The 25 Best Hair Products for 4C Hair
These will make your curls pop
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I've combed through enough YouTube tutorials and Amazon reviews to know that finding the best products for 4C hair is no easy task. Especially since this close-knit curl pattern has very specific needs, from oils that actually penetrate the hair to organic ingredients that provide protective moisture. But with so many natural hair care products out there, how do you know which ones are the real deal?
Allow me to introduce the best options that work for kinky hair, from edge-control pomades to deep conditioning masks. But before we get down to business, here’s a quick breakdown of this hair type and what to look for in products for 4C hair, according to experts.
The Best Products for 4C Hair at a Glance
1
Mizani Press Agent Sulfate-Free Shampoo
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2
DpHue Apple Cider Vinegar Hair Rinse
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3
Curls Dynasty Pumpkin Mint Deep Treatment Masque
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4
TGIN Rose Water Hydrating Hair Mask for Natural Hair
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5
Melanin Multi-use Softening Leave-in Conditioner
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6
Shea Moisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Leave-in Conditioner
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7
Mielle Organics Rosemary Mint Scalp & Hair Strengthening Oil
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8
4C Only Too Slick Styling Cream
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9
Aunt Jackie's Curls And Coils Curl La La Defining Curl Custard
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10
Carol's Daughter Black Vanilla Edge Control
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Meet the Experts:
- Alexis Flagler is a licensed cosmetologist and founder of TruConnoisseur Solutions, a hub for professional lace wig and hair growth solutions. She's an international educator who has been in the field for over nine years.
- Tamika Gibson is a licensed cosmetologist, master hair care educator and founder of The Ashley Marie Collection, a brand that sells wigs. She also offers exclusive classes and shares hair care tutorials on her YouTube channel.
- Mohan Jean-Mary is a celebrity hairstylist who specializes in hair care, extensions, coloring and bridal hairstyling. She has worked in the industry for over 15 years with hair care brands like Shea Moisture, Dove and TRESemmé.
- Dr. Karen Kagha is a medical and cosmetic dermatologist based in Southern California. She serves on committees for the American Academy of Dermatology, the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, and the American Society of Laser Medicine and Surgery.
- Starr Mason is a field education leader for the Hair Cuttery Family of Brands and stylist with 30 years of experience under her belt. She teaches classes and oversees the technical education for Salon Leaders and Professionals.
What is 4C Hair?
If you're unfamiliar with the hair type system, there are four hair types, all categorized by letter. Straight hair is type 1, wavy is type 2, curly, type 3 and kinky, type 4. Each type has three subcategories (A, B and C) to further distinguish between hair types, and 4C hair is the tightest curl pattern.
According to Gibson, 4C textured hair is tightly coiled in ringlets or springs, which makes it the most fragile of all hair types. It’s known for shrinking a lot when wet (up to 75 percent) and “is more prone to dryness, because the scalp’s natural oil (aka sebum) has to work its way around the tighter coils to penetrate and reach the ends.”
Because of this, 4C hair also tends to get damaged and tangled more easily than other hair types. Fortunately, it’s still possible to maintain healthy 4c coils.
What Are the Best Products for 4C Hair?
If there's one thing hair experts agree on, it's that 4C hair needs plenty of moisture to thrive. Gibson says, "I suggest using products with ingredients that will help to hydrate and soften your curls. Look for ingredients such as olive oil, shea butter and coconut oil. Also, products with humectants, such as agave or honey."
It's worth noting that hair porosity (aka how well your hair holds and absorbs moisture) is a big factor when it comes to selecting the best products for your hair type. For instance, if you have low porosity hair—meaning it doesn't absorb moisture easily—Dr. Kagha suggests using products with humectant and emollient ingredients like honey, aloe vera, flaxseed, and glycerin. Additionally, she recommends leave-in conditioners, moisturizers and oils to seal damaged cuticles and retain moisture.
If you have high porosity curls, Herron recommends getting protein treatments. She explained, “High porosity hair requires weekly deep conditioning, preferably with a protein treatment to repair the hair's natural moisture retention. I also suggest using a silicone-free heat protectant to help seal in moisture and prevent breakage.”
