beauty

The 25 Best Products for 4C Hair That'll Make Your Curls Thrive

By Nakeisha Campbell

| Apr. 5, 2022

We've combed through enough YouTube tutorials and Amazon reviews to know that finding the best products for 4C hair is no easy task. Especially since this close-knit curl pattern has very specific needs, from oils that actually penetrate the hair to organic ingredients that provide protective moisture. But with so many natural hair care products out there, how do you know which ones are the real deal?

Allow us to introduce the best options that actually work for kinky hair types, from edge control pomades to deep conditioning masks. But before we get down to business, here’s what you should look for in products for 4C hair:

Hydrating ingredients: The texture of coils make it difficult for the natural oils from your scalp to travel down the shaft of your hair. So, as you read the labels on products, look for moisture-enhancing ingredients that'll keep your kinks hydrated. For example, olive oil is good for minimizing moisture loss, shea butter reduces breakage and aloe vera boosts moisture and soothes an itchy scalp.

Growth stimulators: Healthy hair starts with a healthy scalp, which will in turn help with hair growth. Coconut oil and black seed oil are great options because they penetrate your hair follicles. (Bonus points if they also include any antioxidants, anti-inflammatory or antibacterial ingredients like lavender, peppermint and vitamin E.)

Here’s what to skip:

Sulfates: They may be effective when it comes to removing buildup, but some components that are found in sulfates can irritate your skin and strip the scalp of its natural oils. (Keep an eye out for sodium lauryl sulfate dodium and laureth sulfate sodium, which are among the most commonly used sulfates in shampoos.)

Parabens: Parabens are chemical preservatives that you'll find in many shampoos. Try to avoid them whenever possible, as research has shown that they can cause dryness, irritated scalp, fading hair color and hair loss.

Petroleum/Petrolatum: Yes, it can be useful for treating rashes and dry, cracked skin. But when used on the scalp, it creates a thick barrier that makes it difficult for moisture to get in or out.

Now, on to the 25 best natural hair care products that’ll make those curls pop.

Nae Nae’s Naturals

1. Nae Nae’s Naturals Hair Boost

Best for: Dryness, Eczema, Thinning, Chemically treated hair
Standout Ingredients: Shea Butter, Coconut Oil, Olive Oil, Vitamin E, Argan Oil, Tea Tree Oil, Lavender Oil

This all-in-one, cruelty-free conditioning butter also doubles as a restorative sealant. Infused with 14 essential oils, it will come in handy for styling braids, blow-outs, twist-outs and more.

Buy it ($35)

Melanin Haircare

2. Melanin Multi-Use Softening Leave-In Conditioner

Best for: Adding shine, Detangling, Dryness
Standout Ingredients: Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf Juice, Jojoba Seed Oil, Argan Oil, Wheat Amino Acids, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Mentha Viridis (Spearmint) Leaf Oil

Founded by Whitney White (AKA Naptural85), this brand offers a full line of curl-friendly products, but the standout is definitely this leave-in conditioner. It smells divine, it's lightweight and it instantly softens your kinks so they’re easier to detangle.

Buy it ($19)

4c only

3. 4C Only Too Slick Styling Cream

Best for: Detangling, Twist-outs, Bantu knot-outs, Styling
Standout Ingredients: Grape seed oil, shea butter, hempseed oil, rosehip oil, jojoba oil, aloe vera extract

Need a product that’ll keep your hairstyle intact for longer than three days? Try 4C Only’s styling cream, which offers great slip and helps you achieve your best twist-out yet.

Buy it ($25)

4. Eden Bodyworks JojOba Monoi Deep Conditioner

Best for: Repairing damaged/brittle hair, Reducing breakage, Dryness
Standout Ingredients: Jojoba Seed Oil, Carrot Seed Oil, Camomile Flower Oil, Tea Tree Leaf Oil, Sweet Almond Oil, Vitamin E, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract

This conditioner is ideal for anyone whose tresses could use some intense moisture. According to the brand, it's designed to nourish your strands, restore smoothness and protect it from breaking during styling, thanks to hydrating ingredients in the formula. These include coconut oil, jojoba oil and glycerin.

Buy it ($9)

Cantu

5. Cantu Sulfate-Free Cleansing Cream Shampoo

Best for: Removing buildup, Retaining moisture
Standout Ingredients: Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter

Finding shampoos that are both cleansing and moisturizing can be a challenge. Fortunately, Cantu checks both of those boxes. Use this creamy cleanser to clear up any buildup you’re your scalp without sacrificing your hair’s natural oils.

