by
Chinwe
By Chinwe of Hair and Health
Not all Type 4B/4C naturals have the same head of hair, but we do have many similarities, including susceptibility to knots, prone to dryness, and detangling woes. When it comes to finding products to care for our kinks, it can be a difficult task. If you are just starting your hair care journey or you are still searching for that staple product, these four recommendations may be a good place to begin:
1. Eco Styler Gel – for slick edges
Not every Type 4B/4C natural is going to like this product, but many may find it an essential addition to their product collection. How is this gel different from most other ones? Well, it is super heavy and thick making it able to tame our edges with minimal effort.  It is also non-drying and provides excellent hold.  Just apply a generous amount to your hairline and nape, wrap with a scarf until dry, and remove the scarf for slicked down edges.
2. Shea Butter – for enhanced detangling
Because this butter is a great emollient, it can be a useful addition for many Type 4B/4C naturals when it comes to lubrication and detangling. Use it alone or mix it with oils to increase slip for dry, finger detangling. If you prefer to comb detangle on damp hair, melt a little shea butter and mix with some conditioner for more slip. Either way, you will more than likely notice a smoother detangling session than usual.
3. Herbal Essences Hello Hydration – for quick conditioning
A lot of Type 4B/4C naturals rave about this product for manageable strands after washing. Other inexpensive instant conditioners do not compare in terms of popularity. The product does contain silicones, so be sure to monitor for buildup or use a shampoo that will adequately prevent such buildup.
4. Castor Oil – for increased sheen       Â
Due to our kinky strands, our hair has very little natural sheen. If you want to enhance your hair’s luster, you may want to try castor oil. According to a study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Science, castor oil was shown to increase the luster of hair.
For my Type 4B/4C ladies, what are your staple products?
145 Responses
Eco Styler Krystal Styling Gel and castor oil are staples in my haircare routine. I don’t like shea butter or HEHH.
Naturally Smitten did wonders for my 4C hair. And it’s pretty affordable.
Been using Keracare edge tamer for my edges for a while now and I can only say good things about it, not only because it keeps my edges in place but also because it does not smell like most products, it leaves no smell at all, which for me is the best!
strange enough, i can only use oils (castor and shea) after a good soaked-in water spritz and I must use with a creamy product otherwise my hair is oily and dry. Eco styler does not work for me. I can’t wash and go with the fro and gel is a no-no.
Shea butter, castor oil, Tresemme Hydration conditioner, and a spray bottle filled with aloe vera and water are my go to products. I also rinse with apple cider vinegar (organic) on wash day. Gel drys my hair and leaves it feeling sticky and stiff.
Hi good evening all
Thanks for your researching skills. Please say what is 4a/4b -c??.
Thank you all.
This should explain it! 🙂
Eco styler is great. I love it just as much as I love the Ampro ProStyl Olive Oil Gel. I use both interchangeable and my hair is always neat and never gets dry when I do.
http://www.curlkitshop.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=3
To everyone that stated these products does nothing for their hair; I would like to share H20 helps to lubricate the inside while these products work on the outside. Try 30-days intake of 32oz of water per day while using your products, you will find that your skin will hydrate as well as your hair. My daughter whose suffers migraine state her flair up has decrease drastically and her hair has more life.
Thanks for suggesting those products. Will try them too to see if it’ll work for me. Have a nice day! 🙂
You ain’t lying about Herbal Essences Hello Hydration, leaves my hair uber soft!!!
Eco Styler Gel does nothing for my natural 4c hair !
I have tried everything for my 4b/4c type hair. I have found products from Original Moxie and Qhemet Biologics that keep the hair hydrated especially for protective styles and less breakage. Google these and try. Qhemet Biologics sell out quickly and does not use any silicones and parabens all natural for our natural hair.
That hello hydration made my hair feel like dry grass!!!!
YES, totally agreed! I had to purchase it since a lot of people raved about it, but my hair hated it! I love castor oil, Shea butter (I make my own mixture) and EcoStyler Gel though. Thanks for this!
I use all these products 4c type hair and they are great i made a mix for my shea butter tho, castor oil and olive oil with natural shea butter and i have to say i have seen miracles on my ends, together with the conditioner they went from crisp dry to smooth… we thank God.
I use the dark brown eco gel, but not often. I use organic coconut oil and Cantu shea leave in normally. Occasionally use black castor oil, aloe Vera juice. Been trying Aussie moist shampoo and a natural African black soap+ shampoo as well. My conditioner is currently v05. I’m likely to swap aussi shampoo for L’Oreal as my hair loved that expensive moisture goodness and try a different conditioner. Otherwise all other products are great. The very back of my hair is 3b while the rest of my head is 4a &b.
I use 3 out of the 4 listed products on my 4B/4C hair. The Hello Hydration is not sold in stores in Germany. But I love me some castor oil and shea butter. The Eco Styler gel was my go to for finger coils when I was in my TWA stage and it lasted for days. For Shea butter I never use it in alone. I always mix it with oils. I never tried mixing it with conditioner for a better slip but will definitely try it out.
Each 4b/4c hair is different and particular. These products do not do anything for my natural hair. Again what is recommended does not always work for anyone….
I will have to respectfully disagree with 2 items on this list. I have 4b hair I believe, but I also have thin hair and low density. Shea butter and Castor oil are too heavy for my hair. Both kind of just sit on top of my hair when applied. Literally just sit there it never gets absorbed. I use coconut oil instead and I love it. Just my 2$.00
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Three out of 4 of these items are already in my rotation. I actually use the Hello Hydration conditioning shampoo for wash days. Works very well. I use Trader Joe’s Nourish conditioner as an basic conditioner and detangler. It’s the truth.
I LOVE TJ’s nourish! It’s a go to!
