February 20, 2022 5 min read

The spectrum of type 4 hair is one with differences but also many commonalities. Whether you have 4a’s S-shaped coil hair, 4b’s Z-shaped coil hair or 4c’s tight coily hair, the products you may use to look your best will overlap.

Hair Spectrum

Here we have some product suggestions that you can use on your hair to get started on finding the routine that works for you. The products include those for shampooing, conditioning, moisturizing, styling and maintaining!

These products may not work for everyone so feel free to try, experiment and figure out what works best for your hair.

With type 4b and 4c hair, one has to be more careful in how they moisturize and care for their hair as these two are more prone to shrinkage and dryness than 4a. Moisturization starts in the shower so here are some shampoos that clean and keep your hair healthy.

1. Shampoo

Showering

First is the Camille Rose Naturals Sweet Ginger Cleansing Rinse

Camille Rose Naturals Sweet Ginger Cleansing Rinse

This product will give you a gentle cleanse and allow you to retain the moisture in your hair rather than dry it out. Make sure you section your hair then massage the product into the scalp for the best results 🛀

Next is the Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen & Restore Shampoo

This shampoo removes buildup on the scalp and also helps to retain moisture. In general, you do not want to wash your kinky hair very frequently💦

Experiment with the amount of time between washes and you will find that you can go a week or two without a wash for your type 4 hair.

The third is the Mielle Organics Pomegranate & Honey Moisturizing and Detangling Shampoo

Mielle Shampoo

If you haven't washed your hair in a while, odds are there is going to be product build-up and tangles, but we've got you covered! This product encourages generous application to get the product all up in those roots 🌱

Consider trying more products from this black-owned business, we will definitely be featuring more of their products below 😉

Fourth is the Gold Series from Pantene Moisture Boost Shampoo with Argan Oil for Curly, Coily Hair

Gold Series Shampoo

This product removes build-up and also includes argan oil to hydrate the cuticles of your hair. The Pantene Gold Series was developed by black scientists and hairstylists to give women with type 4 hair the best results and experience possible.

2. Conditioner

Because type 4 hair can be left without a wash for long periods it is important to prioritize conditioning both in and out of your wash day. 4b and 4c hair depend on proper moisturization to minimize shrinkage and dryness and conditioner is just one way to keep your hair looking the best.

Regular conditioner can be used when you shampoo your hair, but you may want to consider deep conditioning or leave-in conditioner between washes for the healthiest hair.

First is the Mielle Organics Pomegranate & Honey Moisturizing and Detangling Conditioner for Type 4 Hair

Mielle Organics Pomegranate & Honey Moisturizing and Detangling Conditioner for Type 4 Hair

With moisturizing solution, this is another great Mielle product to give your hair the silkiness it may be missing!

We also recommend the Mielle Organics Babassu Oil & Mint Deep Conditioner

Mielle deep conditioner

This deep conditioner prevents fly-away hairs and keeps moisture with its organic ingredients. This should be used on damp hair for 15 minutes.

Next, we have the Miche Lavish Leave-in Conditioner

Miche leave-in conditioner

Miche Lavish Leave In Conditioner is another product that allows moisture to be retained in your hair, but this one does not need to be washed out.

If you'd like to intensify the effect of this leave-in conditioner you can try heating your hair while the product is on it for maximum effect ♨️

3. Post-wash Moisturizer

Mielle Organics Avocado Moisturizing Hair Milk for All Hair Types

Mielle hair milk

This product can be used as a daily hair moisturizer so that you can maintain new styles and refresh your hair daily!

Next, we have the Cantu Conditioning Creamy Hair Lotion

Cantu Lotion

Between and after washes you can apply this conditioning lotion to your hair 🚿

Next is the SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie

Shea Moisture curl smoothie

Fourth, we have the Cantu Natural Hair Coconut Curling Cream

Cantu Creme

Fifth is Giovanni’s Direct Leave Cream of Nature Honey Mask

Giovanni's leave-in cream

Here we have the Pantene Pro-V Gold Series Hydrating Butter-Crème Treatment for Hair

Pantene Gold Series Cream

Last, is the Camille Rose Curlaide Moisture Butter

Camille Rose Curlaide

4. Style & Maintaining

For gels, one of the best and well known on the market is ECO Styler Professional Styling Gel, Olive Oil, Max Hold

Eco gel

There's a reason why Eco Gel is so popular and successful as it is one of the best products for laying down the hair to keep it in place and protected at the same time.

Second is Kinky Curly Curl Custard Gel

Kinky Curly gel

Kinky Kurly is a great custard that be used to both style and hydrate your hair.

If you're looking for something to lay those edges down, below are some more products you may want to take a look at!

First, we have the Ebin New York 24 Hour Edge, Tamer

Eben Edge Taimer

This product tames those edges and protects for and holds for up to 24 hours. It's smooth and is made with argan and castor oil to promote hair moisturization.

Second, we have the She Is Bomb Collection Edge Control

She is the Bomb edge control

If you are interested in braiding your hair you might want some scalp oil to ensure your cuticles don't dry out!

Here we have the Miche Nourish Hair and Scalp Oil

Miche Hair Oil

This oil soothes the scalp and contains many vitamins to nourish your hair after braiding. This oil can both be massaged in your hair and on your skin as well.

Second is the Jamaican Mango & Lime Island Scalp Oil

Jamaican Mango & Lime Island Scalp Oil

While styling you may need some help detangling or simply brushing to get that desired curl pattern. Here are a few brushes you can use to achieve your desired look!

Here is the Messen Detangling Brush

Detangling Brush

This brush can stretch to accommodate the type 4 hair texture and the holes allow for more air to pass through for a no-pain experience.

Next, we have the Tangle Teezer Naturally Curly Detangling Brush for 3c-4c Hair

Tangle Teezer Brush

This brush is good for wet hair and detangling as well.

Fourth we have the Wet Brush Shower Flex Hair Brush

Lastly, here is the well known Denman Cushion Brush

Denman Brush

Great for styling, the Denman brush creates less friction while brushing and allows for great shaping of the hair.

Another element of maintaining hair involves shielding hair at all hours of the day. If you want to minimize frizz consider purchasing a silk or satin bonnet and/or pillowcase to minimize frizz throughout the day or when you go to sleep!

Satin/Silk Material