It goes without saying that no two heads of hair are created the same, but members of the unofficial 4C hair committee know, curls this tight come with a particular set of demands for care. It’s easier these days, though, to find hair products that meet the needs required of the thick, kinky hair texture, and the consensus always remains that the best shampoos and conditioners on the market for 4C hair were made with just that in mind.
Shopping for the best products to tackle 4C hair on wash day isn’t so simple as grab and go. Instead, there are a few important things to consider and look for. Take shopping shampoos, for instance – While it’s not recommended to wash 4C hair too frequently (it often dries out the hair), it’s, of course, important to keep one on hand. On your search, try looking for one that boasts moisturizing properties while avoiding chemicals that are bound to strip your hair of its natural oils, such as sulfate, parabens, and silicones. Regarding conditioners, remember that 4C hair is typically dry by nature due to its ultra-tight curls, so the more hydrating properties, the better – As a rule of thumb, ingredients with the greatest benefits for 4C hair that are well worth looking out for include avocado oil, jojoba oil and olive oils (all of which you can find infused in options for just about every haircare step!).
If you’re still shopping around for the perfect cleansing and conditioning concoctions for your hair (after all, it’s no easy feat), we totally get it. That’s why we’ve rounded up 12 tried and true, fan-loved options for you to peruse below. You’re bound to find a winner.
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Afrotastic Curl Elastic
Updated with a richer, creamier texture, this deep conditioner can handle the tightest of curls, nourishing each strand with a mix of amla fruit and ximenia oil.
Tackling a number of common 4C concerns at once, SheaMoisture’s Curl and Shine Coconut Shampoo addresses breakage and frizz control, and dismantles the idea that 4C hair can’t be bouncy and high-shine.
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Kinky Curly Come Clean Natural Moisturizing Shampoo
Revamped with an improved formula featuring Phytic Acid, Kinky Curly’s Come Clean Natural Moisturizing Shampoo goes beyond cleansing, and prevents future hard water build up on your hair, as well.
Camille Rose has long been a 4C-girl staple, and it’s for a good reason. Deep conditioning days call for the brand’s Algae Renew conditioning mask, which, if used consistently, will leave you with stronger hair and less breakage than when you started.
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Mielle Pomegranate & Honey Moisturizing and Detangling Shampoo
This moisturizing and detangling shampoo from Mielle is made especially with thick and curly hair in mind. Free of sulfates, it instead uses oil to extract the unwanted oil and dirt from your hair.
Pattern’s Hydration Shampoo can tackle a range of hair textures, including 4C coils. A must-have if your hair is also colored, this shampoo deep cleanses the hair from scalp to tip, injecting every strand with moisture rather than stripping it.
Function of Beauty offers a completely unique shampoo, specific to your hair. Start by taking a quiz, defining your hair goals, and customize all the way down to the bottle (and their shampoos come formulated with over 60 natural ingredients).
In case the brand’s name doesn’t give it away, this shampoo comes from 4C haircare connoisseurs. It skips the part where it dries out your hair, instead feeding it with aloe vera leaf and provitamin B5 for ample moisture.
