Oils for 4c hair can be hard to find. There are so many oils in the market, and it can be challenging to find the best one for you. We all know that oils are a great way to keep our hair healthy and moisturized. However, using the wrong oils can leave your hair feeling weighed down and looking greasy. This article will cover the best oils for 4c hair and give you tips on using them!
So let’s get right into it!
Our top 10 best oils for 4c hair are:
- Coconut oil
- Olive oil
- Avocado oil
- Babassu oil
- Jamaican black castor oil
- Grapeseed oil
- Jojoba oil
- Argan oil
- Sweet almond oil
- Marula oil
1. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is one of the best oils for 4c hair. It is an excellent moisturizer, combats frizz, and helps seal in moisture in your hair. Coconut oil is packed with antioxidants which are great for your hair’s health! You can use it on wet or dry hair, but it is especially beneficial when used as a hot oil treatment.
Coconut Oil Uses
- Pre-shampoo treatment: to help restore moisture and oils to the hair. Such treatments prevent shampoos from stripping all the oils from your strands and thus reduce breakage during washing.
- Deep conditioner: add coconut oil to your deep conditioner for an extra boost of moisture
- Hot oil treatment: coconut oil is great for hot oil treatments, as it helps to seal in moisture
- Scalp treatment: coconut oil can help to soothe an itchy scalp, reduce dandruff, and promote hair growth
What We Like
- Coconut oil contains fatty acids, Vitamin E, and antioxidants.
- The predominant fatty acid in coconut oil is lauric acid, easily absorbed into the hair shaft.
- Lauric acid helps prevent protein loss from hair and thus protects hair health.
- Vitamin E helps repair damage and reduce breakage, and the antioxidants protect both your scalp and hair.
- The antioxidants help protect the scalp and hair from environmental damage such as sun, pollution, and free radicals.
What We Don’t Like
- If you have thin or naturally oily hair, you may not want to use coconut oil because it can be greasy and weigh it down.
Best Coconut Oils:
- Okay | 100% Pure Coconut Oil
- Viva Naturals Organic Coconut Oil 16 Oz- Unrefined, Cold-Pressed Extra Virgin Coconut Oil
- Majestic Pure Fractionated Coconut Oil
2. Olive oil
Olive oil is another excellent oil for 4c hair. It is an ideal sealant to prevent loss of moisture and reduce frizz. It is a good addition to your deep conditioner, and you can use it as part of a hot oil treatment. Olive oil also contains antioxidants which are great for your hair health!
Olive Oil Uses
- Pre-shampoo treatment: olive oil restores oils into hair strands, acting as a lubricant to reduce breakage during washing.
- Hot oil treatment: olive oil is a carrier oil that you can mix with other oils to create a hot oil treatment.
- Frizz control: a small amount of olive oil applied to the hair can help to control frizz by coating and sealing the cuticles.
- LCO/LCO method: the LCO/LCO (Liquid, Cream, Oil) method is a popular way to moisturize natural hair. The liquid could be water or aloe vera juice; the cream is usually a leave-in conditioner, and oils seal moisture. Here olive oil can be used as the oil.
What We Like
- Olive oil contains oleic acid, palmitic acid, and squalene, all emollients. Emollients soften the hair.
- It is easily absorbed into hair strands and helps to retain hydration.
- Olive oil contains antioxidants such as vitamins E and K, which protect the scalp and hair from free radical damage.
- It acts as a lubricant to reduce friction and breakage during the shampooing process.
- Olive oil is readily available at local grocery stores and is inexpensive.
- It is an excellent carrier oil which means it can be mixed with other oils and used as a hot oil treatment.
What We Don’t Like
- It is not suitable for thinner hair as it tends to weigh it down.
- Excessive use can promote the growth of yeast that causes dandruff.
Best Olive Oils:
- OKAY | 100% Pure Olive Oil
- AmazonFresh Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- Any organic, cold-press olive oil available at your local store
3. Avocado Oil
Avocado oil is also one of the best oils for 4c hair. It is pressed cold from the fruit of the avocado tree. It is rich in vitamins A, B, and E, which help to promote hair growth. Avocado oil is primarily composed of monounsaturated fats and is an ideal sealant to help retain moisture in your hair.
