Do you have 4c hair? If so, you know that it can be a challenge to moisturize 4c hair. 4c natural hair tends to be dry and thirsty. In this blog post, we will discuss 15 different ways that can help keep your tresses moisturized! We will also provide tips on choosing the right products for your hair type. So whether you are just starting with 4c natural hair or you have been dealing with it for years, these tips will help you keep your strands healthy and happy!
Let’s get right into it!
Out 15 best tips to moisturize 4c hair include:
- Hydrate from the inside out
- Regularly spritz water on your hair
- Deep condition your hair regularly
- Don’t neglect to condition your hair
- Be careful not to over-shampoo your hair
- Do the LOC or LCO method to seal in moisture
- Use water-based moisturizers
- Minimize the use of heat styling tools
- Opt for sulphate & paraben free haircare products
- Use a satin bonnet & pillowcase to protect your hair at night
- Wear protective styles
- Pre-poo before washes
- Avoid using hot water when washing your hair
- Use hot oil treatments regularly
- Trim your hair regularly
1. Hydrate from the inside out
One of the best ways to keep your hair moisturized is to drink plenty of water.
When you are hydrated, your body will send more moisture to your skin and hair.
The recommended daily water intake is about 2 liters, but you may need more or less depending on the climate you live in and your activity level.
You can also eat foods high in water content, such as cucumbers and watermelon.
2. Regularly spritz water on your hair
Another way to moisturize 4c hair is to spritz it with water regularly. Water is a natural moisturizer, and it also helps to detangle your hair.
Hair needs water to maintain elasticity, and without it, your strands will be more prone to breakage.
Use a water bottle with a spray nozzle to spritz your hair throughout the day. You can also add a few drops of oil or conditioner to the water for extra moisture.
Just add the ingredients to a spray bottle and shake it up. Then, mist your hair whenever it feels dry.
3. Deep condition your hair regularly
Regular deep conditioning is another critical step in maintaining moisture in your hair.
The primary purpose of deep conditioners is to penetrate the hair shaft and provide intense hydration.
It is especially important for those with natural 4c hair, as it is more prone to dryness.
Be sure to deep condition your hair at least once a week. And if you have the time, you can even do it more often.
There are primarily two types: moisturizing and protein deep conditioners.
Moisturizing deep conditioners contain ingredients that add moisture to the hair, such as oils and butters. Protein deep conditioners contain ingredients that help repair and strengthen the hair shaft, such as eggs and keratin.
If you have:
- Dry hair, you should use a moisturizing deep conditioner regularly
- Brittle or damaged hair, you should use a protein deep conditioner more often
There are many different ways to deep condition your hair. Apply the conditioner from the ends to the roots. You can leave it on for a while with a plastic cap or sit under a hooded dryer for better penetration.
Some of our favourite moisturizing deep conditioners include:
- Camille Rose Naturals Algae Renew Deep Conditioner
- TGIN Honey Miracle Hair Mask
- SheaMoisture Manuka Honey & Mafura Oil Intensive Hydration Hair Masque
4. Don’t neglect to condition your hair
In addition to deep conditioning, you should also condition your hair regularly. A moisturizing conditioner will add moisture to your hair and help to detangle it.
Conditioning your hair helps keep it healthy, strong, and shiny. It is best to apply the conditioner after shampooing and rinsing your hair. Leave it in for about three minutes, then rinse it out.
5. Be careful not to over-shampoo your hair
One common mistake people make is shampooing their hair too often. Shampoo strips the hair of its natural oils, leading to dryness and breakage.
If you have an oily scalp, you may need to shampoo more often to control the oil. But if your hair is dry, you should only shampoo once or twice a week. When you do shampoo, be sure to follow up with a conditioner.
Also, consider co-washing to keep your 4c hair moisturized and healthy
Co-washing is a method of cleansing your hair with conditioner instead of shampoo. It is a good option for dry or damaged hair because it is more gentle and will not strip the hair of its natural oils.
Co-washing can also help to add moisture to your hair. If you co-wash regularly, be sure to use a clarifying shampoo every few weeks to remove build-up.
6. Do the LOC or LCO method to seal in moisture
The LOC (liquid, oil, cream) or LCO (liquid, cream, oil) methods are great ways to moisturize your 4c hair.
This method involves applying products in the order listed:
- Liquid: water or a water-based product, such as a Leave-in conditioner
- Oil: any oil, such as olive oil or coconut oil
- Cream: any cream, such as a butter or cream moisturizer
The order is important because it helps the products penetrate better and stay locked in your hair strands for longer.
The LCO method starts with the liquid, the cream, and the oil comes last.
The LCO method works best for low porosity hair types. For low porosity hair, the cuticles remain closed, and products do not absorb readily into the hair shaft. Applying cream before oil ensures that the products will not slip off the hair strands.
For the LOC method, first, apply the liquid to damp hair. Then, add the oil and massage it into your scalp and hair. Finally, add the cream to seal in the moisture.