I watched a video on you tube on how to lay your edges down. I am a 4C++++ myself LOL. You have to use any edge control gel (ORS, Cream of Nature Argan oil, Hicks etc.) In the video she uses ORS (organic root stimulator). Then use Gorilla Snot (this is sold everywhere now, Target, Walmart, Walgreens and BSS) Get the one in the yellow jar or tube it is the strongest hold. Yes the name sounds disgusting but it works! You smooth the edges down with the edge control, then use a very small amount of the Gorilla Snot to hold the hair in place. My edges stay in place the entire day. When I use a scarf I can get an extra day from it. Hope this helps!
Born with a crown on our heads! Good tips thank you
Hihi! I have all those products excepts the shea butter ! I never think to buy it I’ll. 🙂
I am just starting my transition to natural. How do determine my hair type? What is 4b/4c?
Here’s a helpful link. Also, look up google images using “4C hair” to get a clearer picture. You’ll also see some FIERCE 4C hairstyles to inspire you that way. 4C is super tight little coils, typical of many afro-textured hair. 4B is also super tight, but they are zig zags instead of coils. My hair is mostly 4C coils, but I also have some 4B zig zags spread throughout.
http://africanhairblog.com/2011/01/06/do-you-know-your-hair-type/
I am in month 7 of my natural hair journey. I have many days where I am ready to give up. I am glad I found this site because this is making me think that this is possible. I have really unruly 4c hair that is difficult to tame.
I see the ladies here make their own hair products too, so I am on the right track. I have had my braids out for 2 weeks and I am ready to run back to the shop for braids. I haven’t made the big chop yet so my ends are still straight. What is a girl to do?
If you are 7 months in, you must have 3-4 inches of solid natural hair. That’s a lot hair more than it sounds in terms of being able to style it – I am 4C and that’s what I have right now. You don’t HAVE to do a big chop, just slowly trim off your relaxed ends. If you are a serial braider, twists are a good transition. Mine last about 2 weeks (could probably go longer, but I take them down and wash my hair at first sign of an itch). Taking a few hours to watch a movie and gently do my twists is THERAPEUTIC compared to the masochistic process that getting braids used to be, lol. Stay blessed and love your hair, I’m addicted to mine…
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Eco Styler Gel does nothing for my edges! Castor oil is to heavy for my fine 4c strands, and Shea Butter is ok provided it is mixed with a light oil like coconut. Herbal Essence is my favorite conditioner, but I don’t use it for a deep conditioning. Olive oil replenishing pack works great for deep conditioning. AVC rinses are a must for my scalp to remove product and healthy scalp.
I simply love the Design Essentials Edge Control. It is amazing how well it will hold down your edges. You only have to use a small amount to get great results.
Well, instead of castor oil, I use coconut oil from the body shop, it also works perfectly. However, if I feel like my hair really needs hydration, I use ‘Hair Food’ by Gaea, but I do not know where to get it from, as it was a present.
I use Moroccan Oil Hydrating Styling Cream for detangling and coconut oil for sheen but will try castor oil. Creme of Nature with Argan Oil Perfect Edges works pretty well on my edges. Haven’t tried the Eco Styler Gel yet.
The ecostyler gel does nothing to my edges, Nothing but mold and hold wax is the business for my 4xyz hair providing super hold and shiny silk tamed edges without build up. My hair loves shea oil more than the butter for sealing and oil rinsing so shea butter is only for hot oil treatment by itself or mixed with grapeseed oil, hemp seed oil, castor oil ( a must because of its heaviness it provides super slip ). I’ve also used coconut oil, avocado oil,palm kernel oil, red palm oil,jojoba oil, sesame oil, mustard oil and unfiltered evoo. I found that my hair loves light oils that absorb really fast like apricot, grapeseed,macadamia nut and palm kernel oil. Shea oil absorbs faster than coconut oil on my hair so I usually mix them. HEHH did nothing to my hair but U r curly quinoa conditioner is the bomb along with Aussie deep conditioner. Because of my out of this world hair type ( 4xyz hair with fairy knots, single strands knots,tangle galore as soon as I leave my hair out. I can literally see my ends knotting up when I detangle because they love each other too much) I must have a conditioner with lot of slip that can melt my knots. I found out that doing an acv rinse before conditioning (rinse out or deep) is the key for my hair along with oil rinsing and cholesterol treatment ( this old school product gives instant detangled and elongated curls. It stretched out my hair like no other products I’ve used. Mixed with castor oil it becomes “the knots killer” and I’ve used it in every way possible a natural head can imagine ( prepoo, cowash, deep conditioner, leave in, styler… You name it,I’ve done it with cholesterol). Also beer rinses help with volume and shine but does nothing for detangling. I also find out that because my hair type has a shine issue I can use oils only as sealant but not to add shine because my hair absorbes them so I top with a tiny bit of pomade like old school Blue magic ( no offense to anyone here). No build up and no clogged pores because again I put the pomade on my hair not my scalp, ACV is my best friend and I always shampoo and deep condition. Since I found out what works for my hair, I don’t use the Ouidad conditioning process anymore and I saved lot of time on my wash days. Also 2 other keys for my hair are keeping it stretched out as much as possible and protective styles no longer than 2-4 weeks or else my hair is locking with fly aways. I know it sounds difficult to tame my head (that’s why I had a relaxer on and off for 15 years, the only years I didn’t experience any type of knots in my hair, the easiest hair routine I ever had) but I love my big head of curls more and once you found out what works for your hair it becomes easy breezy. Sorry for the super extra long post. I hope it will help. Enjoy your hair journey and love and rock those curls.
This is exactly the post I was looking for. This def sounds like me hair, and Im gonna try your shampoo and conditioner products you suggest…Thank you so much for this info!!
What is the mold and hold?
Mold as in making something into a shape and keeping it hard and in the shape after it’s done. The verb, not the noun (i.e. mold the thing you can get in your shower).
I never knew there are alphanumeric distinctions for natural hair. That Eco gel is a $5 miracle! I absolutely love it!:)
Already in absolute love with Eco Styler Gel..Had I not discovered it, I was on my way back to braids. Shea butter is my head to toe infatuation. I can’t wait to try the castor oil. I’ve been using Cantu Shea Butter shampoo/conditioner for the last couple of months and so far, so good. Thanks for the tips! Love your site.
