If you have 4C hair, you’ve likely tested many leave-in conditioners in your lifetime. Even after careful research, it’s not uncommon to try something that promises to “cut your detangling routine in half” but doesn’t actually do the trick. Show
Unfortunately, almost everyone with 4C hair has gone through this trial-and-error phase. And it comes as no surprise, given that there are so many factors like hair porosity and texture to consider. But is there a way to make this process a bit easier? We called on two natural hair experts to help us figure out which leave-in conditioners work best for 4C hair. (Because let’s face it, skimming through customer ratings won’t always cut it). But before we dive into our list, let’s address a few common questions. MEET THE EXPERTS
Nakeisha Campbell for PureWow What Are Leave-in Conditioners And How Do They Differ From Other Hair Conditioners?We’re glad you asked. Conditioners are essential to keeping your kinks moisturized and healthy, but not all are created equal. They generally fall into three categories: regular conditioners, deep conditioners and leave-in conditioners. A regular conditioner, which is typically left on for a few minutes after a shampoo, only hydrates the outer layer of the hair. It can also be useful for softening your strands, but the benefits pretty much end there. A deep conditioner, on the other hand, takes this process to another level by penetrating the hair shaft. This helps to restore moisture loss, build elasticity and even repair damage. Leave-in conditioners are lightweight styling agents that enhance moisture retention, control frizz and, most importantly, make the detangling process easier. As such, they can (and should) be used in conjunction with your other conditioners for extra moisture. Why Are Leave-in Conditioners Needed For 4c Textured Hair?Those with tighter curl-patterns are more prone to experiencing dryness and breakage than other curl types. This is because your scalp’s natural oils are unable to travel down the hair shaft. Leave-in conditioners supplement that moisture and, in doing so, protect your hair from further damage or breakage. As Tamika Gibson explains, “Leave-in conditioner coats the hair cuticle, thereby locking in moisture, which makes the hair shaft smooth. Whether your hair is low or high porosity, using a leave-in conditioner will help protect it from the natural elements and from damage caused by hot tools like curling irons and manipulation through styling.” FYI, hair porosity refers to the hair’s ability to retain moisture and, according to 103 Collection founder Melinda Herron, “how well oils can pass through the cuticle layer.” So, if you find that your curls easily absorb water and products, then you probably have high porosity hair. If it’s more difficult for moisture to penetrate, then you likely have medium to lower porosity hair. Twenty20 What Should I Look For If I Have Low Porosity 4c Hair?Well, for starters, skip the heavy butters and oils. These products tend to sit on top of the hair instead of penetrating into the shaft, eventually leading to major buildup on the scalp. Dr. Karen Kagha, a dermatology physician in Southern California, suggests looking out for hydrating products with humectant and emollient ingredients like honey, aloe vera, flaxseed, and glycerin. What Should I Look For If I Have High Porosity 4c Hair?High porosity 4C hair can quickly absorb moisture, but the downside is this moisture is just as easily lost. To address this, Herron recommends protein treatments. “High porosity hair requires weekly deep conditioning, preferably with a protein treatment to repair the hair's natural moisture retention. I also suggest using a silicone-free heat protectant to help seal in moisture and prevent breakage,” she says. Which Ingredients Should I Avoid?The main things to steer clear of are alcohol and parabens, which can cause dryness and irritate the scalp, according to research. “If you are a natural, no heat curly girl, you may also want to avoid silicones, dimethicone and mineral oils, which can weigh your hair down,” Gibson explains. Herron adds, “Beware of ingredients like diethanolamine (DEA) triethanolamine (TEA), isopropyl alcohol and fragrance. They can cause breakage and dry out the hair.” Duly noted. How To Best Use Leave-in Conditioners:Gibson advises 4C gals to “apply leave-in conditioner on clean hair, so that the ingredients penetrate the cuticle properly.” In other words, use the leave-in right after you wash and condition your hair. But if you’re unsure of how to apply it—don’t worry. Herron gave us a step-by-step guide below:
Now that we know what to look out for and how to best use these products, allow us to introduce 12 top-notch leave-in conditioners that’ll work wonders for your 4C hair. SheaMoisture 1. Sheamoisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen & Restore Leave-in Conditioner
Thanks to fair trade shea butter and Jamaican black castor oil, this rich leave-in brings life back to damaged curls by moisturizing each strand and supporting their elasticity to resist further breakage. The paraben-free formula also controls frizz and softens the hair, which makes detangling more seamless. 4C ONLY 2. 4c Only Too Soft Leave-in Conditioner For 4c Hair
