Trust: Your 4a Hair Needs These 9 Products

Fact: When it comes to styling 4a hair—or, really, any type of hair—you already know that throwing together a random assortment of styling products and treatments isn't going to cut it. The easiest way to define your curl pattern is by making sure you're loading up on the right ingredients (hydrating oils) and avoiding the wrong ones (stripping sulfates). But that's easier said than done obvs, which is why we tapped hairstylist and natural hair expert Jasmine "Jazzee" Santiago to find out the very best products for 4a hair—and, more importantly, the smartest ways to apply ’em.

What is 4a hair?

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.
• Low-porosity hair, on the other hand, repels moisture, so products tend to sit on the surface and never really absorb into your hair. It’s best to treat low-porosity hair with products that are super lightweight yet deeply hydrating.

The easiest way to figure out your hair’s porosity? Take a porosity quiz and start cocktailing products until you find your match. There’s definitely a bit of trial and error that goes into this, but it’s important to remember that there’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to haircare routines. Don't worry though—we've got some recommendations for you below.

What are the best products for 4a hair?

In general, 4a hair types should look toward creams, gels, and oils—all of which are great for both hydrating and defining hair. But according to Santiago, what’s even more important than the type of products you use on 4a hair is the way you apply them and how frequently you do it. Here's a couple pointers you should keep in mind:

• 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.
• Pay attention to what your hair needs. Remember: 4a hair can probably go a little bit longer between washes than types 4b/4c, since it doesn’t get dried out quite as easily, but you still need to tune into what your specific hair needs (i.e., don’t stick to any hard and fast rules, like always waiting three days between each wash). Basically, just listen to your hair, says Santiago. "When it feels or looks dry, that's when it’s time to rinse and condition.”
• Dry with care. Your drying routine is totally personal preference—some people like to air-dry, others like to sit under a hooded dryer or diffuse. If diffusing, Santiago says you’ll want to remain super still and avoid any scrunching during the process. “You want to hover the diffuser around your head, instead of scrunching it up and into your hair," she says. "Scrunching is going to leave you with shrinkage and potential knots."

Are these products Curly Girl Method-approved?

Real quick: The Curly Girl Method (CGM) is a styling guide that swaps harsh, damaging ingredients for super gentle and hydrating ones. Some of the below products are CGM-friendly—but just make sure you check the ingredients list (this scanner makes it v easy) before you use anything. Better safe than sorry.

K, now what you really came here for. Keep scrolling for the nine best products for 4a hair, including cleansing conditioners, leave-ins, gels, and so much more.