So, if you're testing out new products for your specific hair type, consider the following:
- Hydrating ingredients: The texture of coils makes it difficult for the natural oils from your scalp to travel down the shaft of your hair. So, as you read the labels on products, look for moisture-enhancing ingredients that'll keep your kinks hydrated. For example, olive oil is good for minimizing moisture loss, shea butter reduces breakage and aloe vera boosts moisture and soothes an itchy scalp.
- Growth stimulators: Healthy hair starts with a healthy scalp, which will in turn help with hair growth. Coconut oil and black seed oil are great options because they penetrate your hair follicles. (Bonus points if they also include any antioxidants, anti-inflammatory or antibacterial ingredients like lavender, peppermint and vitamin E.)
Here’s What To Skip:
- Sulfates: They may be effective when it comes to removing buildup, but some components that are found in sulfates can irritate your skin and strip the scalp of its natural oils. (Keep an eye out for sodium lauryl sulfate dodium and laureth sulfate sodium, which are among the most commonly used sulfates in shampoos.)
- Parabens: Parabens are chemical preservatives that you'll find in many shampoos. Try to avoid them whenever possible, as research has shown that they can cause dryness, irritated scalp, fading hair color and hair loss.
- Petroleum/Petrolatum: Yes, it can be useful for treating rashes and dry, cracked skin. But when used on the scalp, it creates a thick barrier that makes it difficult for moisture to get in or out.
Now, on to the 25 best natural hair care products that’ll make those curls pop.
Best Shampoos & Cleansers for 4C Hair
Before you head to the salon for your next silk press, consider investing in Mizani's Press Agent Shampoo. It's on the pricier end, but a little goes a long way, and it'll cleanse your hair without stripping it of the natural oils. The best part? It'll help protect those fragile coils from heat damage, thanks to the rich antioxidant properties of argan oil.
Fast Facts
- Best for: Heat protection, retaining moisture
- Standout Ingredients: agave extract, argan oil
- Why It's Great for 4c Hair: This shampoo strengthens coils and protects them from damage and split ends.
- Promising Review: "This did a nice job at cleansing my hair and didn't leave it flat or weighed down. It lathered nicely and you only need a small amount. I have fine, shoulder-length hair that is color-treated and highlighted, so it gets damaged by using a flat iron and blow dryer. It did not cause any color loss. I love the scent and it didn't dry my hair out." —MJ, an Amazon reviewer
Whether you’re trying to cut down on shampoo use or clean your scalp under a protective style, this apple cider vinegar rinse is very effective at removing excess buildup. Best for normal to high porosity hair types, this formula features proteins that strengthen your hair, as well as fatty acids to boost strength and shine.
Fast Facts
- Best for: Removing buildup, Preventing Color Fading, Dull hair
- Standout Ingredients: argan oil, aloe vera, apple cider vinegar
- Why It's Great for 4c Hair: It effectively removes buildup, seals the hair's cuticle and rebalances pH to reduce frizz.
- Promising Review: "This works better than I expected! It is not messy and does not have a strong odor smell. My dry skin and dandruff buildup has been brought down significantly and my hair looks great—no damage." —Jazzy, an Amazon reviewer
This clarifying shampoo gently removes impurities like sebum, dirt and build-up from your scalp without stripping away your hair's moisture. Even better, this vegan and cruelty-free formula reduces detangling by 78 percent.
Fast Facts
- Best for: Removing buildup, Hydration, Shine
- Standout Ingredients: shea butter, coconut oil, tangerine extract
- Why It's Great for 4c Hair: This prevents dryness, improves the detangling process and removes impurities without stripping away the hair's natural moisture.
- Promising Review: "The smell is light. It doesn't weigh my hair down or create a build-up. It leaves my hair feeling silky and soft. I have 4b and 4c texture natural hair, and it moisturizes well."—P.J., an Amazon reviewer
FYI, this is a great choice for low-porosity curls, since it's formulated with lighter oils that won't weigh the hair down. It removes impurities from the hair and helps define and de-frizz, while preserving the natural coils.
