13 Best Hairdresser-Approved Moisturizers For 4C Hair To Get Soft Coils
No more 4C hair woes because these moisturizers are here to give you a healthy mane.
Alexandro Vasquez has been a hairdresser since 1997 and has worked in various countries, including Brazil, Spain, Ireland, Indonesia, Singapore, and UAE. His experience spans salon brands such as Toni&Guy, Aveda, and Leekaja. He specializes in traveling and training hair salon staff around the world.
Read full bio of Alexandro Vasquez
Experience: 2 yearsOyendrila holds a master's degree in English Literature from the University Of Calcutta, West Bengal, and is a certified skin care coach. As a beauty and lifestyle writer with two years of experience, she writes about everything that the modern woman needs to know about grooming and self-care.
Read full bio of Oyendrila Kanjilal
Experience: 4 yearsShiboli has a master’s degree in English literature from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and is a certified skincare coach with four years of experience. As a commerce editor, she guides her team members on the best practices to create crisp and authentic content.
Read full bio of Shiboli Chakraborti
Experience: 7 yearsAnjali is an associate editor at StyleCraze. She specializes in hairstyles and hair and skin care and has written over 200 articles in these domains. She has 7 years of experience, and her philosophy about hair and skin care is simple: if you love and care for it, it will be healthy.
Read full bio of Anjali Sayee
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If you have been on the quest for the best moisturizers for 4C hair, your search ends here. As voluminous as your hair is, it needs intensive care and a nourishment boost. The tight coils are prone to damage and breakage and need to be hydrated more than fine hair. Using a suitable moisturizer will hydrate, nourish, and bring a shine to your hair. Scroll through our list of 13 moisturizers made specially to suit thick hair.
In This Article
13 Best Moisturizers For 4C Hair For Soft And Nourished Coils
1. Best Overall: Shea Moisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl & Style Milk
The Shea Moisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl & Style Milk is a non-rinse, hydrating styling cream formulated with nourishing, natural, and organic ingredients like silk protein, coconut oil, aloe vera leaf juice, algae extract, carrot root extract, hibiscus extract, soybean oil, sage leaf extract, and neem oil.
This smooth-textured curly hair styling lotion hydrates, detangles, and adds definition and shine to hair. It also helps combat frizz and make curls smooth. Regular application of this moisturizer makes hair strong, soft, nourished, and manageable. Check out this detailed review featuring a tester’s experience with the product to know more.
Pros
- Formulated with natural ingredients like aloe vera, coconut oil, carrot root extract, etc.
- Contains silk protein for extra shine.
- Hydrates and nourishes dry and brittle hair.
- Coconut oil strengthens hair.
- Makes hair soft, defined, and manageable.
- Reduces frizz.
- Suitable for all types of curly hair.
- Suitable for daily use.
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Phthalate-free
- Cruelty-free
- No mineral oil
- No petroleum
Cons
- May not be suitable for oily scalp.
- May not be suitable for people with soy allergy.
Pro Tip
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
Almost 1,600 happy users have mentioned the value and quality of this product.
2. Best In Natural Ingredients: As I Am Double Butter Cream
The As I Am Double Butter Cream is formulated with hydrating shea butter, cocoa butter, castor oil, jojoba oil, wheat germ oil, wheat protein, and vegetable glycerine. This moisture-retaining cream is among the best moisturizers for 4C hair. It nourishes and moisturizes dry, brittle, and naturally supercoiled hair. It locks in natural moisture and adds sheen to the hair to make hair soft, manageable, and tangle-free. The provitamin B5 in this hydrating cream for 4C hair strengthens the hair shaft and hair follicles and repairs split ends. If you are new to hair moisturizers, this video review detailing a tester’s experience of using the natural product might be useful.
Pros
- Formulated with natural ingredients like shea butter, cocoa butter, and jojoba oil.
- Repairs dry and damaged hair.
- Provitamin B5 strengthens hair shaft and follicles.
- Repairs split ends.
- Makes hair soft, manageable, and tangle-free.
- Adds shine to curly hair.
Cons
- Not suitable for sensitive scalp.
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
It has gained over 6,220 positive reviews on Amazon, making it an all-time best-seller.
