best oils for 4c hair
4c hair is known for its tight coils and kinks, which can dry out and get brittle very fast. In order to keep 4c hair healthy, it needs a lot of moisture. Ald oils are a great way to nourish your natural hair and promote healthy hair growth.
Whether you have high-porosity hair or low-porosity hair, choosing a natural hair oil can change the game for you.
To help you identify which oil will yield the best results, I tried out some of the best hair oils known to the natural hair community. In this post, I’m sharing the best oils for 4c hair.
Why does 4c hair need oil?
Because of the tight curl pattern of the 4c hair texture, natural oils produced by your own scalp have a harder time traveling down the hair shaft. As a result, 4c hair is more prone to breakage and damage.
In order to avoid that, using oils on 4c hair is important because they provide essential moisture and nourishment to your hair and scalp.
Oils help to seal in moisture and prevent water loss, which is especially important for type 4c hair. They also contain essential fatty acids, vitamin C, and minerals that help to strengthen your hair and improve its elasticity.
Incorporating oils into your 4c hair care routine can help you maintain your natural hair’s health, strength, and vitality.
Should I oil my 4c hair every day?
No, it is not necessary to oil your 4c hair every day. In fact, overusing oil can lead to product buildup, clogged pores, and a greasy appearance.
The frequency with which you should oil your 4c hair depends on your hair’s needs and your hair care routine. Things like your hair’s porosity, the climate you live in, and the products you use can all impact how often you need to oil your hair.
I recommended oiling your 4c hair a minimum of twice a week.
I have high porosity hair, so my hair and scalp will feel dry at times. That’s when I like to use the LOC method to give my natural hair a much-needed moisture boost. If you have low-porosity hair, you may need to lower the frequency to avoid product buildup or find light oils that won’t clog up your pores.
You can always adjust how often you use oil on your natural hair depending on how your hair responds.
What oil is best for 4c hair?
Before we get into the full list of the type of oils below, it makes sense to share a brand first. The best oil for 4c hair – is the Mielle Organics Rosemary Mint Scalp & Hair Strengthening Oil.
Thanks to the hype on TikTok, I tried it out and loved it. Despite my allergy to castor oil, I decided to stick it through and it’s quickly becoming one of my favorite hair care products.
It includes a powerhouse of hair and scalp-stimulating oils, such as rosemary, jojoba, and coconut oil. My personal favorite, however, is the peppermint which doesn’t just give it an amazing smell but also has a cooling effect on your scalp.
What oil helps 4c hair grow?
Jamaican Black Castor Oil
Hands down the best oil for 4c hair growth is Jamaican Black Castor Oil. It has become popular with black women, because of its ability to strengthen hair and lead to thick, long, and healthy hair.
The ricinoleic acid in Jamaican Black Castor Oil increases blood circulation to the scalp and the antioxidants support the keratin in your hair. This makes your hair stronger and less frizzy. And because of the Omega-6 and Omega-9 fatty acids in the oil, your scalp’s natural oils are replenished.
Jamaican Black Castor Oil is a great oil for dry hair ends because it successfully seals in moisture.
Best sealing oil for 4c hair
Jojoba Oil
The next oil that you should add to your 4c natural hair regimen is jojoba oil. It’s the ideal oil for a scalp treatment because of its Antioxidants and Vitamins A, D, and E. These don’t just help keep your scalp healthy but also promote new cell growth.
You can use the oil to nourish and condition your hair or to seal it as part of the loc method.
Another way to include jojoba oil in your hair routine is by simply adding a few drops into your daily hair spritz, consisting of oil, water, and a leave-in conditioner.
What essential oils are good for type 4 hair?
Rosemary oil
Another really good oil for hair growth and thickness that is often overlooked is rosemary oil. According to research, rosemary oil can reverse some of the most common reasons for hair loss due to testosterone. The oil strengthens blood circulation in the scalp which means more nutrition for your hair follicles.
Tea tree Oil
If you have sensitive skin, then Teatree oil is a great choice for you. Its antimicrobial properties make it an excellent remedy against itchiness and dandruff. The oil soothes inflammation caused by a dry scalp and promotes hair growth because it stimulates your hair follicles.
Peppermint oil
The last essential oil on the list is peppermint oil. Peppermint oil has very unique qualities, such as increased blood flow and oxygen supply. That increases the activity in your hair follicles and directly impacts hair growth.
