Provided is an emulsion based hair cosmetic containing (A) a cationic surfactant, (B) a higher alcohol, (C) L-histidine, (D) L-arginine, and (E) 0.1-0.5 mass% of a water-soluble polymer compound, wherein the total compounded amount and the mass ratio of the components (C) and (D) are: (C) 0.01-0.5 mass%, (D) 0.01-0.5 mass%, and (C) + (D) = 0.05-0.6 mass% and (C)/(D) = 0.2-5.