Hydration Treatments for Hair For Better Texture + Curls

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Natural hair can be wavy, curly, coily, and kinky. 

Each of these hair types has different needs when it comes to hydrating and moisturizing.

That’s why we’ve put together this handy guide on the best hydration treatments for natural hair, no matter what your texture may be.

But first:

What is a Hydration Treatment?

It is a type of hair treatment that helps to restore moisture to the hair. 

This can be done through different methods, such as deep conditioning, hot oil treatments, or even simple things like using a leave-on conditioner. 

These are important for those who have dry or damaged hair because they help to replenish the natural oils that have been lost.

Types of Treatments To Hydrate Hair

There are different types of products for hydrating curly or wavy hair available on the market. Depending on your need, you can choose from a variety of options such as:

Shampoos

Shampoos are the most basic form of hair hydration products. The best ones are designed to cleanse the scalp and hair of dirt, oil, and build-up without stripping away natural moisture.

Make sure to look for shampoos that contain hydrating ingredients like glycerin, aloe vera, or coconut oil. 

If you are using a harsh shampoo that strips your hair of its natural oils, then it will definitely dehydrate your strands and lead to frizziness and breakage.

Conditioners

A conditioner is a cream or lotion that is applied to the hair after shampooing. It contains ingredients that add moisture and nutrients to the hair shafts.

There are also different types of conditioners. The most common ones are rinse-out conditioners, which should be removed with water after a few minutes. They help to detangle the hair and make it softer.

Another option are leave-in conditioners, which are typically applied while your hair is wet. They provide a layer of protection from heat and pollution.

Related: How to Deep Condition Curly Hair + Deep Conditioning Tips

Oils

There are a number of oils that can be used to hydrate your hair. 

These include coconut oil, olive oil, and jojoba oil. You can either apply these oils directly to your scalp or add them to your shampoo.

The best thing about oils is that you can use them as often as you need to. You can even leave them in your hair overnight for extra moisturization.

However, some people aren’t comfortable with the greasy feel of oils. If this is the case, you can try adding a few drops of oil to your conditioner instead.

Spritzer

Hair spritzers are lightweight, water-based solutions that can be used to add moisture to your hair throughout the day. 

Spritzers often contain humectants, like glycerin or aloe vera juice, which help to attract and retain moisture in the hair shaft. 

You can use a spritzer on wet or dry hair; just spray it evenly from root to tip and comb through.

You can even make your own spritzer by mixing together a few drops of essential oil, like lavender or rosemary, in a cup of water. 

Just store it in a spray bottle and spritz away whenever your hair needs an extra moisture boost!

Masks

A woman is hydrating her hair with a brush.

Masks offer in-depth moisture to the hair shaft. They are usually left on for 20-30 minutes, though some may require a longer time frame.

Masks can be applied once a week or as needed as part of your hydration therapy for hair.

You can also make hair masks from natural ingredients, such as avocado, bananas, eggs, or olive oil. Just mix the ingredients together, apply to your hair, and rinse out after the allotted time.

Serums

Another in-depth solution is to use a hair serum. There are plenty of different formulas on the market. 

Each one typically contains a blend of oils and other ingredients that can help to deeply hydrate your strands.

Serums are thicker than spritzers but more lightweight than oils, making them a good option for those with finer hair. 

Be sure to apply the serum to damp, clean hair and distribute it evenly from roots to ends. You can also use a small amount on your dry hair as a finishing touch.

Benefits of Hydration Treatments as a Hydration Method for Hair Care

A woman receiving a hydrating hair treatment during a salon visit.

Hydrating treatments for hair provide numerous benefits, such as:

Keeping Hair Moisturized

The primary benefit of hydrating treatments is that they keep your hair moisturized. They lock in moisture to prevent your hair from drying out and becoming brittle. 

In turn, this helps to keep your hair healthy and strong.

Boosting Hair Appearance

Healthy and strong hair looks shiny and vibrant. These treatments can help improve your hair’s appearance by providing the nutrients it needs to look its best.