Avocado Oil Uses
- Hot oil treatment: mix avocado oil with another oil, such as coconut oil or almond oil, and apply it to your hair for nourishing hot oil treatment.
- Protective style: use avocado oil as a sealant on your twists, braids, or locks to help retain moisture
- Moisturizer: add avocado oil to your conditioner, or use it as a stand-alone moisturizer
- Detangling agent: avocado oil provides excellent slip and thus can be used to detangle hair and remove knots
- Scalp treatment: avocado oil is ideal for the scalp as it helps to stimulate hair growth, moisturize the scalp, and fight against dandruff
What We Like
- It is one of the lighter oils and, therefore, suitable for both low and high porosity hair.
- Rich in oleic acid, which is an excellent emollient that helps to soften the hair while also being able to penetrate deeper into the scalp
- Effective in relieving scalp conditions such as psoriasis and flaky scalp
- It protects hair from natural elements and has antioxidants that act as a natural sunscreen.
- Promotes hair growth since it is rich in vitamins A, B, and E
- It is easily absorbed into hair strands and helps to retain hydration.
What We Don’t Like
- It can be a little expensive compared to some other oils.
Best Avocado Oils:
- Maple Holistics, 100% Pure Avocado Oil
- Majestic Pure Avocado Oil for Hair and Skin
- NOW Solutions, Avocado Oil, 100% Pure Moisturizing Oil
4. Babassu oil
Babassu oil is pressed from the seeds of a South American palm tree. It has a light, non-greasy feel and contains high levels of Lauric acid. Babassu oil is an emollient, so it can help to soften and moisturize your hair strands. It is also an excellent sealant for your hair and can help retain moisture.
Babassu oil is best comparable to coconut oil. It has a buttery texture and is solid at room temperature.
Babassu Oil Uses
- You can use babassu oil as a substitute for coconut oil.
What We Like
- Unlike coconut oil, babassu oil is lightweight and does not have a greasy feel.
- You can use it to seal in moisture on dry hair or mixed with other oils for hot oil treatments.
- It is not comedogenic and thus will not clog up your pores.
- One of the oils for 4c hair that provides excellent slip for detangling naturally curly hair
- It has a very faint smell, often referred to as the “unscented oil.”
- Composed of Lauric acid, which helps to reduce protein loss by coating each strand of your hair
- It is highly resistant to oxidation and thus can last for a long time if stored in a dark and cool place.
- Lauric acid is also anti-microbial and can help to reduce scalp conditions such as dandruff.
What We Don’t Like
- Babassu oil is not as readily available on the market.
- It can be a little expensive compared to some of the other oils.
Best Babassu Oils
- Babassu Oil by Velona – 4 oz | 100% Pure and Natural
- Dr. Adorable 8 Oz Babassu Oil
- Mayan’s Secret USDA Certified Organic Babassu oil.
5. Jamaican black castor oil
Jamaican black castor oil is made from Jamaican black castor beans. It contains Ricinoleic acid and is known for its hair growth properties.
Jamaican Black Castor Oil Uses
- Nourishing scalp mask: You can use Jamaican black castor oil to provide nourishment and hydration to your scalp. Add it to your deep conditioner or other hair products for a mask that will help you achieve healthier, more moisturized hair.
- Hair growth treatment: Jamaican black castor oil has been used for decades to stimulate hair growth by promoting healthy follicles. It increases skin elasticity and helps to boost blood circulation. If you have been experiencing hair loss, it might be good to try Jamaican black castor oil.
What We Like
- It contains Ricinoleic acid, a humectant that helps draw moisture into your hair.
- Ricinoleic acid also helps to increase blood circulation to the scalp and thus promote hair growth.
- A natural emollient, it can help to soften and moisturize your hair.
