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.
Deep Condition Your Natural Hair More Often
Deep conditioning 2-4 times a month is essential for 4C hair. It helps retain moisture and prevents dryness and knotting. Scientifically, deep conditioning keeps the cuticle of the hair sealed, resulting in defined curls, fewer split ends, and softer hair for styling.
To no surprise, 4c hair, like all curly hair types, is naturally dry. In fact, 4c curls tend to be even drier. 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.
Apply natural oils such as coconut oil, olive oil, or almond oil to your hair. Leave it on for a few hours or overnight, then wash it out. Reduce the use of heat styling tools like blow dryers, curling irons, and straighteners. If you use them, apply a heat protectant spray beforehand.
Sealing in moisture is crucial for 4C hair. Natural oils like coconut oil, jojoba oil, or castor oil, as well as butters like shea butter, help to create a protective barrier around the strands. This step prevents water from evaporating and keeps the hair soft for longer.
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.
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.
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.
Jojoba Oil: The Best Oil for Type 4C Hair
Composed of 99% natural ingredients, CHÉRIBÉ Chébé Complex Growth Oil contains jojoba oil. Its dry texture is quickly absorbed by the hair shaft. It repairs, stimulates growth, and makes type 4C hair shine.
Use the right products: When it comes to 4C hair, it's important to use products that are specifically formulated for it. Look for products that contain ingredients like organic coconut oil, organic cupuacu butter and organic avocado oil, as these will help to moisturize your hair and keep it soft.
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.
Shea butter is rich in fatty acids, antioxidants and vitamins that can help strengthen and nourish hair. Its fatty acids, which include linoleic, oleic and stearic acids, can help moisturize and soften hair. The antioxidants in shea butter, such as vitamin E, can protect hair from damaging free radicals.
5c hair type:
Type 5c hair texture has the tightest curl pattern among the other types. It forms a distinct "Z" shape and has a coarser texture. This hair type is often densely packed. Also, it requires extra care to maintain moisture and prevent breakage.
Also, "don't apply [a hot oil hair treatment] to dry or dirty hair—when the hair is wet, the cuticle is slightly open, so it's the best time to accept oils and conditioners," says hairstylist Leigh Hardges.
Deep Conditioning Masks: Intensive deep conditioning masks can help nourish and hydrate dry, damaged hair, making it more manageable and silky. Hairdressers often use masks containing ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, or plant-based proteins to deeply condition and smooth the hair.
Oil your hair regularly. If you have dry hair, do not wash your hair without oiling your hair for at least 1 hour before shampooing. You can make use of any hair-healthy oil, such as coconut oil, olive oil, almond oil, or argan oil. Massaging the scalp with oil is especially good for a dry scalp.
On the hair shaft, ACV closes the cuticle, sealing in moisture and adding optimal shine.” It also helps if you have any sort of scalp irritation. “ACV is great for people with psoriasis because it can soothe the irritation and calm,” Michael says. “It also has antibacterial and antifungal properties.”
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.
While leaving oil on your hair may seem beneficial, prolonged exposure can have adverse effects. If hair growth oil is left on for extended periods, it can attract dirt, clog pores, and lead to dandruff and itching. Over-saturation may also weaken hair strands, making them prone to breakage.