The Best Products for 4C Hair That'll Have Your Curls Looking Flawless

You may be a curl pattern aficionado who knows her own unique blend of 4C and 4B hair to a tee. But for some of us the basics aren’t quite tha...basic. We have major questions: What is 4C hair, exactly? How do I know if I have it? And what products do I use to take care of it?

Hair that is 4C patterned is the tightest curl. “To tell if you have 4C hair, wet it to get it to its natural state (which is the the only way you can see your true curl pattern) and compare it to a curl chart,” says Stacey Ciceron, hair stylist and Oribe Brand Ambassador.

Because of the coiled shape of the strand, oil from the scalp can’t travel down its the length of the hair. So 4C hair tends to be the driest. Ciceron recommends looking for shampoos and products that provide a lot of moisture, protection and deep conditioning. “It’s important to look for ingredients that are hydrating and will seal the hair, like humectants, glycerin, honey, and butters. Avoid heavy waxes, parabens, sodium chloride, alcohols and anything that dries or coats the hair,” says Ciceron.

Also, remember your curl pattern does not determine other characteristics of your hair, like hair thickness, which describes its fineness (thin strands) or coarseness (thick strands). 4C hair can be anywhere on that spectrum. “My number one tip would be to know and understand your hair,” she says, suggesting you determine your hair density and porosity, which refers to its ability to absorb moisture. To get to know your hair, you can start by experimenting with some of these expert-approved (and tested) 4C curly hair products.