Good info. Personally, shea butter is better as a sealant for my hair, not a detangler. Olive or coconut oil are better for detangling. And Eco styler does absolutely nothing for my edges…it’s like my edges just laugh at the gel..LOL. My 4c+++ plus hair is so coily, it takes an act of congress to get my hair/edges to lay down.
I am in the same boat. Eco does nothing for my edges either. My coils are extremely tight as well.
Yes my hair is 4c and I know exactly what you mean about those edges lol. What I do recommend which works for me a great deal is to add an oil based product on your edges first. I go for Olive oil and I apply it throughout my hair anyway as a sealant but I am extra generous to my edges. Then ill add the eco styling gel and once that is applied I wrap my head ‘I use a wig cap’ so that my edges stay flat for about 15 mins. It works for me I hope it does for you too.
I was having the same issue during the peak of the summer. Eco Styler gel just did not work. So I would dampen my edges with a little water and use castor oil . The thickness of this oil would actually moisturize my kinky edges and with a little brushing would give me a result just like I used gel.
Hey yall i just wanted to let yall know im also 4c and the only gel that holds my edges down is the old school dark brown prostyl protein gel in the black jar with the white cap. Plus its only $1.
I can’t lay my edges. I’ve tried olive oil edge, eco styler, got2b glued, hicks, murrays, etc. I am 4c and need help!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
My edges lay well when wet. Especially when I do wash and go’s. Even when my hair is dry, I spray my edges lightly with water then use Eco styler or Obia’s custard to lay my edges. Works like magic!
I just tried out castor oil. Although it hasn’t been in my regimen very long I seen no sheen yet. Hopefully I will see some result after a while.
Try EVOO instead, it’ll give your more sheen when applied as an oil rinse. Also ACV rinses add shine when used in your hair care regimen.
This is helpful for women just starting out. I am a 4b/4c and I have recently added acv apple cider vinegar to my routine as a dentangler with my conditioner. I’m singing its praises. For the ladies who say certain products aren’t for them, an experienced… Celebrity… Professional stylist told me with her own mouth that we must try something for more than 4 months before we decide that it isn’t for us b/c once or twice isn’t long enuf to notice certain effects. Also, the reactions our hair has to certain types of oils etc. could also be due to diet or atmosphere and we blame the product when its really not. We just need to learn how to use it on our hair; use more or less, mix it w/ something or use it straight. And keep a journal of how it makes u hair feel over time as well. All things I wish someone had told me many years ago. Plz excuuse any typos.
I was wondering, what is the best type of hair dye/color to use on 4b hair without causing damage?
Textures n Tones I would say. I’ve used Red hot Red and Cherrywood with great results and no damage, and my hair is 4c.
I have type 4 hair and use Clairol textures and tones, there’s no ammonia in it, and my hair is doing just fine, because I do a good job of caring for it
I would say Clairol textures and tones also, I used it in Plum and it was great no texture change on my type 4 hair at all.
All I have to say is that I love my natural hair and thank you all so much for commentting about your staple products as well as where you get it from… SO HELPFUL!!!
Herbal Essences Hello Hydration is a great product. I love it. Great post
Ladies, I am a recent convert to natural hair…..4B. I hear a lot of people mentioning a hair care regimen. Can someone give me an example of where to start. Thanks!
Hi! Love all the info. Just found this site and with so much information out there, it is hard to know what to do. So, please help! I have 4 daughters, one is transitioning and has medium-sized braids. She is 13. Right now, I just put coconut oil mixed with olive oil on her scalp every Friday night. Is this enough to moisturize her scalp until the braids come out and help with dryness?
Secondly, I have one daughter who is 4a (10) 4c (8) and 3b (6) I cannot keep their hair moisturized and it’s driving me crazy. I think these are the right hair types?!
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Look at my 10 year old hair, dry & brittle and I refuse to perm. However, by the time she comes home from school — it’s a fro! Her hair was longer but it keep breaking, so I have to cut it… Any suggestions?
Daughter 2, her hair draws up to her head like a sponge. She looks bald, but she actually has hair — other than braids … What else can I do to prevent this compact state? What to wash, how often, DC???
I don’t want to perm their hair y’all but I need some love from you Naturals!
Daughter 3 has what black folks call “good hair” but it’s thin – how can I thicken it up and grow it?!
Three daughters, same parents, 3 hair types … Any advice would be greatly appreciated! No chemicals please.
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Noticed you didn’t include a pic of your daughter that looks “bald” hair. It saddens me to hear you stereo-type your kids hair with such harshness. If you hadn’t realized yet, “black folks” don’t call daughter #3s hair “good hair”. What rock have you been living under? Daughter #1s hair is just as gorgeous as #3s hair, even if it does turn to a fro. We’re trying to overcome past said stereotypes, and make all brown skinned ladies more aware that ALL HAIR IS GOOD HAIR. My hair type is a 3C, mixed with a little 4A. To answer your first question about daughter #1s hair, I don’t think you’re moisturizing it enough. Hydrate ALL of your babies hair DAILY. After they’re hair is properly hydrated, hopefully it’d be more manageable for you. Hope this helps. Good luck….and PLEASE cease the stereotypes. All hair is beautiful and good…it truly is. 😉
Loving all this information….
Has anybody got any ideas for oils that are really absorbent my hair 4b – 4c doesn’t like oils much – but i feel it needs it! i just have to find the right one!! I want to try – Neem oil, or hemp oil? Has anyone tried these oils and what did u think about them? Someone here mentioned avocado oil – so will try that! Coconut oil does nothing for me – castor oil is horrid far too thick and only good to lift a scaly dry scalp! It works wonders here! But nothing else… any ideas welcome!. Looking for a really moisturising absorbent oil. Hair is very fine and dry. Natural 2 years 8 months! Thanks
Morrocan argan oil may not be too heavy. Good luck!