The LOC method is most suitable for high porosity hair types. Cuticles for this hair type remain open and readily absorb moisture. Thus high porosity hair is prone to over-hydration. Using oil to seal the liquid can help prevent excessive moisture from entering the strands.
Both of these methods are excellent ways to moisturize your 4c hair.
7. Use water-based moisturizers
Water is the best way to hydrate and moisturize your 4c hair. And as such, a good moisturizer should include water as its main ingredient.
An effective moisturizer should also include other ingredients, such as:
- Humectants, which help to attract and retain moisture, e.g., honey, glycerin, panthenol, agave
- Oils and butters, which are great for sealing in moisture, e.g., jojoba oil, Argan oil, shea butter
Some good examples of water-based moisturizers include:
- TGIN Butter Cream Daily Moisturizer for Natural Hair
- Camille Rose Naturals Honey Leave-In Treatment
- As I Am Naturally Leave-In Conditioner
These products will add much-needed moisture to your hair and help to keep it hydrated.
8. Minimize the use of heat styling tools
Heat styling tools help achieve a particular look, but they can be very damaging and dry out the hair.
Tools such as blow dryers and flat irons can cause the hair to become dry, brittle, and prone to breakage. And once moisture is stripped off your strands by styling tools, it becomes difficult to put it back.
To maintain healthy and moisturized 4c hair, avoid applying heat to your hair at all costs. Explore using heatless styling methods such as braid-outs, twist-outs, and rod sets.
If you must use heat styling tools, try to use them on the lowest setting and for the shortest amount of time possible. Also, be sure to use a heat protectant and a good moisturizing conditioner.
9. Opt for sulphate & paraben free haircare products
Sulphates and parabens are two ingredients you should avoid in your hair care products.
Sulphates are a detergent often used in shampoos and other hair care products. It is a harsh ingredient that can strip the hair of its natural oils, leading to dryness and breakage.
Parabens are a type of preservative often found in beauty products. It can be toxic and linked to illnesses such as cancer.
There are many sulphate and paraben-free hair care products on the market today. So if you’re looking for something more gentle on your hair, opt for a product that doesn’t contain these ingredients.
Be sure to read the ingredients list before purchasing.
10. Use a satin bonnet & pillowcase to protect your hair at night
Another way to keep your hair moisturized is to use a satin bonnet or pillowcase.
Satin’s smooth and slippery surface helps to reduce friction and prevents your hair from becoming tangled and matted during the night. It is especially important for those with natural 4c hair, as it is more prone to tangling and breakage.
This fabric is also less drying than others, such as cotton. And as such, it will help maintain your hair’s moisture while you sleep.
Satin bonnets and pillowcases are also great for preventing frizz and preserving your hairstyle.
So if you’re not using a satin bonnet or pillowcase, be sure to switch out your regular pillowcase for a satin one.
11. Wear protective styles
Protective styles are hairstyles that help to protect your hair from damage. Hair is constantly prone to damage from the sun, wind, and other elements.
Over-styling and over-manipulation are also other common causes of hair damage.
Protective styles help to reduce this exposure and keep your 4c hair healthy and moisturized.
You can try many different protective styles, including braids, weaves, wigs, twists, and buns.
When done correctly, these styles can help to minimize breakage and dryness. Choose the style that is best suited for your hair type and lifestyle.
Be sure to moisturize your hair before and after installing a protective style. It will help to keep your hair hydrated and prevent breakage.
12. Pre-poo before washes
One way to help moisturize your 4c hair is to pre-poo before washing it.
Pre-poo is an abbreviation for the term “pre-shampoo.” It is the process of applying a moisturizing treatment to your hair before shampooing.
This step helps protect your hair from the harshness of shampoo and restores moisture into the hair.
Other benefits of pre-pooing include:
- Help to detangle strands and reduce hair breakage
- Reduces scalp dryness
- Adds shine and luster to the hair
There are many different ways that you can pre-poo your hair. You can use a store-bought or homemade treatment.
Some popular pre-poo treatments include: oiling your hair with a natural oil such as coconut oil, olive oil, castor oil, using a deep conditioner, or using a store-purchased pre-shampoo treatment.
Whichever method you choose, be sure to apply it to your hair for at least 30 minutes before washing it out.
13. Avoid using hot water when washing your hair
Hot water can be very drying for the hair and can cause it to become brittle and dry.
When washing your hair, be sure to use lukewarm or cool water instead. It will help preserve your hair’s moisture and prevent it from becoming dry and brittle.
In addition to using cooler water, try not to wash your hair too often. Washing your hair too frequently can also strip it of its natural oils, causing it to become dry and brittle.
If your scalp is oily, you may need to wash it more frequently. But if your hair is on the drier side, aim to wash it at most once a week.
14. Use hot oil treatments regularly
Hot oil treatments are a great way to moisturize your 4c hair and prevent damage.