Buy it ($5)

Mielle Organics

6. Mielle Organics Mongongo Oil Thermal & Heat Protectant

Best for: Heat styling
Standout Ingredients: Sweet Almond Oil, Sacha Inchi Seed Oil, Argan Kernel Oil, Mongongo Kernel Oil, Grape Seed Oil

This lightweight spray will protect your curls from the damaging effects of heat, minus the sticky finish that some products leave behind. As an added bonus, it's also loaded with natural ingredients like argan, sacha inchi and mongongo oils that can help strengthen your hair over time.

Buy it ($13)

Curls Dynasty

7. Curls Dynasty Pumpkin Mint Deep Treatment Masque

Best for: Restoring moisture, Preventing breakage, Length retention
Standout Ingredients: Organic Aloe Juice, Peppermint Leaf Extract, Yucca Leaf Extract, Horsetail Leaf Extract, Nettle Leaf Extract, Organic Pumpkin Seed Oil, Shea Butter

This rich conditioner has a good amount of slip to it and it instantly softens your hair, making it a great choice for 4C textures. Plus, the sulfate-free product is loaded with vitamins, nutrients and antioxidants to keep your kinks healthy.

Buy it ($14)

curldaze

8. CurlDaze Curl Styler with Kuku Curl Enhancer

Best for: Curl definition, Wash and Gos, Twist-outs
Standout Ingredients: Shea Butter, Kukui Seed Oil, Brazil Nut Seed Oil, Sunflower Seed Extract, Theobroma Cacao Extract, Vitamin E

CurlDaze was launched by IG influencer Robyn Atwater in 2020, and it's already a hit in the natural hair community. This best-selling curl styler promises a wash and go that will last for days, but that's not its only benefit. The star ingredient, Kukui oil, is packed with vitamins A, C and E, which helps promote healthier hair and repair dry, damaged curls.

Buy it ($21)

The Mane Choice

9. The Mane Choice Alpha Multi-Vitamin Scalp Nourishing Growth Oil

Best for: Conditioning/moisturizing the scalp
Standout Ingredients: Castor Seed Oil, Sweet Almond Oil, Rosemary Extract, Tea Tree Leaf Oil, Jojoba Seed Oil, Coconut Oil, Cholecalciferol (Vitamin D), Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), Aloe Vera Leaf Juice, Biotin

Your scalp will thank you when you apply this vitamin-rich, non-greasy formula, which is lightweight enough for everyday use. Get yourself a bottle before you rock your next protective style.

Buy it ($12)

Aunt Jackie's

10. Aunt Jackie's Curls and Coils Curl La La Defining Curl Custard

Best for: Frizz, Curl definition, Adding moisture
Standout Ingredients: Shea Butter, Soybean Oil, Olea Europaea Fruit Oil,

A defining custard that softens, moisturizes and adds shine? Sign us up. Although you might be tempted to use half the jar in one sitting, just a little goes a very long way.

Buy it ($8)

Mielle Organics

11. Mielle Organics Pomegranate & Honey Twisting Souffle

Best for: Curl definition, Twists
Standout Ingredients: Pomegranate extract, Honey, Babassu oil

Based on customer reviews, this product seems to work best for those with high-porosity curls (since it's quite thick and doesn't dissolve easily). Still, if you have low-porosity hair that’s more prone to buildup, consider using a smaller amount or diluting it with some oil.

Buy it ($13)

Yadain

12. Yadain Olive Oil, Sage & Tea Tree Hair Treatment

Best for: Frizz, Buildup, Split ends, Length retention
Standout Ingredients: Olive oil, Sage, and Tea tree oil

Before your next hot oil treatment, you might want to consider getting your hands on Yadain's best-selling hair oil formula—especially if you struggle with hair growth or length retention. The product includes sage, which improves circulation to the scalp, and tea tree oil, which removes toxins and buildup to allow for healthy hair growth.

Buy it ($14)

Carol's Daughter

13. Carol's Daughter Black Vanilla Edge Control

Best for: Detangling, Twist-outs, Bantu knot-outs, Styling
Standout Ingredients: Aloe Barbadenis Leaf Juice, Shea Butter, Sweet Almond oil, Rosemary Leaf Extract

Dealing with stubborn flyaways or dull, brittle hair? Lucky for you, this edge control smoother is here to help. Aside from keeping frizz in check, it will also give your hair the moisture it needs.

Buy it ($9.50)

Shea Moisture

14. Shea Moisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Leave-In Conditioner

Best for: Detangling, Controlling frizz, Processed hair
Standout Ingredients: Organic Shea Butter, Peppermint, Jamaican Blacl Castor Oil

This leave-in is great for anyone with dyed hair or curls that are regularly heat styled. With nutrient-rich ingredients like shea butter and castor oil, it'll leave your hair healthy and more manageable in no time.