Detangling Your Hair

If you’ve ever been frustrated about trying to detangle your 4C hair, you’re not alone. Detangling can be a difficult and time-consuming process, especially if your hair is particularly dry or damaged.

Hydrating treatments can help to make detangling easier and faster by adding moisture to the hair shaft. 

This extra moisture can help to lubricate the hair, making it less likely to break during the detangling process.

Preventing Split Ends

Aside from detangling your hair, hydration treatment for curly hair is also great for preventing split ends. 

Split ends come from a lack of moisture and can be caused by several factors. This includes your hair’s natural propensity for dryness, overprocessing, heat damage, and other environmental factors.

Since this type of hair is prone to dryness, it’s important to keep it moisturized to prevent breakage.

By using a hydrating treatment once a week, you can help seal in moisture and prevent those pesky split ends.

Reducing Frizz

If your hair is prone to frizz, then you know how frustrating it can be to try and style it. Frizzy hair can be difficult to manage, and it often looks unkempt.

Frizz can be caused by a number of factors, including humidity, lack of moisture, and damage. Fortunately, there are a number of treatments that can help to reduce frizz.

One of the best ways to reduce frizz is by using a deep conditioning treatment. 

Deep conditioning treatments help to add moisture and nutrients to the hair shaft, which can help to reduce frizz.

Another way to reduce frizz is by using a leave-in conditioner. Leave-in conditioners help to add moisture and nutrients to the hair shaft, which can help to reduce frizz.

Making Hair More Manageable

Ultimately, one of the main benefits of these treatments is that they can make your hair more manageable. 

If you have dry hair, this treatment can help to smooth out your locks and make them easier to style. 

In addition, these treatments can add shine and luster to dull, lifeless hair.

As such, you can go out every day and confidently show off your stunning locks. Maintain your curls by using hydrating treatments regularly.

Hydration Treatment for Your Hair: What to Look For With Hair That Need Hydration

flat lay composition with homemade hair mask and ingredients on light blue background

With so many different products on the market, it can be hard to know which ones are right for you. Here are a few things to look for in the best products for your hair:

Moisturizing Properties

The best treatments for natural hair will be packed with moisturizing ingredients, like Shea butter, cocoa butter, and jojoba oil. 

These ingredients can help to deeply hydrate your strands and make them softer and more manageable.

Other possible moisturizing ingredients to look for products for natural hair are behentrimonium chloride, cetearyl alcohol, glycerin, panthenol, and water.

All of these ingredients work together to moisturize your hair.

Behentrimonium chloride and cetearyl alcohol are both emulsifiers that help to bind water and oil together. This is important because your hair needs both water and oil to be moisturized. 

Glycerin is a humectant, meaning it helps hair attract and retain moisture. Lastly, panthenol is a form of vitamin B5 that helps with moisture retention as well

Protein

Another important ingredient to look for in moisturizing treatments is protein. 

Protein is an essential nutrient for hair growth and health. It helps to strengthen the hair shaft, preventing breakage and split ends. 

When your hair is lacking protein, it can become dry, brittle, and lifeless. 

If you’re looking for hydration treatments for natural hair, make sure to look for products that contain protein. 

You can find proteins in many different forms, such as wheat germ oil, egg yolks, or soybean extract.

Curl-Specific Ingredients

If you have curly hair, then you know that it can be especially prone to dryness. 

Look for a hydration treatment for Black hair that contains curl-specific ingredients, like aloe vera and glycerin. These can help to add moisture and definition to your curls.

Fortunately, there are specific products for all types of hair woes, even a hydration treatment for 4C hair. 

Whether you’re prone to dryness or have an oily scalp, there’s a hydrating treatment out there for you.

Sulfate-Free

Many commercial hair products contain sulfates, which can strip natural oils from your hair and leave it feeling dry and brittle. 

To avoid this, look for products that are sulfate-free. A good treatment will be gentle enough to cleanse without stripping away moisture.

Natural

When it comes to your hair, always opt for products that are natural and free from harsh chemicals. This will help to keep your hair healthy and looking its best.

