13 Best Hair Care Products For Black Hair, Suggested By A Hair Expert: 2024

These products formulated for natural hair deserve a place in your haircare arsenal.

Reviewed by Alexandro Vasquez, Hairdresser Alexandro Vasquez Alexandro VasquezHairdresser facebook_iconyoutube_iconinsta_icon
Written by , MA (English Literature), Certified Skin Care Coach Shiboli Chakraborti MA (English Literature), Certified Skin Care Coach linkedin_icon Experience: 4 years
Edited by , MA (English Literature), Diploma In Health & Wellness Aditi Naskar MA (English Literature), Diploma In Health & Wellness linkedin_icon Experience: 5 years
Fact-checked by , MA (English Literature) Ramona Sinha MA (English Literature) linkedin_icon Experience: 11 years
Last Updated on
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Indeed, maintaining African-American hair is a task as they are coily and tend to become dry and coarse at the ends and super oily around the roots. But if you have the best hair products for black hair with you, your worrisome days are over. If you are doubtful whether they will be with the investment, start with the 13 most effective hair care products for African-American hair and watch your hair reform into a bushy, healthy mane! Go on!

Top Picks

13 Best Hair Care Products For Black Hair You Can Buy In 2024

1. Best Cleansing And Hydrating Formula:Carol’s Daughter Black Vanilla Moisture & Shine Shampoo

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4.4
Carol's Daughter Black Vanilla Moisture & Shine Shampoo Image: Carol's Daughter

The Carol’s Daughter Black Vanilla Moisture & Shine Shampoo is a cleansing and hydrating hair care product. It contains aloe vera juice, which makes hair soft and manageable. It also contains sweet clover and rose extract that makes your hair shiny and healthy. It can transform dry, brittle, and dull kinky hair into soft and hydrated hair. This top selling hair product is ideal for curly hair that is prone to dryness and needs moisture protection. Reviewers in Amazon have noted that it helps strengthen weak and brittle hair and restores moisture to hair without weighing it down. It does not contain parabens, minerals, artificial colors, or petroleum. It has the fragrance of black vanilla. You can go through this video to gain a better understanding of the reviewer’s experience and the product.

Pros

  • Adds shine
  • Improves manageability
  • Replenishes moisture
  • Smoothens the hair
  • Keeps hair tangle-free
  • Sulfate-free
  • Paraben-free
  • Mineral oil-free
  • No artificial colors
  • No petroleum

Cons

  • Might feel greasy on fine hair

protip_icon Did You Know?
Lisa Price launched Carol’s daughter in 1993 in Brooklyn and named it after her mother, Carol.

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Why We Think It's Worth Buying

It has received over 502 rave reviews on Amazon, proving it is a mass favorite.

2. Best For Frizz Reduction:Shea Moisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen & Restore Conditioner

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4.4
Carol's Daughter Mimosa Hair Honey Shine Pomade Image: Carols Daughter

The Shea Moisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen & Restore Conditioner, highly acclaimed in many positive reviews, is all you need for conditioned and hydrated hair. It is a deep conditioning treatment that helps repair damaged hair. It helps soften and detangle without pulling or damage and reduces frizz. This deep treatment is suitable for kinky, curly, and wavy hair and also for those who straighten, perm, or heat-style their hair daily.

It is formulated with nourishing ingredients such as Jamaican black castor oil and organic shea butter that condition and hydrate the hair deeply. It forms a protective layer on your hair strands to reduce split ends. It also contains peppermint, which stimulates the scalp. It strengthens the hair and keeps it hydrated without weighing it down. It converts damaged, brittle, breaking, and shedding hair into healthy, strong, smooth, and shiny hair. Plus, the brand does not test on animals, allowing your hair care to be cruelty-free.

Pros

  • Reduces split ends
  • Controls frizz
  • Detangles the hair
  • Softens the hair
  • Works on color-treated hair
  • Sulfate-free
  • Paraben-free
  • Silicone-free
  • Phthalate-free
  • Mineral oil-free
  • Petroleum-free

Cons

  • Hair might feel dense
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Why We Think It's Worth Buying

The overwhelming 1,295 positive reviews on Amazon show how popular this product is with happy users.

