All of us want the perfect kinky coily curls of Lupita Nyong that she flaunts so beautifully. Her red carpet appearances from head to toe are all things dramatic to edgy to elegant, without even altering her natural hair. With that, she takes our breath away every single time. Getting versatile curls like her can seem like a dream, but with the right products, you can do it flawlessly. 4c hair demands daily moisturization and nourishment. To give them that, you might have to research quite a lot and pick a few best out of the sea of products that’s available out there. To cut your worries, we have listed the 15 best 4C hair products for you. Take a look!

15 Best Products For 4C Hair Type In 2022

1. Best Hydrating Formula: Aunt Jackie’s Curl La La Defining Curl Custard

Say goodbye to unruly curls with Aunt Jackie’s Curl La La Defining Curl Custard. This product has mega-moisture humectants that add definition to your spirals and coils. Just apply this product generously and style your hair with your fingers. If you are looking for elongated curls, gently stretch your hair as you apply or use a diffuser instead. Simply air-dry the product, and you will have beautiful curls that you can style any way you like. To find out more about this product, check this video review out. Pros

Tames frizzy hair Long-lasting shine Adds bounce to curls Works on dry and wet hair

Cons

May leave residue

2. Best Long-Lasting Formula: Shea Moisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen & Restore Conditioner

Regular conditioners letting you down? This Shea Moisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen & Restore Conditioner nourishes and strengthens damaged hair without weighing it down. The castor oil and shea butter detangle and moisturize your hair, reducing breakage and shedding with regular use of this conditioner formulated for 4C hair. Powered with peppermint oil, this formula stimulates your scalp to encourage hair growth. Pros

Cruelty-free Silicone-free No harsh chemicals Sulfate and paraben-free

Cons

May not dissolve in water easily

3. Best Creamy Formula: Kinky Curly Knot Today Detangler

Persistent knots stressing out your curls? Well, Knot Today! See what we did there? Unlike our puns, this herbal conditioner works every time. This is exactly what you need if you have a 4C tightly-coiled hair that is difficult to detangle. Just apply right after you rinse off the shampoo and work through your knots with a wide-tooth comb. It smoothens your hair texture and makes it more manageable. If you are an absolute beginner, this video review might be useful. Pros

Removes snarls Creamy formula Smoothens the cuticles Can be used as a leave-in conditioner

Cons

May take longer use to achieve desired results

4. Best For Dry Hair: tgin Honey Miracle Hair Mask

Are your curls drying out? Well, for starters, you may want to lay off on products with harsh chemicals and give this tgin Honey Miracle Hair Mask a try. The olive and jojoba oils in this formula nourish and heal damaged hair. Enriched with raw honey, this formula deeply conditions your hair and renders softness and shine. Check out this review for a detailed understanding about the product. Pros

Tames frizzy hair Reduces breakage Hydrating formula Works on color-treated hair

Cons

The scent may be a bit overwhelming.

5. Best For Frizz Control: Devacurl NO-POO Decadence

Immerse your 4C curls in rich and decadent moisture just as this product suggests. Quinoa protein and chufa milk in the formula offers nourishment but does not rob your curls off its natural oils. It has a comforting light floral scent that makes your hair smell lovely. This product gently cleanses your curls without ever being harsh or stressing your knots; it actually detangles them, leaving you with smooth and healthy tresses. Pros

Vegan Gluten-free Cruelty-free Silicone-free Sulfate and paraben-free

Cons

May leave residue

6. Best For Defined Curls: Carol’s Daughter Hair Milk

If you have been following the Curly Girl method and swear by scrunching for healthy curls, then this Carol’s Daughter Hair Milk is just for you. Spritz it evenly on your hair, be it wet or dry, to reactivate your tresses. Just use your fingers to scrunch after to shape your curls better. Infused with shea butter, pro-vitamin B5, agave nectar, and cocoa butter, this formula will add definition to your beautiful curls. Pros

Lightweight Tames frizz No artificial colors No sulfates, parabens, or mineral oil

Cons

May be a bit drying

7. Best Non-Slip Handle: Messen Detangle Brush

Finding hair products for 4C hair can be difficult, especially something as basic as a comb. Is your hair brush your worst nightmare? As a curly hair girl, one of the biggest struggles is to detangle your tight coils. Well, with this Messen Detangle Brush you can detangle hair without pulling your curls. It has 8 rows of separated bristles that ensure you comb your hair without pain and reduced shedding. The hollowing out design on the top allows airflow, drying your hair faster. The non-slip rubber handle ensures a comfortable and firm grip. This product comes with a size control bar. Pros

Sturdy Lightweight Detangles hair Available in 9 colors

Cons

May not last too long

8. Best Hair Rejuvenating Formula: Pantene Gold Series Deep Hydrating Co-Wash

It is always a good idea to use a co-wash once in a while to replace the shampoo-conditioner routine. This product forms a hydrating mask around your hair. Not only would you be stimulating your scalp while you are applying this product, but this will also rejuvenate your hair. Powered with argan oil, this Pantene Gold Series Deep Hydrating Co-Wash will moisturize your curls and make them soft. It will also protect your tresses from environmental damage. Pros

Dye-free Sulfate-free Paraben-free Tames frizz

Cons

The fragrance may be a bit overwhelming for few.

