If you buy something from the links on this page, we may earn a commission. Why Trust Us?
Got coils, kinks, and curls? Then you probably have 4c hair, a gorgeous hair type that allows you to play around with a vast array of hairstyles. From voluminous afros to testing out protective styles, the creative possibilities with 4c hair are endless — but just like any other hair type, you need the proper maintenance in order for your strands to stay in their tip-top shape. So we're breaking down just about everything you need to know about this particular hair type, plus a few tips and tricks on styling.
What is 4c Hair?
According to Allure, 4c hair types have a similar look and feel to 4b hair, but they greatly differ in the fact that 4c hair types are more fragile and usually have a very tight zig-zag pattern instead of a curl.
"Coily hair can sometimes be really tough to maintain, but once you've mastered the art of caring and styling those cool girl curls, it's so much more fun to explore the numerous styling options that await you," says celebrity hairstylist Cheryl Bergamy.
Styling 4c Hair
If you're looking to upgrade your usual styling routine, Bergamy has a few go-to styling tips for 4c hair types:
- Two-Strand Twist Out: "This style shows off 4c’s natural curls and taming phase," says Bergamy. "By adding curling cream, you can twist the hair using your finger, then twirl your fingers or the comb around in very small sections. Work section by section, then use a diffuser to dry. Separate the two-strand twist to create an amazing curl that can last up to a week. To maintain the longevity of the style use a satin bonnet at night to sleep."
- Roller Set: "I absolutely love roller sets on natural hair. From using straws for a straw set to create a tight curly Afro, to using flexi rods to create an amazing natural wave, roller sets are great for manipulating natural texture without heat damage," she says. "When it has to do with balancing and improving the texture of your curls, part your hair in 4 sections while keeping your hair wet. Use a curl styling cream and a great leave-in conditioner that has a few key components like thermal protection to nourish and protect your gorgeous hair."
How We Chose
Full transparency: I don't have 4c hair. So instead of picking at random, we decided to tap the true experts: people who actually have 4c hair! From beauty editors with this natural hair texture to celebrity hairstylists and everyone in between, we tapped a few natural hair type experts to give us the scoop on only the best of the best 4c hair products.
Every item on this list has been hand-selected by a hairstylist, beauty editor, or beauty industry veteran that either has 4c hair themselves and/or has had extensive practice styling 4c hair. Plus, many of these products have rave reviews on Amazon, Ulta, Sephora, and more retailers.
1
Best Overall
Pattern by Tracee Ellis Ross Pattern by Tracee Ellis Ross Leave-In Conditioner
1
Best Overall
Pattern by Tracee Ellis Ross Pattern by Tracee Ellis Ross Leave-In Conditioner
Tracee Ellis Ross's beloved haircare line has won the hearts of many curly-haired girls for a reason: itactuallyworks. EvenJawara Wauchope, celebrity hairstylist for notable stars/actual living goddesses Beyoncé and Naomi Campbell andglobal styling ambassador for Dyson, says the entire Pattern line works like magic on curls and coils.
Though the entire collection is worth stocking up on, the brand's leave-in conditioner has the overall best reviews on Ulta and even garnered praise from the editors over at Byrdie.
Read More:10 Hair Diffusers for the Best Frizz-Free Curls of Your Life
2
Best for Damaged Hair
Olaplex Olaplex No. 3 Hair Perfector
2
Best for Damaged Hair
Olaplex Olaplex No. 3 Hair Perfector
Dealing with breakage and lackluster strands? Then you, my curly-haired friend,are dealing with damaged hair. But don't fret: If your hair looks like it's screaming S.O.S, thenhairstylist Nicole Taft recommends you whip out this bond-repairing hair treatment.
Taft says that this fan-favorite hair treatment is the absolute best keeping the bonds of the hair from breaking due to wear and tear from styling. Olaplex usesa patented technology that repairs the hair from the inside out and is the absolutebest at maintaining healthy uniformed curls.
3
Best Pomade
Oyin Handmade Oyin Handmade Burnt Sugar Pomade
3
Best Pomade
Oyin Handmade Oyin Handmade Burnt Sugar Pomade
Ghanima Abdullah, hairstylist for TheRightHairstyles.com, says that Oyin Handmade's all-natural pomade is amazing for defining curls while helping your strands retain moisture and softness. This 100% vegan formula leaves a glossy (never greasy) look to your locks while adding a boost of shine and sealing your strands for a healthier look to your mane.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
4
Best for Definition
Mielle Mielle Organics Pomegranate and Honey Curling Custard
4
Best for Definition
Mielle Mielle Organics Pomegranate and Honey Curling Custard
If you want each and every curl to stand out, thencelebrity hairstylistTonya Fairley suggests breaking out Mielle Organics's pomegranate and honey line, which nurtures each strand with hydrating properties while making them stand out in their bouncy glory.