3. Best For Damaged Hair:OGX Renewing Argan Oil of Morocco Shampoo

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4.5

The OGX Renewing Argan Oil of Morocco Shampoo has a moisturizing formulation that leaves your hair feeling radiant, silky, and smooth, earning the praise of many satisfied reviewers. It contains powerful ingredients like argan oil and vitamin E that help hydrate and repair damaged and dry hair. This shampoo for natural hair effectively penetrates each hair strand to lock in intense moisture and improve hair elasticity. Daily use of this shampoo will help strengthen your locks to silky perfection.

Pros

  • Softens the hair
  • Nourishing formula
  • Sulfate-free
  • Paraben-free
  • Suitable for daily use
  • Pleasant fragrance
  • Cruelty-free

Cons

  • Thick consistency
Carol's Daughter Black Vanilla Moisture & Shine Shampoo
Best Cleansing And Hydrating Formula
Shea Moisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen & Restore Conditioner
Best For Frizz Reduction
OGX Renewing Argan Oil of Morocco Shampoo
Best For Damaged Hair
Hair Type Dry, Curly Curly Color Treated
Dimensions 2.99 x 2.24 x 8.34 inches 2.68 x 2.68 x 6.45 inches 2.5 x 3.5 x 9.25 inches
Weight 12 Ounces 13 Ounces 1.59 Pounds
Rating
Reviews5021,2956,833
Price$10.24$8.97$12.28

4. Best Anti-Fungal Properties:Uhuru Naturals Chebe Oil

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4.2
Uhuru Naturals Chebe Oil Image: Uhuru Naturals

The Uhuru Naturals Chebe Oil nourishes hair and makes it grow strong and healthy. This 100% natural African oil is made with chebe powder, which has healing properties, to enhance hair shaft, cuticle, and follicle strength. The nourishing hair oil also uses all-natural, active ingredients like ostrich, olive, and essential oils (rosemary, lavender, and peppermint). These oils moisturize intensely and lubricate the hair thoroughly to protect hair from breakage. They also promote hair growth. The oil has antifungal properties that prevent the bacteria and fungus that cause hair loss and dandruff, respectively. Ostrich oil is a well-known hair loss remedy that helps nourish and grow long, dark hair. You can use this oil every morning and can even use it as a pre-shampoo treatment.

Pros

  • Induces hair growth
  • Retains moisture
  • Softens the hair
  • Makes hair healthy
  • Reduces hair shedding
  • Does weigh down your hair

Cons

  • Might cause build-up
  • Might stain clothing
  • Strong scent
  • May leak

protip_icon Did You Know?
Uhuru stands for freedom and this brand only manufactures handmade organic hair care products.

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Why We Think It's Worth Buying

With over 1,528 reviews, this product has become a fan favorite among users.

5. Best UV Ray Protection:Beauty Logica Eco Style Gel Black Castor & Flaxseed Oil

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4.3
Beauty Logica Eco Style Gel Black Castor & Flaxseed Oil Image: Beauty Logica Eco

The Beauty Logica Eco Style Gel consists of black castor and flaxseed oils. The gel for natural hair works well as it has natural ingredients that help nourish and repair your hair while stimulating hair growth. It contains wheat protein, which protects and strengthens the hair. This natural hair product adds a healthy shine while providing a stronghold to the hair. It also protects the hair from UV rays and causes no flaking, tacking, or itchy scalp. This video takes you through the tester’s experience with the product and its specific details.

Pros

  • Smoothens the hair
  • Provides sun damage protection
  • Lightweight
  • Detangles clumped hair
  • Reduces frizz
  • Provides curl definition
  • Moisturizes the hair
  • Adds shine
  • No greasy feel

Cons

  • Might not provide a strong hold
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Why We Think It's Worth Buying

There are more than 3,536 Amazon reviews attesting to the quality of the product and endorsing its value.

6. Best For Deep Conditioning:Cantu Shea Butter Leave-In Conditioning Repair Cream

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4.4

If you need a conditioner that leaves hair soft and manageable, try the Cantu Shea Butter Leave-In Conditioning Repair Cream. It is one of the best color-safe products for black hair and the go-to product for intense hydration. Plus, the product is not tested on animals, ensuring that your hair care is cruelty-free. It contains nourishing ingredients like shea butter and natural oils that help make your hair glossier and strengthen brittle hair. The deep conditioner works as an anti-breakage product for black hair and also helps reduce breakage and split ends, repair damaged strands, and improve overall hair health. Regular use of this leave-in conditioner for your natural textured hair will surely strengthen and smoothen it. You can also use the product as a hair mask and rinse-out conditioner.

