Photo of Gerilyn M. Hayes, @gerilynhayes by Brio Yiapan, @briophotography
This is for 4C women all over the world, for your shrinkage and your super tight curls. Celebrate your coils and give your scalp a tender rub as you read this because your hair is beautiful and don’t let anyone tell you any differently. What makes 4C hair special? As defined by NaturallyCurly, “your densely packed hair is similar to a 4b, but experiences less definition and more shrinkage. The tightly coiled strand texture ranges from super fine, thin and soft to wiry and coarse. It is very delicate.” With that being said, special hair has special needs. It’s easy to get frustrated while trying to find the best products for your hair. Here’s a list of the basic starter kit products you’ll need for 4C hair.
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Cantu Shea Butter Leave In Conditioning Repair Cream
Cantu this, Cantu that. I’m sure you’re wondering what all the hype is about. But this product is worth it. The hydrating cream works wonderfully with a little bit of heat to restore damaged hair, especially hair that is adjusting after a protective style. Apply the product to your hair and sit under a dryer for no more than 15 minutes on low heat. Thank us later.
Sunny Isle Jamaican Black Castor Oil Extra Dark
Warning: this is not your mama’s kitchen. Castor oil, honey, and one egg will change your life. The proteins from these ingredients coat your hair to repair damaged ends and encourage growth. The stimulating effects of castor oil also help to grow your hair while the honey and egg seal in all the restorative elements your hair needs.
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Ecostyler Professional Styling Gel with Olive Oil
All you need in this life of curls is Ecostyler. It will never betray you. The specific olive oil brand doesn’t dry out your hair and cause snowmaggedon on your scalp. After a wash or co-wash, slide some Ecostyler through your curls and watch them pop. Make sure your hair is fully dried. Now may your wash and go’s be curly and sitting right.
As I am Coconut Co-wash Cleansing Conditioner
When it’s cold outside, this product will leave your hair feeling and smelling like the month of May. A co-wash is perfect for 4C hair because it doesn’t strip away essential oils the way shampoo does. Use this product up to once a week to refresh your curls and keep them springy.
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CURLS Blueberry Bliss Control Paste
Thou shall lay thine edges. This is a 4C commandment and this control paste does just that. You don’t have to worry about flakes or thinning hair with this product. Simply apply to your edges after styling and put a scarf on it to keep it flat.
EDEN Bodyworks Peppermint Tea Tree Shampoo
That tingly clean feeling combined with a wonderful smell and great hair is what happens when you use this product. It’s a clarifying shampoo that picks up buildup very well. Because it is clarifying, be careful with the use so you don’t dry out your hair.
Having 4C curls may seem difficult but once you get the hang of it, you and your hair become best friends. If you need ideas about how to style your hair, see this article featuring 20 photos of 4C natural hair. And be sure to share tales of your 4C love in the comments section below.
