4c hair is beautiful, but for many women, it comes with a distinct set of challenges. Even though 4c hair is incredibly resilient, those who have it often find themselves dealing with issues such as breakage and extreme dryness.
What is 4c Hair?
According to hair care brand Mielle, 4c hair is a distinction for curly hair with the tightest curl pattern. This hair type is defined by tight, springy, ringlets. It also may have a zig-zag pattern. Those with 4c hair can likely attest that this hair type is prone to shrinkage and often “clumps” at the ends. 4c hair usually requires twisting or braiding to achieve definition and is very fragile.
Keeping 4c Hair Healthy
The best way to keep 4c hair healthy and looking great is to give it the extra attention and care it needs. Start by using products specifically formulated for textured hair. Using a deep conditioner or mask once a week can help replenish moisture that has been lost from environmental stressors such as sun exposure, wind, and air pollution. Additionally, try using an oil or butter-based leave-in conditioner to provide much-needed nourishment and hydration throughout the day.
When it comes to styling 4c hair, protective styles such as cornrows and flat twists can help provide a break from the day-to-day manipulation that often leads to breakage. Take time to use a wide tooth comb or pick through sections of damp hair before attempting any style. Additionally, try using products that contain natural ingredients like shea butter, aloe vera, or coconut oil.
4c hair is beautiful and unique in its own right and with proper care and attention, anyone with this type of hair can achieve great results. Embrace your texture and enjoy all that 4c hair has to offer! Here are five hair products to shop for longer and stronger 4c hair:
Be Gentle
The Tangle Teaser detangling brush is the perfect tool to help tame even the thickest of hair. It works by separating strands and doing away with knots, all while being gentle on your scalp and hair. It includes a state-of-the-art design of both short and long bristles that are flexible yet firm, making it easier to comb through stubborn tangles.
The Tangle Teaser is incredibly effective for people with 4c hair because it helps to prevent pulling, tugging, and breakage. And with continued use of this brush, you may find your hair smoother, shinier and free from tangles.
Mielle’s Pomegranate and Honey leave-in conditioner not only helps tame frizz and locks in moisture, it also can act as a detangler. The product offers great slip to type 4 hair to help when combing out your locks on wash day.
Hydration Is Key
This continuous spray bottle from BeautifyBeauties is an efficient and effective way of evenly spraying moisture onto your hair. It features a trigger that needs to be pressed down only once for the user to maintain a steady stream of liquid. This eliminates the need for repeated pressing of the trigger, reducing fatigue and effort from the user.
You can add your favorite conditioner or hair oils to your bottle for the best results.
Design Essentials is a Black-owned hair care line that offers products for all hair types, but especially 4c hair. Their products are formulated with natural ingredients such as shea butter, coconut oil, and aloe vera to nourish the scalp and provide gentle cleansing.
The conditioner is a godsend for Black women with 4c hair. It contains avocado oil, shea butter, and coconut milk to help hydrate, strengthen and protect your strands. It also provides a TON of slip so you can easily detangle your delicate locks.
Protect and Strengthen Strands
OlaplexNo 7 Bonding Oil is a must-have for 4c hair. Formulated using their innovative technology, this oil helps to protect and nourish your hair from everyday damage. The lightweight formula quickly absorbs into your locks, leaving you with soft, manageable curls that can be styled with ease. It’s also great for detangling, giving you the perfect pre-styling product to get your curls ready for whatever look you’re going for.
Olaplex No. 7 Bonding Oil is packed full of ingredients designed to help protect and strengthen hair strands.
The Hair Steamer Thermal Heat Cap from VICARKO is a revolutionary tool that can give you beautiful, healthy hair without having to spend hours in the salon chair. The thermal heat from the steamer works to penetrate deep into your scalp and hair shaft, allowing for evenly distributed heat throughout.
This helps open up your pores so that nutrients, vitamins, and moisture can be absorbed more effectively. The results are healthier, softer, shinier hair that looks and feels great!
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