- A great sealant for dry, coarse hair that needs extra protection from the elements
- One of the oils for 4c hair that contains proteins to improve elasticity and flexibility
- It also can help treat scalp conditions such as dandruff, eczema, and psoriasis.
What We Don’t Like
- Maybe a little too heavy for fine, low porosity hair.
Jamaican Black Castor Oils
- Sunny Isle Jamaican Black Castor Oil, 8 Oz
- OKAY| Black Jamaican Castor Oil With Vitamin E
- iQ Natural Jamaican Black Castor Oil
- Tropic Isle Living – Jamaican Black Castor Oil
6. Argan oil
Argan oil (aka liquid gold) is made from the kernels of the Argan tree, which is found in Morocco. It is primarily Oleic acid, which makes Argan oil an emollient—being an emollient means that it can help soften and moisturize your hair strands.
Argan Oil Uses
- Argan Oil Hair Mask: Use a few drops of pure Argan oil and massage into scalp and hair. Leave in for 30 minutes or overnight and rinse with warm water.
- Hot Oil Treatment: Mix argan oil with your favorite deep conditioner and apply it to your hair. Cover with a plastic cap and sit under the dryer for 30 minutes or overnight. Wash and rinse as usual.
- Styling: You can use Argan oil as a leave-in conditioner or styling product. It can help moisturize dry hair and reduce frizz while taming frizzy flyaways.
What We Like
- It’s a light, non-greasy oil and thus can help to moisturize dry, coarse hair without weighing it down.
- Rich in antioxidants, vitamin E, and fatty acids.
- It helps strengthen and nourish hair while protecting it from damage and breakage.
- It can also help to re-hydrate your hair and make it softer while reducing frizz and flyaways.
- Safe to use on color-treated hair, so it is an excellent choice if you are looking for oils that do not strip away the dye
What We Don’t Like
- More likely to go rancid over time due to a high concentration of unsaturated oils
Argan Oils
- Organic Pure Argan Oil by Sky Organics 16 oz
- NOW Solutions Argan Oil, Moroccan,
- PURA D’OR Organic Moroccan Argan Oil
Other Related Articles:
- 17 Best Deep Conditioners for 4C Hair
- 21 Best Leave-In Conditioner for 4C Hair
- 20 Best Edge Control for 4C Hair
7. Jojoba oil
Jojoba oil is a liquid wax made from the jojoba plant. It is native to North America, and Native Americans have used it for centuries. It is a great hair moisturizer because it closely resembles your scalp’s natural oils (sebum).
Jojoba Oil Uses
- Leave-in Conditioner: Jojoba is known for its ability to penetrate your hair strand and lock in moisture. Add a few drops to your hair before styling.
- Hot Oil Treatment: Mix jojoba oil with your favorite deep conditioner and apply it to your hair. Cover with a plastic cap and sit under the dryer for 30 minutes or overnight. Wash and rinse as usual
- Scalp Massage: Apply a few drops of jojoba oil to your scalp and massage. Jojoba oil can help treat dry, itchy scalps and promote hair growth.
What We Like
- Non-greasy and will not weigh your hair down.
- It has a longer shelf life than most oils.
- Penetrates the hair shaft to moisturize dry, coarse hair
- It also contains fatty acids that moisturize and protect hair from styling heat damage.
- Extends the duration of colour-treated hair, as it does not strip away the dye
What We Don’t Like
- It can cause allergic reactions in some people.
Jojoba Oils
- NOW Solutions Jojoba Oil, Golden,
- Kate Blanc Organic Jojoba Oil, USDA Certified Organic
- Cliganic USDA Organic Jojoba Oil, 100% Pure
8. Grapeseed oil
This light, non-greasy oil for hair is made from the seeds of grapes. It is an excellent choice for those with fine hair, as it will not weigh your hair down.
Grapeseed Oil Uses
- Leave-in Conditioner: Hair quickly absorbs grapeseed oil, which helps to lock in moisture and hydrate dry strands. It is also light enough to use on color-treated hair.