This curling custard is our favorite pick from the line for moisturizing and conditioning your tresses while creating noticeable definition. The results: standout coils with total ease.
5
Shine Booster
Contents Haircare Contents Haircare Earth Silk Glossifyer
5
Shine Booster
Contents Haircare Contents Haircare Earth Silk Glossifyer
Are your curls looking a little dry and lackluster? Then this shine-boosting product from Contents Haircare is what your strands are begging for.
Bergamy notes that this shine-boosting glossifyer is high in antioxidants likelinoleic acid to treat your strands to a pampering, strengthening session from the inside-out. Plus, ithelps with natural oil absorption and promotes hair growth while making your hair look oh, so shiny.
6
Best All-Natural Oil
GNC Amazing Herbs Black Seed Oil
6
Best All-Natural Oil
GNC Amazing Herbs Black Seed Oil
Abdullah also recommends experimenting with all-natural oils to boost the hydration ofyour coils and kinks. For 4c hair, she recommends dabbling in black seed oil, a known hair strengthener that helps with damage and regrowthfor stronger strands.
Abdullah's favorite black seed oil is this one from Amazing Herbs, which contains solely 100% pure cold-pressed black seed oil.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
7
The Multi-Tasker
Just For Me Just For Me Curl Peace 5-n-1 Wonder Spray
7
The Multi-Tasker
Just For Me Just For Me Curl Peace 5-n-1 Wonder Spray
We get it: Having a full haul of products can take up a lot of space ... and a lot of money. So, if you're looking for a quick product that tackles a multitude of hairy situations, then natural hairstylist Adrienne Leaksays to grab this 5-in-1 spray.
This leave-in treatment helps to condition and refresh kinks, coils, and curls. But that's not all it does: This product also detangles, nourishes, protects against heat, reduces frizz, and adds moisture and shine to your hair.
8
Best In-Shower Treatment
Curlsmith Curlsmith In-Shower Style Fixer
8
Best In-Shower Treatment
Curlsmith Curlsmith In-Shower Style Fixer
Go above and beyond your usual in-shower shampoo and conditioner routine with this treatment. Celebrity hairstylist and Ulta Beauty Pro Team member Pekela Riley says this in-shower treatment is perfect for 4c hair for quite a few reasons: It's flake-free, super defining, and comes in a big tube that's designed so you can easily squeeze onto hair while in the shower.
9
Best Hair Oil
Bread Beauty Supply Bread Beauty Supply Everyday Hair Gloss Oil
9
Best Hair Oil
Bread Beauty Supply Bread Beauty Supply Everyday Hair Gloss Oil
Beauty writer Amanda Mitchell loves this hair oil for nourishing her 4c locks. This fan-favorite, award-winning hair oil is infused with all-natural ingredients likekakadu plum to enrich, strengthen, and glossevery curly strand on your head.
Plus, this certified Clean at Sephora pick is light on your hair so you won't have any greasy mishaps.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
10
Best for Softer Curls
Hask HASK Curl Care Curl Defining Cream
10
Best for Softer Curls
Hask HASK Curl Care Curl Defining Cream
For soft, shiny, and defined curls, celebrity hairstylist Camille Friend recommends grabbing this curl cream. This curl-defining cream is a great alternative to conventional hair gels for its crunch-free feel and lightweight formula that addsmoisture and creates soft defined curls with incredible shine.
Friend suggests cocktailing this curl cream with theHask Curl Care Curl Shaping Jellyto create a more sculpted, defined look without any stiffness.
11
Best Hair Gel
ECOCO Eco Styler Olive Oil Styling Hair Gel
11
Best Hair Gel
ECOCO Eco Styler Olive Oil Styling Hair Gel
Cortne Bonilla,branded content editor at Vox Creative, says this is the ultimate hair gel for 4c strands— and its under-$5 price tag is also a major plus.
Unlike other hair gels on the market, this pick from Eco Styler opts out of using hair-drying alcohol and enriches your strands with moisturizing olive oil while it keeps your locks in place. This ultra strong hold hair gel also adds shine and doesn't leave your hair crunchy or weighed down.
12
Best for Edges
Cantu Cantu Shea Butter Extra Hold Edge Stay Gel
12
Best for Edges
Cantu Cantu Shea Butter Extra Hold Edge Stay Gel
Any person with natural hair knows how tricky laying your edges can be. So, when it comes to laying those baby hairs in just the right place, Bergamy recommends breaking out this edge-control gel. This extra-hold gel keeps every strand in place while its formula conditions and smoothens frizz and flyaways for shiny, sleek styles that last all day long.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
13
The Curl-Booster
SheaMoisture SheaMoisture Coconut and Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie
13
The Curl-Booster
SheaMoisture SheaMoisture Coconut and Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie
Latifah Miles, parenting commerce editor at Verywell, says your curls are just begging to drink up this hair “smoothie.” It’s infused with nutrient-rich vegetable butters to condition your curls while bringing back their natural body and shine. Plus, expect your curls to look fuller and bouncier than ever without any frizz.
