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If you have Type 4 hair, then you’ve been blessed with kinky or coily hair that is naturally dry and spongy in texture. Depending on whether you’re 4A, 4B, or 4C, your curls may be tighter or form more of a zigzag to your scalp.
In this blog, we’re addressing the 4C gals specifically. These gorgeous locks are stunning, but shrinkage and dryness are often major concerns. As the most tightly coiled curls on them all, your hair is also more fragile than the rest. Keeping 4C hair moisturized can be difficult, but we’ve got 10 amazing tips for you that will make hair care a breeze.
1. Stay hydrated
This is your mom’s favorite piece of advice. Drink water…and then drink some more. If you’re not hydrating, you’re going to see it in your skin and hair. How much water should you be drinking? Simply put, as much as your body can handle. If you can drink at least 2 liters per day, you’ll be in good shape.
2. Use a good moisturizer
Is your hair dry and frizzy? A good moisturizer can help you bring your dry and damaged curls back to life. Try the Taliah Waajid Curly Curl Cream. It’s a non-greasy cream that easily shampoos out with no build-up. It’ll condition and nourish your hair and enhance moisture and shine all while defining your natural texture. Bring out those coils and watch your curls blossom.
3. Lock in moisture using the LOC method
The LOC method is one of the best ways you can keep 4C hair moisturized. This method relies on hydrating the hair with water or water-based product. The moisture is then sealed in with an oil, and then the hair cuticles are closed using a cream, which prevents loss of moisture.
4. Minimize heat exposure
Avoiding heat is one of the best ways to keep your hair moisturized. While flat irons, curling irons, and blow dryers are great styling tools, they easily strip the moisture out of your hair. Here are a few ways that you can minimize heat exposure and prevent dry and brittle hair when you do need to use these tools.
- Limit heat use: The easiest of all the ways. Don’t use it when you don’t have to!
- Use low-temperature settings: While your tools may go up to crazy high temperatures like 450 degrees Fahrenheit, most hair experts say not to exceed 410 degrees Fahrenheit. Don’t use a high heat setting just to use it. If a low temperature will get the job done, then you should default to that.
- Don’t heat style damp hair: Applying hot tools to damp hair fries your hair. You’re taking fragile hair and causing drastic damage to it. Make sure your hair is dry before you use a curling or flat iron on it.
- Use a heat protectant: Using a heat protectant before using any hot tools can help prevent brittle hair, breakage, or split ends.
- Choose for heat-free styling: There is a whole range of heat-free styling techniques. Choose protective styles to protect your hair rather than styles that require heat.
5. Don’t touch!
Do you constantly have your fingers in your hair? We don’t blame you. We do it too. You may just want to feel your curls or make sure they’re the right shape. Unfortunately, touching your hair constantly can cause it to dry out faster. Keeping your hands out can help your hair stay in better shape.
6. Sleep in a satin bonnet
Sleep can cause a dramatic amount of damage to dry hair. Sleeping in a satin bonnet can help you retain some of the moisture and prevent some of the breakage you would otherwise cause at night due to friction. Invest in a satin bonnet and say hello to healthy curls!
7. Wear protective hairstyles
Keeping your hair in protective hairstyles can help prevent overexposure to elements that make your hair dry or brittle. While your hair is in these styles, you can keep re-moisturizing as well. Read our Protective Styles Regimen Guide
8. Deep condition your hair
The process of deep conditioning means applying and leaving the product on your hair for at least 30 minutes to ensure it can penetrate your hair deeply and pack it with the nutrients to thrive. Deep conditioning should be a regular part of your hair care regimen because it can add back moisture and help reduce frizz. Here is a great deep conditioner to try out.
9. Spritz leave-in on your hair regularly
Did you know the 4C hair loves water? Make it a habit to routinely spritz your hair with a DIY spray that can help you add some much-needed moisture back into your scalp.
Create your own custom leave-in spritz by mixing together water and your favorite conditioner. Start with less conditioner as you can always add more.
You can also purchase a stellar leave-in like this the Intense Moisture Bamboo and Coconut Milk Strengthening Leave-in Conditioner. If you currently love your conditioner, a DIY spritz may be the way to go. If you’re looking to switch things up, then trying a new leave-in may be a good move.
10. Trim it regularly
Frequent haircuts can help prevent breakage and over-drying. While most people go longer between haircuts, cutting your hair makes it healthier and easier to maintain. If you’re overdue for a trim, apply oil to the ends of your hair to help treat the split ends.
Final thoughts
There you go! These 10 ways to keep 4C hair moisturized and healthy can be easily integrated into your hair care routine. Don’t be afraid to try a new product or method if your hair has been a little lackluster in the last few months. Healthy curls are in your future!
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I have dreadlocks. Since I am now retired I don’t feel it’s necessary to re-twist my locs so often, (every 3 mths-6 mths), I’ve lost hair only at the crown of my head. I am 64 yrs old and post-menopausal. I did go thru a very stressful period on my job before retiring, in addition to my hairdresser pulling my hair. I use Minoxidil at the crown. Some areas grew back; some areas did not. I did have a biopsy many years ago and I was told that I did not have Alopecia. I will be switching to Revivv products when it is delivered sometime this week. My doctor is excited about it and wants me to try the Roll-on Revivv. My problem – I’m using the Aloida hair product line but my hair is still very dry especially where I apply the Minoxidil. I spritz with Rose Water with Bergamot oil and I get a great hydration. The thing is I tend to forget to apply it every 3 days. If my hair feels hydrated, I do not apply it because I feel it may change the PH of my scalp; but it does work. I read that I may need a protein conditioner once a month, can you you recommend one. I need moisture. I have coily 4C hair. Please help. Thanks.
I use wave nouveau moisturizing lotion and moisturizing finishing mist because I used these products years ago when I had a wave nouveau/California curl. But now on my natural hair (4c) it seems to make it sticky and heavy buildup feeling. Is there a recommendation on what I can replace these daily products with. Thank you Ms Annette
Hello Taliah! I struggle with systemic dryness: skin, hair, ear, nose, throat. I manage autoimmune issues, including, gluten intolerance and bladder cancer. My hair has been so dry that it became hard and brittle throughout the day. It does grow but starts to break off in handfuls, at the crown, when it reaches a medium length. I have learned that it cannot be low maintenance without being severely dry. It requires twice daily waterings in the morning and before bed at the very least. I twist it into 4 rows, saturate the rows with spray and leave-in conditioner. I always wear a satin bonnet, and yet, wake up with completely dry hair. I very seldom apply oil as it only makes my hard dry hair feel sticky. Most days, I wear a pineapple style so I can apply extra hydration to the edges throughout the day. I don’t usually touch the ends, but I have begun carrying products to spritz my edges and ends throughout the day. My big question is: How much hair product is too much? Do you have any other suggestions? Thank you! P.S., I’ll be turning 65 this summer.
What should my morning & night routine be?
Aggy,
Our Curls Waves Naturals line will be great for your hair type. Try detangling your hair while the conditioner is on your hair.