3. Best Petroleum-Free Formula: Design Essentials Rosemary & Mint Moisturizing Conditioner
Design Essentials Rosemary & Mint Moisturizing Conditioner is formulated with nourishing botanicals and vitamin E that help rejuvenate and offer deep hydration to dry, coarse, and damaged curly hair. This powerful leave-in conditioner makes curls shiny, soft, tangle-free, and healthy.
This hair moisturizer with essential oils is suitable for all types of curly hair, including 4C hair. It also works as a styling product and is enriched with hydrating avocado and almond. Additionally, the coconut milk in this leave-in moisturizer for 4C hair helps make the curls smooth, and the shea butter repairs split ends. It makes hair soft with defined curls and extra bounce.
Pros
- Formulated with nourishing botanicals and vitamin E.
- Coconut milk detangles hair.
- Shea butter repairs damaged and dry hair.
- Repairs split ends.
- Makes curls soft and tangle-free.
- Adds shine.
- Avocado and almond hydrate hair.
- Paraben-free
- Petroleum-free
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- Contains mineral oil.
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
This product has garnered over 8,620 positive reviews on Amazon, and the number continues to grow.
Shea Moisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl & Style Milk Best Overall | As I Am Double Butter Cream Best In Natural Ingredients | Design Essentials Rosemary & Mint Moisturizing Conditioner Best Petroleum-Free Formula | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Color | AQUAMARINE | Violet | - |
| Dimensions | 2 x 2 x 6.75 inches | 2 x 1.3 x 8 inches | 5 x 5 x 4 inches |
| Weight | 8.96 Ounces | 0.01 Ounces | 2 Pounds |
| Number of Items | - | 1 | - |
| Hair Type | - | All | Wavy |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 74,862 | 7,395 | 8,620 |
| Price | $18.49 | $9.95 | $25.68 |
4. Best Affordable Option: tgin Butter Cream Daily Moisturizer
The tgin (Thank God It’s Natural) Butter Cream Daily Moisturizer is enriched with shea butter and vitamin E that provide maximum hydration. This hair-styling product moisturizes hair strands and increases blood circulation in dry scalp. The hair cream helps combat frizz, adds natural shine, makes hair softer, and keeps hair from becoming greasy. The lightweight formula of this daily moisturizer for 4C hair is easy to apply and does not weigh your hair down; It also helps detangle and add definition to curls.
Pros
- Formulated with shea butter and vitamin E.
- Hydrates and moisturizes dry and coarse curly hair.
- Combats frizz.
- Detangles curly hair.
- Makes hair soft, smooth, and shiny.
- Adds definition to curls.
- Lightweight formula.
- Does not weigh hair down.
- Suitable for daily use.
- Affordable
- Can be used as a setting cream.
Cons
- Not suitable for people with soy allergy.
Pro TipWhy We Think It's Worth Buying
With 5,320 positive reviews on Amazon, this product has become a bestseller.
5. Best Mineral Oil-Free Moisturizer: Carol’s Daughter Marguerite’s Magic Restorative Cream
The Marguerite’s Magic Restorative Cream from Carol’s Daughter is one of the best moisturizers for curly, tightly coiled hair. It is formulated with a moisturizing blend of nourishing and good quality ingredients like cocoa butter, shea butter, and soybean oil. This hair cream helps strengthen brittle hair, moisturizes dry curly hair, and restores natural shine. It also contains beeswax and works great for textured hair. It leaves hair feeling soft, smooth, bouncy, and healthy. It keeps the scalp and hair healthy and the scalp healthy and nourished. This awesome moisturizing cream does not contain silicones, parabens, artificial colors, mineral oil, or petroleum. Go through this video featuring a reviewer’s experience for a detailed review of the Carol’s Daughter Marguerite’s Magic Restorative Cream.
Pros
- Formulated with a moisturizing blend of cocoa butter, shea butter, and soybean oil.
- Hydrates and nourishes coarse hair.
- Formulated with beeswax and works great for textured hair.
- Makes hair soft and shiny.
- Detangles hair
- Makes curls manageable.
- Paraben-free
- Silicone-free
- Mineral oil-free
- Petroleum-free
- No artificial colors.
Cons
- Has a strong smell.
6. Best Non-Sticky Formula: Taliah Waajid Curly Curl Cream
The Taliah Waajid Curly Curl Cream is a non-sticky, non-greasy, herbal hair cream that helps moisturize and revitalize dry and coarse curly hair types. This hair product adds a natural shine to the curls, making them frizz-free. It also leaves hair light and soft to the touch. It is suitable for a variety of textured hair, including wavy, curly, kinky, and coiled hair. The moisturizer washes off easily and does not cause any residue buildup.
