These 10 Products Will Level Up Your 4b Hair

Hi, hello, hey—do you know what your curl type is? Oh wait, I'm sorry—did you think that you could put just any random curl product on your hair? I've had to learn the hard way that, yes, curl type absolutely matters when figuring out the best styling products for your hair. Basically, your curl type and texture is the guiding light when it comes to styling your hair and making it look happy, bouncy, and healthy. And considering you clicked on this story, I'm guessing you probably think you have type 4b hair.

So whether you need a refresher on all things 4b, or you're a complete newb to the world of curls types, I've got you covered. Keep scrolling for the answers to all your burning questions, plus the very best 4b hair products that'll help your curls live their best life.

What does it mean to have 4b hair?

If you've got 4b hair (here's a chart in case you need to double check), your curls are densely packed and bend at sharp zig-zag angles, kind of like the letter Z. 4b hair is a little less defined than type 3 hair, and the texture is hella varied—it can range from super-fine spirals to tight, coarse curls.

What are the best products for 4b hair?

4b hair is drier than other curl types. Translation: Your hair is extra prone to shrinkage and breakage. (Trust me, I feel your pain.) But, TBH, all that really means is that you want to load your hair up with products that'll hydrate, define, and stretch your curls without weighing them down (think: leave-in masks, cleansing conditioners, and lightweight oils). It's also important to consider your hair porosity before you start adding any curl products to your cart.

Porosity is your hair's capacity to get—and stay—hydrated. High-porosity hair soaks up moisture like a sponge, but the hydration doesn't last for long, so you'll need richer products to keep your hair bouncy and healthy. On the flip side, low-porosity hair has a tough time soaking anything up, so a lot of times, products will just coat your curls rather than being absorbed. This means that you'll need lightweight and hydrating curl products to keep your hair perky and moisturized. (Still have no idea WTF I'm talking about? You can take a quiz here.)

There's no manual for figuring out your hair's unique product cocktail—it takes a ton of patience, trial, and error. I know, that sucks to hear, but I swear it's so worth it once you finally nail down a routine. And don't stress out, because there are a ton of good recs for you below.

How do you apply products to 4b hair?

TBH, there's no set rules when it comes to apply products to 4b hair, but if you're looking for a starting point, the LOC method (aka when you apply a leave-in, an oil, and then a cream) is an excellent first step. Here's what you'll do:

• Split your hair into two sections when shampooing, and then use your fingers to rake the shampoo through your curls. Once you rinse out all of your shampoo, separate the sections of hair in half (you'll have four sections total) and smooth a palmful of conditioner through each quadrant.
• Divide your curls into sections and rake a golf-ball sized amount of your leave-in conditioner through each section. P.S. Only detangle your 4b hair while it's wet—trying to brush out knots and tangles on dry hair is a recipe for breakage.
• Smooth a thin layer of oil through each section of hair. This helps to lock in all that moisture from your leave-in conditioner.
• Work a curl cream through your hair. Yes, more moisture, but your hair is drier than most, remember? Make sure you pick a curl cream that fits best with the hairstyle you're going for. Think: If you're doing a wash and go, pick a cream that'll give you definition. Opting for flat twists or a slicked-back bun? You'll want a more lightweight cream that won't add too much hold.

Are these 4b hair products Curly Girl Method approved?

If you're a Curly Girl Method devotee (the styling approach that replaces harsh ingredients with gentle products and techniques), you'll definitely find a few safe products on this list. But don't forget to double check the ingredients before you slap any of these bbs on your curls, alright?

Now, let's get to what you really came here for. Keep reading for the 10 best 4b hair products to add to your routine.