Moreover, the menthol found in the oil has a cooling effect which reduces itchiness and addresses common hair challenges such as a dry scalp and hair loss.
Peppermint oil performs best when applied to the roots of your hair, where it can increase your blood circulation.
More great oils for 4c hair
Coconut oil for 4c hair
Coconut oil is called miracle oil for a good reason. Because there is hardly a part of your body that you can’t use it on. It gets deep into your hair follicles, which helps protect your hair from breakage and stimulates strong and healthy growth. This is the main reason why I like using coconut oil for my hot oil treatment bi-weekly.
In addition, the fatty acids found in coconut oil help remove sebum buildup and reduce protein loss. The oil is also great for treating dry or damaged hair, repairs and prevents split ends, and protects your hair from chlorine and saltwater, which makes it a great oil for pre-pooing your natural hair.
Argan oil for 4c hair
This Moroccan oil has gained quite a popularity with all hair types in recent years. Argan oil fights frizz softens the hair and gives it a beautiful glow. Thanks to Vitamin E, it effectively restores and renews your natural hair while it repairs hair damage.
Using Argan oil will enhance the elasticity of your 4c hair and help with hair breakage. It is also a great oil to use on dyed hair because it helps eliminate brittleness.
Baobab oil for 4c hair
Baobab oil is a nutrient-rich oil with many health benefits. Its collagen-producing properties will render your hair healthy, silky, and smooth while the abundant amount of antioxidants will keep your hair hydrated and strong.
It is the perfect oil to protect your hair from heat pollution and the sun and thanks to its lightweight and smooth textures it absorbs into your hair quickly.
Avocado oil for 4c hair
Compared to other oils, avocado oil is rich in non-saturated fats, which allows it to properly penetrate the hair shaft and moisturize your hair. The avocado fruit contains vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that promote hair growth and shine. The vitamin D in avocado oil makes for stronger and longer hair as it is essential for the generation of new hair follicles.
Olive Oil
Olive oil is one of my favorite oils for 4c hair. It’s a great moisturizer that helps prevent split ends and breakage. It’s especially great if you need a carrier oil to dilute one of your heavier oils. Olive oil is also rich in vitamin E, which helps to nourish your natural hair and promote healthy growth.
In addition, it is a great emollient, which means it helps to soften your hair and make it more manageable. Additionally, olive oil has anti-inflammatory properties that help to soothe the scalp and reduce dandruff.
How do I know if my 4c hair is high or low porosity?
Knowing the porosity level of your 4c hair is important as it can help you choose the right products and techniques that work best for your hair.
Luckily, there are a few ways to determine if your 4c hair is high or low porosity:
- The water test: Take a few strands of clean, dry hair and drop them into a bowl of water. If the hair sinks quickly, it is likely high porosity. If it takes a while to sink or floats on top, it is likely low porosity.
- The strand test: Take a strand of clean, dry hair and slide your fingers up the shaft from the ends towards the roots. If you feel bumps or roughness, it is likely high porosity. If the hair feels smooth, it is likely low porosity.
- The product test: If your hair quickly absorbs products, it is likely high porosity. If it takes a while for products to absorb or if products tend to sit on top of the hair, it is likely low porosity.
- The heat test: If your hair easily absorbs heat, it is likely high porosity. If it takes a long time to heat up or if the heat doesn’t seem to penetrate the hair, it is likely low porosity.
Once you determine your hair’s porosity level, you know which products and oils likely work for your hair.
What oil is best for low porosity 4c hair?
If you have low porosity 4c hair, then you’ll need to use lightweight oils, such as Grapeseed oil, Jojoba oil, and Argan oil, that can penetrate your hair shaft and moisturize your natural hair from within.
When using oil on low porosity 4c hair, it’s important that you apply it to damp hair to help it penetrate better. Additionally, avoid using too much oil, as this can weigh down your hair and make it greasy.
What oil is best for high porosity 4c hair?
If you have high porosity 4c hair, then you need to use oils that can help you seal in moisture and prevent moisture loss. Some good options are Castor oil, Olive oil, and Avocado oil.
When using oil on high porosity 4c hair, it is important to apply it to damp hair to help it seal in moisture. Remember that a little goes a long way and focus on applying the oil to the ends of your hair to prevent buildup on your scalp.
Peggy
Sunday 28th of August 2022
I need the best 4C oil for natural hair