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Byrdie / Lecia Landis
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 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.
Ready to give your curls and coils the TLC they need? We tapped two experts for recommendations, and tried a few top-rated products for ourselves to compile this list of hair products made specifically for 4C hair. We poured over ingredients (looking for hair-loving additions like shea butter and castor oil) and took into consideration how well the formulas cleansed, hydrated, and defined curls and coils. We then cross referenced our expert-recommended picks with the top-rated products that garnered five-star reviews and Byrdie editor top marks.
Best Shampoo
Camille Rose Naturals Sweet Ginger Cleansing Rinse
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Courtesy of Sally Beauty
Gentle
Hydrating
Smells good
Reviewers note it needs more slip
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 hair of its natural (and necessary) oils. That’s why this hydrating shampoo from Camille Rose is a fan favorite. The formula nourishes hair with an invigorating blend of ginger and essential oils and imparts a deep conditioning effect that curls love.
Price at time of publish: $14
Hair Type: Curly, textured | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Scent: Ginger | Size: 12 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes
Best Conditioner
SheaMoisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Leave-In Conditioner
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Ulta Beauty
Nourishes hair
Prevents detangling
Supports elasticity
Can be heavy for some
This leave-in conditioner from Shea Moisture softens and detangles hair while controlling frizz and repairing broken strands. Ideal for those who regularly color or heat style their hair—as well as kinky, curly or wavy natural styles—this Jamaican black castor oil and shea butter-infused formulation nourishes, moisturizes and supports elasticity. Plus, a hint of added peppermint stimulates the scalp and offers an invigorating experience during wash day.
Price at time of publish: $14
Hair Type: Curly, color-treated, damaged | Size: 16 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No
Best Leave-In Conditioner
Mielle Organics Pomegranate & Honey Leave-In Conditioner
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Amazon
Softens hair
Adds definition
Moisturizing
Reviewers note results aren't drastic
This cream-based conditioner seals in moisture to leave your hair feeling softer and more manageable. Though the brand is known for its nourishing products for natural hair, this leave-in conditioner is a standout. It's popular for a number of reasons: You don’t need too much (a quarter-sized amount is fine), you can use it with literally any product, and your curls get look defined and feel moisturized after use. The best part? There's no greasy residue left behind.
Price at time of publish: $15
Hair Type: Thick, curly | Size: 12 fl. oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes
Best Deep Conditioner
NaturAll Club Ice Cream Treatment Deep Conditioner
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Moisturizing
Soothing
Vegan
Must thaw before using
Taking the time to deep condition often doesn't feel worth it, but we swear, this treatment from NaturAll is so moisturizing and soothing, you’ll definitely notice the difference. This formula highlights raw avocado (which is a hero for dry, thirsty hair) alongside other ingredients so fresh that it has to be kept in the freezer. Tip: Let the mask thaw out for about 30 minutes before lathering it through your strands.
Price at time of publish: $14
Hair Type: All | Size: 4 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes
Best Hair Oil
Mielle Organics Rosemary Mint Scalp & Hair Strengthening Oil
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Ulta
Affordable
Promotes hair growth
Helpful dropper applicator
Strong scent
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 garnered a cult-like following for its formula (which contains 30 essential oils including rosemary and mint), its handy dropper applicator, and, best of all, it's ability to stimulate hair growth.
Price at time of publish: $9
Hair Type: All hair types | Size: 2 fl. oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes
Best Hair Mask
Carol’s Daughter Coco Crème Curl Quenching Deep Moisture Mask
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Adds shine
Strengthens
Smells good
Unhygienic container
This mask is a savior to dry and thirsty curls. With a blend of coconut oil, coconut milk, mango butter, and murumuru butter, it penetrates deep into the roots and leaves hair stronger, shinier, and softer. Plus, the fact that it smells like a mango coconut heaven doesn't hurt.
Price at time of publish: $18
Hair Type: Thick, curly | Size: 12 fl. oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes
Best Detangler
Aunt Jackie’s Knot on My Watch Instant Detangling Therapy
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Amazon
Sulfate- and paraben-free
Moisturizing
Can use on wet or dry hair
Reviewers note that it can feel sticky
Detangling can be a chore, but it doesn’t have to lead to breakage and split ends. Aunt Jackie's Knot on My Watch Instant Detangling Therapy prevents tangles, knots, and more—just use it as needed on wet or dry hair. Be sure to concentrate it on areas prone to knots and tangles and use a wide-tooth comb to work it through, you'll find the slippery detangler helps manager super thick hair.
Price at time of publish: $7
Hair Type: Thick, curly| Size: 3 oz., 12 oz., or 16 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No
Best Gel
Pattern Curl Gel
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Sephora
Moisturizing
Provides touchable curls
Recyclable packaging
Some may prefer a stronger hold
Those who love to rock twist outs and braid outs will adore this gel from Pattern. The creamy formula is more hydrating than the average gel, so it should come as no surprise that it's packed with aloe vera, coconut oil, and cacay oil for bouncy and juicy curls.
Price at time of publish: $25
Hair Type: Curly, coily, textured | Hold: Medium hold | Size: 3 fl. oz., 9.8 fl. oz., or 25 fl. oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No
Bets Curl Cream
Not Your Mother's Curl Talk Defining Cream
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Moisturizing
Affordable
Vegan
Reviewers note it can flake
This curl cream is packed with a blend of rice, keratin, amino acids, and enzymes meant to hydrate and condition your curls. We love how softening and moisturizing this formula is, so even if your hair doesn't usually retain moisture, give this one a try—users swear that it makes curls feel super soft.