Pros
- Non-sticky and non-greasy.
- Moisturizes and revitalizes dry and coarse hair.
- Adds natural shine to hair.
- Makes the hair shaft smooth.
- Makes coarse hair soft.
- Suitable for all types of hair texture.
- Washes off easily.
Cons
- May leave flakes.
7. Best Artificial Color-free: Carol’s Daughter Coco Creme Coil Enhancing Moisture Butter
The Carol’s Daughter Coco Creme Coil Enhancing Moisture Butter is formulated with coconut milk, coconut oil, mango butter, and murumuru butter. This blend of nourishing botanicals helps condition and improve the health of curly hair. It has a buttery texture, applies evenly, and leaves hair feeling hydrated, detangled, and soft, making them manageable. In addition, it adds lasting definition and healthy shine to curly and coily hair. The product does not weigh your tresses down and leaves no residue behind.
Pros
- Made with natural ingredients
- Helps maintain curls
- Paraben-free
- Mineral oil-free
- Artificial color-free
- Petroleum-free
- Silicone-free
- Adds shine
- Provides long-lasting definition
- Makes hair soft and manageable
Cons
- May have a strong smell
- Leaves residue
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The product has more than 4,676 reviews and is a top choice all around the world.
8. Best For Frizz: Cantu Shea Butter Leave-In Conditioning Repair Cream
The Cantu Shea Butter Leave-In Conditioning Repair Cream is a great dermatologist-tested hair product for curly, coiled, permed, and color-treated hair. This creamy blend is formulated with nourishing ingredients like shea butter and natural oils. It strengthens fragile and brittle hair, repairs split ends, detangles coiled hair, adds shine and definition to 4C hair, and makes all types of curly hair manageable. In one application you can feel reduced frizz and softer hair. This leave-in conditioner washes off easily and does not leave a residue behind. This overnight moisturizer distributes evenly and makes hair strands smooth and healthy.
Pros
- Formulated with shea butter and other natural oils.
- Moisturizes and hydrates coarse and coiled hair.
- Makes curly and coiled hair manageable.
- Detangles hair.
- Combats frizz.
- Adds shine and makes hair soft.
- Dermatologist-tested
- Makes hair smooth and defined.
- Does not weigh hair down.
- Washes off easily.
- Does not leave a residue.
- Suitable for all types of curly hair.
- Color-safe
- Perm-safe
Cons
- Quantity is less.
Pro Tip9. Best Long-Lasting Formula: Alikay Naturals Shea Yogurt Hair Moisturizer
The Alikay Naturals Shea Yogurt Hair Moisturizer locks moisture and rejuvenates dry, damaged, brittle, and coarse 4C coiled hair. This hair reviving cream is enriched with nourishing vitamins and minerals. It enhances the texture of hair cuticles and increases overall hair elasticity, makes hair shiny and lustrous, retains natural curls, and makes the curls more manageable. This moisturizing formula helps detangle coiled hair and adds definition to curls. It applies evenly throughout hair and leaves your curls feeling soft and smooth.
Pros
- Formulated with hair-enriching yogurt.
- Seals moisture.
- Suitable for low-porosity hair.
- Rejuvenates dry, damaged, brittle, and coarse 4C coiled hair.
- Vitamins and minerals enhance hair elasticity.
- Makes hair shiny and lustrous.
- Adds definition to the curls.
- Makes coiled hair more manageable.
- Makes hair smooth and soft.
- Reasonably priced.
Cons
- May leave a residue.
- Has a strong smell.
10. Best For Low-porosity Hair: Carol’s Daughter Hair Milk Original Leave-In Moisturizer
The Carol’s Daughter Hair Milk Original Leave-In Moisturizer is dermatologist-tested and specially formulated for curly, coiled, kinky, and wavy hair. It is enriched with nourishing shea butter, soybean oil, and Agave nectar. This creamy blend of botanicals helps hydrate, nourish, and moisturize low-porosity hair (like the 4C hair type).
