Moisture is within reach!!!
Dry 4C hair can feel like an uphill battle, but with the right approach, you can restore moisture and make curls flourish. 4C hair is naturally prone to dryness, as the tight curl structure makes it harder to transport natural oils from the scalp to the strands. But don’t worry, moisture is within reach! From moisture-rich products to protective styling and moisturizing hair masks, two hair experts reveal everything you need to know to revive dry 4C hair.
How to care for 4C hair
1. Cleanse Regularly
When washing dry 4C hair, balance is key – try to cleanse hair every one to two weeks without stripping it of its natural oils. This is because clean hair can better absorb the nutrients from moisturizing ingredients. Choose a sulfate-free, moisturizing shampoo for a gentle but effective cleanse. “4C hair needs extra nourishment and conditioning,” says Branch. “The most important thing is that hair feels soft but not washed out and dry after cleansing.
In between washes, our experts recommend co-washing (cleansing with conditioner) to keep moisture in the hair. “Co-washing is when you cleanse the hair with conditioner instead of a traditional shampoo, which doesn’t strip the hair of moisture,” explains Branch. Co-washing is ideal if your hair is craving moisture but isn’t ready for a full shampoo. Just make sure you use the co-wash in addition to your regular shampoo – not instead of shampooing.
2. Deep Conditioning
Deep conditioning is crucial for 4C hair as it moisturizes, improves elasticity, strengthens strands, reduces breakage and improves manageability. The tightly coiled structure of 4C hair makes it difficult for natural scalp oils to travel down the hair shaft, so regular deep conditioning is essential for healthy, nourished hair.
“For deep conditioning 4C hair, start with damp, cleansed and sectioned hair and apply a generous amount of deep conditioning, focusing on the ends first,” says Redway. “Look for conditioners that are rich in moisturizing ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil and aloe vera to intensely nourish the hair.
3. Leave-In Moisturizers
If your hair often feels dry, tangles easily, is prone to frizz and breakage, and absorbs products quickly but loses moisture just as fast, you probably have high porosity hair. For this type of hair, the LOC method (leave-in conditioner, oil and cream) can have a big impact, says Redway. “This involves first applying a moisturizing conditioner to the hair, then sealing it with oil and finally applying a cream to create a barrier that locks in moisture and improves curl definition. It’s ideal for keeping curls soft, conditioned and frizz-free.”
“To use the LOC method on 4C hair, start with damp or freshly washed hair. To moisturize 4C hair, it’s important to use water in the first steps,” says Redway. Apply a liquid or leave-in conditioner first to moisturize and prep the strands. “A great leave-in conditioner is SheaMoisture Amla Oil Bond Repair Leave-in Conditioner, which detangles easily and gently defines and smooths textured hair,” says Redway. Next, seal in the moisture with an oil such as coconut or castor oil, focusing on the ends. Finally, apply a cream, such as a curl butter, to lock in moisture and define curls.
If your hair feels consistently dry even after regular moisturizing, this could be a sign of low porosity hair. This type of hair has a tightly closed cuticle that is difficult for moisture to penetrate. As a result, products tend to stay on the hair instead of being absorbed into the hair, leading to a lack of moisture and nutrients. Low porosity hair often requires lighter, better penetrating products and techniques. Branch suggests the LCO method as an effective solution. Start with a liquid or leave-in conditioner on damp hair to moisturize. Then apply a light cream to seal in the moisture, focusing on the ends. Finish by applying an oil such as jojoba or argan oil to lock in moisture and add shine. Work in sections to achieve even coverage and gently detangle the hair with your fingers or a wide-toothed comb. “When you apply the oil last, it creates a protective barrier against frizz,” says Redway.
4. Protective Styling
Protective hairstyles are key to retaining length and moisture, especially for textured hair. “Hairstyles such as box braids, twist outs and cornrows are ideal for dry 4C hair as they reduce manipulation and lock in moisture,” says Redway. It’s important to avoid tight hairstyles that cause tension at the roots as this can lead to hair breakage or even hair loss. Choose hairstyles that protect your hair but still allow it to breathe and nourish.
5. Night Care
The key to preventing frizz and moisture loss in dry 4C hair at night is to keep hair well moisturized before bed. “At night, your hair has a chance to really absorb the products you’ve applied, especially since it’s not competing with environmental factors that cause moisture loss, such as heat and humidity,” says Redway. “Invest in a satin or silk hood and pillowcase. These fabrics are gentle on your hair and minimize friction and moisture loss. Trust me, your hair will thank you the next morning!”