Fast Facts
- Best for: Frizz, Buildup, Curl Definition
- Standout Ingredients: aloe, jojoba oil, sunflower seed oil
- Why It's Great for 4c Hair: The formula brings out the natural curl pattern, boosts moisture and adds softness
- Promising Review: One satisfied customer gave it 5/5 stars and wrote, "Smells amazing, lasts forever, and doesn’t make your hair feel greasy after two days. I bought my first bottle in the middle of November and now buying my second bottle (middle of May)."—N. Lynn Marroquin, an Amazon reviewer
Although the 2-in-1 conditioning shampoo doesn't have much lather (due to having no sulfates), it has a nearly perfect rating on Amazon, and I can see why. For one, it's packed with nutrients and natural moisturizing ingredients like avocado, coconut and shea butter. Plus, it's gentle on the scalp and doesn't strip away natural oils. A clear win-win.
Fast Facts
- Best for: Co-washing
- Standout Ingredients: shea butter, andiroba, coconut oil, avocado oil, sage leaf extract
- Why It's Great for 4c Hair: It brings out the natural curl pattern, boosts moisture and adds softness
- Promising Review: "This cleansing conditioner is by far the best one I’ve ever used! I love that the product is cruelty-free and is hand-crafted with all-natural ingredients. It leaves my hair feeling soft and manageable. It also has a light, pleasant scent."—Tana, an Amazon reviewer
Best Deep Conditioners for 4C Hair
This conditioner is ideal for anyone whose tresses could use some intense moisture. According to the brand, it's designed to nourish your strands, restore smoothness and protect it from breaking during styling, thanks to hydrating ingredients in the formula. These include coconut oil, jojoba oil and glycerin.
Fast Facts
- Best for: Repairing brittle hair, Reducing Breakage, Dryness
- Standout Ingredients: jojoba seed oil, carrot seed oil, camomile flower oil, tea tree leaf oil, sweet almond oil, vitamin e, aloe barbadensis leaf extract
- Why It's Great for 4c Hair: It revives over-processed coily hair and helps balance moisture levels.
- Promising Review: "I love this product for my afro-textured 4C hair! It's a bit on the thick and creamy side, but ultimately, it is very moisturizing and penetrates my low porosity hair and has all-natural ingredients."—Ashley L Webster, an Amazon reviewer
This rich conditioner has a good amount of slip to it and it instantly softens your hair, making it a great choice for 4C textures. Plus, the sulfate-free product is loaded with vitamins, nutrients and antioxidants to keep your kinks healthy and retain length.
Fast Facts
- Best for: Restoring moisture, Preventing breakage, Length Retention
- Standout Ingredients: organic aloe juice, peppermint leaf extract, yucca leaf extract, horsetail leaf extract, nettle leaf extract, organic pumpkin seed oil, shea butter
- Why It's Great for 4c Hair: The deep treatment repairs damaged curls and promotes growth with natural vitamins and antioxidants.
- Promising Review: One 5-star review on Target reads, "I am so thankful that I found this! It melts into my hair when it is wet and softens it almost immediately. I leave it in anywhere from 5-30 min. But it detangles even after just 5 minutes."—Noshoesrequired, a Target Reviewer
This lightweight formula uses natural rose water to increase volume, reduce frizz, boost hydration and define curls. The sulfate-free product includes vitamins A, B, C, D, E and B3, as well as Omegas 3, 6 and 9 to strengthen the hair shaft.
Fast Facts
- Best for: Dryness, Over-processed hair
- Standout Ingredients: rose flower extract, ginger root extract, coconut oil, aloe vera
- Why It's Great for 4c Hair: This effectively hydrates thirsty, low-porosity strands and helps repair damaged hair.
- Promising Review: "When I placed the product on my hair, I felt it was giving me a deep conditioning. My hair is 4C and after using the TGIN, my hair felt light, clean and soft."—Connell, an Amazon reviewer
Tracee Ellis Ross's deep-conditioning mask quickly became popular in the curly hair community because it delivers plenty of moisture and leaves the hair feeling soft days after wash day. Per the brand's website, The paraben- and silicone-free mask is formulated to strengthen your strands help repair damaged hair, retain moisture and promote growth.