Natural ingredients are always a good idea when you are looking for anything to put in or on your body. 

This is because natural ingredients have fewer side effects and are often more effective than their synthetic counterparts.

Consider these factors when looking for the best hydration products for hair. We always want to make sure that our hair is healthy inside and out.

Best Hydration Treatments for Natural Hair, 4C Hair, and Damaged Hair

Shea Moisture Manuka Honey & Yogurt Hydrate + Repair

This intensive protein treatment from Shea Moisture is designed to hydrate and repair 4C hair. 

It contains manuka honey, yogurt, and avocado oil to moisturize and strengthen strands, as well as promote hair growth. 

Apply it to clean, damp hair and leave it on for five to seven minutes before rinsing thoroughly.

 

Thank God It's Natural tgin Honey Deep Conditioner

Honey is a natural humectant, which means it helps lock in moisture. 

This deep conditioner from Thank God It's Natural (tgin) contains raw honey, along with other nourishing ingredients, like Shea butter and olive oil. 

Apply it to clean, damp hair and leave it on for 30 minutes before rinsing.

I AM Hydration Elation Intensive Conditioner

This intensive conditioner is one of the best hair treatments for 4C hair. 

It contains olive oil, which penetrates the hair shaft to deeply moisturize and repair damage. 

There's also Shea butter for softness, protein for strength, and vitamin E for healthy hair growth.

 

Hair Hydration Treatments: FAQs

How Often Should I Get a Hydration Treatment?

It depends on how often you wash your hair. 

If you have very dry hair, you may need to use a hydrating treatment every time you wash your hair. If you have oily hair, you may only need to use it once a week.

Unlike other types of treatments, there is no need to wait a certain amount of time in between uses. 

In fact, you can use them as often as you like! Just remember to follow the directions on the packaging.

Can Drinking Water Help Hydrate My Hair?

Yes! Drinking water is essential for keeping your body hydrated, and that includes your hair. 

Consuming at least eight glasses of water a day will help to keep your scalp and hair follicles hydrated, resulting in healthy hair growth.

Can I Use Hair Dryers?

We know, we know. You love your blow dryer and curling iron and you’re not about to give them up anytime soon. 

But heat styling robs your hair of moisture, so it’s important to give your strands a break every now and then. 

If you need to use them, go for the lowest setting possible. 

If you have frizzy hair, aim the nozzle down and let the air flow over your strands rather than directly at them.

Is It True That Brushing Wet Hair Can Cause Damage?

Yes, it is true that brushing wet hair can cause damage. 

Wet hair is more vulnerable to breakage than dry hair, so it’s best to avoid brushing it right after a shower. You should brush your hair when it is at least semi-dry, not wet. 

Additionally, use a wide-toothed comb to avoid breakage and static electricity.

Do Chemicals Affect the Effectiveness of Hair Hydration Products?

Whether you dye or straighten your hair, the chemicals in those treatments can leave your strands dry and brittle.

 Excessive use of chemicals can strip the hair of its natural oils. 

That’s why it’s important to use a deep conditioner or treatment mask at least once a week to keep your hair healthy and hydrated. 

If you have to use them, though, it is important to not overdo it and to make sure that you are using high-quality products. 

Conclusion: Learn How to Hydrate Your Hair and Have a Good Hair Day

If you have curly or wavy hair, chances are high that you know how difficult it can be to keep your strands hydrated. 

Between the weather and everyday styling, it can be tough to achieve and maintain healthy hair.

If you’re in need of some extra hydration, consider using a hydration mask or conditioner to help get your hair back on track.

Want to Learn New Ways to Take Care of Your Locks?

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Author

  • Stephanie Martin

    Stephanie Martin blends her beauty industry background with expertise in communications to lead in the fashion and beauty world. As a fashion and beauty editor, she is known for engaging and informative articles. Her lifelong passion for fashion, makeup, and hair shines through her work, earning her widespread respect among readers and clients. Stephanie's style, a mix of classic and contemporary, makes her a dynamic and influential figure in the industry, inspiring others with her knowledgeable and approachable insights.

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