4C hair is often misunderstood, yet it’s one of the most versatile, beautiful and expressive hair textures. However, it also requires a tailored care routine to stay healthy, retain length, and thrive.

What makes 4C hair unique?

Type 4 hair is known for its tight curls and coils, but 4C stands out with the tightest curl pattern of them all. These strands can appear as mini coils, zig-zags, or even barely visible curl patterns due to shrinkage. While 4A and 4B may retain moisture and definition more easily, 4C hair is naturally more fragile and prone to dryness—but when properly cared for, it can be incredibly strong, long, and healthy.

1. Don't over-shampoo 4C hair

Washing your hair too often can strip it of its natural oils, leaving it dry and more susceptible to breakage. Since 4C hair is already dry-prone, limit shampooing to once every 2–3 weeks, unless you have heavy product buildup or sweat often.

👉🏾 Pro Tip: Use a sulfate-free, moisturizing shampoo, like our Moisturizing Coconut Shampoo, which gently cleanses without drying out your strands. If you need to refresh your scalp between washes, opt for a co-wash or a light rinse using a diluted apple cider vinegar mix.

2. Retain moisture

Moisture retention is the foundation of healthy 4C hair. Because of the tight curls, oils from the scalp have a hard time traveling down the hair shaft, making it easy for your ends to dry out. Oils like coconut oil and olive oil, shea butter are also effective in sealing moisture in your hair. And if you wear a protective hairstyle, don't forget to moisturize regularly !

Here’s how to lock in hydration:

• Start with a water-based leave-in (like our Leave-In Conditioner Spray)
• Seal with an oil or butter: shea butter, coconut oil, castor oil, or our Chebe Oil
• Focus on the LOC method (Leave-in, Oil, Cream) or LCO method (Leave-in, Cream, Oil), depending on your hair’s porosity

👉🏾 Bonus Tip: If you wear braids, twists or wigs, don’t skip moisturizing your hair underneath! Use a spray bottle mix of water + leave-in + oil for a quick refresh.

3. Avoid over-styling 4C hair

 Too much styling, touching, or tight hairstyles can cause tension and breakage, especially around the edges.

Low-manipulation styling ideas:

• Flat twists
• Bantu knots
• Loose buns
• Twists & braid-outs

Protective styles :

• Knotless braids
• Wigs (with a breathable cap and regular scalp care)
• Mini twists (avoid small micro-styles that cause stress on strands)

Give your hair rest periods between styles and always protect your edges with light oils or edge balms.

4. Detangle 4C hair... frequently !

Tight coils are more prone to knotting and tangling, especially at the ends. If you delay detangling, those tangles can cause severe breakage during styling or wash day.

Tips for effective detangling :

• Always detangle on damp hair, never dry.
• Apply a slippery product like a Leave-In Conditioner or Detangle Spray before you start.
• Use your fingers first, then a wide-tooth comb or detangling brush.
• Work in small sections, from ends to roots.

👉🏾 Pro Tip: Our Detangle Spray is specially formulated for tight curls – it melts away knots and minimizes shedding.

✨ Bonus Tips for Growth & Length Retention

Healthy hair starts from the inside out. In addition to your external routine:

• Eat a balanced diet rich in protein, iron, zinc, and vitamins (especially biotin and vitamin E)
• Stay hydrated – water fuels your follicles
• Massage your scalp 3–4 times a week with oils to stimulate blood flow and promote growth
• Sleep with a satin bonnet or pillowcase to avoid moisture loss and friction
• Trim your ends every 2–3 months to prevent split ends from traveling up the strand
  
  
  

4C hair is often labeled as “difficult,” but the truth is: it just needs a routine that respects its structure and needs. With the right care, your 4C hair can grow long, thick, and healthy while maintaining its incredible beauty.

Discover our full 4C Hair Care Collection