Pssst: Styling Experts Say 4c Hair Types Need These Haircare Essentials (2024)

Got coils, kinks, and curls? Then you probably have 4c hair, a gorgeous hair type that allows you to play around with a vast array of hairstyles. From voluminous afros to testing out protective styles, the creative possibilities with 4c hair are endless — but just like any other hair type, you need the proper maintenance in order for your strands to stay in their tip-top shape. So we're breaking down just about everything you need to know about this particular hair type, plus a few tips and tricks on styling.

What is 4c Hair?

According to Allure, 4c hair types have a similar look and feel to 4b hair, but they greatly differ in the fact that 4c hair types are more fragile and usually have a very tight zig-zag pattern instead of a curl.

"Coily hair can sometimes be really tough to maintain, but once you've mastered the art of caring and styling those cool girl curls, it's so much more fun to explore the numerous styling options that await you," says celebrity hairstylist Cheryl Bergamy.

Styling 4c Hair

If you're looking to upgrade your usual styling routine, Bergamy has a few go-to styling tips for 4c hair types:

• Two-Strand Twist Out: "This style shows off 4c’s natural curls and taming phase," says Bergamy. "By adding curling cream, you can twist the hair using your finger, then twirl your fingers or the comb around in very small sections. Work section by section, then use a diffuser to dry. Separate the two-strand twist to create an amazing curl that can last up to a week. To maintain the longevity of the style use a satin bonnet at night to sleep."
• Roller Set: "I absolutely love roller sets on natural hair. From using straws for a straw set to create a tight curly Afro, to using flexi rods to create an amazing natural wave, roller sets are great for manipulating natural texture without heat damage," she says. "When it has to do with balancing and improving the texture of your curls, part your hair in 4 sections while keeping your hair wet. Use a curl styling cream and a great leave-in conditioner that has a few key components like thermal protection to nourish and protect your gorgeous hair."

How We Chose

Full transparency: I don't have 4c hair. So instead of picking at random, we decided to tap the true experts: people who actually have 4c hair! From beauty editors with this natural hair texture to celebrity hairstylists and everyone in between, we tapped a few natural hair type experts to give us the scoop on only the best of the best 4c hair products.

Every item on this list has been hand-selected by a hairstylist, beauty editor, or beauty industry veteran that either has 4c hair themselves and/or has had extensive practice styling 4c hair. Plus, many of these products have rave reviews on Amazon, Ulta, Sephora, and more retailers.

Ghanima Abdullah, hairstylist for TheRightHairstyles.com, says that Oyin Handmade's all-natural pomade is amazing for defining curls while helping your strands retain moisture and softness. This 100% vegan formula leaves a glossy (never greasy) look to your locks while adding a boost of shine and sealing your strands for a healthier look to your mane.

Go above and beyond your usual in-shower shampoo and conditioner routine with this treatment. Celebrity hairstylist and Ulta Beauty Pro Team member Pekela Riley says this in-shower treatment is perfect for 4c hair for quite a few reasons: It's flake-free, super defining, and comes in a big tube that's designed so you can easily squeeze onto hair while in the shower.

Any person with natural hair knows how tricky laying your edges can be. So, when it comes to laying those baby hairs in just the right place, Bergamy recommends breaking out this edge-control gel. This extra-hold gel keeps every strand in place while its formula conditions and smoothens frizz and flyaways for shiny, sleek styles that last all day long.

Latifah Miles, parenting commerce editor at Verywell, says your curls are just begging to drink up this hair “smoothie.” It’s infused with nutrient-rich vegetable butters to condition your curls while bringing back their natural body and shine. Plus, expect your curls to look fuller and bouncier than ever without any frizz.

Celebrity hairstylist Derek Jaesays this detangling treatment does wonders for knotty hair. He notes that this detangler stands out from the rest for its lightweight feel on hair that doesn't leave a greasy film.It also makes it easy to comb orbrush through the most stubborn curls.

Think of this pick as a tall glass of water for your strands. It's filled with rich moisturizing ingredients likemeadowfoam seed oiland pro-vitamin B-5 to hydrate, smooth, hold, and define your natural curls. This light-hold gel conditions and defines all-in-one, and Riley says that she loves using it in combination with the Ouidad Curl Quencher Hydrafusion Intense Curl Cream for the ultimate curly look.

If you're looking for an easy fix, Mitchell says she can't get enough of this 3-minute deep conditioner. It's packed withavocado and jojoba oils to instantly moisturize your locks in half the time most hair masks take. Plus, it's less than $5— a win-win!

If you're dealing with breakage or just trying to grow out your locks, then Bonilla says to grab this shampoo. It's infused with castor oil, a known all-natural hair growth stimulant, to help fortify and strengthen your strands from root to ends. Plus, it’s filled with moisturizing shea butter and scalp-clarifying peppermint oil for a flake-free look and grease-free feel.

Miles knows that the root of 4c haircare is hydration, which is why she loves this ultra hydrating conditioner from HerbalEssences. This deeply conditioning pick costs you less than your morning latte, yet it's packed with hydrating essentials like coconut to keep your strands quenched.