15 Best Products For Type 4 Kinky And Coily Hair
Grow thick and shiny hair this season by nourishing and pampering it with the right products.
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.
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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.
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Experience: 3 yearsEshna is an associate editor and a certified skin care coach. She has over three years of experience, a triple main bachelor’s degree in psychology, English, and journalism from Mount Carmel College, Bengaluru, and a master’s degree in psychology from Sampurna Montfort College, Bengaluru.
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If you want to keep your gorgeous coils tight while making them stronger at the roots, you need to invest in the best products for type 4 natural hair that aren’t just styling tools. With fragile kinks and ringlets that tend to have a dry and coarse texture, type 4 hair is further divided into 4A, 4B, and 4C. The latter hair type has the tightest coils and requires a lot of maintenance to retain moisture, avoid tangles, and prevent shrinkage. But don’t fret, as the good news is there is a myriad of brands out there working towards enhancing the quality of your densely packed curls.
Below, we have curated a list of the most highly recommended products to help you achieve your hair goals and beautify your “curl friends” even more!
In This Article
Top 15 Products For Type 4 Hair
1. Design Essentials Natural Detangling Leave-In Conditioner (Best Leave-in Conditioner For Type 4 Hair)
The Design Essential Moisturizing Conditioner is suitable for all curl types (Type 1 to Type 4). This leave-in conditioner is extremely lightweight and instantly replenishes moisture to your strands, which your hair might loose due to daily styling routines, harsh weather, or environmental factors. It contains sweet almond oil, avocado oil, coconut milk, and shea butter that soften and condition your kinky and curly hair and keep it nourished and beautiful. Check out this video to see the reviewer’s experience of this product for more information about its benefits.
- Paraben-free
- Petrolatum-free
- Paraffin-free
- Helps detangle your hair
- Sulfate-free
- Gluten-free
- Alcohol-free
- Cruelty-free
- Expensive for the quantity provided.
2. Carol’s Daughter Almond Milk Ultra-Nourishing Mask
This is an ultra-nourishing hair mask for dry and damaged hair. It is specially created for naturally curly and kinky hair. It helps to repair your hair, so it looks and feels softer and healthier. It contains almond milk that penetrates deep into your hair and works as a nourishing protein treatment for hair with its strengthening vitamins and protein-rich formula. This helps reverse damage from the inside out. It also contains hair nourishing ingredients, such as olive oil, sweet almond protein, and rosemary leaf extracts. Watch this video review featuring the tester’s experience for more insights about the product.
- Paraben-free
- Silicone-free
- Mineral oil-free
- No artificial color
- Petrolatum-free
- Provides deep conditioning
- Doesn’t weigh your hair down
- Helps detangle hair easily
- Heavily scented
3. Cantu Shea Butter For Natural Hair Coconut Curling Cream
The curling cream is specially designed for managing curly and coily hair and making it healthy. It seals in moisture and strengthens each hair strand with pure shea butter. It helps define your curls without weighing them down. It also helps elongate the curls, conditions them, and keeps them looking healthy and manageable. Take a look at this video to know more about the product.
- Contains natural extracts and oils
- Makes hair soft
- Detangles hair
- Prevents frizz
- Affordable
- Non-greasy
- Pleasant fragrance
- Contains petrolatum
- Contains PEG
- Makes the hair crunchy.
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
More than 25,723 rave reviews on Amazon prove why we are so in awe of this product.
Design Essentials Natural Detangling Leave-In Conditioner (Best Leave-in Conditioner For Type 4 Hair) | Carol's Daughter Almond Milk Ultra-Nourishing Mask | Cantu Shea Butter For Natural Hair Coconut Curling Cream | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hair Type | Dry | Curly, Damaged | Wavy, Curly |
| Dimensions | 3 x 2 x 1 inches | 3.7 x 3.7 x 2.72 inches | 3.69 x 3.69 x 2.75 inches |
| Weight | 0.01 Ounces | 12 Ounces | 12 Ounces |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 604 | 164 | 25,723 |
| Price | $16.59 | $64.98 | $6.48 |
4. tgin Honey Miracle Hair Mask
This deep conditioner is made with raw honey, olive oil, and jojoba oil. All these moisturizing and nourishing ingredients provide essential nutrients to your hair to keep it soft, healthy, and shiny. This hair mask for curly hair helps reduce flakiness by doing scalp exfoliation and comforts dry and itchy scalp. This deep conditioner helps restore hair health by reducing the damage caused by over-processing and styling.
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Petrolatum-free
- Lanolin-free
- No artificial colors
- No animal testing
- Keeps hair soft and moisturized
- The fragrance can be overpowering for some users.
Did You Know?Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The product has received 1,074 positive Amazon reviews from its users, stating its numerous benefits.