Pros

  • Softens the hair
  • Reduces frizz
  • Nourishing formula
  • Suitable for color-treated hair
  • Cruelty-free

Cons

  • May feel sticky

7. Best Gentle Formula:As I Am Coconut CoWash Cleansing Creme Conditioner

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4.5
As I Am Coconut CoWash Cleansing Creme Conditioner Image: As I Am Coconut Cowash

The As I Am Coconut CoWash Cleansing Creme Conditioner contains natural ingredients like tangerine, castor seed oil, and coconut fruit powder. This natural blend promotes healthy hair growth at the follicular level. This conditioner wash helps hydrate and cleanse curly hair in between the wash days. It gently removes excess sebum and product buildup without disturbing the natural scalp moisture. The conditioner is also a perfect choice for anyone who has keratin-treated hair. It does not strip the hair of its natural oils and helps prolong the results of the treatment.

Pros

  • Nourishes the hair
  • Organic
  • Improves hair health
  • Sulfate-free
  • Paraben-free
  • Phthalate-free
  • Gluten-free
  • Vegan
  • Cruelty-free
  • Talc-free
  • Sustainable Packaging

Cons

  • None

8. Best Flake-Free Formula:Matrix Total Results A Curl Can Dream

The Matrix Total Results A Curl Can Dream is a light hold gel for curls to feel bouncy, glossy, and picture-perfect. It is rich in manuka honey extracts that help seal in moisture and provide volume and softness to hair. You can use the gel over any hair moisturizing cream without worrying about your curls getting stiff or crunchy. The product is suitable for all hair types. You can adjust the amount of the hold gel required as per your hair needs.

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Nourishing ingredients
  • Easy to use
  • Silicone-free
  • Sulfate-free
  • Paraben-free

Cons

  • A bit drying

9. Best pH-Balanced Formula:OBIA Naturals Curl Hydration Spray

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4.2

The OBIA Naturals Curl Hydration Spray contains nourishing ingredients like argan oil, vitamin E, and rose oil. You can use the finishing spray daily to keep your tresses hydrated and refreshed. The product does not leave any buildup and is light on the scalp. The oils in the formulation are easy to absorb and nourish the hair and dry scalp for better hair health. This is an excellent hair spray for finishing hairstyles and for black hair as it helps your wigs, weaves, faux braids, and protective styling of hair appear fresh and hydrated.

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Versatile
  • Mineral oil-free
  • Sulfate-free
  • Synthetic colors-free
  • Paraben-free
  • Formaldehyde-free
  • Vegan
  • Cruelty-free

Cons

  • Does not provide long-lasting freshness

10. Best Non-Drying Formula:Shiny Leaf DHT Blocker Shampoo And Conditioner

The Shiny Leaf DHT Blocker Shampoo and Conditioner blocks DHT, the hormone that causes hair loss. It contains natural DHT-blockers like rosemary and green tea extracts that prevent DHT production to keep your hair follicles healthy. It helps repair hair loss issues like thinning, hair fall, and bald patches. This DHT-blocking hair growth supplement product also contains castor seed oil, which moisturizes your hair and makes it manageable and soft. It contains vitamin E, B5, and biotin that nourish each hair strand and keeps it healthy and strong. The shampoo and conditioner use a non-drying formula to keep the hair hydrated, soft, smooth, and shiny. You can use them regularly for soft and protected hair.

Pros

  • Prevents baldness
  • Reduces hair loss
  • Stimulates follicular growth
  • Prevents hair breakage
  • Promotes hair thickness
  • Strengthens the hair
  • Keeps scalp healthy
  • Paraben-free
  • Sulfate-free
  • Suitable for all hair types

Cons

  • Might make hair dry and brittle
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Why We Think It's Worth Buying

The product has received 1,955 positive Amazon reviews from its users, stating its numerous benefits.

