The 17 Best 4c Hair Products of 2021

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From gorgeous kinks and coils to afro puffs, 4c hair is versatile and can be shapeshifted into practically any style. Of course, every single hair type has its own unique set of needs, but 4c hair is particularly picky, requiring lots of moisture and gentle detangling.

While personal habits and even your diet play a significant role in the quality of your tresses, the right products can make a huge difference in both curl definition and the softness of your hair. Kinky coils definitely need some extra TLC, and not all products deliver. We decided to go straight to the source and ask real women what they love to use on their textured hair.

Read on for the best products for 4c hair.

Camille Rose Naturals Sweet Ginger Cleansing Rinse

Buy on Sallybeauty.com

For kinky hair types, sudsy shampoos and over-washing can do more harm than good, so it’s important to find a cleanser that doesn’t strip your hair of its necessary oils. That’s why this sulfate-free, hydrating shampoo has become a fan favorite. The formula nourishes your hair with an invigorating blend of ginger and essential oils—users report that it has a deeply conditioning effect.

Endless Allure Moisturizing Conditioner with Peppermint Oil

Buy on Endlessallurehair.com

This pH-balanced conditioner is prime for sensitive scalps and has the essential nutrients needed to rebuild dry or damaged hair. Take it from Mariah Smith, an educator who is finally starting to experiment with her hair texture. “After using this conditioner, my hair is super soft and so easy to manage." She adds, "I also just purchased the Curl Defining Gel and my curls popped as soon as I put it on.”

Mielle Organics Pomegranate & Honey Leave-In

Buy on Amazon Buy on Sallybeauty.com

This cream-based conditioner seals in moisture to leave your hair feeling softer and more manageable. Tierra Camille says, “The entire line is good but I love, love, love the leave-in conditioner! You don’t need too much, you can use it with literally any product, and your curls get really defined and moisturized." The best part? There's no greasy residue left behind.

Buy on Gabbybows.com

This product is made by a mother-daughter duo who both have 4c hair. The plant-based formula is a great alternative to traditional grease products which typically contain harmful chemicals. Although it was designed with little ones in mind, this pomade is great for all ages to moisturize the scalp, seal the hair, and add shine.

Buy on Naturallclub.com

Sometimes it can be hard to tell if your time spent deep conditioning is actually worth it, but this treatment is so moisturizing and soothing that you’ll definitely notice the difference. The raw avocado is a hero to dry, thirsty hair, and the ingredients are so fresh that it has to be kept in the freezer (simply thaw for about 30 minutes before using).

Glow By Daye “The Safari” Conditioning Cap

Buy on Glowbydaye.com

Moisture retention is usually the biggest concern for 4c hair, so deep conditioning with heat should definitely be a regular part of your regimen. This innovative cap is filled with flaxseeds that help to provide even heat across the scalp. Just pop it in the microwave for about 90 seconds—it will keep your deep conditioning treatment warm for 20-30 minutes.

Carol’s Daughter Coco Crème Curl Quenching Deep Moisture Mask

Buy on Riteaid.com

This mask is a savior to dry and thirsty curls. It claims to leave your hair stronger, shinier, and softer—and users agree. Jacqueline Tayler is a Brooklyn-based program manager who cites this mask as one of her all-time favorites. “I love how it deeply penetrates my roots and smells like mango coconut heaven," says Taylor. "My braid outs last for days!”

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Detangling can be a chore, but it doesn’t have to lead to breakage and split ends. Jessica Tee, educator and owner of Slight Jewelry, swears by this slippery detangling product claiming, “This detangler became a staple for me early in my natural hair journey," Tee reflects. "My hair is super thick and this product does wonders—it also helps combs to glide through my hair." Tee even takes the detangler along with her to hair and braid appointments, adding that "the stylist always falls in love with it".

Buy on Amazon

When detangling kinks and coils, it’s always important to be patient and to use a quality brush that won’t snag at your textured hair. This brush has become super popular on social media and it’s easy to see why. It has flexible moving arms that act more like your own fingers to bend as it detangles your tresses, and it also has a comfortable and sturdy grip, making it great for smoothing curls when you're doing a wash and go.

Buy on Ulta

For those of us who love to rock twist outs and braid outs with definition and medium hold, this gel formula is the way to go. The creamy formula is more hydrating than the average gel and is packed with aloe vera, coconut oil, and cacay oil for bouncy and juicy curls.

Buy on Ulta

This curl cream is packed with a blend of rice, keratin, amino acids, and enzymes to hydrate and condition your curls. Mimi McDavid-Williams recommends this product for it’s softening and moisturizing abilities. She says, “My hair typically doesn't retain moisture, but this product actually locks it in and makes my curls feel soft."

Mielle Organics Rosemary Mint Scalp & Hair Strengthening Oil

Buy on Sallybeauty.com Buy on Walmart

While you’re spending time caring for your hair, don’t forget to pay some necessary attention to your scalp. This nutrient-rich formula has a handy dropper applicator that makes application super easy. It also contains 30 essential oils (including rosemary and mint) and is infused with biotin to promote growth.

Mielle Organics Pomegranate & Honey Twisting Souffle

Buy on Sallybeauty.com

As a busy law student, Cherice McGlone knows all about managing 4c hair on the go. She recommends this twisting souffle for its long-lasting results. She says, “My braid outs and twist outs are more defined and last longer. Even if I do twists on hair that isn't freshly washed or is in between styles, this souffle always gives my hair some definition when I take them down.”

Buy on Macy's Buy on Sallybeauty.com

This heat protectant gets major points for also working as a detangler. Whether you’re going to blow-dry and straighten your hair or get your curls to pop with a diffuser, this lightweight water-based spray protects from damaging UV rays and hot styling tools. Users report silkier blowouts and less frizzy curls.

Buy on Sallybeauty.com

Lactation coach Candace Dru swears by this conditioner. “It's the all-in-one aspect for me," she says. "It doesn’t require a large amount of product to do a good job and it’s gentle enough to use on my young toddler who's is sensitive to many things." Plus, Dru raved about how the product both smells and feels good when she applies it.

Design Essentials Natural Honey & Shea Edge Tamer

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When you’re rocking a slicked-back look, the last thing you want is for your edges to misbehave as soon as you walk out of the door. This product does exactly what it claims to do, and that's tame unruly edges. The unique, non-greasy formula is infused with honey and shea butter to nourish your hair. It also delivers shine without build-up, so you can reapply day after day for a long-lasting hold.

Buy on Sallybeauty.com

Pulling thick, 4c hair into a puff or top knot is no simple feat, but this styling tool makes your life so much easier. Tierra Thomas, a marketing and communications professional, wholeheartedly recommends this clamp. She says, “It’s the only thing I’ve found to pull my hair into a puff without straining my edges or giving me a headache.”

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