Formulated with slippery elm and squalene, this conditioner offers just enough slip to help you get through your toughest knots. Not only does it hydrate your curls, but it also adds softness and shine. Plus, the fruity scent is divine. naturallclub 3. Naturall Club Nourishing Avocado Leave-in Conditioner With Kiwi
This fast-absorbing conditioner is infused with avocado oil, which is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, as well as protein and kiwi, which promotes blood circulation in the scalp. Thanks to its foamy consistency, you don’t have to worry about your hair feeling weighed down. Camille Rose 4. Camille Rose Curl Love Moisture Milk
Calling all low-porosity 4C girls: This leave-in features rice milk and vitamins B, C and E, which strengthen the hair shaft, as well as humectants like aloe vera and slippery elm. Another star ingredient is rosehip, which protects your hair against sun damage and dehydration. TGIN 5. Tgin Miracle Repairx Protective Leave-in Conditioner
If you struggle with retaining length, you may want to give this leave-in a try. The lightweight formula boosts moisture, promotes hair growth and adds definition to your kinks by way of biotin and black castor oil. Mielle Organics 6. Mielle Organics Pomegranate & Honey Leave-in Conditioner
Designed specifically for 4C coils, this leave-in boasts hydrating ingredients like pomegranate extract, honey and babassu oil, which add softness and prevent breakage. The formula also helps to prevent frizz and adds shine to lackluster locks. Soultanicals 7. Soultanicals Knot Sauce Coil Detangler
We’ve seen enough five-star reviews to know that this knot sauce works like magic on even the most tangled coils, so if you struggle with detangling on wash day, get yourself a bottle. The creamy conditioner includes humectants like flaxseed oil and aloe vera—and as a bonus, it’ll leave your hair smelling like vanilla cake batter. Adwoa 8. Adwoa Beauty Baomint Leave-in Conditioning Styler
Lavender oil, rosemary leaf oil and nettle extract are just a few standout ingredients in this moisturizing leave-in, which aids in length retention and provides slip for detangling. Satisfied customers also rave about how the formula leaves their hair feeling super soft and shiny. MIZANI 9. Mizani 25 Miracle Milk Leave-in Conditioner
This is the product you want to use if you intend to heat-style your hair after wash day. The hydrating spray contains fennel seed oil, which strengthens your strands and prevents breakage, and coconut oil, which moisturizes and adds shine. Yadain 10. Yadain Hair Freshener & Conditioner: Shine & GlowBest for: Dryness Customer review: “As soon as I added this product to my hair regime…my hair completely 100% stopped shedding. Not just "less shedding," no more hair shedding! I'll never use anything else.” Yadain is one brand that you don’t want to sleep on, thanks to their all-natural and organic recipes. Among their most popular products is the antibacterial and antifungal Shine & Glow conditioner, which helps heal the scalp and keeps coils fresh several days after washing. Plus, it’s infused with ingredients like almond oil, tea tree oil and sage leaf. Shedavi 11. Shedavi Crowned Moisturizing Conditioner
This moisturizing leave-in is formulated with aloe vera, agave and hibiscus, making it a staple for parched and brittle 4C curls. The product also doubles as a lightweight styler and can help with curl definition. Oyin 12. Oyin Handmade Whipped Pudding Rich Natural Moisture Cream
Packed with nourishing ingredients like shea butter, aloe vera gel, cocoa butter and castor oil, this thick, multi-use pudding is deeply hydrating and absorbs quickly, leaving your hair velvety smooth. It also works wonders on dry and calloused skin. More Stories You'll LoveCan I use leave in conditioner for low porosity hair?The thing with low porosity hair is that it contains a lot of protein. Sometimes, people think this hair type doesn't need a leave-in conditioner. But it does! Low porosity hair can get frizzy, dry, tangly, or even damaged, so a good leave-in conditioner is required.
How often should low porosity hair use leave in conditioner?Low-Porosity Hair. Use leave-in conditioners one to two times a month with a clarifying shampoo. For best results, use a clarifying shampoo, which ensures you remove any of the excess oil or product build-up that's common with this hair type.
What conditioner is best for low porosity?Shea Moisture Baobab & Tea Tree Oils Low Porosity Protein-Free Conditioner. This conditioner is ideal for low porosity curls and coils. It also promotes scalp health. This lightweight conditioner softens hair and improves its manageability.
Is argan oil leave in conditioner good for low porosity hair?Argan oil is suitable for low porosity hair due to its deep and intensive moisturizing traits. The protective layer of the oil secures moisture until it is rinsed out. Argan oil carries key components like vitamins A and E, carotenoids, and 80% unsaturated fatty acids, which are beneficial for your hair and skin.
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