Try jojoba oil! It is super light and penetrating. Also olive oil is supposed to be really good. If you find that your hair needs more moisture with the penetrating oils, try mixing aloe vera gel/ juice, distilled water, and jojoba oil in a spray bottle and use this to lightly mist your hair before covering with a silk scarf/ bonnet / conditioning cap for bed. Your hair may like this and respond with healthy fluffy bouncy hair. It works really well on my 4c hair.
I love the DR. Miracle curl care line for my hair. And I use the Creme of Nature Argan Oil Deep Treatment conditioner as my deep conditioner. I use water and coconut oil to rehydrate my hair daily and I also use a rosemary spritz
I love the Wonder Curl Butter whipped for my hair. It’s the only product that keeps my hair moisturized and soft.
When I want to get my edges to look smooth, I my spray castor oil,lemongrass oil and water mix along with aloe vera gel. Then i wrap my hair in my scarf for about 20 minutes and voila…it’s all good.
First I’d like to say thank you to the author for thinking of ME, if you know what I mean. Secondly, I have to give Eco Styler a second chance, since I re-chopped, before I can say its just not my friend, but I did develop a dislike for it from past use. The only product on this list I haven’t tried is castor oil so I’m excited to see what it does for my hair. This article was on point–Shea Butter and Herbal Essence are my friends, but I’ve given up on wearing my hair in a ponytail without a headban(hair just won’t lay down).
Good luck Kaye! I am going to try the castor oil, too. And maybe you can try double strand twisting, letting them loose and NOT trying to make it lie down? One of the things I love about natural hair is how it defies gravity to make awesomely creative shapes. Now if you work in a bank, that may be another story all togehter!
Best,
dancesistah
Kaye I agree with you, my hair never took to eco styler gel, too dry, but most 4 types live for it, as for me I went back to ole’ faithful, ampro pro style gel or as we call it in the hood “black gel”. I twist my hair, apply black gel to my edges, smooth lightly with a soft bristle toothbrush, tie down with a scarf and I’m good to go! It doesn’t dry my hair out the way eco styler did, I think I still have a big tub of it sitting in my closet barely touched from my product junkie days lol.
Wen Cleansing Conditioner — the price is steep but the results are so worth it. I joined the club online so I get discounts
Either The Generic Paul Mitchell Leave-in Conditioner carried at Sally’s (it seems to have more water than the real one and provides better slip!) Or Kinky Kurly Knot Today when I can find it.
Infusium 23 leave-in in a spray bottle for twist sets and also to re-hydrate for styling when I don’t want to wet my whole head.
I do use Ecostyler but sparingly. I like the finish it gives but overuse can be rough on the hairline.
And as all you well know, the trial and error never end. I love exploring new products, though!
Hi dancesistah. I never thought about keeping the products I used on my relaxed hair once I went natural. I used to live by Infusium and Pantene when I relaxed.
Me too!! I happened to find a big old bottle under the sink at my mom’s house and started using it.
I love Infusium 23! I pour some in a spray bottle with a little bit of Kinky Curly Knot Today, Aloe Vera juice, jojoba oil and the rest is water, about 80% water 20% everything else, and that’s what I use in between washes when I need to hit the reset button on my hair for moisture. I spray that on and add my shea moisture twist and set. My hair feels soft and manageable in the morning.
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Thanks Nikki!
Can’t wait to try your recipe, like I said, trying out new products and new techniques has become a passion. Moreover, I find everyone in the natural forums to be so very generous with their hair-wisdom!
I LOVE Camille Rose Naturals Algae Deep Conditioner! Its thick and delivers extreme moisture! My hair is left soft and moisturized for days!!!!
I have never tried Hello hydration. I recently purchased Eco styler argan oil gel and I have only used a small amount when I put my hair up in a bun for the first time. I’m participating in a challenge for protective styling. I love shea butter, but never used it as a detangler. I have used shea butter as moisturizer for my hair and skin. I recently whipped up my own shea butter cream adding coconut oil, olive oil, vitamin e, and few drops of peppermint and rosemary essential oil. Also I have used castor oil and mixed it with other oils (jojoba, peppermint, and rosemary) to rub on my scalp at night.
Hi Ladies!
I’m newly natural with 4C hair and I could REALLY use some advice on how to keep my hair moisturized! It is seriously always dry and I don’t know what to do. I don’t know many other naturals and definitely no one who has 4C hair. Can someone share some tips about their daily routine maybe?
I would sincerely appreciate any help!
Much love!
World of Curls – Curl Activator. It’s a gel curl activator, conditioner, and oil-sheen all in one for extra dry hair – A LIFE SAVER
Hi Sidellis,
I have combination hair that includes 4C hair. I use the trusty LOC method (leave-in, oil, cream/butter). This works really well. As I mentioned in an earlier post, you can try deep conditioning your hair overnight. This make my hair really soft and it’s been moiturizing all night so it should help with the dryness.I use karen’s Body beautiful leave-in (smells heavenly), a mixture of jamaican black castor oil, coconut oil, rosemary, vit. e and sweet orange-to cut the smell of the castor oil and then as my cream I use either Shea Moistures Cul ehancing smoothie or my whipped shea butter mix. I DC after each shampoo with my favs. B.A.S.K cacao deep treament or Curl Junkies Hibiscus and Banana Deep fix- i might use this as a leave in sometimes as well. But you’ll have to choose products that work for your hair. I’m also a newbie but YouTube has helped me immensely by pointing me in the right direction fo rmy mutiple hair types. Hope this helps!
The Green House Effect works wonders for dryness, especially during the harsh winter months. Google the method and give it a go!
A couple of things worth considering:
.Hormones
.Lack of iron or other supplements
.Not drinking enough fluid
.Any other medical complaint
.Side effects of any medication taken.
I would also consider the weather, if its cold, we maybe spending too much time wrapping our heads and in the central heating. If the weather is hot, remember we need to protect our hair against the fiery heat of the sun.
Another couple of things to try along with everybody else’s excellent suggestions:
.Try washing your hair without shampoo and using conditioner for a couple of weeks or so to get that conditioner deep.
.When you get home from work or before bed, spray your hair with a little water or oil and put a plastic cap on your head to create your own natural moisture.
