Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize. And when 4c hair isn't properly moisturized, it becomes brittle, weak and can easily break, snap and feel like straw. That's why having a consistent moisturizing hair routine is key.
Rinse your hair thoroughly with cool water to close the cuticles and lock in moisture. Apply a leave-in conditioner or moisturizer to your hair, focusing on the ends and dry areas. Style your hair as desired, using a lightweight oil or butter to seal it in moisture and prevent breakage.
Because hair is not a living tissue with regenerative ability, it cannot heal and repair. You can use oils, conditioners, hydrolyzed proteins or other ingredients to disguise the issues temporarily but it's akin to using makeup on the face.
Those who have 4C hair have naturally dry strands. This is because the natural oils from your scalp struggle to reach the entire strand due to your changing curl pattern. If your curls are not properly hydrated, then it is more likely to break or split off.
So, how do you repair damaged 4C hair? First, you can book an appointment at your local hair salon to cut off the damaged parts of your hair. You should also protect your hair from future damage with the right shampoos and conditioners.
And when 4c hair isn't properly moisturized, it becomes brittle, weak and can easily break, snap and feel like straw. That's why having a consistent moisturizing hair routine is key.
Coconut oil can have many benefits for your hair and scalp. It is used to relieve dandruff, restore luster to dry and damaged hair, tame frizz, and protect hair against styling damage. It is safe to use on all hair types.
Water hydrates your hair and provides essential minerals to hair follicles, creating an ideal environment for hair growth that results in healthier hair. Keeping your body hydrated reduces your risk of developing scalp issues such as dryness, itchiness, or dandruff and can help prevent split ends and brittle hair.
Vitamin D deficiency can manifest as dry, brittle hair that breaks easily. Moderate to excessive shedding and thinning hair may also occur. Studies have even proven that low levels of vitamin D are also responsible for premature graying. Diagnosing vitamin D deficiency involves a simple blood test to check levels.
By deep conditioning, co-washing, using the right products, detangling, using a diffuser, protective styling, air drying, low manipulation, sealing in moisture and trimming your ends regularly, you can help to keep your hair healthy and manageable.
Porosity matters.
If you have low porosity hair, your hair has a tight cuticle layer and struggles to take in moisture. This could be why your hair feels dry! Use heat when applying moisture (steam, warm water, or a heat cap) to open your cuticles. Don't over-apply product or be heavy-handed.
While there isn't a one-size-fits-all answer, a general rule of thumb is to comb 4C hair only as needed to remove tangles and style it, usually a few times a week. This frequency allows for the removal of product build-up and the maintenance of a clean, healthy scalp without over-drying or causing damage to your hair.
How and when you choose to use coconut oil is up to you - most people apply coconut oil to the ends of wet hair after a shower, and then apply a small amount to dry hair as a finishing treatment or as a heat protectant before styling.
Leaving oil on your hair everyday for too long can cause product build-up on your scalp. It may also clog your pores, attract dirt and accumulate dandruff. Oiling your hair everyday also means that you have to wash it with shampoo everyday. This is not ideal to achieve healthy, lustrous and soft hair.
Use deep conditioning treatments with ingredients like glycerin, aloe vera, and honey, which can penetrate the cuticle and hydrate the hair. Use Protein-Free Products: Choose hair products that are free of or have a minimal amount of protein. Look for products labeled as "moisturizing" or "hydrating."
The best hot oil treatments for hair are made of plant-based oils, like jojoba oil, argan oil, moringa oil, avocado oil, sesame oil, olive oil, or coconut oil. Select an oil based on what your hair needs. Coconut oil helps to nourish your hair and promote healthy growth, so it's great for any hair type.