Here are some of the top-rated and trusted options that consistently rank among the best setting lotion for relaxed hair—along with what makes each one stand out:
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Table of Contents
Best Setting Lotion for Relaxed Hair #1: Lottabody Concentrated Setting Lotion
Why It’s a Salon Staple:
- Designed especially for natural, permed, or relaxed hair—ideal for wet sets, blow styling, or waves.
- Provides firm hold and beautiful shine without flakes, helping seal split ends and manage porosity.
- Highly praised: “This stuff works really well… curls did not relax… mega curls… for 4 days!”.
- Dilutes with water depending on hair type—strong control for relaxed/porous hair.
Best For
- Roller sets, burnish waves, and long-lasting, strong hold with shine.
Design Essentials Compositions Foaming Wrap Lotion
What sets it apart
- Lightweight, quick-drying mousse/foam for medium-to-strong hold in wrapping or setting styles.
- Infused with wheat protein and coconut oil—adds nourishment and strength for fragile, relaxed strands.
- Loved for ease of use as detangler and smooth styling base.
Best For
- Those seeking a smoother, softer hold with added conditioning benefits.
Black Queen Setting Lotion
Highlights:
- Made specifically for wet setting, waving, or blow-outs on natural and relaxed hair.
- Claims maximum texture, body, and shine without dulling hair; includes conditioning agents to help repair split ends.
- Dilutable formula—gives customizable control based on hair thickness/type.
Best For
- Anyone wanting a strong set plus deep shine and split-end care.
Other Mentioned Options
- J. AMILA Strengthening Setting Lotion – Combines leave-in moisturizing with flexible hold and breakage reduction.
- Reddit community favorites include Cecred Moisture Sealing Lotion and As I Am Moisture Milk noted for their lightweight, non-greasy feel.
Quick Comparison
| Product | Hold Level | Texture | Key Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lottabody | Strong | Lotion (dilutable) | Firm, long-lasting holds, high shine |
| Design Essentials | Medium–Firm | Foam | Light nourishment, smooth wrapping |
| Black Queen | Medium–Strong | Lotion (dilutable) | Body, shine, split-end repair |
| J. AMILA | Flexible | Lotion | Moisturizing, strength focus |
Choosing the Best One for You
- For strong, defined curls or waves that last days: go with Lottabody.
- If you prefer a softer, more conditioned set: Design Essentials is excellent.
- Want shine and split-end care with good hold: try Black Queen.
- Looking for moisture and breakage protection with flexible styling: consider J. AMILA.
Pro Tips for Best Results
- Dilute the lotion properly—especially with Lottabody or Black Queen—to avoid stiffness and enhance hydration.
- Use on damp, well-conditioned hair, and evenly distribute through sections when setting or wrapping.
- Dry completely (via sit-down dryer, diffuser, or air-dry) before releasing styles to lock in shape.
- Seal with a serum or lightweight oil after setting or after the set dries—to boost shine and humidity resistance.
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Best Moisturizers for Relaxed Hair #1: Luster’s PCJ Pretty-N-Silky Creme Oil Moisturizing Lotion
Often thought of as a hair moisturizer for children, Luster’s PCJ Pretty-N-Silky Creme Oil Moisturizer, can be used not only by kids but adults too.
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It helps make your hair silky soft, especially if you apply it to wet hair before drying, and gives your hair a natural glossy look.
It also smells good and is quite inexpensive.
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Best Daily Moisturizer for Relaxed Hair #2: Design Essentials Almond & Avocado Daily Moisturizing Lotion
Design Essentials Almond & Avocado Daily Moisturizing Lotion is a mineral-oil-free, paraffin-free, and paraben-free hair moisturizer that is good for all kinds of black hair including both relaxed and natural hair.
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Best Hair Moisturizer for Relaxed Hair #3: Hawaiian Silky Miracle Worker 14-in-1
Hawaiian Silky Miracle Worker 14-in-1 is a popular leave-in conditioner known for its multi-functional benefits.
It combines 14 different benefits, including moisturizing, detangling, and adding shine.
Many people use it to soften their hair, reduce frizz, define curls, and make their hair more manageable.
It’s also commonly appreciated for its soothing effects on the scalp and is often used as a daily hair moisturizer.
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Best Relaxed Hair Moisturizer #4: ORS Olive Oil Moisturizing Hair Lotion
ORS Olive Oil Moisturizing Hair Lotion is a well-loved product designed to hydrate and strengthen hair, especially for those with natural, relaxed, or textured hair.
It’s enriched with olive oil, known for its emollient and conditioning properties, making it effective in moisturizing and adding shine without a greasy feel.
Olive oil helps to lock in moisture, protect against breakage, and improve hair elasticity, which can be especially beneficial for dry or brittle hair.
This lotion is popular because it nourishes the scalp, reduces frizz, and can soften hair, making it easier to style.
It’s typically applied to damp or dry hair, and a small amount goes a long way.
Many users find it enhances the overall health and appearance of their hair when used regularly, particularly in combating dryness and dullness.
READ ALSO: 2 Tips for Healthy Relaxed Hair
Daily Oil Moisturizer for Relaxed Hair #5: BB Oil Moisturizer
BB Oil Moisturizer Hair Lotion is a popular hair moisturizer from the Bronner Bros (BB) brand.
It’s designed to hydrate and protect hair, especially for those with dry or coarse textures.
This product is enriched with natural oils, including castor oil and jojoba oil, which help to lock in moisture, add shine, and make hair more manageable.
BB Oil Moisturizer is often used as a daily moisturizer to combat dryness, prevent breakage, and reduce frizz.
It can also serve as a heat protectant for styling tools and is versatile enough for natural, relaxed, or chemically treated hair.
Many people find it effective in softening their hair, making it easier to comb and style, while also improving overall hair health with consistent use.
But why should you bother using a moisturizer on your relaxed hair at all?
Primarily, to make up for the damage caused to your hair by chemicals and heat used when styling.
But…all hair moisturizers are not equal. Some are better at resolving certain hair problems than others.
If your hair is particularly frizzy, try Cantu Daily Oil Moisturizer with Shea Butter.
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If you feel that the pH balance of your hair is off, try Head and Shoulders Deep Moisture Masque with Coconut Oil.
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Lightweight Moisturizer for Relaxed Hair
If you are interested in a moisturizer for relaxed hair that is particularly lightweight, click here.
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Photo credits: EliksirShop, Ayanae