Love.
Kera, Nicole, Caramel and JustLeavingaComment, ladies thank you so much for your advice thus far I truly appreciate it and any further tips you have definitely keep them coming! It definitely sounds like I have a lot of products to try out.
I see a lot of advice about washing/conditioning. How often do you ladies wash your hair and how do you know when it’s time?
Also, is it just me, or have you ever felt like a lot of the general advice for management and products regarding natural hair does not exactly work for your 4c hair, as if 4c is in a whole other world of natural?
Much love!
Hi Sidellis! Hopefully the suggestions you were given are helping you. Regarding your last question, it seems to be a natural hair in general, not 4c hair specifically, issue with regard to advice. You have to keep in mind that the suggestions people give that work for their hair are based on how they style their hair, climate/weather where they live, and preferences in how they expect their hair to look & feel. I am 4c, transitioned for 13 months before cutting off my relaxed ends, and have been ‘fully natural’ for 3 months. Thank the good Lord that I was able to really learn my hair for a year during the transition!
Within the last 2 weeks I just found out what my hair feels like when it is at optimal moisture levels, and how it responds! No amount of YouTube videos or blog posts was going to teach me that (and trust me, I darn near have an obsession with them). Your best bet is to start yourself a good old hair dairy and make note of what you use on your hair from week to week. This has been a HUGE help for me – I can look back and read exactly how I achieved the perfect condishing treatment, leave in mix, twist n curl, etc! Best of luck darling 😉
I hate # 1 and #2 but I cannot live without #3 and #4!!!
I am still experimenting with different products. What I have discovered is that Shea butter mixed with coconut oil works well for me. The mix also adds amazing shine to my hair. my sister and i call it “miracle cream”. lol. i have never thought to use it as an aid to detang,e tho, iv always just smothered my hAir with leave-in conditioner. shall have to try that. I realise importance of moisture, but to me adding moisture via water-based conditioners just seems to shrink my hair right up. Anyone know how to combat this ?
aphogeee has a wonderful balancing moisture conditioner. i use it for deep conditioning and i also use the aphogee protein treatments whenever i start to see an increase in shedding.
i use all of the aforementioned products. love, love castor oil. it is a must for all type 4 naturals. trust.
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For DC, I either use a cheap conditioner and add honey + olive oil OR I use organic greek yogury, honey, and olive oil. This works wonders. Also, doing castor oil hot oil treatments makes my hair feel like silk. Many people don’t like it but the Cantu Shea Butter works well for my hair and all Shea Moisture Products. You don’t need an arsenal of products to have gorgeous hair.
Never thought to add honey and olive oil to conditioner. I will try this idea to use old conditioners that I have and no longer want but I’m too cheap to throw away. Thanks!
any protein sensitive naturals here (as in coconut, avocado and even aloe vera makes your hair dry and brittle)?
My hair cannot handle heavy butters either. It’s been extremely hard finding products that work for my hair and I’m really jealous of people that have found staple products or can try 500 products with their hair soaking it up. I’ve almost given up on being natural. Really contemplating going back to relaxing.
I understand how you feel, I’ve almost given up on being natural myself several times because of how difficult it is to find good products to moisturize my hair. Perhaps a good product for you, although rather expensive, is Jane Carter Solutions Nourish Shine pomade. As far as I know, it doesn’t have any coconut, avocado oils, etc., and although it’s a butter, it is a very light butter but is longer lasting than just using an oil. I thought that I was rather protein sensitive too and can’t use coconut oil because it makes my hair hard and crunchy, but for some reason I can use avocado oil which is supposed to have the highest protein content of all oils. My hair seems to really like avocado oil, at least so far, and really soaks it up, so I don’t know why I get the opposite reaction with coconut oil, it’s quite interesting. I think that it really comes down to trial and error and just seeing what works for you. Hope everything works out!
I’m protein sensitive but my hair loves Coconut oil. Unfortunately most of the products aimed at the natural hair community contain protein. I might try Jane Carter because most of their products are protein free. I’m doing well with mud washes, Kinky Curly knot today leave in, coconut oil and shea butter on my ends.
Have you tried a whipped shea butter? It’s a bit lighter than regular shea and you can make it yurself with oils that agree with your hair. You can also make it lighter by laving out the heavier oils. I use whipped shea and it gives my hair really good defintion and seals it well along a shine all day long. HTH.
I can relate to alot of people comments. I live in London and my hair also has the same issue with coconut oil and Aloe Vera. What I will reiterate, is what I’ve told alot of people before, see if you can get to a Whole Foods, they have a large range of natural shampoos and conditioners.They have lots of samples and knowledgeable staff. This is what I did when I first went natural. I also looked on websites and youtube for recipes etc.
I have type 3 hair, so I’m not sure whether any of my suggestions can help you, but there are other oils like jojoba,grapeseed, olive, sesame seed,almond,Argan, etc. I use shea butter butter but to a very light consistency and only after I wash my hair or in the winter. One range I use is
an Australian one called A’kin. It is not labelled kosher but it is 100%vegan and uses organic and botanical sources where available.
Going natural is about finding out about your natural hair and coming to terms with it.It is not a quick process and you have found out with the coconut oil and Aloe Vera that your hair is individual and that you are going to have to work a little bit more to find out what your hair likes and what is going to make it grow and flourish.The thing is, are you prepared to put in the time and effort? Maybe its not the right time. And that’s cool.The choice is yours.
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I know what my hair likes but it’s been impossible to find a leave in that doesn’t have what my hair hates. That’s the dilemma. Luckily, I’ve found something I believe works and it has parabens and silicones which I hoped to avoid but I’m very desperate at this point. I actually got it from a local BSS.
Thanks for your recommendations. I’ve also tried most of the things in your regimen and tried coconut oil/avocado oil in hot oil treatments and got the same dry, brittle hair with SSK’s.
oops i mixed up my replies! the first paragraph is a reply to you and the second paragraph is to “Nikki” below. I need sleep gah…
I’m protein sensitive so I use certain products sparingly, if at all. I’ve found that I can handle proteins depending on how I use it. Shea butter by itself is too waxy for my hair and it just sits on top of the hair shaft still dry so I mix it with castor, jojoba oil and tablespoon of raw honey and that makes it easier to apply.
