Applying a cream moisturizer to relaxed hair can quickly ruin your perfectly coiffed hairdo. While you might be tempted to skip it entirely, doing so will wreck your dryness-prone strands.
So, if you’re wondering how you can hydrate your hair without leaving it limp and greasy, you’re in the right place!
In this article, we’ll walk you through how to moisturize relaxed hair without weighing it down. We’ll also share some of our favorite lightweight moisturizers, so make sure you scroll down to the end!
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Here’s How to Moisturize Relaxed Hair Without Weighing It Down
Figuring out how to properly hydrate your relaxed hair takes a lot of trial and error, but it is possible. It’s also an essential part of keeping your strands healthy enough to thrive, even with the damaging effects of the relaxer. Here are our top six tips for moisturizing relaxed hair without weighing it down.
1. Use a Lightweight Moisturizer
If your goal is to avoid weighing down your relaxed hair, using a lightweight moisturizer is imperative. Lightweight creams sink into your strands, while heavy products will cling to them and leave them looking limp and greasy.
So, avoid using heavy butters and thick creams. Instead, opt for moisturizers that have a thin, watery consistency. Then, apply a thin layer of hair oil or serum to lock the hydration in.
2. Use Plenty of Conditioners
Most moisturizers have water listed as the first ingredient. Although this makes them effective, the moisture can also cause your hair to frizz, poof up, or become oily. To prevent this, use your wash day routine to give your hair as much hydration as possible.
That may include a pre-poo, where you coat your strands with conditioner before you shampoo them. In addition to using regular conditioners, you should be deep conditioning your hair regularly.
Deep conditioners are much more concentrated than traditional conditioners; they can hydrate and repair your hair from the inside out. Then, after you rinse your hair, apply a nourishing leave-in conditioner.
By layering different types of conditioner into your regimen, you can help keep your strands hydrated, resilient, and silky smooth. And since you’re rinsing most of the product out, you don’t have to worry about weighing your hair down.
3. Use Products Formulated for Relaxed Hair
Take a look at your favorite hair moisturizers. Do they specify whether they’re made for natural or relaxed strands? Hair moisturizers made for relaxed hair tend to be thinner and less heavy than those made for natural strands.
They might also include less water in their formulations to reduce the chances of your hair reverting. So, if your moisturizer is weighing your hair down, try swapping it out for one specifically made for your relaxed hair.
4. Use a Clarifying Treatment
Does it feel like your moisturizers just aren’t as effective as they used to be? Well, we’re here to tell you that it might not be all in your head.
Product and hard water buildup can coat your hair with a tough-to-remove film. Over time, the residue creates a water-blocking barrier that prevents your creams and oils from reaching your strands.
Unfortunately, regular shampoos aren’t strong enough to cut through the film.
So, if you think you have product or hard water buildup, add a monthly clarifying treatment to your routine. You should also consider installing a hard water filter to prevent the buildup from occurring in the first place.
5. Moisturize Your Hair at Night
Most people moisturize their hair as part of their daytime styling routine. However, switching things up might be better for your strands. When you apply a moisturizing product, it will get sucked into your strands as you sleep.
So, by the time you wake up, you’ll have perfectly moisturized locks without any of the greasiness! Before bed, apply your favorite leave-in or moisturizing cream and brush it through your hair.
If you want to keep your strands silky straight, wrap your hair around your head in a circular motion.
Once your hair has been thoroughly moisturized, lock that hydration in with a bonnet, silk, or satin scarf. In addition to keeping your strands safe, the fabric will help wick away excess moisture.
6. Use the Right Amount of Product
While some people think “the more product, the better”, this couldn't be further from the truth. Most manufacturers tell you exactly how much product you’re supposed to use.
So, if they suggest using a pea-sized amount, stick with their recommendations.
Otherwise, you’ll weigh down your hair. And don’t worry if you feel like that amount is enough. Most moisturizers are highly concentrated, so a little goes a long way.
How Often Should I Moisturize Relaxed Hair?
Experts recommend moisturizing your hair as often as once every day. Relaxed hair is exceptionally fragile and breakage-prone, and it needs plenty of TLC to stay strong.
Ultimately, everyone’s hair is different.
So, you should pay attention to your hair. If it feels dry and stiff, moisturize it more often. But if your hair feels oily or weighed down, try hydrating it a little less frequently.
Best Moisturizers for Relaxed Hair
When it comes to moisturizing relaxed hair, the products you use will make all the difference. You want to choose moisturizers that nourish your hair without weighing it down or making it greasy.
But finding these products can be a real challenge. So, in this section, we’ll introduce you to some of our favorite moisturizers for relaxed hair.
Design Essentials Almond and Avocado Hair Moisturizer
Are you searching for a product that will both strengthen and hydrate your strands? This versatile cream moisturizer contains proteins that mend and reinforce your strands.
It also contains moisture-promoting ingredients, like jojoba, avocado, and olive oil. Simply work a pea-sized amount of product into your hair, and go!
Coconut Oil and Shea Moisturize Me Curl & Style Milk by Lotta Body
If you struggle with frizz, this weightless moisturizer might be just what you're looking for. It softens and hydrates your hair from the inside out, leaving you with a shiny, frizz-free mane.
And it’s packed with an impressive number of botanicals, including coconut, sunflower, avocado, and shea butter. And it's great for both natural and relaxed strands!
AVLON Keracare Oil Moisturizer with Jojoba Oil
Whether you’re looking for thermal protection, hydration, or styling aids, this rich moisturizer is soon to be your holy grail. This versatile moisturizer softens and hydrates your strands without leaving behind a greasy residue.
The wholesome formula contains a luscious blend of aloe vera, jojoba, and castor seed oil, leaving your hair strong and shiny. It creates a protective layer around your strands that blocks out frizz, heat damage, and humidity.
Davines This is a Relaxing Moisturizing Fluid
This is a Relaxing Moisturizing Fluid is a multipurpose hydrating cream that adds shine, eliminates frizz, and protects against heat-damaged hair.
You can either use it on freshly washed hair to lock in water or smooth a tiny amount over your finished ‘do. It also helps block out humidity, so you can enjoy your silky straight locks all day long!
Although moisturizing relaxed hair can leave it feeling weighed down or poofy, it’s well worth the risk. Moisturizers help you maintain healthy hair strands and prevent breakage, dryness, and split ends.
Just make a few slight adjustments to how you go about applying them, and you’ll be able to reap all of the rewards with none of the drawbacks!
That way, you can keep your strands hydrated, strong, and flowing. And we hope that the information we’ve covered today helps you do just that!