They help replenish the natural oils stripped from the hair by shampoos, natural elements, and heat styling tools.
You can do hot oil treatments at home or at a salon.
If you’re doing it at home, be sure to use a good quality oil such as coconut, olive, or jojoba oil.
Apply the oil to your hair and scalp and massage it for several minutes.
Cover your hair with a plastic cap and apply heat using a hot towel or hairdryer.
Leave the treatment for 30 minutes to an hour before shampooing and conditioning as usual.
You can also do a hot oil treatment at the salon. It is often a more intensive treatment that will leave your hair feeling softer and more moisturized.
15. Trim your hair regularly
One way to reduce breakage and dry ends is to trim your hair regularly. If you have split ends, they will continue to split up the shaft of your hair, which can lead to breakage.
Trimming your hair also helps to keep it healthy and looking its best. How often you should trim your hair depends on how fast it grows and how damaged it is.
If your hair is healthy and grows quickly, you may only need to trim it every six to eight weeks. But if your hair is damaged and grows slowly, you may need to trim it every two or three months.
Bonus Tip #1: Be Patient!
It takes time to grow healthy, moisturized hair. So be patient and stick with these tips.
And most importantly, don’t forget to have fun with your hair! Healthy natural hair is beautiful, no matter the length.
Bonus Tip #2: Don’t forget about your diet
Your diet plays a role in the health of your hair. Eating foods high in vitamins and minerals will help keep your hair healthy and moisturized from the inside out.
FAQs on how to moisturize 4c hair
How to moisturize 4c hair at night?
There are a few things you can do to moisturize your hair at night:
- Apply a leave-in conditioner or cream to your hair before bed. It will help to lock in moisture and prevent your hair from becoming dry overnight
- Wrap your hair in a satin scarf or bonnet before going to bed. It will help to keep your hair from drying out and breaking overnight
- Use a silk pillowcase. Silk is a smooth fabric that helps to prevent your hair from tangling and breaking while you sleep
Can I moisturize my hair with just water?
Water is the best way to moisturize your hair. But you may also want to use oil or cream to help lock in that moisture. It is particularly essential if you have high porosity hair.
Leave-in conditioners are a great way to moisturize 4c hair because they contain water as well as oil and other ingredients that help to lock in moisture.
Just remember, a little goes a long way with leave-in conditioners. Start with a small amount and add more if needed.
How often should I moisturize my hair?
The frequency of re-moisturizing your hair will depend on the climate you live in and your hair type.
If you have high porosity hair, you will need to moisturize it more often than low porosity hair. High porosity hair is more prone to drying out and losing its natural oils.
On the other hand, low porosity hair is more resistant to moisture. It means that it can go longer without being moisturized.
If you live in a dry climate, you will need to moisturize your hair more often than if you live in a humid environment.
Dry climates can strip the natural oils from your hair, making it more prone to damage and breakage.
Humid climates help keep the hair hydrated and prevent it from becoming dry and brittle.
In general, it’s a good idea to moisturize your hair at least once a week. But if you have high porosity hair or live in a dry climate, you may need to do it more often.
How do I know if my product is moisturizing my hair?
The best way to tell if a product is working for you is to try it out for yourself.
Every person’s hair is different, so what works for one person may not work for another.
You may also want to look for products that contain ingredients like water, glycerin, and oil. These ingredients are known to help lock in moisture.
You can also try doing a strand test. It will help you to see how the product will affect your hair as a whole.
To perform a strand test, take a small section of hair from the front, back, or side of your head. Apply the product to the strand and then wait a few minutes.
If the strand feels soft and moisturized, the product works for you. If it feels dry or stiff, the product is unsuitable for you.
How to tell if my hair is moisturized?
The best way to tell if your hair is moisturized is to feel it. If it feels smooth and hydrated, then it is probably moisturized.
You can also test your hair’s moisture levels with a porosity test. A porosity test will tell you how well your hair can absorb and retain moisture.
To perform a porosity test, you will need a cup of water and a strand of your hair.
Drop the strand of hair into the cup of water.
If the hair floats on top of the water, it has low porosity and is resistant to moisture.
If the hair sinks to the bottom of the cup, it has high porosity and is prone to drying out.
Finally, if the hair floats somewhere in between, it has medium porosity and is average in its ability to absorb moisture.
Once you know your hair’s porosity, you can adjust your moisturizing routine accordingly.
If you have low porosity hair, you may need to use lighter products or apply them less often.
If you have high porosity hair, you may need to use heavier products or apply them more often.
Conclusion
There are a lot of different ways to moisturize your hair. But the best way to find what works for you is to experiment and see what gives you the best results.
Remember, every person’s hair is different, so what works for one person may not work for another.
And also, be sure to consider the climate you live in and your hair type.
So whether you’re looking for a leave-in conditioner or an all-natural moisturizer, there’s sure to be something out there that will work for you.
Just keep trying until you find what works best for you!