This leave-in conditioner seals moisture and prevents hair drying or breakage. The formula fights frizz, softens and defines curls. It does not leave a crunchy residue. The creamy, rich texture absorbs quickly into the hair and makes it soft, glossy, and smooth. The beeswax also helps retain the curls. The lightweight formula prevents excess product buildup and does not weigh down the curls. This product is also good for styling your hair for a special occasion.
Pros
- Enriched with nourishing shea butter, soybean oil, and Agave nectar.
- Beeswax helps retain the curls.
- Hydrates and moisturizes coarse hair.
- Protects dry and brittle hair from further damage.
- Nourishes low-porosity hair.
- Creamy rich texture.
- Lightweight formula.
- Dermatologist-tested
- Does not weigh the curls down.
- Makes hair soft and glossy.
- Adds definition to the curls.
- Washes off easily.
- Good for styling hair.
- Affordable
Cons
- May have an off-putting smell.
11. Best Lightweight Texture: The Roots Naturelle Bouncy Curls Hydrating Crème
The Roots Naturelle Bouncy Curls Hydrating Crème energizes your curls by hydrating and adding definition to kinky coils or kinky hair. This rich, creamy, healthy hair moisturizer strengthens hair strands and fights frizz. It is enriched with nourishing ingredients like grape seed oil and olive oil. The non-greasy cream adds bounce and shine to dull and lifeless curls. This styling product nourishes hair from the root to the tip. It leaves your hair feeling light, bouncy, shiny, soft, and super-healthy. Many reviewers mentioned how this product is super lightweight and does not feel greasy.
Pros
- Infused with natural ingredients.
- Rejuvenates dull and lifeless curls.
- Strengthens hair from root to the tip.
- Controls frizz.
- Olive oil and grape seed oil nourish and hydrate hair.
- Adds bounce and shine.
- Makes hair super-soft.
- Good for styling hair.
- Adds definition to curls.
- Affordable
Cons
- Not suitable for people with a dry and sensitive scalp.
12. Best For Damaged Hair: EDEN BodyWorks Natural Deep Conditioner
The EDEN BodyWorks Natural Deep Conditioner is formulated with ultra-hydrating ingredients like jojoba oil, tea tree oil, and castor oil that help strengthen hair strands. The conditioner protects brittle and dry hair from breakage by sealing moisture and repairing unhealthy and damaged hair. It seals split ends and makes hair shiny, soft, and bouncy. It makes the coily 4C hair more manageable and defined, and tangle-free.
Pros
- Formulated with jojoba oil, tea tree oil, and castor oil.
- Protects brittle and dry hair from breakage.
- Defines curls.
- Makes hair soft and shiny.
- Seals moisture and prevents drying of hair.
- Seals and repairs split ends.
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Reasonably priced.
Cons
- Has a strong smell.
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
With over 301 Amazon acclaimed reviews, this product is sure to find a place in everyone’s shopping bag.
13. Best For Hair Growth: Fro Butter Jamaican Castor Oil Hair Thickener Treatment
The Fro Butter Jamaican Castor Oil Hair Thickener Treatment is an amazing hair product for dry and damaged hair. It is infused with Jamaican castor oil, other powerful oils, nourishing vitamins, and botanical extracts. This hypoallergenic hair treatment helps make hair soft with defined curls and extra bounce. It stops excessive hair breakage, speeds up hair growth, and keeps the hair strands and scalp healthy and nourished.
Pros
- Formulated with Jamaican castor oil.
- Infused with powerful oils and vitamins.
- Speeds up hair recovery.
- Protects brittle and dry hair.
- Moisturizes extremely coarse hair.
- Strengthens hair.
- Keeps the scalp healthy.
- Makes hair super-soft.
- Adds shine and bounce to curls.
- Promotes hair growth.
Cons
- May have a strong smell.
These are the 13 best hair moisturizers for 4C hair. Before you decide on your pick from these moisturizing products to include in your hair care routine for your 4C hair, here are a few tips that can help you make a better purchase decision.
What To Look For In A Good 4C Hair Moisturizer?
- Natural Ingredients – Check if the ingredients list contains moisturizing botanicals like shea butter, mango seed butter, olive oil, avocado, aloe vera, cocoa butter, coconut oil, etc.
- Vitamin E – Check if the hair moisturizer has vitamin E (botanical sources are olive oil and avocado oil). Vitamin E helps the product gets absorbed quickly. It also has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Porosity – If you have low-porosity hair or rough hair that does not absorb moisture quickly, avoid moisturizers with added protein. The extra protein will only make your hair stiffer and straw-like.
