Black Hair & Moisturizers: Five Great Choices

Being a black woman with very dry hair, I've used my fair share of hair moisturizers. I've had the displeasure of using some moisturizers that not only made my hair feel even more brittle than it felt in the beginning, but that also smelled bad and felt extra greasy. This is definitely not what I'm looking for in a moisturizer, and I'm sure other black women aren't either. After using over 50 different moisturizers within a year's time, I finally discovered my absolute favorites-the brands that actually moisturize my hair and make it softer, silkier and more beautiful-and I want to share these with other black women looking for the same. These moisturizers are highlighted below.

Organic Root Stimulator - this olive oil hair moisturizing lotion is my absolute favorite. It's light, it smells great without being too overpowering, and it makes my hair feel silky, soft and lovely every time I use it. It's supposed to stimulate the hair follicles so that your hair grows, and it actually does work for me. I love this lotion, but because of the higher cost, I don't buy it all the time, but if I could, I would. You can buy it at local beauty supply stores for around $7 for an 8.5 oz container.

Lustrasilk Moisture Repair - this pleasant-smelling moisturizer is another excellent choice, especially for women who have super-dry, damaged hair. Lustrsilk Moisture Repair not only moisturizes my hair optimally, but it helps to repair damaged hair just like it claims to. It can be used everyday just like other hair lotions, and you can purchase it at your local beauty supply store for $4 or less for a 7.5 ounce container.

UBH - this company, Ultra Black Hair, makes some wonderful yet pricey products for black hair. I purchase the founder, Cathy Howe's lotion crème moisturizer whenever I feel like splurging, because it makes my hair feel wonderful, but an 8 oz container is $8.00, which doesn't include shipping and handling. You can purchase this moisturizer and other products at ubhpublications.com.

Motions Hair Lotion - this product is another great choice for black women looking for the perfect hair moisturizer. I like this particular hair lotion because a little goes a long way, which allows me to use less. This enables me to save money since I don't have to replace it as often. The smell is nice, and it will leave your hair feeling silky and straight, and won't build up after a few days of using it. You can purchase a 12 oz container for around $4 at your local beauty supply.

Luster's Pink Oil Moisturizer Hair Lotion - this was the first hair moisturizer that I discovered worked great on my hair. I use it most often because it both economical and works superbly. Unlike many hair lotions that make my hair appear kinkier after using them, this hair lotion seems to actually straighten my hair, leaving it shiny and healthy looking for hours after using it. Since it seems to straighten my hair, I often use it while my hair is wet, prior to using the blow dryer to straighten it further. I do use it while my hair is dry as well, with perfect results every time. Purchase a 12 oz container from your local beauty supply for around $4.