“4a hair is the best type of hair!”. As someone with 4a hair, I can attest to the fact that it is indeed the best type of hair. Not only is it beautiful and unique, but it is also strong and resilient. With the right products and care, 4a hair can be healthy and thrive.
Here are some of the best products for 4a hair, as well as the best ways to use them.
The Best Products for 4a Hair
What is 4a hair?
4a hair is a beautiful, unique hair type that can be tricky to manage if you don’t know how to properly care for it. In this blog post, we’re going to give you some essential tips for taking care of 4a hair so that you can make the most of your beautiful locks.
First things first: 4a hair is typically defined by its tight, small coils that form an S-shaped pattern when stretched. “4a hair can look pretty coarse, but it’s actually quite soft when it’s moisturized and taken care of,” says Santiago.
And even though 4a hair does retain moisture better than types 4b/4c, it still needs a consistent routine of hydrating products (think: creams, oils, and gels)—especially if you’re looking to keep your hair stretched and/or trying to mitigate breakage. “The objective of any curly hair routine is to prevent your hair from drying out, otherwise you risk damage, tangling, and shrinking,” says Santiago.
Btw, in addition to understanding your curl type, it’s also important to know your hair’s porosity (aka your hair’s ability to absorb and maintain moisture). Here’s the gist:
High-porosity hair soaks up moisture like a sponge, but it also loses that moisture pretty fast, meaning it does best with thicker, richer hair products that’ll seal moisture in.
Conditioner is always a good idea for 4a hair, but deep conditioners are key to maintaining moisture levels. Try to deep condition your hair at least once a week, and be sure to use a heat cap or steam towel to open up your hair’s cuticle and help the product penetrate.
When it comes to styling, look for products that are specifically designed for 4a hair. These products will help to add moisture and definition to your curls without weighing them down. And as always, be sure to use a leave-in conditioner before styling to help protect your hair from heat damage.
What are the best products for 4a hair?
When it comes to 4a hair, creams, gels, and oils are your best bet for both hydration and definition. But according to Santiago, how you apply them is even more important than the products you use. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Apply products to damp, not wet, hair.
- Start with a small amount of product and build up as needed.
- Be mindful of how often you’re applying products.
Here are some of the best products for 4a hair:
1. Eden BodyWorks Coconut Shea Curl Defining Creme
A great curl cream is a must-have for 4a hair, and this one from Eden BodyWorks does the job perfectly. It’s formulated with coconut oil, shea butter, aloe, and avocado oil—all of which help moisturize and define your coils without weighing them down. Just finger-rake a quarter-sized dollop through wet hair until your head is completely saturated (psst—that includes your hairline, ends, and nape of your neck).
Pros
- Affordable
- Large Quantity
- Creamy Texture
- Easily Defines Curls
Cons
- Non-Moisturizing (Read Below)
2. Tgin Green Tea Super Moist Leave In Conditioner
This leave-in conditioner is perfect for 4a hair types that tend to be on the drier side. Before you layer on your curl cream, apply this conditioner to soaking wet hair. Even though it’s lightweight, the formula is still very hydrating, thanks to hair-smoothing ingredients like green tea, argan oil, and shea butter.
FAQs
1. What is the Tgin Green Tea Super Moist Leave In Conditioner?
The Tgin Green Tea Super Moist Leave In Conditioner is a leave-in conditioner that is designed to hydrate and nourish 4a hair.
2. How do I use the Tgin Green Tea Super Moist Leave In Conditioner?
To use the Tgin Green Tea Super Moist Leave In Conditioner, simply apply it to clean, damp hair and style as usual.
3. What are the benefits of using the Tgin Green Tea Super Moist Leave In Conditioner?
The Tgin Green Tea Super Moist Leave In Conditioner is packed with antioxidants and nutrients that help to hydrate and nourish the hair. This leave-in conditioner also helps to detangle the hair, making it easier to style.
4. Is the Tgin Green Tea Super Moist Leave In Conditioner suitable for all hair types?
The Tgin Green Tea Super Moist Leave In Conditioner is suitable for all hair types, but it is particularly beneficial for 4a hair.
5. How often can I use the Tgin Green Tea Super Moist Leave In Conditioner?
You can use the Tgin Green Tea Super Moist Leave In Conditioner as often as you like.