I only use coconut and avocado oil when I’m doing a hot oil treatment because it is known to be some of the only oils to penetrate the hair shaft. Try doing deep conditions and hot oil treatments twice a month for 2 months and see if that helps. My regimen:
Deep condition/hot oil treatment – After washing apply hello hydration and detangle, leave in. Mix Vatika oil (or just plain coconut oil), avocado oil, vitamin e oil and a teaspoon of raw honey – 1/4 cup, heat in microwave for 30 seconds put in bottle shake and apply over damp detangled hair, cover with plastic cap and sit under dryer for 45 min – 1 hour. Rinse lightly with cool water.
Air dry or blow dry on low, apply Shea moisture curl and style milk and black Jamaican castor oil, style as usual.
Side note: Raw honey seems to be the secret weapon for my hair so I always use it in my mixes but use lightly, you don’t want a sticky feel to the mix or in your hair
My hair loves shea butter mixed with coconut oil as a creme and I use castor oil for extra care on my ends. I don’t use any gel because I’m on an “edges challenge” and I try to be extra soft on them and Herbal Essence products because it’s hard to find them in France but I’ve made major discoveries for my hair last year:
1) jojoba oil works wonders on my low porosity hair as a sealant
2) rhassoul and shikakai powder as an alternative to shampoos mean less breakage, less SSKs and moisturized hair
3) apple cider vinegar mixed with water is great as a final rinse especially if you have hard water at home or “eau calcaire” as we call it in France
4) henna treatment once a month makes my hair feels soft and shiny and my strands are stronger
Now all of these are my staple products and I can feel the difference!
I totally get what you mean about not being able to get certain products. I hear about all these wonderful products i would love to try but can i find them in this country?! I’m in England btw. And you can order certain things of eBay and what not mais c’est difficile to know whether they are kosher. Let me just experiment with what I do have 🙂
I totally agree. And at the same time, it saves us from being product junkies right?! 🙂 I only order online what I cannot find nearby. If you’re looking for kosher products, I can imagine it’s even more difficult. Homemade products could be a great solution for you then.
Hi ladies, I live in London and although there are a lot of Afro beauty shops I can’t always find the products I want, which is why I buy online. My favourite sites are:
Gidore – I buy the As I Am range; the co-wash, leave-in, clarity shampoo and when I’m feeling rich the Hydration Elation Deep Conditioner.
Mariposaimport – This is the European supplier for the Qhemet Biologics range. At the moment I’m using the Moringa Tree Conditioning Ghee and the Burdock Root Butter Cream and I have to say that these products are the truth! They’re expensive but as others have said, a little goes a long way.
britishcurlies – I haven’t used this site yet but I’m sure it’s legit. They sell Shea Moisture, Kinky Curly, Bee Mine, Mixed Chicks and lots of other well known natural hair products.
So all this lot should keep you entertained. Even when I have no money I still like to look 🙂
Late.com reply, but thank you =)
Awesome! I’m a natural moving to Paris for the summer and I was so worried about what I was going to do with my hair while there but if I can find Hello Hydration and shea butter then I can make it work.
My staples are:
1. VO5 conditioner – I have a lot of 4 type hair so I can go through bottles of conditioner like nobody’s business and this is a great and cheap conditioner that gives a lot of slip when trying to detangle
2. Hello Hydration – Of course!
3. Shea Moisture Curl and Style Milk – Absolute FAV!!!
4. Black Jamaican Castor Oil – Every 4 type hair saving grace, I apply it my scalp first and smooth down to the tips, it helped me grow back my edges when I stopped wearing weaves and started transitioning. Complete transformation!
What are you doing for your Edge Challenge? Right now I am massaging every night with Jamaican Castor, Jojoba n a tiny bit of Neem oil.
Hi DeeRose,
I still haven’t tried Neem oil but I massage my scalp with Coconut oil right after my washing session and Castor and Jojoba oils every other day. Mostly, for the challenge, I avoid puffs (which I love) and keep my hair in medium twists pinned-up updos for the week. On weekends, I would rock a twist out for a change. I plan to keep doing this until summer.
Love that everyone is helping each other out <3
Could I ask what people are using as a good DC?
My hair does not go for coconut oil and I tend not to add oils to DC anyway as it always turns out crunchy. TIA.
My favorite DCs are 1) Bee Mine BeeUtiful Deep Conditioner (i think coconut oil is in this), expensive but worth every penny, 2) Shea Moisture Deep Treatment Masque (its inexpensive & I can buy at my local Target!!), or Trader Joe’s Tea Tree Tingle Condish with added olive and castor oil!!!
I also like Trader Joe’s Nourish Spa Conditioner as well (and is really cheap too), it gives good slip and is very moisturizing, and I tend to have really dry hair. Also, I really like avocado oil, actually better than olive oil or castor oil. Castor oil doesn’t do a lot for me and olive oil is a little too greasy for me. Mizani Botanify shampoo is also good well.
I thought I posted this for a second @stephanieb. Both of these are great for my hair. I also like Aussie conditioner and Shea Curl enhancing smoothie. I need to try that Qhemet product. I also like the Trader Joe tea tree shampoo.
The Aussie Most 3 Minute Miracle conditioner is my absolute favorite. It makes the detangling of my 4A/4B hair so easy. Plus it’s not that expensive and can be found just about anywhere. Qhemet Biologics does have great products. However, I live in DC and there is only one store in the area that sells it and you have to call before you go because they are ALWAYS sold out. It’s super thick and really add moisture to my twist outs. It’s good stuff for those of you who want to give it a whirl.
When my hair needs extra love and attention, I use mayonaise, olive oil and a mix of whatever conditioner that I might have in the house. I’ll let this set for about an hour and then go about my business.