14
Best for Detangling
Sheamoisture Sheamoisture Raw Shea Hair Detangler
14
Best for Detangling
Sheamoisture Sheamoisture Raw Shea Hair Detangler
Celebrity hairstylist Derek Jaesays this detangling treatment does wonders for knotty hair. He notes that this detangler stands out from the rest for its lightweight feel on hair that doesn't leave a greasy film.It also makes it easy to comb orbrush through the most stubborn curls.
15
Pre-Conditioning Treatment
Naturally Drenched Naturally Drenched Rebalance
15
Pre-Conditioning Treatment
Naturally Drenched Naturally Drenched Rebalance
Now 47% Off
To give your strands an added boost in the shower,Six One Agency founderKilee Hughes suggests trying out this pre-conditioning treatment from Naturally Drenched.
Think of thispre-conditioner as the opening act before your conditioner headlines the show. It's packed with all-natural hair goodies likealmond oil, bamboo extract, calendula, and papaya to give your hair the ultimate treatment. It works tostrengthen your hair follicles, protect against dryness and breakage, reduce frizz, revitalize color, and restore your curl pattern to its all-natural glory.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
16
Hydrating + Curl-Defining
Ouidad Ouidad Curl Quencher Moisturizing Styling Gel
16
Hydrating + Curl-Defining
Ouidad Ouidad Curl Quencher Moisturizing Styling Gel
Think of this pick as a tall glass of water for your strands. It's filled with rich moisturizing ingredients likemeadowfoam seed oiland pro-vitamin B-5 to hydrate, smooth, hold, and define your natural curls. This light-hold gel conditions and defines all-in-one, and Riley says that she loves using it in combination with the Ouidad Curl Quencher Hydrafusion Intense Curl Cream for the ultimate curly look.
17
The 3-Minute Miracle
Aussie Aussie 3 Minute Miracle Moist Deep Conditioner
17
The 3-Minute Miracle
Aussie Aussie 3 Minute Miracle Moist Deep Conditioner
If you're looking for an easy fix, Mitchell says she can't get enough of this 3-minute deep conditioner. It's packed withavocado and jojoba oils to instantly moisturize your locks in half the time most hair masks take. Plus, it's less than $5— a win-win!
18
Best Shampoo for Hair Growth
SheaMoisture SheaMoisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen & Restore Shampoo
18
Best Shampoo for Hair Growth
SheaMoisture SheaMoisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen & Restore Shampoo
If you're dealing with breakage or just trying to grow out your locks, then Bonilla says to grab this shampoo. It's infused with castor oil, a known all-natural hair growth stimulant, to help fortify and strengthen your strands from root to ends. Plus, it’s filled with moisturizing shea butter and scalp-clarifying peppermint oil for a flake-free look and grease-free feel.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
19
Best Drugstore Shampoo
L'Oreal Paris L'Oréal Professionnel Serie Expert Absolut Repair Lipidium Instant Resurfacing Shampoo
19
Best Drugstore Shampoo
L'Oreal Paris L'Oréal Professionnel Serie Expert Absolut Repair Lipidium Instant Resurfacing Shampoo
Now 18% Off
Bergamy says this shampoo is the absolute best for 4c hair types, especially if you've dyed or color-treatedyour hair. The shampoo is perfect for washing away any buildup in your strands without stripping your hair of its natural oils, and it's formulated to tackle dry, damaged strands from the inside-out.
To get the best out of this shampoo, Bergamy recommends pairing it with the L'Oréal Paris Professionnel Absolut Repair Instant Resurfacing Masque.
20
Best Drugstore Conditioner
Herbal Essences Herbal Essences Hello Hydration Conditioner
20
Best Drugstore Conditioner
Herbal Essences Herbal Essences Hello Hydration Conditioner
Miles knows that the root of 4c haircare is hydration, which is why she loves this ultra hydrating conditioner from HerbalEssences. This deeply conditioning pick costs you less than your morning latte, yet it's packed with hydrating essentials like coconut to keep your strands quenched.
Jennifer Hussein
Beauty Editor
Jennifer is the former beauty editor for BestProducts.com, where she’s testing out everything from the latest lip gloss to the craziest skincare trend sweeping the online beauty-verse. Her work has been featured in Allure, Byrdie, HelloGiggles, and more. When she’s not swatching eyeshadow all over her arms, you can find the NYC-based editor scouring for hours on end for vintage finds, eating pad thai, and hanging out with her cat, Chunks.