Buy it ($10)

Ouidad

15. Ouidad Coil Infusion Soft Stretch Priming Milk

Best for: Fighting frizz, Minimizing shrinkage
Standout Ingredients: Shea Butter, Castor Seed Oil, Rosemary Leaf Extract, Sunflower Extract

Styling 4C curls can be tricky when there's shrinkage, but this lightweight milk will definitely help you stretch out those curls naturally. The product also has a decent amount of slip and will leave your hair feeling silky soft.

Buy it ($28)

dphue

16. dpHUE Apple Cider Vinegar Hair Rinse

Best for: Removing buildup, Dull hair
Standout Ingredients: Argan Oil,Argan,Aloe Vera

Whether you’re trying to cut down on shampoo use or clean your scalp under a protective style, this apple cider vinegar rinse is very effective at removing excess buildup. The formula features proteins that strengthen your hair, as well as fatty acids to boost strength and shine.

Buy it ($35)

Camille Rose

17. Camille Rose Algae Renew Deep Conditioning Mask

Best for: Brittle hair, Preventing breakage
Standout Ingredients: Vitamin E, Jojoba Oil, Shea Butter, Coconut Oil, Cocoa Butter, Mango Seed Butter, Green Tea Extract, Peppermint Oil

This vitamin-packed treatment is infused with blue green algae, making it ideal for a healthier scalp and moisturized hair. Fans have also noted that it makes your hair softer and much easier to manage.

Buy it ($20)

Curlsmith

18. Curlsmith Curl Quenching Conditioning Wash

Best for: Co-washing
Standout Ingredients: Shea Butter, Resurrection Flower Extract, Coconut Oil, Avocado Oil, Sage Leaf Extract

This 2-in-1 conditioning shampoo has a nearly perfect rating on Amazon, and we can see why. For one, it's packed with nutrients and natural moisturizing ingredients like avocado, coconut and shea butter. Plus, it's gentle on the scalp and doesn't strip away natural oils. A clear win-win.

Buy it ($25)

Design Essentials

19. Design Essentials Natural Honey & Shea Edge Tamer Hair Gel

Best for: Edge control, Styling
Standout Ingredients: Honey, Shea Butter, Castor Oil

Applying just a small portion of this gel to your hairline will deliver a firm and long-lasting hold, without flakes or buildup. Try it to get your best baby edges and for all your slicked-back styles.

Buy it ($19)

Carol's Daughter

20. Carol's Daughter Goddess Strength Scalp and Hair Oil

Best for: Breakage, Brittle hair
Standout Ingredients: Sunflower Seed Oil, Olive Oil, Black Cumin Seed Oil, Jojoba Seed Oil, Coconut Oil, Castor Seed Oil, Linseed Seed Oi

The brand’s entire Goddess Strength line LINK is great for anyone who's dealing with breakage, but this oil will work wonders for weak and dull hair. Massage a few drops of this into your scalp and hair to promote growth and keep your curls moisturized.

Buy it ($11)

As I Am

21. As I Am Curl Clarity Shampoo

Best for: Removing buildup, Hydration, Shine
Standout Ingredients: Coconut, Alma, Tangerine Extract

This clarifying shampoo gently removes impurities like sebum, dirt and build up from your scalp without stripping away moisture. The best part? It also makes the detangling process easier.

Buy it ($12)

NaturAll

22. NaturAll Strengthening Fresh Frozé Treatment with Carrot + Moringa-Monoixa

Best for: Dryness, Over-processed hair
Standout Ingredients: Shea Butter, Coconut Oil, Jamaican Black Castor Oil, Carrot Root Extract, Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil

Per the brand’s website, this popular treatment strengthens, nourished and restores dry, over-processed hair. It contains carrot root extract, which hydrates the scalp, and Jamaican black castor oil, which is loaded with vitamins C and E to help with hair growth.

Buy it ($13.50)

23. Cantu Shea Butter Thermal Shield Heat Protectant

Best for: Heat styling
Standout Ingredients: Shea Butter

If you’ve been using your blow dryer or flat iron on a regular basis, it’s time to invest in a nourishing heat protectant that’ll shield your hair from the excess heat. Cantu’s is one of the best because it’s infused with pure shea butter, which helps seal in your hair’s moisture, while adding shine.

Buy it ($5)

Glammed Naturally

24. Glammed Naturally Braid Oil

Best for: Braids, Dandruff, Dry scalp, Itchy scalp
Standout Ingredients: Olive Oil, Jojoba Oil, Rosemary, Sesame Seed Oil, Castor Seed Oil, Tea Tree Oil, Lavender Oil, Vitamins E & B

We often forget that our scalp needs just as much TLC as our hair—especially when it's worn in protective styles like box braids or crochet styles. Enter Glammed Naturally Braid Oil, which relieves any itching or flaking by restoring the pH balance of your scalp and strands.