5. Carol’s Daughter Hair Milk 4-in-1 Combing Creme
A detangling cream is a must for type 4 hair, especially 4C hair type. This detangling cream untangles, defines, and moisturizes hair and helps control frizz. This leave-in detangling cream is made with agave and keratin and is very lightweight. It gives your natural hair and curls the necessary glide to style with ease. It also contains cocoa and shea butter that keep the hair moisturized.
- Contains Pro-Vitamin B5
- Sulfate-free
- Paraben-free
- Mineral oil-free
- Artificial colors
- Petrolatum-free
- Holds your curls without making them stiff
- Might feel a bit heavy on fine hair.
- After drying, the product might leave a dusty residue on the hair.
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
There are more than 3,450 Amazon reviews attesting to the quality of the product and endorsing its value.
6. Carol’s Daughter Hair Milk Curl Defining Butter
This is a hair butter for curly and kinky hair. This hair butter is rich in agave nectar, honey, avocado oil, and other nourishing oils. It claims to keep your curls and twist-outs defined for up to 24 hours. It is suitable for short-cropped 4C curly hairstyles and 1C waves. It helps prevent frizz, defines curls, and gives your hair extra moisture without crunching or leaving any residue. This helps hold protective styles and keeps flyaways in check.
- Paraben-free
- Silicone-free
- Petroleum-free
- Mineral oil-free
- No artificial colors
- Deeply conditions hair
- May feel a bit greasy on fine hair.
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
With over 4,082 Amazon acclaimed reviews, this product is sure to find a place in everyone’s shopping bag.
7. The Honest Company Leave-In Hair Conditioner Spray – Best Spray Conditioner For Kinky Hair
This is a spray-type leave-in hair conditioner and contains a blend of argan oil, shea butter, jojoba protein, and quinoa extract. This conditioner helps to soften your hair, separate the strands, and define your curls. It is designed for all hair types and should be used on damp or dry hair. It helps tame cowlicks and flyaway hair and detangle every knot to make combing a breeze.
- Paraben-free
- Dye-free
- No synthetic fragrances
- Formaldehyde-free
- Silicone-free
- Sulfate-free
- Contains naturally derived ingredients
- Vegan product
- Dermatologist-tested
- Might make hair a little bit greasy.
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
It has received over 39,248 rave reviews on Amazon, proving it is a mass favorite.
8. Aunt Jackie’s Quench Leave-in Conditioner
This is a mega-moisturizing and conditioning treatment for natural curls, coils, and waves that are dry and damaged. This leave-in conditioner helps eliminate dryness without making the hair feel heavy. It provides lasting moisture and softness to your hair. It is enriched with natural conditioners like marshmallow root, shea butter, and extra virgin olive oil to keep your hair nourished.
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Mineral oil-free
- Petrolatum-free
- Doesn’t feel sticky
- No greasy residue
- Makes the hair soft and moisturized
- The consistency is runny (may not work on low porosity hair).
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
More than 48,942 Amazon users have vouched for this amazing product.
9. EDEN BodyWorks Jojoba Monoi Deep Conditioner
This deep and nourishing hair conditioner is a blend of botanical ingredients that helps restore the smoothness and integrity of your hair. Type 4 hair is usually prone to breakage, and this product helps prevent that from happening. It contains ultra-hydrating ingredients, such as jojoba oil, tiare flower extracts, and tea tree oil, that penetrate the hair shaft to provide nourishment to brittle hair strands of your low porosity hair.
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Silicone-free
- Can moisturize low-porosity type 4C hair
- Doesn’t detangle hair.
TriviaWhy We Think It's Worth Buying
This product has made it to our top favorite list with more than 301 rave reviews on Amazon.
10. Neutrogena Triple Moisture Deep Recovery Hair Mask
This deep recovery hair mask provides intensive moisture to dry and dull hair and gives you shiny and soft hair in minutes. It works on your hair at three levels – the olive extract penetrates deep into your hair and nourishes it from the center, the meadowfoam extract helps moisturize the middle part of your hair strand, and the sweet almond extract nourishes the hair surface to make it extra soft and smooth.
- Keeps hair hydrated and moisturized
- Help reduce frizz
- Makes hair soft
- Pleasant fragrance
- Detangles the hair easily
- Contains parabens
"This hair mask keeps my hair soft and in great condition, despite daily heat styling. It tackles split ends and makes my hair manageable. I use it almost every day but it never causes product buildup on my hair or scalp."
11. Aunt Jackie’s Seal It Up Hydrating Sealing Butter – Best Hair Butter For Type 4 Hair
This sealing butter provides lasting hydration to dry and damaged hair. It helps prevent split ends and strengthens damaged hair. It contains flaxseed that, along with honey, avocado, and shea butter, prevents hair shedding and thinning. These ingredients also soften the hair and prevent breakage. This hair butter locks in moisture and is good for 3A to 4C hair types and those who style their hair with weaves and braid-outs.