11. Best For Over-Processed:Nature’s Potent

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4.4
Nature’s Potent Image: Nature's Potent

The Nature’s Potent Argan Oil Hair Mask hydrates, repairs, restores, moisturizes and strengthens the hair. It is clinically proven and formulated specifically for weak, damaged, and over-processed hair. It contains argan oil that is rich in vitamins and nutrients. It protects your hair color and reverses the damaging effects of UV rays. This professional-grade hair mask also contains almond oil, pro-vitamin B5, and hydrolyzed silk that improves hair manageability, shine, and growth. It improves the softness of the textured hair. It can also be used as a deep conditioning treatment that makes hair healthy and shiny. It helps stimulate hair growth and regenerates failing or stunted hair follicles. It is suitable for permed, natural, and curly hair. This oil makes your hair smoother, thicker, healthier, and more manageable.

Pros

  • Improves hair health
  • Reduces hair damage
  • Softens the hair
  • Makes hair manageable
  • Conditions the hair
  • Smoothens the hair
  • Thickens the hair
  • Strengthens the hair
  • Promotes hair growth
  • Adds shine
  • Suitable for all hair types

Cons

  • May cause acne breakouts or allergic reactions
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Why We Think It's Worth Buying

This product has received 2,765 reviews from customers on Amazon, indicating its popularity and reliability.

12. Best For Curly Kinky Hair:LuxeOrganix Cowash Cleansing Conditioner

This conditioner for natural hair leaves your hair soft, smooth, and manageable. It helps detangle curly kinky hair. It can be used on hair that has been chemically treated, color-treated, or undergone keratin treatment. It provides relief from dandruff and helps the scalp recover and heal. It cleanses the scalp and hair by removing all residue. This cleansing scalp care conditioner leaves your hair feeling fresh, soft, and frizz-free. It also helps maintain the pH balance of the scalp.

Pros

  • Reduces frizz
  • Strengthens the hair
  • Moisturizes the hair
  • Softens the hair
  • Adds shine
  • Makes hair manageable
  • Sulfate-free
  • Paraben-free
  • Gluten-free
  • Alcohol-free

Cons

  • Might make hair greasy

13. Best Lightweight Formula:Cake Beauty The Curl Friend Defining Curl Cream

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4.3
Cake Beauty The Curl Friend Defining Curl Cream Image: Cake Beauty

The Cake Beauty The Curl Friend Defining Curl Cream helps enhance your natural curls. It is a moisturizing product that makes your hair look glossy. It reduces and prevents frizz. It contains shea butter and natural oils that make untamable curls manageable. This curl enhancer cream for your natural hair is great as it has a lightweight formula without any harsh ingredients or chemicals.

Pros

  • Defines curls
  • Keeps hair healthy
  • Adds bounce
  • Conditions the hair
  • Reduces frizz
  • Does not weigh down the hair
  • Paraben-free
  • Mineral oil-free
  • Phthalates-free
  • Sulfate-free
  • Cruelty-free
  • Vegan

Cons

  • Might make hair sticky
  • Might cause hair fall
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Why We Think It's Worth Buying

This product has made it to our top favorite list with more than 792 rave reviews on Amazon.

*The prices provided in this article are based on the latest available information. However, they may vary due to changes in pricing by the seller and/or promotional offers.

With so many great protective styling products available for African-American hair, it gets tricky to choose the right one. If you’re struggling with the same, we have gathered some valuable tips to hunt down the best hair care products for your precious black hair. So check out this detailed buying guide!

Tips To Pick The Best Hair Care Products For Your Hair

  • Hair Type

Always consider your hair type and its needs while choosing hair care products. For instance, if you have thin and fine hair, opt for hair products that add volume to your hair without weighing them down. For dandruff-prone hair, it is essential to look for products that target the concern. If you have curly or wavy hair, you should look for products that can deeply hydrate your hair. And, if you have a sensitive scalp, it’s essential to look for a product that has been expert-recommended and clinically tested to ensure it meets your hair’s specific needs.

  • Ingredients

Whether searching for shampoo, conditioner, hair serum, mask, or hair oil, it is crucial to check the product’s ingredients before purchasing. The best and most effective ingredients that you can look out for in your hair care products are- coconut oil, almond oil, jojoba oil, honey, tea tree oil, aloe vera, shea butter, dandelion extract, and other natural ingredients. Additionally, make sure to pick sulfate-free, paraben-free, silicone-free, phthalate-free, mineral-free, and petroleum-free products for your hair.