3. Kinky Curly Original Curling Custard
Santiago says that using a curl-defining gel is the best way to get perfect corkscrews. To use it, divide your hair into quadrants and rub a dollop of the gel between your hands. Then, rake it through your hair and coil small sections around your fingers. Make sure your hair is saturated and defined before moving on.
4. Design Essentials Natural Almond & Avocado Curl Enhancing Mousse
“Santiago says that mousse is also great for defining 4a hair—so long as you layer it on top of your leave-in conditioner to prevent any dryness. This one from Design Essentials has a hydrating blend of sweet almond oil, avocado, and vitamin B for moisture and shine that actually lasts.”
5. SheaMoisture 100% Virgin Coconut Oil Daily Hydrating Conditioner
Just so you know, using a cleansing conditioner doesn’t mean you can skip out on regular conditioner. After cleansing or rinsing, work this coconut oil formula through your hair from roots to ends, gently detangling with a wide-tooth comb. This product is super lightweight—so you don’t have to worry about any greasy residues.
6. Camille Rose Algae Renew Deep Conditioner
Every couple weeks, finish off your cleansing and conditioning routine with this deep treatment from Camille Rose, which is formulated with rich mango butter and coconut oil for extra hydration. For super-dry 4a hair, throw a plastic cap on your head and sit under a steamer or hooded dryer for 30 minutes while the formula does its thing. This will help to restore moisture and protect your strands from future damage.
7. Conair 1875 Watt Pro Style Bonnet Ionic Hair Dryer
Bonnet hair dryers are good for 4a hair because they dry the hair quickly and evenly. This Conair model is compact and affordable, making it a good choice for people with different hair types. Santiago says that 20 minutes is all you need to dry your hair completely. If you have time, you can also air-dry your hair.
The best ways to use the products for 4a hair:
- Moisturizing Shampoo and Conditioner:
4a hair tends to be on the drier side, so it is important to use products that will moisturize and hydrate the hair. Look for shampoo and conditioner formulas that contain hydrating ingredients like oils and butters.
- Leave-In Conditioner:
A leave-in conditioner is a must for 4a hair. It will help to detangle and moisturize the hair, making it easier to style.
- Curl Cream:
A curl cream is a great styling product for 4a hair. It will help to define and shape the curls, and can also be used to tame frizz.
- Hair Oil:
Hair oil is another great product for 4a hair. It can be used to moisturize the hair, as well as to protect it from heat damage.
- Heat Protectant:
If you plan on using heat styling tools, it is important to use a heat protectant. This will help to prevent damage to the hair.
When it comes to styling 4a hair, the most important thing is to use products that will moisturize and hydrate the hair. Leave-in conditioner, curl cream, and hair oil are all great options. And don’t forget to use a heat protectant if you plan on using any heat styling tools.
Tips for 4a hair:
If you have 4a hair, you know that achieving defined, frizz-free curls can be a bit of a challenge. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Here are our top tips for getting defined, gorgeous 4a curls.
1. Always apply your products to soaking wet hair. “This is the easiest way to get super-defined curls,” says Santiago, who suggests styling your hair directly in the shower—no blotting with microfiber towels or t-shirts, pls—to avoid pulling out your curl pattern or creating tangles.
2. Use a leave-in conditioner. Leave-in conditioner is a must for 4a hair, which tends to be on the drier side. Look for a leave-in that’s packed with moisture- boosting ingredients like glycerin or aloe vera.
3. Try a curl-defining cream. Curl-defining cream is a great option for 4a hair, as it will help to enhance your natural curl pattern and add definition.
4. Use a diffuser. If you’re using a curling iron or blow dryer to style your hair, be sure to use a diffuser attachment. This will help to minimize frizz and maximize definition.
5. Embrace your natural texture. The key to getting defined, gorgeous 4a curls is to embrace your natural texture. Don’t try to fight it or straighten it out—just let your beautiful curls do their thing.
Finally, don’t forget about the power of protective styles. Styles like braids and twists can help to stretch your hair and give your scalp a much-needed break from daily styling. And when you do style your hair, be sure to use gentle, downward motions to avoid damaging your delicate curls.
With these tips, you’ll be on your way to rockin’ gorgeous 4a hair in no time!