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Mineral oil-free
- Petrolatum-free
- Makes kinky hair extremely silky and soft
- A little product goes a long way
- Prevents frizz
- The fragrance may be overpowering for some users.
12. SheaMoisture Strengthen & Restore Shampoo And Conditioner – Best Organic Shampoo/Conditioner For Kinky Hair
This shampoo and conditioner combo pack helps manage curly hair by cleansing product build-up and providing intense moisturization. This wash-and-go product reduces split ends and breakage. The products contain peppermint oil that stimulates the cells and promotes hair growth, apple cider vinegar that balances the pH levels in your hair and keeps them healthy, and raw shea butter that moisturizes your curls and helps define them. They also contain Jamaican black castor oil that is rich in omega-3 fatty acids and heals, repairs, softens, and strengthens your curls.
- Sulfate-free
- Color-safe
- Paraben-free
- Phthalate-free
- Propylene glycol-free
- Mineral oil-free
- Petrolatum-free
- No animal testing
- Certified organic
- Cruelty-free
- Prevent hair breakage
- Prevent split ends and keep hair moisturized
- The conditioner is thick and hard to get out of the bottle.
"I like the fragrance of this shampoo. Moreover, it makes my hair soft and shiny post-drying without making it heavy. I rinse carefully so that my strands don’t feel rough or get damaged. I keep using the product as the formula gives me fuller hair and strengthens individual strands."
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The product has more than 10,273 reviews and is a top choice all around the world.
13. Jamaican Mango & Lime Island Oil – Best Hair Oil For Type 4 Hair And Dreadlocks
If your hair needs intense moisturization and you are looking for a nourishing hair oil for your curls, this is the product you need. This oil is non-greasy and contains a blend of essential oils and Manuka honey that nourish your roots and does excellent scalp care. It strengthens the hair, especially if you have styled it in locs, and makes it look naturally healthy.
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- No build-up on the scalp
- Silicone-free
- Pleasant fragrance
- Nourishes 4C hair and dreadlocks
- The bottle cap may not seal properly.
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The extensive 2,554 rave reviews on Amazon prove why we are vouching for this product.
14. Sunny Isle Jamaican Black Castor Oil Intensive Repair Masque – Best Overall Hair Mask
This is a deep-penetrating hair treatment and contains Jamaican black castor oil along with a potent blend of other natural ingredients. This masque hydrates and nourishes your scalp and makes your hair soft, healthy, and stronger. It nourishes your hair from root to tip and promotes hair growth and overall hair health. It is suitable for all hair types and textures.
- Contains 100% pure Jamaican black castor oil
- Contains safflower, coconut, grape seed oils
- Prevents hair breakage
- Doesn’t weigh the hair down
- Makes hair soft
None
15. ECO Styler Professional Styling Gel
If you want a styling gel for your kinky hair that will hold the style and not damage your natural curls, go for this product. This gel contains 100% pure olive oil that adds moisture to your scalp and hair, provides edge control, and prevents split ends. It is a weightless product and gives a healthy shine and superior hold. It is ideal for your locs’ maintenance.
- Suitable for all hair types
- Alcohol-free
- Prevents frizz
- No flaking
- Anti-itch
- Poor packaging
The right products for afro hair texture is very important. Type 4 hair products can drastically influence the health and texture of your coils. Kinky curls undoubtedly require extra restorative care. So, use an intensely moisturizing shampoo, conditioner, and other hair care essentials to keep your healthy hair shiny. We understand that selecting some among so many options is tricky and confusing. Therefore, we have curated certain criteria that you should look for before adding a product to your cart.
How To Select The Best Products For Type 4 Kinky And Coily Hair?
1. Must-Have Ingredients: Look for hair products containing ingredients derived from plants and natural foods, such as shea butter, aloe vera, castor oil, coconut oil, extra virgin olive oil, jojoba extract, avocado oil, and amino acids. They nourish your coils and enhance their overall look. Additionally, invest in vitamin- and protein-rich hair products to promote the hair growth of your type 4 coily tresses.
- Ingredients To Avoid: Steer clear of products containing paraben, silicone, mineral oil, artificial color, petrolatum, gluten, sulfate, alcohol, paraffin, dimethicone, triclosan, formaldehyde, and retinyl palmitate. They damage your curls, cause hairfall, and leave your coils looking dull and lifeless. Dawna Jarvis, licensed cosmetologist, says, “Type 4 curls desperately need moisture, so make sure to stick to products that are hydrating and alcohol-free.”
- 4C Hair Type:
- Oily Hair: Choose lightweight hair products that remove the excess oil from your scalp and lift the look of your curls. Additionally, look for labels that read ‘balancing’, or ‘strengthening’.
- Dry Hair: Look for moisturizing products like jojoba oil, avocado oil, and panthenol. They nourish your curls and add shine to them, keeping your hair hydrated. Apply heat protectants when using heat-styling tools.