  • Hair Regimen

Everyone has a different hair care routine. Therefore, select products according to your regimen. For example, if you keep the routine minimal, opt for a shampoo and a conditioner. On the other hand, if you have hair concerns and want to treat them, then go for a full-fledged routine consisting of shampoo, conditioner, mask, oil, treatments, etc. You should also incorporate a hair heat protectant spray in your routine if you use heat styling tools. Depending on the regimen you pick for yourself, you should use some hair products regularly, while others may only be used during particular season

  • Value For Money

To get the best hair care products in your budget, compare the ingredients and prices of hair care products offered by different brands—Shortlist products based on your needs and the value for money they provide as per your budget.

Infographic: Key Ingredients In Products For Black Hair

Styling black hair can be quite challenging as it tends to become dry and coarse around the ends and oily around the roots. Your best bet is to look for premium formulas that contain beneficial ingredients to nourish your strands and make them more manageable. The infographic below lists some ingredients that benefit black hair and some that can potentially cause harm. Check it out!

Key Ingredients For African American Black Hair (infographic)

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

The Bottom Line

Maintaining tight curly hair is a tough job, but there are hair care products for coily tresses that tend to reduce the signs of damage, dryness, and breakage. From shampoos to conditioners and hair oils, these hair care products are suitable for kinky, curly, and wavy hair. They strengthen the hair by successfully transforming brittle and breaking tresses into healthy, shiny, and nourished hair. Try the Carol’s Daughter Black Vanilla Moisture & Shine Shampoo to improve hair manageability, and go for the Shea Moisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen & Restore Conditioner to tame frizziness and smoothen the hair. You can also try OGX Renewing Argan Oil of Morocco Shampoo to improve your hair’s elasticity. However, avoid products that might make the hair feel heavy or sticky!

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should you wash your natural hair?

It is recommended that you wash your hair everyday if you have greasy hair and scalp. However, if your hair type is not oily, then you can wash it every 2-3 days to minimize breakage and keep your hair healthy.

Which oil is the best for black hair?

Castor oil goes a long way in maintaining your scalp health and the black color of your hair. It provides all the essential nutrients to make your black hair stronger and keep it well nourished. A scalp massage with this oil can boost blood flow to increase hair length and make your tresses smoother, silkier, and shinier.

Why is African American hair so dry?

African American hair usually contains more amounts of lipid and is less bonded. The follicle size is also a lot thicker and has a flattened elliptical cross-section which makes their hair much more curly and dry.

How often should a black girl oil her hair?

You can oil your hair every day with a few drops that are just enough to massage the scalp well. However, don’t wash it off each day as your hair will lose more moisture in a wash than gain from a few drops of oil.

What products should not be used on black hair?

A few products that best be avoided on black hair are:
• Sulfates
• Alcohol
• Parabens
• Other preservatives that may be unsafe
All products containing these ingredients cause immense dryness and unnecessary build-up on the scalp.


Alexandro Vasquez
Alexandro Vasquez has been a hairdresser since 1997 and has worked in various countries, including Brazil, Spain, Ireland, Indonesia, Singapore, and UAE. His experience spans salon brands such as Toni&Guy, Aveda, and Leekaja.

Read full bio of Alexandro Vasquez
Shiboli Chakraborti
Shiboli ChakrabortiCommerce Editor
Shiboli has a master’s degree in English literature from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and is a certified skincare coach with four years of experience. As a commerce editor, she guides her team members on the best practices to create crisp and authentic content.

Read full bio of Shiboli Chakraborti
Aditi Naskar
Aditi NaskarAssociate Commerce Editor
Aditi Naskar has a postgraduate degree in English literature from Presidency University, Kolkata, a bachelor’s degree in education from WBUTTEPA, Kolkata, and a diploma in health and wellness. She is an associate commerce editor with 5 years of experience and specializes in reviewing fitness and health products.

Read full bio of Aditi Naskar
Ramona is an editor at StyleCraze with 11 years of experience in writing and editing. She has authored over 200 articles on skin and hair care. She graduated from the University of Calcutta, West Bengal, and did her post-graduation from the University of Kalyani, West Bengal.

Read full bio of Ramona Sinha