These Are the Best Hair Products to Define 4C Curls (2024)

These Are the Best Hair Products to Define 4C Curls (1)

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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.

Bets Shampoo for 4C Hair

DevaCurl No-Poo Decadence

These Are the Best Hair Products to Define 4C Curls (3)

Pros
  • These Are the Best Hair Products to Define 4C Curls (4)Highly hydrating
  • These Are the Best Hair Products to Define 4C Curls (5)Adds definition
  • These Are the Best Hair Products to Define 4C Curls (6)Mild formula
Cons
  • These Are the Best Hair Products to Define 4C Curls (7)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.

Best Cowash for 4C Hair

As I Am Coconut Cleansing Conditioner

These Are the Best Hair Products to Define 4C Curls (8)

Pros
  • These Are the Best Hair Products to Define 4C Curls (9)Very moisturizing
  • These Are the Best Hair Products to Define 4C Curls (10)Helps detangle knots
  • These Are the Best Hair Products to Define 4C Curls (11)Gentle enough for daily use
  • These Are the Best Hair Products to Define 4C Curls (12)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.

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    Best Conditioner for 4C Hair

    Pattern Heavy Conditioner for Coilies

    These Are the Best Hair Products to Define 4C Curls (13)

    Pros
    • These Are the Best Hair Products to Define 4C Curls (14)Rich formula for dry hair
    • These Are the Best Hair Products to Define 4C Curls (15)Intensely hydrating
    Cons
    • These Are the Best Hair Products to Define 4C Curls (16)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.

    Pros
    • These Are the Best Hair Products to Define 4C Curls (18)Adds shine
    • These Are the Best Hair Products to Define 4C Curls (19)Deeply moisturizes dry hair
    • These Are the Best Hair Products to Define 4C Curls (20)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.

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      Best Detangler for 4C Hair

      Kinky-Curly Knot Today Natural Leave-In Detangler

      These Are the Best Hair Products to Define 4C Curls (21)

      Pros
      • These Are the Best Hair Products to Define 4C Curls (22)Helps detangle hair with ease
      • These Are the Best Hair Products to Define 4C Curls (23)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.

        Best Leave-In Conditioner for 4C Hair

        It's a 10 Coily Miracle Leave-In

        These Are the Best Hair Products to Define 4C Curls (24)

        Pros
        • These Are the Best Hair Products to Define 4C Curls (25)Enhances shine
        • These Are the Best Hair Products to Define 4C Curls (26)Smooths strands
        • These Are the Best Hair Products to Define 4C Curls (27)Defines curl shape
        Cons
        • These Are the Best Hair Products to Define 4C Curls (28)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.

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        Best Curl Cream for 4C Hair

        Cantu Coconut Curling Cream

        These Are the Best Hair Products to Define 4C Curls (29)

        Now 13% Off

        Pros
        • These Are the Best Hair Products to Define 4C Curls (30)Helps soften strands
        • These Are the Best Hair Products to Define 4C Curls (31)Enhances curl styling
        • These Are the Best Hair Products to Define 4C Curls (32)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.

          Best Curl Butter for 4C Hair

          Thank God It's Natural Twist & Define Cream For Natural Hair

          These Are the Best Hair Products to Define 4C Curls (33)

          Pros
          • These Are the Best Hair Products to Define 4C Curls (34)Keeps style locked into place
          • These Are the Best Hair Products to Define 4C Curls (35)Makes hair soft to the touch
          Cons
          • These Are the Best Hair Products to Define 4C Curls (36)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.

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          Best Curl Refresher for 4C Hair

          Bumble and Bumble Curl Reactivator

          These Are the Best Hair Products to Define 4C Curls (37)

          Pros
          • These Are the Best Hair Products to Define 4C Curls (38)Helps reshape curls
          • These Are the Best Hair Products to Define 4C Curls (39)Softens strands
          • These Are the Best Hair Products to Define 4C Curls (40)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.

            Best Gel for 4C Hair

            R+Co Motorcycle Flexible Gel

            These Are the Best Hair Products to Define 4C Curls (41)

            Pros
            • These Are the Best Hair Products to Define 4C Curls (42)Has a soft, touchable hold
            • These Are the Best Hair Products to Define 4C Curls (43)Helps curls hold their shape
            Cons
            • These Are the Best Hair Products to Define 4C Curls (44)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.

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            Best Mousse for 4C Hair

            Camille Rose Spiked Honey Mousse

            These Are the Best Hair Products to Define 4C Curls (45)

            Pros
            • These Are the Best Hair Products to Define 4C Curls (46)Brings out the shape of coils
            • These Are the Best Hair Products to Define 4C Curls (47)Softening formula
            • These Are the Best Hair Products to Define 4C Curls (48)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.

              Best Serum for 4C Hair

              Joico K-PAK Protect & Shine Serum

              These Are the Best Hair Products to Define 4C Curls (49)

              Pros
              • These Are the Best Hair Products to Define 4C Curls (50)Lightweight formula
              • These Are the Best Hair Products to Define 4C Curls (51)Boosts shine
              • These Are the Best Hair Products to Define 4C Curls (52)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.

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                Best Edge Control for 4C Hair

                Mielle Organics Honey & Ginger Flexible Hold Edge Gel

                These Are the Best Hair Products to Define 4C Curls (53)

                Pros
                • These Are the Best Hair Products to Define 4C Curls (54)Soft, touchable finish
                • These Are the Best Hair Products to Define 4C Curls (55)Smooths down baby hairs
                Cons
                • These Are the Best Hair Products to Define 4C Curls (56)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.

                Best Oil for 4C Hair

                Melanin Haircare Multi-Use Pure Oil Blend

                These Are the Best Hair Products to Define 4C Curls (57)

                Pros
                • These Are the Best Hair Products to Define 4C Curls (58)Lightweight formula
                • These Are the Best Hair Products to Define 4C Curls (59)Multiple uses
                • These Are the Best Hair Products to Define 4C Curls (60)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.

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                  Best Curl Elongator for 4C Hair

                  Aunt Jackie's Don't Shrink Elongating Hair Curling Gel

                  These Are the Best Hair Products to Define 4C Curls (61)

                  Pros
                  • These Are the Best Hair Products to Define 4C Curls (62)Elongates tight, shriveled up coils
                  Cons
                  • These Are the Best Hair Products to Define 4C Curls (63)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.

                  These Are the Best Hair Products to Define 4C Curls (64)

                  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.

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