Buy it ($19)

TGIN

25. TGIN Miracle Repairx Curl Protein Reconstructor

Best for: Heat damage, Hair growth, Removing buildup
Standout Ingredients: Avocado Oil, Jojoba Seed Oil, Coconut Oil, Raw Black Honey, Black Castor Oil, Biotin, Burdock Root Extract, Monoi Flower Extract, Moringa Seed Oil

If your curls are still struggling to recover from damage, reach for this Curl Protein Reconstructor. The product was made to stimulate growth and restore protein in the hair by doing a deep detox and strengthening your strands—thanks to the addition of biotin. Plus, it’s free from parabens, sulfates, petrolatum, lanolin and artificial colors.

Buy it ($15)

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The 25 Best Products for 4C Hair That'll Make Your Curls Thrive

Here’s what to skip:

1. Nae Nae’s Naturals Hair Boost

2. Melanin Multi-Use Softening Leave-In Conditioner

3. 4C Only Too Slick Styling Cream

4. Eden Bodyworks JojOba Monoi Deep Conditioner

5. Cantu Sulfate-Free Cleansing Cream Shampoo

6. Mielle Organics Mongongo Oil Thermal & Heat Protectant

7. Curls Dynasty Pumpkin Mint Deep Treatment Masque

8. CurlDaze Curl Styler with Kuku Curl Enhancer

9. The Mane Choice Alpha Multi-Vitamin Scalp Nourishing Growth Oil

10. Aunt Jackie's Curls and Coils Curl La La Defining Curl Custard

11. Mielle Organics Pomegranate & Honey Twisting Souffle

12. Yadain Olive Oil, Sage & Tea Tree Hair Treatment

13. Carol's Daughter Black Vanilla Edge Control

14. Shea Moisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Leave-In Conditioner

15. Ouidad Coil Infusion Soft Stretch Priming Milk

16. dpHUE Apple Cider Vinegar Hair Rinse

17. Camille Rose Algae Renew Deep Conditioning Mask

18. Curlsmith Curl Quenching Conditioning Wash

19. Design Essentials Natural Honey & Shea Edge Tamer Hair Gel

20. Carol's Daughter Goddess Strength Scalp and Hair Oil

21. As I Am Curl Clarity Shampoo

22. NaturAll Strengthening Fresh Frozé Treatment with Carrot + Moringa-Monoixa

23. Cantu Shea Butter Thermal Shield Heat Protectant

24. Glammed Naturally Braid Oil

25. TGIN Miracle Repairx Curl Protein Reconstructor

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The 25 Best Products for 4C Hair That'll Make Your Curls Thrive

Here’s what to skip:

1. Nae Nae’s Naturals Hair Boost

2. Melanin Multi-Use Softening Leave-In Conditioner

3. 4C Only Too Slick Styling Cream

4. Eden Bodyworks JojOba Monoi Deep Conditioner

5. Cantu Sulfate-Free Cleansing Cream Shampoo

6. Mielle Organics Mongongo Oil Thermal & Heat Protectant

7. Curls Dynasty Pumpkin Mint Deep Treatment Masque

8. ​​CurlDaze Curl Styler with Kuku Curl Enhancer

9. The Mane Choice Alpha Multi-Vitamin Scalp Nourishing Growth Oil

10. Aunt Jackie's Curls and Coils Curl La La Defining Curl Custard

11. Mielle Organics Pomegranate & Honey Twisting Souffle

12. Yadain Olive Oil, Sage & Tea Tree Hair Treatment

13. Carol's Daughter Black Vanilla Edge Control

14. Shea Moisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Leave-In Conditioner

15. Ouidad Coil Infusion Soft Stretch Priming Milk

16. dpHUE Apple Cider Vinegar Hair Rinse

17. Camille Rose Algae Renew Deep Conditioning Mask

18. Curlsmith Curl Quenching Conditioning Wash

19. Design Essentials Natural Honey & Shea Edge Tamer Hair Gel

20. Carol's Daughter Goddess Strength Scalp and Hair Oil

21. As I Am Curl Clarity Shampoo

22. NaturAll Strengthening Fresh Frozé Treatment with Carrot + Moringa-Monoixa

23. Cantu Shea Butter Thermal Shield Heat Protectant

24. Glammed Naturally Braid Oil

25. TGIN Miracle Repairx Curl Protein Reconstructor

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8. CurlDaze Curl Styler with Kuku Curl Enhancer