- Frizz Control Spray: Combine a few drops of grapeseed oil with your favorite leave-in conditioner and spritz on to ends. You can also use it before blow-drying to help reduce frizz.
- Hot Oil Treatment: Mix grapeseed oil with your favorite deep conditioner and apply it to your hair. Cover with a plastic cap and sit under the dryer for 30 minutes or overnight. Wash and rinse as usual
What We Like
- It contains more Vitamin E than others, which promotes hair growth.
- Smooths and prevents split ends
- Lightweight and even penetrates dry hair to moisturize it.
- Treats dandruff due to its antiseptic and emollient properties
- Non-greasy and will not weigh your hair down.
- It’s also an excellent carrier oil as it mixes well with other oils.
What We Don’t Like
- It can cause allergic reactions in some people.
Grapeseed Oils
- NOW Solutions Grapeseed Oil,
- Seven Minerals Pure Cold Pressed Grapeseed Oil
- Organic Grapeseed Oil by Sky Organics
9. Sweet Almond Oil
This light, nutty oil is made from the dried kernels of almonds. Sweet almond oil is one of the best oils for your 4c hair. It is a fantastic choice for those with dry hair, as it helps to moisturize and nourish your strands.
Sweet Almond Oil Uses
- Hair Mask: Mix sweet almond oil with honey and apply it to your hair. Leave in for 30 minutes or overnight and rinse with cold water.
- Styling: You can use Sweet almond oil as a leave-in conditioner or styling product. It can help moisturize dry hair and reduce frizz while taming frizzy flyaways.
What We Like
- Lightweight oil that is not greasy
- Moisturizes dry hair without weighing it down
- Nourishes hair with vitamins A, B, and E
- It also helps to control frizz and flyaways.
What We Don’t Like
- It can cause allergic reactions in some people.
Sweet Almond Oils
- NOW Solutions Sweet Almond Oil
- Pure Body Naturals Sweet Almond Oil for Hair & Skin
- Handcraft Blends Sweet Almond Oil
10. Marula Oil
This oil is cold-pressed from the kernels of marula trees, which are native to Africa. It’s chock full of fatty acids that deeply moisturize your hair and promote healthy hair growth by strengthening strands. Marula oil is also an excellent choice for those with fine strands, as it will not weigh your hair down.
Marula Oil Uses
- Scalp treatment: Apply a few drops of marula oil to your scalp and massage in. Leave in overnight and rinse with warm water the following day.
- Frizz control: Marula oil is an excellent choice for those with frizzy hair. Add a few drops to your favorite leave-in conditioner or styling product and apply to the ends.
What We Like
- Deeply moisturizes hair without weighing it down
- Rich in vitamins A, C, and E
- It contains high levels of antioxidants
- Promotes healthy hair growth
- Non-greasy and will not weigh down fine strands
What We Don’t Like
- It could cause allergic reactions in some people.
Marula oils
- Organic Marula Oil by Sky Organics
- SVA Organics Marula Oil
- Premium Liquid Gold Marula Oil
Different Types of Oils
Moisturizing Oils
- A moisturizing oil is an oil that is applied to your hair to moisturize and nourish it. These oils are often light enough to be used on fine strands and can help to tame frizz and flyaways.
Sealing oils
- A sealing oil is an oil that is applied to your hair after you have moisturized it to seal in the moisture. Sealing oils are often heavier oils, such as shea butter or coconut oil, that help protect your hair from the elements.
Carrier Oils
- Carrier oils dilute essential oils before applying them to your skin or hair. They help make the essential oils more affordable and help them be absorbed by your skin or hair more quickly.
What To Look For in the Best Oils for 4C hair
- Cold Press: cold-pressed oils have been extracted from the fruit or seed using pressure rather than heat. This process helps to preserve the nutrients and antioxidants in the oil.
- Organic: organic oils have been grown without pesticides or other harmful chemicals.
- Unrefined: unrefined oils have not been exposed to heat or chemicals, which helps preserve their nutrients and antioxidants.
- Pure: pure oils have been extracted from the fruit or seed using a solvent-free method.