Moisturizing vs. Hydrating Your Hair

You’ve probably heard people talk about hydrating and moisturizing your hair, but what’s the real difference between the two? It’s easy to mix them up, but each does something different for your hair. Also, does your hair type also play a role? So many questions — and we’ve got all the answers right here! 

Before All Else — Know Your Hair

Before we can go into the root of how hair hydration differs from hair moisture, you must first get to know your locks. Don't worry, we won't go into too much detail — we'll only focus on the hair layers. And no, we're not talking about the layers you can get at a salon. We're talking about the layers that make up each individual strand of hair, as they hold the secret to understanding the difference.

The three layers are the: 

1. Medulla: The innermost layer. It's a thin, sometimes patchy, tunnel sitting in the center of each strand filled with air-filled cells. It plays a role in your hair's strength and elasticity. 
2. Cortex: Next, we have the middle layer, surrounding the medulla. It's made up of keratin-filled cells that help give your hair its elasticity, strength, texture and color. 
3. Cuticle: The cuticle is the outermost layer made up of overlapping cells. Although it may be the thinnest of the three, it protects the two other layers. 

Also, did you know that the medulla is generally not found in individuals with thin or naturally blonde hair? That doesn't necessarily mean that these hair types are at a disadvantage regarding hydration. It just means they don't have the same structure as thicker or coarser hair. The more you know. 

The Difference Between Hair Hydration vs. Hair Moisture

Now that you know your hair a little better, here's where things get interesting. Hydration applies to the inner layers — the medulla and cortex — which want to absorb water. Moisture, on the other hand, only applies to the outer layer — the cuticle — which wants to retain water and hydration. 

Let's say you're struggling to choose between hydrating shampoo and moisturizing shampoo. Although they may sound like they'll do the same thing, they won't. Hydrating shampoo targets your inner layers to trap existing moisture through a protective barrier. Moisturizing shampoo targets your outer layer to use water and moisture from the air to replenish your hair. 

So, at the end of the day, it's more about which hair layer you want to target. To achieve luscious locks, you'll have to hydrate and moisturize your hair — in other words, you'll have to focus on the inside just as much as the outside. They work together. 

Improving Hair Hydration

Hair hydration is first, and hair moisture is second. Why? Because you can lock in something that isn't already there. So, how do you know if you have dehydrated hair? 

Signs Your Hair Needs Hydration

Each person's signs of dehydrated hair can differ from each other, mainly due to their hair type. Here are the signs of hair that needs hydration based on hair type: 

• Straight: Your hair feels flat — almost like it’s given up on life. Even after washing, it might look stringy or lifeless. When you comb it wet, it snaps easily because it’s just not stretchy enough.
• Wavy: Your waves start looking weirdly uneven or flat — like they’re giving up halfway. Frizz takes over, and your waves won’t stay defined.
• Curly: Your curls feel floppy and lose their bounce. They snap or break if you try to stretch them — it’s like they’re thirsty for water.
• Coily: Your hair feels stiff, like it might snap if you look at it wrong. There’s little to no shrinkage — usually, coily hair loves to bounce back, but not now.

How to Hydrate Your Hair

Hydration is all about getting water into your hair to make it more flexible and bouncy. Here's how you can do that based on your hair type: 

• Straight: Go for a hydrating shampoo and conditioner with lightweight ingredients like glycerin or aloe — nothing too heavy. You can even spritz on a water-based leave-in spray to keep it light and fresh without flattening your hair. 
• Wavy: Use a hydrating curl cream or a light leave-in with aloe or honey. These ingredients can help your waves stay soft and defined. Oh, and keep a spray bottle handy to mist your hair before styling — it’s a quick hydration hack.
• Curly: Treat yourself to a deep hydration mask once a week. Look for ingredients like aloe vera or panthenol to quench those curls and restore curly hair moisture. You can also try the LOC method. Layer a liquid — like water or a leave-in — an oil and then a cream to lock in all that good moisture.
• Coily: Start with a hydrating "pre-poo" — like aloe vera gel or coconut water — before washing. It'll prep your hair to soak up moisture. After washing, layer on a water-based product first, then your heavier creams or butters.

Improving Hair Moisture

Once you've got to the roots of the problem — a possible lack of hydration — then you can focus on moisturizing your hair. Let's first look at the signs your hair may be screaming for moisture. 

Signs Your Hair Needs Moisture

Same here as with hair hydration — how your hair's moisture levels can look is different depending on your hair type. Here are the signs of what your hair type may show when needing moisture: 

• Straight: Roots are greasy, but the ends feel like straw — total opposites. You’re constantly fighting static or flyaways, especially in dry weather.
• Wavy: Your hair feels rough, kind of like you’re petting a haystack. The frizz is mostly on the ends, so it may look dry and fluffy.
• Curly: Your curls feel rough and dry, and frizz makes its home in the curl pattern. The ends are fluffy, undefined and don’t cooperate.
• Coily: Your hair looks dull, almost ashy, instead of shiny and healthy. Tangles and single-strand knots show up like uninvited guests at a party.

How to Moisturize Your Hair

Moisturizing is all about sealing in hydration so your hair doesn’t dry out. Here's what you can do for your hair type: 

• Straight: Use a light natural hair oil like argan or grapeseed to seal moisture without leaving your hair greasy. If you heat style, don’t skip a heat protectant — it helps seal the cuticle and keep your hair smooth. 
• Wavy: After hydrating, add a tiny bit of light cream or mousse to keep your waves shiny and defined. Try to avoid heavy butters, as they can weigh your hair down and make it feel sticky. Not the look we're going for. 
• Curly: Go for a curl cream or butter after a leave-in conditioner to keep curls soft and frizz-free. Remember to seal your ends with a heavier oil like castor or shea butter to prevent breakage. 
• Coily: Use a thick butter or cream after hydrating to lock in moisture. Shea or mango butter works wonders. Treat yourself to a hot oil treatment — coconut or avocado oil is great — every few weeks to keep your hair soft and happy.

Tips for All Hair Types

No matter your hair type, there are a few universal tips that can help keep your hair hydrated, moisturized and happy:

• Combination: Remember to hydrate first, then moisturize. One cannot go without the other. 
• Simplicity: Too many products can weigh your hair down or cause buildup. Use just enough for your strands.
• Consistency: Regular care — like weekly masks and frequent trims — keeps your hair healthier over time.
• Water: Staying hydrated helps your scalp and hair thrive. Aim for at least eight glasses a day.
• Protect: Use heat protectants, avoid harsh weather exposure and limit chemical treatments.
• Wisdom: Choose wisely. Match your products to your hair type, and remember to check product ingredients. 

Hydrate and Moisturize Your Hair the Doux Way

Ultimately, you'll want to focus on hydrating and moisturizing your hair — from drinking plenty of water to using moisturizing products. However, not all hair care products are created equal. There are various ingredients you must consider that may be doing more harm than good, so choose wisely. Luckily, you don't have to spend hours online or in the aisles reading ingredient lists — you can simply trust in The Doux. 

The Doux is here to make haircare simple and effective for textured hair. Our products are rooted in science, using natural ingredients that work. Tested on real people in our salons, they’re designed to bring out the best in your hair — no gimmicks, just real results.

Are you ready to love your hair? Shop The Doux now and enjoy our loyalty program, plus free shipping on orders over $50. Doux You.