If there is one thing my hair loves, it’s moisture—any kind, anytime, anywhere. Which is why all of the ingredients my hair loves happen to also be highly moisturizing. Here is a list of all of the ingredients my hair can’t live without.
1. Water
My hair loves water. When I try a new product and water is the first ingredient, it’s almost guaranteed that my hair will like it. My hair looks its best when it’s highly moisturized and my styles come out much better when I wet set them. For instance, my wash and go’s look fantastic when done on soaking wet hair rather than damp.
2. Vegetable Glycerin & Honey
Glycerin is a humectant and will attract moisture into your hair, which is why my hair loves it so much. Honey is another humectant and my hair adores that as well. I like to use these ingredients interchangeably in my deep conditions and have even used glycerin in my wash and go’s. Products that contain any one of these ingredients are a win for me.
3. Agave
Agave is another highly moisturizing plant derived ingredient. It is also a humectant and will draw moisture into the hair. It also provides great shine. I have several products that contain agave nectar and my hair loves them all. The SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curling Gel Souffle is one of the most notable products that contain a lot of agave nectar and whenever I use it, my hair stays moisturized a lot longer.
4. Shea butter
Shea butter works wonders for dry damaged hair and it can also be great for perfectly healthy hair, as it provides many vitamins and has great moisturizing benefits, something naturally curly hair always needs—healthy or not. Shea butter will not clog the pores in your scalp, so your scalp will be able to breathe. It is also an excellent sealer for natural hair.
MORE: Shea Butter for Hair: Healing Magic
5. Argan oil
This oil is hydrating (in a natural way”> and is filled with antioxidants, which can help strengthen weak hair. It is also great if you have color-treated your hair, which is why I also like to use it. I generally will seal with this oil or add it to my whipped shea butter for sealing. A little goes a long way.
6. Aloe
Aloe is deeply moisturizing and soothing to the hair, and it is packed with vitamins and minerals. I love using aloe vera gel in my hair as an extra layer of moisture. You can’t really go wrong with aloe very gel.