- Daily/Weekly Moisturizer – Check if you want a leave-in moisturizer for weekly use or a daily moisturizer. Make sure the daily moisturizer does not strip your hair off the natural oils and the weekly moisturizer does not leave a residue.
- Harsh Chemicals – Avoid using products containing parabens, phthalates, sulfates, mineral oils, and artificial colors.
Before we come to a close, here are a few tips on how to keep your 4C hair coils moisturized all the time.
How To Moisturize Your 4C Hair?
- Spritz water before styling.
- Use a deep conditioner after using a regular moisturizing shampoo.
- Use a leave-in conditioner every two days.
- Use a hair moisturizer.
- Apply moisturizing hair masks once a week.
- Keep yourself and your hair hydrated.
- Avoid heat treatment.
- Use a heat protectant if you want to straighten your hair.
- Go for a hair spa twice a month.
- Take hot oil treatment at home every week.
- Use a silk bonnet before going to sleep.
- Wear protective hairstyles.
Infographic: Things To Consider While Choosing A Hair Moisturizer For 4C Hair
Caring for 4C hair can be challenging as it is prone to damage. It shrinks and loses moisture at a faster pace. Moreover, the dense texture and volume require continuous hydration and nourishment. This is where hair moisturizers come into play. But how do you choose the best one for your hair? Check out the infographic below to find out what to keep in mind while looking for a hair moisturizer for 4C hair. Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
The Bottom Line
4C hair requires good home care along with the right products to combat frizz and dryness especially if you have been through any chemicals like perms, rebounding, or relaxing. To provide the utmost care and nourishment to your 4C hair, choose moisturizers that are formulated with natural ingredients, including aloe vera, coconut oil, and carrot root extract. If you want something for daily use, the Shea Moisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl & Style Milk is a good option. The As I Am Double Butter Cream would be an apt choice if you have split ends, while the Cantu Shea Butter Leave-In Conditioning Repair Cream works great for weak or damaged hair. Some of these moisturizers hydrate, detangle, and define your curls by strengthening them. If you’re looking for moisturizers that can control frizz, choose the ones that come with shea butter, cocoa butter, castor oil, and jojoba oil. Avoid products that have a strong smell or might leave out flakes in your natural hair.
Why Trust Stylecraze
The author of this article, Oyendrila Kanjilal, is a certified skin care coach with a keen interest in hair care. She loves to research various hair care products to bring the top list for the readers, making their choices easy. After extensive research and reading many reviews online, she has curated the list of best moisturizers for 4C hair type. These moisturizers hydrate, nourish, and impart shine to the hair. They also reduce frizz and are suitable for daily use.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should you moisturize your 4C hair?
Use a moisturizer every two days.
How do you know if your 4C hair is moisturized?
Your hair will start to feel soft, smooth, and look shiny and gorgeous. That’s when you know that your 4C hair is moisturized.
Is it bad to put body lotion on your hair?
Body lotion is not formulated to be used on hair. It will not get absorbed and will leave a residue.
Is moisturizer good for 4C hair?
Yes. Since 4C hair is coarse and may have a rough texture, it is important to provide it with good moisturization.
How do I keep my 4C roots moisturized?
Here are a few things to help you keep your 4C roots moisturized:
• Hydrate yourself
• Invest in a suitable moisturizer
• Avoid heat exposure
• Use a satin bonnet while sleeping
• Deep condition on a regular basis.
How can I moisturize my 4C hair at night?
The best way to moisturize 4C hair overnight is by using a leave-in nourishing conditioner.
Should I comb my 4C hair wet or dry?
It is best if you comb your damp hair for maximum output. However, if you want to wait until it completely dries up, ensure to apply a suitable product to provide a good slip for easy detangling.
Should you wash 4C hair with hot or cold water?
Since hot water penetrates into the strands better due to having more energy, it helps the hair retain moisture at a greater level. It adds more flexibility to the texture and adds softness.
How do I know if I have 4B or 4C hair?
You can figure out your hair type by noticing some stark differences in its appearance. 4B hair tends to look more cottony and has a fluffy texture, it has a z-shaped pattern. On the other hand, 4C hair, with a similar texture, is more tightly coiled.
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