15 Best 4C Hair Products For Defined Curls – 2024, Approved By A Hairstylist
Pamper your well-defined curls with products that are specially designed for your curl type.
Jill Turnbull is an internationally acclaimed freelance hairstylist, colorist, and makeup artist with over 47 years of experience. She founded her own beauty brand and her work has been featured in editorial magazines worldwide.Jill is also a highly sought-after educator, renowned for her direct, meticulous, and modern approach to hair, makeup, and styling for fashion shoots and advertising campaigns.
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Experience: 3 yearsKirtana has a postgraduate degree in mass communication and journalism from St. Joseph’s College, Bengaluru, and 3 years of professional experience. She developed a deep passion for writing after reading the brilliant works of Enid Blyton and Roald Dahl and has chosen a career that is driven by creativity.
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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: 4 yearsMonomita has a graduate degree in mass communication and video production from St. Anthony's College, Shillong, and a master’s degree in journalism and mass communication from the Royal Global University, Guwahati. She is also a certified skincare coach with a keen interest in skin, hair, tattoos, nail art, and lifestyle trends.
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We all love the well-defined, gorgeous curls, but only some of us know what goes behind getting it perfect. The best products for 4c hair include a lot of things such as shampoos, conditioners, hair masks, hair gels, mousses, and whatnot. However, only after a lot of trials and errors will you find the perfect shampoo, conditioner for your 4c hair.
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!
In This Article
15 Best 4C Hair Products For Beautifully Defined Curls – 2024
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. For curl elongation through protective styling, 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 reviewer’s experience.
Pros
- Tames frizzy hair
- Long-lasting shine
- Adds bounce to curls
- Works on dry and wet hair
Cons
- May leave residue
Quick Tip
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
This product has made it to our top favorite list with more than 48,786 rave reviews on Amazon.
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 and dull hair without weighing it down. The castor oil and shea butter detangle, moisturize and promote moisture retention in 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 and works like an anti-breakage treatment.
Pros
- Cruelty-free
- Silicone-free
- No harsh chemicals
- Sulfate and paraben-free
Cons
- May not dissolve in water easily
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
A whopping 1,295 reviews on Amazon make it obvious that users genuinely love this product.
3. Best Creamy Formula: Kinky Curly Knot Today Detangler
Persistent knots stressing out your curls and causing hair damage? Well, Knot Today! See what we did there? Unlike our puns, this herbal conditioner works every time for kinky hair types. 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 the hair texture and makes it more manageable. If you are an absolute beginner, this video review tester’s experience 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
Pro TipWhy We Think It's Worth Buying
This product has garnered over 1,182 positive reviews on Amazon, and the number continues to grow.
Aunt Jackie’s Curl La La Defining Curl Custard Best Hydrating Formula | Shea Moisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen & Restore Conditioner Best Long-Lasting Formula | Kinky Curly Knot Today Detangler Best Creamy Formula | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hair Type | Coily | Curly | Kinky-Curly-Wavy |
| Dimensions | 3.25 x 3.25 x 4.25 inches | 2.68 x 2.68 x 6.45 inches | 7.4 x 1.8 x 1.8 inches |
| Weight | 15 Ounces | 13 Ounces | 8.01 Ounces |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 48,786 | 1,295 | 1,182 |
| Price | $6.99 | $8.97 | $12.99 |
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 try this tgin Honey Miracle Hair Mask to keep your hair soft. 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 of the tester’s experience 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.
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
More than 1,074 rave reviews on Amazon prove why we are so in awe of this product.
5. Best For Frizz Control: Devacurl NO-POO Decadence
Immerse your 4C curls in rich and intense 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. This natural hair product has a comforting light floral scent that makes your hair smell lovely. This product gently cleanses your textured hair 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
Quick Tip6. 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
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
With 4,107 positive reviews on Amazon, this product has become a bestseller.
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? With a curly hair type, 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 cleanser 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. Many reviewers on Amazon claimed that this product helped tame their frizzy hair and make it appear bouncy and soft.
Pros
- Dye-free
- Sulfate-free
- Paraben-free
- Tames frizz
Cons
- The fragrance may be a bit overwhelming for few.
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
There are more than 457 Amazon reviews attesting to the quality of the product and endorsing its value.
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 hair-softening 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
- Not tested on animals
- 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 nourishing ingredients like 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 natural ingredients that make your curls more manageable. Moreover, a product with xylitol would be the best product for a healthier scalp, 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 ingredients or herbal formulas. Avoid products that contain harsh ingredients like 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. Make sure to always do a patch test before using the product to avoid potential allergic reactions.
- Additional Benefits
- Moisturization: choose hair care or hair styling products with moisturizing ingredients like shea butter, raw honey, or pro-vitamin B5, to lock in moisture for your 4c hair. This would not only protect your curls from environmental damage and hair breakage but also would ensure glossiness and frizz-free hair.
- Lightweight: whether you plan to buy a conditioner, hair mask, serum, or just a comb for your 4c hair, ensure the product is lightweight. Firstly, hair care products like serums, conditioners, or hair masks must be lightweight and non-greasy to prevent weighing down your hair. Secondly, opt for a weightless comb as a painless detangling solution for your coily hair.
- Durable Material: it is an endless struggle to find the right hair brush for 4c hair. Ensure that the brush you opt for is sturdy and has a non-slip handle and firm grip so that managing your hair becomes hassle-free.
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 natural hair care 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 improve hair 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, use a deep conditioner on 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.
Infographic: 5 Ways To Style Your 4C Hair
Styling and caring for 4C hair is a matter of getting to know it and discovering what makes this hair type thrive. There are numerous ways to protect your 4C hair fashionably. Check out the infographic below to find amazing hairstyles for your 4C hair type.
Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
4C hair type is kinky, tightly coiled, and fragile. Using a straightener or a curler, or heat-based styling tools can damage these types of hair even further. Instead, use curl-defining styling creams to moisturize the strands, nourish the hair follicles, and hold the curls at the right density for a long duration. The best products for 4c hair include many things such as hair gels, shampoos, mousses, conditioners, and hair masks. The Aunt Jackie’s Curl La La Defining Curl Custard is ideal for adding bounce to your hair. The Shea Moisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen & Restore Conditioner is perfect for those who want encourage new hair growth. If you want a gentle and cruelty-free formula, you can opt for the Devacurl NO-POO Decadence. The products mentioned on our list are lightweight, paraben-free, and tame frizzy hair. They are also nourishing and hydrating. However, some might feel a little greasy, while some may dry out your hair. So, considering that, choose a formula that will suit your hair type the most.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
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. For high-porosity hair, you may need deep conditioning treatments to replenish the moisture.
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 nourishing 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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