4C hair is naturally prone to dryness due to its tight curl pattern, which makes it harder for natural oils to travel down the strands from the scalp.
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.
Your natural oil is unable to travel from your scalp to your hair because of your coils. The curlier the hair, the harder it is for your oil to reach your strands.
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.
LOC (Liquid, Oil, Cream) and LCO (Liquid, Cream, Oil) are popular methods for moisturizing 4C hair. Liquid: Begin with a water-based product—like all our hair care products, which start with water as the first ingredient—to hydrate the hair thoroughly. Oil: Apply an oil to seal in the moisture.
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.
Most hair care professionals recommend washing 4C hair once or twice a month, with at least five days between washes. Washing more frequently can severely damage 4C hair because it's particularly dry and brittle compared to other hair types.
If you have low porosity hair, your hair will be more water resistant and moisture won't be easily absorbed into your strands.
While wavy and straight hair tend to dry faster, curly and coily textures will take longer. Airflow from a blow dryer often moves through straight to wavy hair more easily. Curls and coils have circular movements that create twists and turns which slow down airflow.
Most 4C hair textures fall under a low porosity, high shrinkage category, which means that the hair has a tough time absorbing moisture, is very fragile and easily breakable, and shrinks a lot when it's wet.
It's characterised by its Z-shaped curls that are sharply angled and less defined, giving a fluffy and voluminous appearance. This coily hair type is known for its delicate texture, propensity for drying out, and tendency to experience shrinkage.
Afro textured hair is naturally on the drier side because our beautiful kinks, coils and curls make it hard for the natural sebum created by our scalp to run down the entire shaft of the hair. So the question of how to moisturise dry afro hair, is something naturalista's may often ask.
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.
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.
“To deep condition 4C hair, start with damp, cleansed, and sectioned hair and apply a generous amount of deep conditioner, focusing on the ends first,” says Redway. “Look for deep conditioners rich in hydrating ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, and aloe vera to provide intense nourishment."
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.
We tend to think of curly hair as dense and prone to dryness. Low porosity curls tend to be looser, wavy, or S-shaped. The curls are distinct with a tight, flat cuticle that prevents moisture from entering and exiting the hair. This is why low porosity hair can often look limp or flat.
How often should I oil my natural hair? Short Answer: Every Other Day. Long Answer: Every other day/every 2-3 days is usually a good rule of thumb for 4C textured beauties who tend to have super low porosity. However, even within the 4C curl type porosity often depends on how thick or thin your strands are.
In conclusion, while the frequency of trimming 4C hair can vary based on individual factors, a trim every 3-4 months is a good starting point. Remember, the goal is to maintain healthy ends and prevent breakage. Along with regular trimming, a proper hair care routine designed for the needs of 4C hair is vital.
Of these, 4C or tightly coiled afro hair is often assumed to be inherently dry and unable to grow “properly.” But this is not true. There is no such thing as normal. For people of African descent, hair does grow slower (2 inches per month) than other racial groups. Asian hair grows the fastest at 8 inches per month.
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.
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.