Fast Facts
- Best for: Hydration, Slip, Curl Definition, Curl Elongation
- Standout Ingredients: rice water ferment, moringa seed extract
- Why It's Great for 4c Hair: It leaves the hair buttery soft and makes your 4c coils pop with added definition.
- Promising Review: "This treatment mask blew me away. As someone with tight textured, 4C hair, I've never seen my coils pop as much as I have with this product. After I applied it throughout my entire head, I legit could have rocked it as a wash & go."—SeymoneJ, a Sephora reviewer
This vitamin-packed deep-conditioning treatment is infused with blue green algae, which makes it ideal for a healthier scalp and moisturized hair. Fans have also noted that it makes curly hair much softer and easier to manage.
Fast Facts
- Best for: Brittle hair, Preventing breakage, Moisturizing
- Standout Ingredients: vitamin E, jojoba oil, shea butter, coconut oil, cocoa butter, mango seed butter, green tea extract, peppermint oil, blue green algae
- Why It's Great for 4c Hair: This mask has clean, vitamin-rich ingredients that strengthen and soften the hair.
- Promising Review: "I really like the conditioner. It was pretty earthy as I worked it through my hair, you can smell the notes of peppermint. It was great, it detangled my hair after, my hair was so lightweight."—Josie, an Ulta Beauty reviewer
Best Leave-In Conditioners for 4C Hair
Founded by Whitney White (AKA Naptural85), this brand offers a full line of curl-friendly products, but one of the standouts is this leave-in conditioner. I can attest to its detangling ability, since it reduced the knots and helped me comb through my coarse hair before styling, but I wouldn't recommend it for those with low-porosity hair, since my hair barely absorbed it.
Fast Facts
- Best for: Adding shine, Detangling, Dryness
- Standout Ingredients: aloe vera leaf juice, jojoba seed oil, argan oil, wheat amino acids, hydrolyzed wheat protein, spearmint leaf oil
- Why It's Great for 4c Hair: It leaves the hair silky, aids with detangling, boosts shine and nourishes the strands.
- Promising Review: "This product has so much slip. I usually detangle when I apply my deep conditioner since it has slip. It was sooo easy to work through my strands and it defined my curls. I could tell it was moisturizing my strands." —an anonymous Ulta Beauty reviewer
This leave-in is great for anyone with dyed hair or curls that are regularly heat-styled. With nutrient-rich ingredients like shea butter and castor oil, it'll leave your hair healthy and more manageable in no time.
Fast Facts
- Best for: Detangling, Processed hair
- Standout Ingredients: organic shea butter, peppermint, Jamaican black castor oil
- Why It's Great for 4c Hair: The product helps with breakage, controls frizz and reduces knots and tangles.
- Promising Review: “My hair is super thick, but this wonder of a leave-in makes detangling a breeze and cuts styling time in 1/2 for my 4c hair.”—Star-Star, an Amazon reviewer
It's a detangler, leave-in conditioner, moisturizer and heat protectant in one. And as someone who religiously uses this product on wash days, I can honestly say it has rescued my kinks from heat damage while getting those high-heat blow-outs.
Fast Facts
- Best for: Heat protection, Hair growth, Removing buildup
- Standout Ingredients: avocado oil, jojoba seed oil, coconut oil, raw black honey, black castor oil, biotin, burdock root extract, monoi flower extract, moringa seed oil
- Why It's Great for 4c Hair: It's a lightweight leave-in that fights dryness and protects your coils when heat styling.
- Promising Review: A curly-haired customer said in her 5-star review, "I was introduced to this by a hairstylist and when you spray this stuff on your hair it melts like butter! I have 4c hair and after I wash it, I want it to be easy to comb through before blow-drying it. This really helps it. It's so easy to comb once this stuff is in your hair!"—Mzshae, an Amazon reviewer
Styling 4C curls can be tricky when there's shrinkage, but this lightweight, leave-in treatment will definitely help you stretch out those curls naturally. The product also has a decent amount of slip and will leave your hair feeling silky soft.