- Damaged Hair: Pick hair care products that promote repair and claim to prevent frizz. Additionally, stick to formulas that offer UV protection and restorative care, and help reverse hair breakage.
- Texture: Since Type 4 kinky hair is essentially dehydrated, opt for a creamy formula with a thicker consistency to hydrate your tresses. They restore the shine and volume in your weighed-down coils.
- Price:Select well-known drugstores or high-end brands that sell products for type 4 coily hair or kinky hair types. Look for the ingredients before making a purchase. Do not go for cheap products as they include chemicals that deteriorate your hair quality.
These are the best products available for type 4 hair. Type 4 hair is not difficult to maintain if you use the right products and follow the right ways to take care of it. Here are a few tips to keep it healthy.
A Few Tips To Take Care Of Type 4 Hair
- Moisturize Properly: Kinks and coils prevent the proper distribution of natural oils. Hence, take extra measures to keep your hair moisturized.
- Shampoo Carefully: On wash days, avoid shampoos that contain sulfates and other harmful ingredients. Wash your hair in sections to prevent tangles.
- Take Time To Detangle: Type 4 hair tangles easily. Use a detangling product and detangle your hair carefully with a wide-toothed comb.
- Conditioner Is Must: Go for weekly deep conditioning. This will keep your hair healthy and soft.
- Engage In Hot oil treatments: Practice doing hot oil treatments to help your hair get the extra nourishment and care it needs on a weekly or biweekly basis. Do scalp massages as well to encourage hair growth.
- Do Not Over Style Your Hair: Styling your hair excessively can cause breakage. Go for a hairstyle that needs fewer styling products.
- Use heat protectants: Ensure you practice safe styling and do not damage your hair in the process. Heat protectants are a must-have in your hair care routine.
Infographic: Essential Hair Care Tips For Type 4 Kinky And Coily Hair
Type 4 hair, known for its tight coils and incredible versatility, requires special care and attention to stay moisturized, strong, and vibrant. To help you achieve your hair goals and fall in love with your curls, we have listed a few essential hair care tips tailored specifically for type 4 hair textures. Check out the infographic below to know more!
Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
The Bottom Line
Type 4 hair is extremely fragile and needs to be handled with care. That is why you need to get your hands on the best kinky and coily hair products. For detangling and lightweight conditioning, go for the Design Essentials Natural Detangling Leave-In Conditioner (Best for Type 4 Hair). The tgin Honey Miracle Hair Mask is sulfate and paraben-free and keeps your hair moisturized and soft. The Jamaican Mango & Lime Island Oil-Best Hair Oil For Type 4 Hair And Dreadlocks is an effective option to keep your hair non-greasy while ensuring it gets the required nourishment to stay healthy. The products that are reviewed in this article helps to retain moisture and prevent tangles and shrinkage while making your curls appear gorgeous. A few of them also provide UV protection. They are free from any chemical aggravants, are enriched with natural ingredients, and won’t weigh your hair down.To take care of your hair type, moisturize properly, shampoo carefully using a conditioner, and don’t over-style your hair!
Why Trust StyleCraze?
The author, Oyendrila Kanjilal, has a deep interest in hair care and loves to review various hair care products. She has carefully listed these products for type 4 natural hair, selected based on user reviews and feedback available on multiple online forums and brand websites. The products help restore hair health by reducing the damage caused by over-processing and styling.
Frequently Asked Questions
What products should be used on 4C natural hair?
Here are the four products that should be used on 4C natural hair
• Use a sulfate-free shampoo to prevent frizzy and dry hair.
• A deep conditioners will smoothen the hair strands and help retain moisture.
• A hydrating hair mask will ensure that your tresses stay healthy and moisture-rich for longer.
• Use a leave-in spray to keep the tresses flowing.
What is the best shampoo and conditioner for Type 4 hair?
The SheaMoisture Strengthen & Restore Shampoo And Conditioner set contains pure shea butter that deeply moisturizes and strengthens each hair strand. It defines the curls without weighing them down. Check more good-quality shampoos and conditioners for 4c hair here.
What is the difference between 4C and 4B hair?
4B hair has zig-zagged curl strands and thick coils. 4C hair tends to clump and is even more prone to shrinkage compared to 4B hair. 4C hair can shrink up to 75% of its length, unlike 4B hair. 4 hair is prone to dryness
Dawna is a state board licensed cosmetologist with over 24 years of experience. As a salon owner, she has coached and inspired tons of stylists to offer the best services to their clients.Dawna is a state board licensed cosmetologist with over 24 years of experience. As a salon owner, she has coached and inspired tons of stylists to offer the best services to their clients.
Read full bio of Oyendrila Kanjilal
Read full bio of Shiboli Chakraborti
Read full bio of Eshna Das
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