don’t have enough moisture in the strands. Dry hair doesn’t just feel unpleasant; it will also leave you looking less than your best.

Fortunately, hair moisturizers can help solve the problem by adding moisture to strands of hair. There are several options on the market ranging from protective oils and butters to leave-in conditioners.

Do I Really Need a Hair Moisturizer?

If you care about how your hair looks and feels, then you probably need a hair moisturizer. Porous hair tends to dry out, and several environmental factors make it even more difficult.

For those of you who still aren’t sure, here are some common causes of dry hair:

• Living in a dry climate, especially when it’s hot, can cause hair to dry out quickly.
• Spending a lot of time outside in the sun and wind.
• Washing your hair too often strips away natural oils that would protect your hair.
• Using harsh hair care products or dying your hair can harm your hair and leave it feeling brittle.
• Certain medications and some medical conditions can cause dry hair and scalp.

How Does a Hair Moisturizer Work?

There are six main categories of hair moisturizers that help your hair in different ways. By understanding how products work, you can choose the best type for you. 

• Water-based moisturizers are primarily made of water and meant to restore water to the strands of hair.
• Emollients soften hair using certain types of alcohol and oils.
• Humectants, like aloe vera and honey, work by increasing humidity at the hair’s surface.
• Oils, like coconut oil, lubricate hair strands to seal in moisture.
• Amino acids and proteins, like wheat protein, help hair strands hold water.
• Acidifiers, like fruit extracts, will affect the pH balance of a product.

Keep in mind, many hair care products will contain several of these ingredients together to improve the effectiveness of the product. 

How to Moisturize Your Hair

Every area of personal care takes a little effort, and maintaining your hair is no different. It’s easy to incorporate a moisturizer into your regular hair care routine. The general rule of thumb is to use moisturizer daily.

But during cooler months, you may be able to moisturize every other day. Once you choose a moisturizer, it’s easy to use. Unless otherwise suggested on the product label, you’ll apply the moisturizer to your hair by starting at the scalp and working out toward the tips.

Choosing the Best Hair Moisturizer for Black Men

Choosing the best hair moisturizer for you is going to depend on what is causing your dry hair:

• A good hair moisturizer will contain water as a primary ingredient (listed first or second on the ingredients).
• Shea butter and natural oils will hold in moisture protect the strands of hair.
• Consider the scents when choosing a moisturizer. If you really hate the smell of jojoba, you probably don’t want to use it in your hair regularly.
• Experimentation may be necessary. Your hair may respond better to some products than others. 
• Consider exploring a drug store, beauty store, or online retailer for a better selection of products.

Other Considerations When Using Hair Moisturizers

As with most personal care products, there are certain precautions and considerations to keep in mind. While moisturizers are not likely to cause you problems, you’ll be happier with the results if you follow a few simple guidelines:

• Be mindful of all hair care products you’re using. Many products contain ingredients known to dry hair out. For example, many shampoos contain a cleansing chemical known as SLS (sodium lauryl sulfate) that strips hair of natural oils. 
• Watch out for petroleum-based products because it can clog your pores and leave your hair susceptible to damage.
• As a reminder, for medication or medical-related dry hair, you’ll want to consult your physician for suggestions and possible changes in treatment.
• Have your hair trimmed regularly.
• Consider a deep conditioning treatment every couple of weeks for a moisture infusion.

What’s the Best Hair Moisturizer for Black Men?

Only one hair moisturizer for black man can be named “the best”. After comparing and contrasting all of the pros and cons of each product, the clear winner is Jack Black’s Sleek Finish Texture Cream.

This product is loaded with moisturizing ingredients, making it tough to beat in scent, texture, and performance. Yes, it’s expensive, but with an incredible average 4.4 star rating, it’s clearly worth the price. Think of this as an investment in your hair.

The other products lacked the versatility of Bumble and Bumble’s cream, which works for most types of hair, including beards. Overall, any of these products are worth a try if you’re struggling with dry, unmanageable hair.

This list will get you started in the right direction. Determine what’s most important to you in a hair product and narrow things down from there. You’ll have smooth, soft, shiny hair in no time!