The phrase best hair food for natural hair usually refers to deeply nourishing products—often rich balms, butters, oils, or masks—created to hydrate, seal in moisture, strengthen strands, and support scalp health.
The concept is especially common in communities with textured, curly, or coily hair types.
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Popular Commercial Hair Food Products
Here are some widely mentioned and trusted options:
The Best Hair Food for Natural Hair #1: Palmers Hair Food Formula

A balm enriched with essential oils, Vitamins A, D, E, and protein to soften and condition both hair and scalp—bringing dull hair back to life.
- Dark and Lovely GRO STRONG Anti-Dryness Hair Food
Formulated with coconut oil to deeply moisturize, it’s said to reduce hair breakage by up to 89%, while being lightweight and residue-free—suitable for natural or chemically-treated textures. - Fenugreek Hair Food by NaturesEgo
An Ayurvedic-inspired, liquid-based hair food with rosemary and saw palmetto—non-greasy and suitable for all hair types. - All Natural Hair Food (Saint Cruz)
A clean, plant-derived paste free of sulfates, silicones, parabens, and petroleum. Contains coconut oil, castor oil, olive-based waxes, and optional essential oils—designed to nourish hair and scalp while remaining eco-friendly.
DIY “Hair Food” – Natural, Homemade Nourishment
Sometimes the most effective “hair food” doesn’t come from a jar—it comes from your kitchen.
- Egg Masks: Eggs are rich in protein and biotin, which help strengthen and thicken hair while reducing thinning.(The Times of India)
- Chia Seed & Coconut Oil Mask: Soften chia seeds in warm water, blend with coconut oil (and optional rosemary oil) to create a gel that nourishes the scalp, prevents breakage, and enhances shine.(The Times of India)
- Nutrient-Rich Seeds & Oils:
- Fenugreek, Flaxseed, Black Sesame—packed with protein, omega-3s, iron, zinc, and more to boost follicle strength and delay greying.(The Times of India)
- General Diet: Incorporating eggs, avocados, spinach, fish, sweet potatoes, walnuts, and citrus fruits supports hair growth from within.(The Times of India, The Sun, Good Food, SELF)
Real-World Voices from Natural Hair Care Communities
Reddit users often weigh in on what truly works:
“Hair grease really seals in moisture for me.”
“Blue magic, hemp seed oil, and crème of nature curl activator cream.”(Reddit)
While not definitive endorsements, these reflect what people use daily to maintain hydration, shine, and manageability.
Which Option Might Be Best for You?
Your Need | Recommended Option |
---|---|
Lightweight daily hydration, low residue | Dark and Lovely GRO STRONG Hair Food |
Scalp nourishment with clean, natural ingredients | All Natural Hair Food (Saint Cruz) |
Ayurvedic, non-greasy liquid formula | Fenugreek Hair Food by NaturesEgo |
Reviving dull strands at home | Egg or Chia Seed + Coconut Oil DIY Masks |
Boost from diet, not just products | Incorporate nutrient-rich foods like eggs, fish, leafy greens, and seeds |
If you’re looking for the best hair food for relaxed hair, it’s important to choose products that deeply moisturize, strengthen the hair, and protect it from breakage.
Relaxed hair tends to be more fragile due to chemical processing, so nourishing it with the right ingredients can help maintain its health and shine.
Here are some top options:
READ ALSO: Best Products for Relaxed Hair 2023
Best Hair Food for Relaxed Hair #1. NNJ Organics Multi-Butter Hair Food