Fast Facts
- Best for: Fighting frizz, Minimizing shrinkage
- Standout Ingredients: shea butter, castor seed oil, rosemary leaf extract, sunflower extract
- Why It's Great for 4c Hair: This milk is designed to elongate your curls, prevent breakage and add hydration.
- Promising Review: "[One of the] best products for 4c hair. This is heaven in a bottle. It works amazingly at defining my coils while also reducing frizz."—Monie, an Ulta Beauty reviewer
Best Oils & Butters for 4C Hair
This all-in-one, cruelty-free conditioning butter also doubles as a restorative sealant that softens the hair. Infused with 14 essential oils, it will come in handy for styling braids, blow-outs and twist-outs. As a bonus, this butter is also formulated to help treat skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis.
Fast Facts
- Best for: Dryness, Eczema, Thinning, Chemically treated hair
- Standout Ingredients: shea butter, coconut oil, olive oil, vitamin e, argan oil, tea tree oil, lavender oil
- Why It's Great for 4c Hair: It seals in moisture and treats skin conditions.
- Promising Review: "Product is the best hair nourishment I have ever used. I am pushing 60 and it does wonder for my tresses. I am Black and proud to know a product built for me is top of the line. Purchase some. Product is pricey but a little goes a long way." —Rosalind D. Knox, an Amazon reviewer
The brand’s entire Goddess Strength line is great for anyone who's dealing with breakage, but this oil, in particular, works wonders for weak and dull hair. Massage a few drops into your scalp and hair to promote growth and keep your curls moisturized.
Fast Facts
- Best for: Breakage, Brittle hair, Dry scalp
- Standout Ingredients: sunflower seed oil, olive oil, black cumin seed oil, jojoba seed oil, coconut oil, castor seed oil, linseed seed oil
- Why It's Great for 4c Hair: The oil stimulates growth and moisturizes the scalp.
- Promising Review: "It's great for 4c hair, really softens and supports hair growth and smells very good. Ordering it again."—Amazons FavCustomer, an Amazon reviewer
It's easy to forget that our scalp needs just as much TLC as our hair—especially when it's worn in protective styles like box braids or crochet styles. Enter this Rosemary Mint Scalp & Hair Oil, which boasts a number of powerful ingredients that nourish the scalp, reduce flaking and aid with length retention.
Fast Facts
- Best for: Dry scalp, Itchy scalp, Length retention, Split ends
- Standout Ingredients: rosemary leaf oil, jojoba seed oil, rosemary, peppermint oil, eucalyptus leaf oil, lavender oil, sage oil, vitamin D
- Why It's Great for 4c Hair: This oil promotes growth and is ideal for chemically treated hair, braids and weaves.
- Promising Review: "I have thick, coily, 4C hair. And it leaves my hair soft, my scalp feels refreshed and I do not get dandruff as fast."—Candy, an Amazon reviewer
Your scalp will thank you when you apply this vitamin-rich, non-greasy formula, which is lightweight enough for everyday use. Get yourself a bottle before you rock your next protective style.
Fast Facts
- Best for: Conditioning/moisturizing the scalp
- Standout Ingredients: castor seed oil, sweet almond oil, rosemary extract, tea tree leaf oil, jojoba seed oil, coconut oil, vitamin D, vitamin C, aloe vera leaf juice, biotin
- Why It's Great for 4c Hair: This rejuvenates the scalp and is gentle enough for daily use.
- Promising Review: "As someone with thick 4c hair, it's hard to find an oil that can help with growth and prevent breakage but this oil does just that. I've been using it for three weeks and already see a huge difference." —Honsune, an Ulta Beauty reviewer
Best Styling Products for 4C Hair
Need a product that’ll keep your hairstyle intact for longer than three days? 4C Only’s styling cream offers great slip and helps you achieve your best twist-out yet.
Fast Facts
- Best for: Detangling, Twist-outs, Bantu knot-outs, Styling
- Standout Ingredients: grape seed oil, shea butter, hempseed oil, rosehip oil, jojoba oil, aloe vera extract
- Why It's Great for 4c Hair: It's made exclusively for 4C hair types and has great slip.