9. Best Alcohol-Free Option: Design Essentials Coconut Water Curl Refresher

Revitalize your curls with some coconut water. Well, if you are parched, then so could be your curls. This product is a triple-hydrating monoi moisture mix of wild cherry, coconut water, and chamomile. This Design Essentials Coconut Water Curl Refresher is powered with silk proteins and active botanicals that will moisturize and hydrate your curls. Pros

Gluten-free Tames frizzy curls Lightweight formula Strengthens hair shaft Free of phthalates, petrolatum, and parabens

Cons

Hair may feel a bit greasy

10. Best Light-Hold Styling Gel: Ouidad Curl Quencher Moisturizing Styling Gel

Welcome tight and beautiful curls with the Ouidad Curl Quencher Moisturizing Styling Gel. This styling gel is able to balance your curly hair needs with being lightweight and strong enough to hold the curls all day. This hydrating gel has meadowfoam seed oil, panthenol, and castor oil to infuse and lock in moisture for frizz-free and defined curls. Additionally, it doesn’t weigh your hair down and makes it softer. Reclaim your natural curl pattern with this curl styling gel instantly. Pros

 Non-greasy  Tames frizzy curls  Defines curls  Reclaims natural curl pattern

Cons

 May dry out hair  Doesn’t give a long-lasting hold

11. Best For Locking Moisture: Not Your Mother’s Kinky Moves Curl Defining Hair Cream

Give your curls that extra oomph with this Not Your Mother’s Kinky Moves Curl Defining Hair Cream. This salon formula has extracts of grape seeds and jasmine that will moisturize your hair and make it smooth and manageable. This hair cream adds bounce and strengthens your curls, adding definition and volume. Pros

Detangles Tames frizzy hair Locks in moisture Eliminates flyaways

Cons

The fragrance may be a bit overwhelming for few.

12. Best For Itchy Scalp: LivSo Moisturizing Shampoo

Is your dry scalp making you itchy and leading to dandruff? Well, then you need to step up your game with this LivSo Moisturizing Shampoo. This powerful formula has extracts of coconut oil, glycolic acid, and xylitol. The xylitol controls growth of yeast to prevent irritation and itch, the glycolic acid exfoliates your scalp, and the coconut oil moisturizes your scalp. Pros

Sulfate-free Unclogs pores Strengthens hair Improves scalp health Reduces hair breakage

Cons

May not be suitable for sensitive scalp

13. Best Lightweight Formula: Shine ’n Jam Magic Fingers

Got straggling ends while braiding? Well, this Shine ’n Jam Magic Fingers will let you lay and tuck in a smooth braid. You can also apply it to style your hair into a twist or for a ponytail. Shine ‘n Jam partnered with star hairstylist Stasha Harris to create this great formula that has olive oil and is really easy to apply. It offers excellent hold, making it easy for you to part your hair and braid. Pros

Lightweight Renders shine No greasy residue Alcohol-free formula

Cons

May not hold on to hair too long

14. Best Creamy Formula: EDEN BodyWorks Coconut Shea Leave-in Conditioner

Looking for a good leave-in conditioner for 4C hair? This EDEN BodyWorks Coconut Shea Leave-in Conditioner penetrates your curls and deeply conditions them. Made with shea butter, aloe vera blended with jojoba, avocado oil, and coconut oil, this formula moisturizes your tresses and nourishes them for healthy growth and added volume. It is great for a leave-in treatment and renders shine and gives your curls definition. Pros

Sulfate-free Creamy formula Seals in moisture Repairs damaged hair

Cons

May be a bit oily

15. Best Paraben-Free Formula: Oribe Shampoo For Moisture & Control

If you have been stressing out about styling your impossibly thick curls, then don’t. This Oribe Shampoo For Moisture & Control will smoothen your beautiful curls, making them manageable and easy to style. This formula has extracts of Edelweiss flower, sunflower, amber, watermelon, and lychee that will nourish your hair and protect it from damage. Pros

Tames frizzy hair Moisturizing formula Paraben and sulfate-free Leaves polished shine on curls

Cons

A bit expensive

Lots of moisture, gentle detangling, and patience, gorgeous kinks and curls take a lot of effort to style and maintain. It is quite the task to find the right product for your 4c curls. The right product for 4c hair can make a huge difference in both curl definition and the softness of your curly locks. To help you make the best pick from a sea of options, we have listed some vital factors that you must consider before making a choice.