- Key ingredients: Shea butter, cocoa butter, mango butter, jojoba oil, argan oil, macadamia oil, vitamin E
- Benefits: Deeply nourishes both scalp and strands, suitable for all hair types including relaxed hair
- Notes: Rich in natural oils and butters, ideal for moisture retention and softness
Best Hair Food for Relaxed Hair #2. TCB Naturals Nourishing Hair Food
- Key ingredients: Lanolin, vitamin E, protein
- Benefits: Restores natural oils, softens hair, adds shine, prevents dryness
- Notes: A long-time favorite in many African households, particularly good for dry or brittle relaxed hair
3. MIADI Hair Food
- Key ingredients: Vitamin E, beeswax
- Benefits: Retains moisture, reduces breakage, protects hair from harsh environmental factors
- Notes: Lightweight texture, good for regular use
4. Alison’s Avocado Oil and Lanolin Hair Food
- Key ingredients: Avocado oil, lanolin
- Benefits: Smooths and moisturizes hair, free of sulfates, dyes, parabens, and mineral oils
- Notes: Gentle option for those sensitive to synthetic additives
5. Top Class Jamaican Black Castor Oil Hair Food
- Key ingredient: Jamaican black castor oil
- Benefits: Moisturizes, reduces split ends, controls dandruff, encourages healthy growth
- Notes: Ideal for those looking to strengthen and thicken relaxed hair
What to Look for in a Hair Food for Relaxed Hair:
- Moisture-rich ingredients like shea butter, avocado oil, and lanolin help maintain hydration
- Proteins like keratin or silk protein can strengthen hair strands weakened by relaxers
READ ALSO: The Best Products for Natural Hair 2023
Types of Hair Food
Hair food generally falls into a few main categories, each designed to target different needs like moisture, growth, strength, or scalp health. While the term can apply to both store-bought products and natural ingredients, most “types” of hair food can be grouped as follows:
1. Oil-Based Hair Food
These are usually balms, greases, or oil blends applied directly to the scalp and hair. They work well for sealing in moisture, softening strands, and reducing breakage.
- Examples: Castor oil–based hair food, coconut oil–enriched formulas, or blends with olive and jojoba oil.
- Best for: Thick, coily textures or hair prone to dryness.
2. Butter-Based Hair Food
Rich in consistency, butter-based options are great for deep hydration and long-lasting moisture.
- Examples: Shea butter hair food, cocoa butter creams.
- Best for: Protective styles, twist-outs, or hair that feels brittle.
3. Protein-Infused Hair Food
These strengthen the hair shaft by replenishing lost keratin and amino acids. They often come in creamy pomades or lighter serums.
- Examples: Hair foods with egg protein, wheat protein, or hydrolyzed keratin.
- Best for: Hair that is weak, breaking, or chemically treated.
4. Vitamin-Enriched Hair Food
Formulated with vitamins like A, D, and E, these aim to nourish the scalp, boost shine, and support growth.
- Examples: Palmers Hair Food Formula with Vitamins A, D, E; products fortified with B-complex or biotin.
- Best for: Improving scalp health and overall resilience.
5. Herbal or Ayurvedic Hair Food
These blends draw from traditional remedies using herbs and plant extracts that stimulate circulation and growth.
- Examples: Fenugreek hair food, rosemary and amla blends, neem-based treatments.
- Best for: Promoting growth and soothing scalp irritation.
6. DIY & Kitchen-Based Hair Food
Homemade masks and treatments made with nutrient-rich foods can serve as natural hair food.
- Examples:
- Egg masks (protein boost)
- Avocado + honey (hydration and softness)
- Chia seed or flaxseed gels (strengthening and shine)
- Best for: Anyone who prefers natural, chemical-free treatments.
7. Dietary “Hair Food”
Beyond topical products, what you eat also counts as hair food. Nutrient-rich diets support growth, reduce shedding, and improve hair strength.
- Examples: Salmon (omega-3), spinach (iron), nuts and seeds (zinc, protein), citrus fruits (vitamin C).
- Best for: Long-term hair health from the inside out.
READ ALSO: 3 Beautiful Twist Crochet Hair Styles
Best Products for Relaxed Hair
READ ALSO: Unveiling the Beauty of Relaxed Hair: What Is Relaxed Hair & How to Embrace Its Unique Style in 2023
Some good products include (click each product to find out more about it):
READ ALSO: Texturized Hair Male: 3 Benefits & the Most Popular Ones
SheaMoisture Raw Shea Butter Deep Moisturizing Masque

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Organic Root Stimulator Hair Mayonnaise Treatment
(Biche’s note: I LOVE this product!)
READ ALSO: Hair Style Powder: 3 Types & Tips for Best Use
Carol Daughter Hair Products for Relaxed Hair #4: Carol’s Daughter Mimosa Hair Honey Shine Pomade
READ ALSO: Tips for Healthy Relaxed Hair #6: Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle
Natural Hair Products for Relaxed Hair
If you want to keep your hair products natural even though you have relaxed hair, then these are some oils you should know about:
READ ALSO: 3 Tips for Healthy Relaxed Hair & More
READ ALSO: 9 Interesting Crotch Hair Styles
READ ALSO: Amazing Jojoba Oil Hot Oil Treatment 2025
Photo credits: The Islamic Place, Cosmetics.lk