How to Care for 4C Coily Hair

4C hair thrives on moisture, gentle handling, and protective styling that preserves your natural curl pattern.

Stop treating 4C hair like it's damaged when it's actually the strongest hair type - it just needs consistent moisture and respect for its structure.

1. Cleanse weekly with sulfate-free shampoo. Wash once a week maximum to avoid stripping natural oils. Use a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo or co-wash between shampoo sessions. Focus on your scalp, not the length of your hair.
2. Deep condition every wash day. Apply a moisture-rich deep conditioner from mid-length to ends after every shampoo. Leave on for 15-30 minutes under a shower cap. Your hair should feel soft and pliable when you rinse.
3. Detangle on wet, conditioned hair only. Never detangle dry 4C hair. Work in sections with a wide-tooth comb or your fingers, starting from the ends and working up. Use plenty of slip from conditioner or a detangling cream.
4. Seal in moisture while damp. Apply leave-in conditioner to damp hair, then seal with a natural oil like jojoba or shea butter. The LOC method works well: liquid, oil, cream in that order.
5. Sleep with protection. Wrap your hair in a silk or satin scarf, or sleep on a silk pillowcase. This prevents friction and moisture loss overnight. Refresh with water and leave-in conditioner in the morning.