Hi Jenny,
I just recently used B.A.S.K Cacao Deep treatment overnight andI must say that I am a fan!!! My hair was sooo soft the next morning and I have a normally dry TWA. Even after I use the LOC method, my can get get dry towards the middle of the day. Not with B.A.S.K., my hair was soft and stayed that way for days. Literally, I’m not kidding and not I don’t work for them nor am I affiliated with them in any way. It smells and looks like chocolate ice cream. It worked for me. I also found that DCing overnight works best for my hair. Next up would be Curl Junkies Hibiscus and Banana DC. I also use this sometimes as a leave in. Hope this helps!
Hi Jenny, I love the Herbal Essence the blue one….uggh its amazing or VO5. I doubt I’ll ever buy the expensive brand conditioners again. They’ve been working so well that my hair is actually getting to soft so now I don’t get curl definition when I do twist outs.
Anybody know any good curl definers?
I use the Olive Oil Replinishing Pak by Organic Root Stimulator works well for me. It is inexpensive and an effective follow up moisturizing conditioner after my Henna treatments.
I just recently started using Aussie Moist 3-minute Miracle mixed with Coconut oil, but you can always substitute Coconut oil for olive oil, castor oil, etc.
All of the aforementioned products are STAPLES of mine! But I am currently obsessed with the following:
1) Loreal Evercreme Intense Nourishing Shampoo — this product is SERIOUS! This is the best shampoo I’ve tried to date! It doesn’t strip your hair at all and on the contrary it actually makes it feel soft! The price is great too.
2) Qhemet Biologics Amla & Olive Heavy Cream– this product will instantly moisturize your hair and makes it feel like butter for days. A little goes a long way! It is kind of expensive but it’s worth it in my opinion.
3) Shea Moisture Curly Enhancing Smoothie– great product for twist outs/braid outs! Keeps my hair moisturized and maintains the style.
4) Hello Hydration Conditioner
5) Henna Treatments (helps strengthen hair, adds shine, and softens it)
6) Castor Oil
YES! The Amla and Olive Heavy Cream is the bomb! I buy 10 at a time because I’m always afraid I won’t be able to get it anymore. LOL! And for my ends, the Extra Dark Black Jamaican castor oil.
Where can I buy this product at ?
Neysha-
If your question refers to the qhemet biologics prducts, you can buy it on their website http://www.qhemetbiologics.com or on http://www.sagenaturalceuticals.com
Is there any difference between extra dark castor oil & sunny isle castor in terms of growth etc?
First, I want to say…I love being natural. Our hair demands attention which takes time. It takes patience and time to adhere to a routine of co-wash, moisturizing and conditioning to keep our hair healthy enough to promote growth.
I agree with #3, 5 & 6.
I’m game to try Qhemet Biologics after some investigating. It sounds like a good product.
I don’t purchase ANY L’Oreal products bcz I think they are perpetuating a false sense of style/beauty in regards to African American women. Out beauty comes in all colors not just “light bright”.
No to any type of gel. Puddings and soufflés give me similar results without the flakes and hard hair.
No to cheap conditioners, they are okay to use as a last resort, but not on a long term basis. The product build up is horrible and they don’t give enough hydration for me.
Yes to shea butter, my hair loves it and stays shiny and smooth.
Haven’t tried castor oil, but my ends love the coconut oil/ olive oil mixture that I use.
I am in love with Herbal Essences Hello Hydration. It had sped up my weekly detangling. I am a firm believer in Cantu Shea Butter, coconut oil & olive oil but I also have four different “TYPES” of curls.
my hair LOVES coconut oil .. my secret mixture in a spray bottle: water, raw Jamaican coconut oil (liquid at room temp), and Jamaican “Mango Lime” spray (which has a material blend of jojoba / tea tree / carrot / olive oils) … my hair loves it, esp w/ twists or braids. On dry winter days I also add Cantu Shea leave in root to ends .. keeps hair soft and moisturized.
I’ve just realised the wonders of castor oil. I used to use coconut oil (sometimes olive) to seal in moisture, thinking that castor oil was too think and heavy (and I don’t like the smell). But recently I switched to castor oil on my ends, and it has made such a difference in terms of locking in moisture and keeping my hair soft and supple for an extended period. And in a pinch, it’s thick enough to use for smoothing my edges too.
I scent my castor oil with peppermint essential oil.
Brilliant idea! I never thought of using a scented oil to improve the scent – thanks for the tip.
I add rosemary and eucalyptus oils to my castor oil for my edges. Both are growth & strengthening aids, the rosemary staves off gray hairs, and the eucalyptus contains ceramides.
I use Eco Styler Krystal Styling Gel for slick styles (buns, puffs & updos). I use it over a layer of castor oil for soft hold with lots of sheen.
I use castor oil to deep condition (via DIY Aloe-Castor Hair Mask), to seal my ends and under gel.
My staple hair care products are — DIY Aloe-Castor Hair Mask, Shea Moisture Purification Masque, Shea Moisture Moisture Retention Shampoo, Alba Botanica Leave-In Conditioner, Shea Moisture Curl & Style Milk, Shea Moisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie, Parachute Coconut Oil, Now Solutions Castor Oil and DIY Flax Seed Gel.
I will have to try the Herbal Essences conditioner. I do like Ecostyler though.
As a 4B/C, low-porosity naturalista, I’ve only had success with 1 of the items listed and that’s the HE Hello Hydration Conditioner…I keep a bottle on hand at all times! My hair hates Eco-Styler Gel with a passion…It made my hair so crispy and dry, smh! Shea butter and castor oil are both way too thick/heavy and will only sit on top of my hair. I found that Elasta QP Feels Like Silk Liquid Gel (much thinner than most hair gels) and liquid oils (Avocado, Olive, Grapeseed, and Almond) work much better on my hair. I also agree with Isake and AC, Shea Moisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie is a great moisturizer!
