The general problem that seems to plague black hair is it tends to dry easily and the lack of moisture can cause hair to be quite unmanageable; and severe dryness can cause breakage due to lack of elasticity, leading to hair damage.

Moisturizing your hair needs consistency and maintenance. You can’t just do it once and expect your black hair style to lock moisture in. You have to incorporate it in your regular hair care routine. In fact moisture should always be the main objective of that routine; and this is why finding the right moisturizing shampoo becomes extremely important. The question now is: How do you choose a black hair moisturizing shampoo?

Alcohol-Free Shampoo  --  First and foremost the moisturizing shampoo has to be gentle. Safeguard your hair against losing more of its natural oil. You must therefore avoid shampoos with alcohol or its derivatives.

pH-Balanced Shampoo  --  The natural pH of your hair is about 5. To keep the outer cuticle closed and maintain the shine of your hair, you have to ensure that your hair’s pH is kept at a normal level. Look for moisturizing shampoo with a pH from 4.5 – 5.5. It should take your hair back to a stable balance. Also if the label says it has anti-static ingredients (such as trimethyl alkonium chloride or ammonium chloride) to prevent or eliminate fly away hair, it is what you are looking for. Be aware that the ideal moisturizing shampoos also contain the buffering agent sodium citrate, which is a compound that releases more acidifying ions when acidity is low and absorbs acid when acidity is too high.

Shampoo with Natural Moisturizing Oil  --  Use oil-based moisturizing shampoo to seal in water. This keeps your hair moisturized longer. Go for moisturizing shampoos that contains natural oils like jojoba, avocado, grape seed, tea tree oil, olive oil, coconut oil and emu oil. Don’t confuse natural oil with mineral oil. You should never use mineral oil-based shampoo as it causes residue build up and increase dryness and brittleness.  For products for dry black hair, look for emu oil or jojoba oil as primary active ingredients..

Creamy Hydrating Shampoo  --  Clear, gel based shampoos contain a large quantity of detergent and tend to dry out your hair. Be sure you opt for the creamier type of moisturizing shampoos.

And here are some of the top moisturizing shampoos for black hair that are available on the market:

1. Gentle Shampoo – an ultra-mild, moisture rich shampoo that moisturizes as it gently cleanses. Avocado oil and nettle extract gives your hair extra shine.
2. Intense Moisture Shampoo – is great for deep replenishment of dry hair and intensely rehydrates damaged hair. It leaves hair noticeably softer, smoother and naturally more vibrant.
3. Moisture Milk Passion Fruit Smoothie Shampoo – is enriched with soy milk protein for healthy, strong and revitalized hair.
4. More Moisture Raspberry & Brazil Nut Shampoo – a sulfate-free shampoo with Raspberry extract combined with Brazil nut oil and proteins to deeply moisturize hair. An excellent product for black and African American hair.
5. Advance Techniques Moisture Sleek Smoothing Shampoo – cleanses gently and instantly restore smoothness to hair, preventing unwanted frizz. It can seal in moisture for up to 24 hours.