We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.
Even though all curly hair is beautiful, not all curl types are created equal. If you have 4C curls, you know that your tightly coiled strands are more fragile and prone to breakage than any other curl pattern, so moisturization, definition and hold are among your top hair concerns. To help you sort through the thousands of curly hair products on the market, we've curated a list of highly-rated picks from both beauty editors and online reviewers, including favorites from Black-owned beauty brands.
The truth is, you can't reach for any ol' product to style and enhance the very tight zig-zag shape of 4C hair. You need a moisture-rich formula that's full of naturally good-for-your-hair ingredients, like coconut oil and shea butter, to leave your hair soft to the touch and full of hydration. You'll also want to get your hands on a product that will make detangling a breeze and help define your natural curl pattern. Keep reading to discover the best hair products you can buy for stunning 4C curls.
Pros
- Highly hydrating
- Adds definition
- Mild formula
Cons
- Expensive
While traditional shampoos aren't a definite no-no for curly hair, picking a gentle cleanser for your curls has loads of benefits. This no-suds hair cleanser fromDevaCurlis made with coily hair in mind andgets rid of dirt, grime and product build-up without stripping your strands dry. After rinsing, you'll be left withsoft, moisturized and defined curls every time.
Pros
- Very moisturizing
- Helps detangle knots
- Gentle enough for daily use
- Good value
Cons
Cowashes (a.k.a.cleansing conditioners)are great for getting hair cleaninbetween routine wash sessions. Consider them a reset for your strands whenever they're feeling out of whack. This coconut-infused favorite gives curls a boost of moisture and helps add slip for detangling in the shower. Plus, it's gentle enough for daily use.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Pros
- Rich formula for dry hair
- Intensely hydrating
Cons
- Some users say it doesn't have enough slip for detangling
This conditioner fromPattern is specificallydesigned for 4Chair. It's thick, rich and goes on like butter,so you know your curls will feel like silk after you shower. The conditioner isformulated with avocado and safflower oils and shea butter to deeply moisturize strands andkeep dryness at bay.
Best Deep Conditioning Treatment for 4C Hair
Carol's Daughter Coco Creme Curl Quenching Deep Moisture Hair Mask
Pros
- Adds shine
- Deeply moisturizes dry hair
- Made with natural ingredients
Cons
If you want healthy curls, routine deep treatments are non-negotiable. This mask is ideal for the combating extreme dryness and brittle curls and gives hair intensive moisturization. Thanks to the combination of coconut milk, coconut oil, mango butter and murumuru butter, you hair will feel softer and smoother than ever.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Pros
- Helps detangle hair with ease
- Smooths strands
Cons
Tangles are going to happen, but having a powerhouse product to help unravel knotswill help you keep your sanity between styling sessions. This Kinky-Curly leave-in conditioner smooths hair's surfaceso tangles literally slide out of your hair without ripping or breaking. And the best part is, you don't have to rinse it out. Simply apply, detangle and layer on the rest of your styling products.
Pros
- Enhances shine
- Smooths strands
- Defines curl shape
Cons
- May be too heavy for some
Thisleave-in conditionermade for coily hairis exactly what it says it is: miraculous. You'll cherish this moisturizingpotion like gold because it does literally everything:smoothes, defines, hydrates, detangles and even adds shine. Consider it like a primer for your other hair styling products.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Pros
- Helps soften strands
- Enhances curl styling
- Great value
Cons
Curl creams are standard when styling 4Chair and Cantu is afan-favorite brand. It softens and gently elongates coils, making them more manageable and easy to style, keeping thempicture-perfect all-day long. Plus, the product is a true bargain at a little more than $5 for a generous size.
Pros
- Keeps style locked into place
- Makes hair soft to the touch
Cons
- May be too heavy for some
If most curl creams aren't rich enough for your 4C hair, consider this one. It's made for perfecting a twist or braid-out, and that's exactly why it's great for wash-and-go natural styles, too. In addition to adding moisture and keeping strands soft and smooth, it sets hair in place so your favorite style looks flawless while you're out and about.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Pros
- Helps reshape curls
- Softens strands
- Works on dry hair
Cons
Ideal for second and third day styles, this curl reactivator is like a cup o' joe for your coils:It gets things reset and ready for a new day. Simply spritz the blend of oils and butters onto your dry curls in the morning and style as usual. It will revitalize limp, stretched out curls and give strands a boost of moisture.
Pros
- Has a soft, touchable hold
- Helps curls hold their shape
Cons
- May not fend off frizz
There's nothing worse than a gelthat leaves hair crunchy, stiff and dry.That's why this formulaf from R+Cois a real winner in our books:Itmakescurls feel springy and light, but keeps hairs in place no matter the weather. Thanks to coconut oil, sunflower seed extract and keratin, your hair will feel nourished and soft even after applying multiple days in a row.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Pros
- Brings out the shape of coils
- Softening formula
- Good value
Cons
The combination of nourishing honey and nettle root is what sets this Camille Rose mousse apart from its more drying counterparts. Honey helps to soften and smooth hair andnettle root gives strands a healthy sheen, while helpingenhance curl shape.
Pros
- Lightweight formula
- Boosts shine
- Fights frizz
Cons
Hair serums are great to add luminosityand smoothness to dull or frizzy strands. But you don't wanta serum that feels greasy, sticky or heavy. This version from Joico, a winner in ouranti-frizz styling product tests,effectivelysmooths hair's surface to fend off frizz and enhance shine. Simply apply a few drops after your favorite styling products and voila, hydrated curls.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Pros
- Soft, touchable finish
- Smooths down baby hairs
Cons
- Scent is polarizing
If you like your edges sleek andsmooth, reach for this Mielle Organics edge gel. It keeps hairline frizz at bay without getting stiff or flaking. The formula is also not drying thanks to nourishing ingredients like honey and aloe vera.
Pros
- Lightweight formula
- Multiple uses
- Made of botanical oils
Cons
A potent blend of sweet almond, avocado, jojoba, argan, baobab and sage oils make this Melanin Haircare oil chock-full of moisture. And since you won't find any silicones, parabens or petroleum in this blend, you don't have to worry about it feeling heavy on your strands. You can use it as a sealant to set your products into place or as an oil treatment in-between shampoo sessions.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Pros
- Elongates tight, shriveled up coils
Cons
- May be drying
If shrinkage puts a damper on your styles, this curling gel will help to loosen tight coils. It's made with omega fatty acids, vitamin E and flaxseed to keep hair healthy and strong and to prevent damage. Since curls will be full of hydration and slip, it allows you to manipulate your curl pattern to be looser and more separated. Just remember to apply to wet hair for best results.
Andrea Jordan
Andrea Jordan is a freelance writer covering all things beauty, lifestyle, health and parenting. Her work has appeared on websites like OprahMag, Business Insider, StyleCaster, InStyle, and others. When she’s not writing, you can find her curled up on the couch reading a book or in the kitchen whipping up a new recipe.