How To Select The best Hair Products For 4C Curls

Hair Concerns And Ingredients To Look For

Every hair type is unique and so are its needs. Consider your hair type and scalp condition before choosing a hair care product. Taming frizz and dryness is a big task when it comes to dealing with 4c hair. Opt for a product enriched with jojoba or avocado oil or similar kind of conditioning ingredients that make your curls more manageable. Moreover, a product with xylitol would be the best fit if you are dealing with a dry and itchy scalp.

Ingredients To Avoid

No matter what your hair type is, it is always safe to try your hands on products enriched with organic or herbal formulas. Avoid products which contain sulfates, parabens, PEGs, phthalates, formaldehydes, and mineral oils. These affect your hair health and may also cause irritation and sensitivity. Choose products that are made without artificial fragrances as these may lead to excessive skin dryness and nasal irritation. Try opting for alcohol-free hair products, as alcohols tend to dry out your hair, thereby resulting in hair breakage.

Additional Benefits

How To Take Care Of 4C Hair

Curly girls know that 4C hair type means not only the tightest but also the driest tresses. Here are a few steps you can follow to take care of your curls. 

Moisturize daily: Do not let your hair dry out. Always moisturize your hair, be it with oil or cream, to ensure it has elasticity. This will prevent breakage caused because of brittle hair.

Wash your hair: We are not asking you to do the shampoo-conditioner routine every day. No, that is a big no. But you must wash them at least once in 2 weeks and set specific days of the week. Make this a part of your routine.

Condition: Every 2 weeks, deeply condition your tresses if you want long and healthy hair. This will also add vibrance to your curls.

Finger combing: Detangle your hair with fingers as much as you can. When you use your hands, you know when a hair strand is about to snap and can avoid such a situation.

Trim: Trim your split ends to encourage healthy hair growth. It may seem counterproductive initially, but believe us trimming really does wonders to your volume. Split ends will end up traveling further down and breaking your hair.

Massages: Well, it is always a good idea to pamper yourself with some head massages. This will elevate blood circulation in your scalp, encouraging hair growth.

Why Trust Stylecraze

The author of this article, Kirtana Divakar, loves everything related to hair care and review various products with thoughtful formulations. Incorporating intensive research and a careful review of product features and benefits, she has curated this list of the best 4C hair products that help you take care of your curly hair. These products take gentle care of 4C hair and help maintain healthy-looking tresses. How often should you wash natural 4C hair? For deep conditioning, it is important that you shampoo and condition your hair once in 2 weeks. Also, with each wash, make sure you moisturize well too. How long does it take for 4C hair to grow? It roughly grows ½ an inch per month. That would translate into a growth of 6 inches per year. Of course, this varies depending on your diet, environment, and well-being. How often should you oil 4C hair? Oiling your natural 4C hair every 2-3 days is ideal. It helps the low porosity hair strands absorb moisture and nutrition from the oil to remain healthy. Can we spray 4C hair with water everyday? Yes, you can spray water on 4C hair types every day as it helps maintain the moisture levels and also rejuvenate the curls. How can you hydrate 4C hair naturally? 4C hair can be hydrated naturally using a good water- or cream-based formula that is enriched with shea butter, mango butter, or other nourishing ingredients like essential oils. You can also use a silk bonnet and avoid heat styling to maintain the hydration levels of your curls. How can I moisturize my 4C hair at night? There are a few ways to moisturize your strands at night for bouncy curls the next day. You can use oils such as castor oil, Moroccan argan oil, avocado oil, etc. from the mid-lengths to the tips of your hair. Follow it up by tying your hair in protective hairstyles such as braids, twists, pineapple bun, etc., and use a silk bonnet when you sleep. Alternatively, you can also use hair grease or hair butter and use the baggy method where you use a plastic bag to cover your hair for the night. What products are good for thirsty 4C natural hair? A clarifying shampoo, moisturizing shampoo and conditioner, a hydrating hair mask, a leave-in hair cream, and a detangler are some of the main products required for maintaining 4C hair. Always look for ingredients such as essential oils, proteins, butters, and vitamins in your products to get healthy tresses.

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