4b/c fine but dense head here and I’ve tried so many brands and these are the things that have worked to keep my hair moisturised. Some are products and some are methods…
1. Oil rinsing pre wash – helps with dryness as long as I rinse it out properly.
2. Silk scarf and pillowcase.
3. Clarifying poo – any good natural one for getting rid of build up with certain buttery oily products.
4. Any Oyin Juice – a must for moisture and the best of the many sprays I’ve tried including Komaza Care Califia, Taliah Waajid etc. I really like Greg juice the best scent wise.
5. Oyin Hair Dew – great for refreshing hair in twists for renewed moisture and would probably be good on dry loose hair. Always guaranteed moisture for me.
6. Qhemet Biologics Burdock Root Butter Cream – been great since I went natural in 2007 and is still great now but just too hard to get hold of.
7. Qhemet Biologics – Moringa Ghee – left my hair soft soft soft but see above for why I don’t purchase it regularly.
8. Hairveda Cocasta Shikaikai oil – definitely good for oil rinsing and for sealing but a little sticky so use sparingly.
9. As I Am Naturally Coconut CoWash – literally the only thing that has every made my intensely coily hair easy to detangle. Would buy forever. I put a bit on, take my wide tooth comb to it and it glides through.
10. Micro fibre towel for drying hair. Hair dries slower and not as dry as with a towel.
11. KBB Creamylicious – another staple in lu of Qhemet BRBC. It is brilliant for sealing in moisture from the Oyin juices or on wash day but it has a tendency to build up so that’s why I use a clarifying poo every so often.
I have never found a great DC or leave-in for my hair type and yet I’ve tried soooo many – Darcy’s, Curl Junkie, As I Am Hydration Elation, QB Cocoa Ghee, hairveda sitrinillah. These two products evade me when it comes to holy grails. I also have never found a great reconstructor or protein treatment. The best reconstructor for me was probably hairveda’s methi sativa (sp?)
Hope I helped somebody with the same hair to consider some options.
Have you tried Kinky Curly Knot Today as a leave-in? I’m surprised this wasn’t on the list, but I don’t know a person who doesn’t like this stuff…
I am an Type 4 girl, and I die for ecostyler! When found it, is was like the heavens opened up and I am agnostic 🙂 In order to get rid of flakes or not get them, you need have a enough moisture/oil in order to absorb the product.
umm…my hair is always moisturized and oiled and that gel turns flaky and crispy. This may not be your intent, I repeat this may not be your intent, but it sounds as if you’re saying that the people who have voiced their disdain for the lack of effectiveness of gel on this feed are moisturing and oiling their hair incorrectly.
Not trying to be offensive. I got the info from a natural stylist . I didn’t say you know to moisturize your hair, it just means you have to much product in your hair, either you will wash or balance it w/the correct moisture/oil combo.
For my hair: Giovanni direct leave in conditioner, any natural oil (they all work for my hair coconut, almond, olive etc my hair ain’t picky lol), pure honey, and Suave’s almond shea butter shampoo diluted with a bit of water. One a side note I still to this day cannot be convinced that 4b/c hair needs gel. Our hair has its own natural hold. Slick edges and nappy hair just looks odd.water and a scarf is just as effective.
Where is the coconut oil?! In my opinoin, Eco Styler Gel is HORRIBLE, I only use it if I want to see crispy flakes in my 4b/4c hair….
Coconut oil and a VO5 kiwi clarifying conditioner as a detangler.
Organix Tea Tree Mint Shampoo is great without stripping hair
I have used the hello hydration nothing against it but I would rather use Tresemme Moisture Rich my hair is in love with it!
Castor oil and Argan oil is definatly great for sealing in moisture
I use 2/4 so far so im doin okay! 😀
I love Shea butter but only when FULLY melted. I add grapeseed and olive oil and use it as my sealant after moisturizing.
Shea Moisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie is an AWESOME moisturizer.
I agree with most of what’s on the list except for the eco styler. I just feel like its too harsh for our hair and can lead to breakage if not handled properly.
I have to disagree with the first two named. Eco styler is the WORST and the ingredients aren’t great. I discovered early that Cheap is NOT best, I like natural flax or aloe gels. I found a nice gel by Wonder Curl (Get Set Jelly) leaves shine, no flakes or crunch. I also like Curls gel for slicking the edges.
Shea Butter no way! My 4C hair said no back in the early Ms. Jessie’s days. It’s to heavy for me and I have super thick hair. I don’t like the dull look and it get dirty very quickly.
I like Babassu oil which, is like coconut but, seals in moisture and doesn’t feel oily.
I agree with u about the Eco styler! My beautician said the olive oil one was drying my hair out so I switched to the argan oil version and noticed after a few weeks that my hair was super dry. So stupidly I decided to just use a little bit on my edges and soon became baby booty bald in those spots! Threw that crap in the trash and switched back to old faithful kccc and my edges are full again.
Shea butter just sits on top of my hair as well.
Ecostyler used to work fine for me for keeping my edges neat, but since I switched to a xanthan-based gel with lots of moisturizing properties (Earthtones Naturals Curl Gelly), I realized that my edges are retaining more length and are in better condition. But until I tried the Gelly, Ecostyler was the best thing I’d tried, and definitely the best thing at that price point.
tresemme naturals nourishing conditioner mixed with grapeseed or olive oil for a prepoo
tresemme naturals nourishing conditioner as a leave in, a castor oil, grapeseed,and olive oil mix on top to seal in the moisture
Suauve naturals as a detangler and leave in as well
shea butter as a pomade
drinking lots of water
and taking biotin pills 🙂
I have low porosity hair, and castor oil just sits on top of it. I use grape seed or jojoba oil.
Shea Moisture Curl Enchancing Smoothie & Milk.
Coconut Oil mixed with Grapeseed Oil or Olive Oil and a lil Vitamin E.
Paul Mithchell “The Conditioner”
I’m 4b/4c and I’m obsessed with coconut oil! But my hair doesn’t like olive oil for some reason, makes it way too crunchy.
My daughter has 4 type hair and I just recently discovered Jane Carter’s Nourishing spray for her. It did nothing for me, but very, very well for her! Also, Carol’s Daughter’s Margarite Hair Magic works well on her hair.