Price at time of publish: $14
Hair Type: Curly, coily, textured | Size: 6 fl. oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes
Best Styling Cream
Mielle Organics Pomegranate & Honey Twisting Souffle
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Long-lasting
Adds definition
Lightweight
Unhygienic container
This twisting souffle from Mielle is a must-have, especially if you're looking to extend the life of your braid outs and twist outs. Pomegranate extract, honey, citrus extracts, babassu and coconut oil fuse together to moisturize and strengthen thick, curly hair, all while giving it dimension and definition.
Price at time of publish: $13
Hair Types: Curly, coily, thick | Size: 12 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes
Best Heat Protectant
Rucker Roots Leave In Heat Protectant
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Detangles
Lightweight
Provides UV protection
Can feel sticky
This heat protectant gets major points for also working as a detangler. Whether you’re going to blow-dry and straighten your hair or plop your curls with a diffuser, this lightweight water-based spray promises to protect from damaging UV rays and hot styling tools. You can expect silkier blowouts and less frizzy curls—a win, win.
Price at time of publish: $13
Hair Type: All | Size: 4 fl. oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No
Best Co-Wash
As I Am Coconut CoWash Cleansing Conditioner
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Target
A little goes a long way
Gentle
Smells good
Unhygienic container
This all-in-one co-wash gently cleanses hair and the scalp, helps detangle, moisturizes the hair shaft, and even maintains the integrity of curls and coils. . It's great for those with sensitive skin and you can count on it to smell incredible, too—all thanks to a lovely blend of tangerine, coconut oil, castor oil, and saw palmetto.
Price at time of publish: $9
Hair Type: Curly, color-treated | Size: 16 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No
Best Edge Control
Design Essentials Honey & Shea Edge Tamer
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Non-greasy
Adds shine
Long-lasting
Unhygienic container
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 tames unruly edges without leaving behind a sticky or greasy residue and actually nourishes hair (shout out honey and shea butter) while you have it on. It also delivers shine without build-up, so you can reapply day after day for a long-lasting hold.
Price at time of publish: $15
Hair Type: Curly | Size: 3.7 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No
Final Verdict
The ultra-nourishing Camille Rose Naturals Sweet Ginger Cleansing Rinse is our favorite shampoo because it hydrates hair without stripping it essential moisture. Plus, thanks to a blend of ginger and essential oils, it smells invigorating. As far as conditioners go, the Shea Moisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen & Restore Leave-In Conditioner is as classic as it gets. This softening formula contains Jamaican black castor oil and shea butter, so you can expect your hair to feel hydrated and nourished after using it.
Meet the Expert
- Annagjid “Kee” Taylor is a celebrity hairstylist and author. She is the owner of Deeper Than Hair, a hair salon in Philadelphia. Taylor is also the author of All Hair is Good Hair, a children's book that promotes self-esteem and hair-love.
- Ebony Bomani is a professional hairstylist, cosmetologist, and product educator.
What to Look For in Products For 4C Hair
Hydration
You may have heard that it's important to occasionally use a clarifying shampoo to remove buildup from your hair, and those often contain drying sulfates. Luckily, there are plenty of ingredients that can perform deep cleansing without stripping the hair and scalp of its much-needed natural oils. Bomani suggests products that contain aloe vera and rosemary leaf for this purpose. The Mielle Organics Rosemary Mint Scalp & Hair Strengthening Oil, for example, calls upon rosemary to nourish split ends and hair follicles without stripping them of moisture.
Ingredients
From shea butter to avocado oil to amino acids, plant-based and whole-food ingredients can provide excellent benefits for 4C hair. That doesn't mean you need to give up your favorite products if they aren't all-natural, though; plenty of commercial products that have chemical ingredients you might find helpful are also infused with hair health-boosting natural ingredients, too. Carol’s Daughter Coco Crème Curl Quenching Deep Moisture Mask, for example, contains coconut oil, murumuru butter, and shea butter in addition to other more conventional cosmetic ingredients.
Type of Product
When hair is kinky-coily, curly, or wavy, it's a whole lot harder for the natural oils to travel down the shaft. Because of this, you'll want to look for products that offer moisturizing in a manner that can penetrate. Whether that's a conditioning cap or a leave-in conditioner (like the NaturAll Club Ice Cream Treatment Deep Conditioner) made for 4C hair, your hair will look its best with additional moisture.
How We Researched
To compile this list, our team of editors and contributors spent hours researching the best products on the market in this category, evaluating their key features—like ingredients, shade range, or design—in addition to reviews from customers and other trusted sources. We then used this research to assign a star rating from one to five (five being the best; one being the worst) to certain products on the list.
Why Trust Byrdie
Kindra Moné is s a freelance fashion, beauty, and lifestyle writer, and a contributing writer for Byrdie. She has appeared in publications such as Cosmopolitan, HollywoodLife, StylingSOUL, and Verywell.
Caitlyn Martyn is a commerce writer on staff at Byrdie. She covers all things beauty and is constantly trying new products either in the Dotdash Meredith Testing Lab or at home. She has tried several of the products on this list, from brands like Carol's Daughter and Shea Moisture.
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