- Promising Review: One customer says, "I love this cream. The consistency is great, a little goes a long way and it makes my hair really defined and soft without the product build-up I get from a lot of other brands." —Melody W., a 4C Only reviewer
CurlDaze was launched by IG influencer Robyn Atwater in 2020, and it's already a hit in the natural hair community. This best-selling curl styler promises a wash-and-go that will last for days, but that's not its only benefit. The star ingredient, Kukui oil, is packed with vitamins A, C and E, which repairs dry, damaged curls.
Fast Facts
- Best for: Curl definition, Wash and Gos, Twist-outs
- Standout Ingredients: shea butter, kukui seed oil, brazil nut seed oil, sunflower seed extract, theobroma cacao extract, vitamin E
- Why It's Great for 4c Hair: It softens the hair, enhances curls and adds shine.
- Promising Review: "This product really works on 4C hair, it makes curls look great and not greasy." —Rayjay4, an Amazon reviewer
A defining custard that softens, moisturizes and adds shine? Sign me up. Although you might be tempted to use half the jar in one sitting, just a little goes a very long way.
Fast Facts
- Best for: Frizz, Curl definition, Adding moisture
- Standout Ingredients: shea butter, soybean oil, olea europaea fruit oil
- Why It's Great for 4c Hair: This custard tames frizz, adds moisture and softens coils without caking or flaking.
- Promising Review: "I used this product for mini twist. I usually don’t like curl creams because they’re too thick and heavy on my hair, but this product was lightweight, it smells amazing and my hair is super shiny." — Nunies99, a Target reviewer
Best Heat Protectors for 4C Hair
TBH, I'm typically suspicious of brands that claim to cater to every hair type, but according to customer reviews, RiRi's products work pretty well for those with tighter coils. Per the official website, this product offers up to 450°F of heat protection and helps repair split ends.
Fast Facts
- Best for: Heat protection, Shine
- Standout Ingredients: moringa oil, cranberry oil
- Why It's Great for 4c Hair: This tames frizz, adds moisture and protects from heating tools.
- Promising Review: According to one buyer, "I used it to straighten my hair after blow drying. It smells really good, like perfume, and it doesn’t leave that flat iron smell in your hair. I was surprised it didn’t weigh down my hair. My hair still feels light and bouncy, and it smells good." —Rachel, a Fenty Beauty reviewer
This lightweight spray will protect your curls from the damaging effects of heat, minus the sticky finish that some products leave behind. As an added bonus, it's also loaded with natural ingredients like argan, sacha inchi and mongongo oils that can help strengthen your hair over time.
Fast Facts
- Best for: Heat styling
- Standout Ingredients: sweet almond oil, sacha inchi seed oil, argan kernel oil, mongongo kernel oil, grape seed oil
- Why It's Great for 4c Hair: It provides moisture and offers protection during heat styling without leaving a sticky feel.
- Promising Review: A customer said, "This works very well to keep away dryness and it doesn't leave hair frizzy. The texture of the hair is soft and manageable with no residue. Great for 4c hair, a little goes a long way." —an anonymous Amazon reviewer
Best Edge Control Products for 4C Hair
Dealing with stubborn flyaways or dull, brittle hair? Lucky for you, this edge control smoother is here to help. Aside from keeping frizz in check, it will also give your hair the hydration it needs.
Fast Facts
- Best for: Laid edges, sleek ponytails
- Standout Ingredients: aloe barbadenis leaf juice, shea butter, sweet almond oil, rosemary leaf extract
- Why It's Great for 4c Hair: It offers a medium hold and contains moisturizing ingredients.
- Promising Review: "I finally found something that works on 4c hair! No flaking, not messy, it doesn't not run after you're in the sun for a few hours [and has] great hold. It smells awesome, and a little goes along way." — Quetta, an Amazon reviewer
Applying just a small portion of this gel to your hairline will deliver a firm and long-lasting hold, without flakes or buildup. Try it to get your best baby edges and for all your slicked-back styles.
Fast Facts
- Best for: Edge control, Styling
- Standout Ingredients: honey, shea butter, castor oil
- Why It's Great for 4c Hair: The non-greasy formula works well on edges and boosts moisture.
- Promising Review: "I've used a lot of edge control products, and I like this one the best. It doesn't leave any white residue and leaves my edges looking great. I tell everyone I know to use this product for sleek-looking edges on natural or relaxed hair." —Ashley, an Amazon reviewer
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Does 4c Hair Require Specific Hair Products?
Because 4C hair is naturally dry, it requires specific products that boost moisture and strengthen coils and, ideally, ease the detangling process, since it's more prone to knots. Flagler says, "By design, the tightly coiled and shrinkage prone 4C hair type is Dry and if not maintained with the right amount of moisture (not too much, not too little), eventually becomes brittle, causing the hair to break and shed with every stroke."
How Often Should 4C Hair Be Washed?
Per Jean-Mary, this depends on how quickly buildup appears after a wash. She says, "Hair should be cleansed according to the amount of buildup one may experience throughout the week from products or sebum production. Some 4C girls cleanse once a week and others, every two weeks. Every routine should be tailored to the individual's needs."
What is the Best Hair Care Routine for 4C Hair Growth and Maintenance?
First off, it's crucial to find your hair type and porosity to determine what your hair needs. For instance, if you have low-porosity hair, you'll want to incorporate a hair steamer or heat cap while conditioning your strands, since humid heat can help open up the cuticles and let moisture pass through. If you have high-porosity coils, doing protein treatments can maintain the balance of your moisture and hold.
"I would advise people to first understand their hair type," Flagler said. "Once they understand that the 4C hair type is naturally dry and fragile. They can begin incorporating those things that allow the hair to thrive and grow, such as refraining from heat, incorporating protective styles (like twists, braids and wigs) and committing to a consistent, moisture-dense regimen while rocking those protective styles."
Jean-Mary also notes that it's good to be mindful of how you care for your coils while they're in protective styles. "To retain length and grow healthy 4C hair, I recommend the least amount of manipulation as possible," she says. "The hair is fragile, and too many different manipulated hairstyles can cause split ends over time, leading to excessive trimming. Also, keeping the ends hydrated and with a water-based product and doing the LOC method (where you apply a leave-in conditioner, followed by oil and cream) with a shea butter base or sealant cream can keep the ends healthy and prevent split ends."
Do Different Seasons and Climates Require Different Products and Routines for 4C Hair?
They sure do. According to Mason, "Your hair's hydration could be different in the summer, spring, fall and winter. Understanding what products hydrate your curls in the different seasons is key to having hydrated curls all year round."
Jean-Mary adds, "For some 4c girls , the climate change might require more or less of the product use and even extra items, such as silk scarves or satin-lined hats, to prevent snagging in the winter time."
What Hair Products and Routines Should be Avoided with 4C Hair?
In terms of products, it's best to steer clear of (or at least limit) items with harmful ingredients like sulfates, parabens and petroleum/petrolatum. According to Jean-Mary, "products to avoid may vary for some individuals due to the state of their hair and its unique needs." So for example, if you have low-porosity hair, you may want to avoid heavy butters, which can increase buildup.
Jean-Mary adds, "Too much gel with high alcohol levels can cause excessive drying over time. It doesn't have to be removed altogether from your routine, but it's best to use in moderation."
Additionally, Flagler stresses the importance of regularly trimming your hair. "Trimming the hair gets rid of dry, damaged and dead hair, which avoids further breakage and leaves the hair in a healthier, more manageable state. Depending on the hair care regimen, the timeframe and consistency in which trims are needed will differ, so it’d be important to look at the condition of the hair to determine if a trim is needed. If the hair is overly dry, tangling more easily or you can visually see split ends, this is typically an indication that it’s time to clean it up."
Summary of Best Hair Products for 4C Hair
Whether you're transitioning from relaxed hair to 4C curls or struggling to find a product that will actually keep those edges laid, there are a variety of hair care products that cater to specific needs, including hair oils, shampoos, leave-in conditioners and more. And don't just take it from me—take it from real 4C customers who've tested the products for themselves.
The bottom line? Look out for products that will help keep those coils moisturized, avoid over-manipulating and don't skip out on those trims.
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