According to the hair texture classification developed by André Walker in the 1990s, type 4C hair is characterized by very tight Z-shaped curls. These curls are thick and have beautiful volume!
However, despite their thickness, type 4C hair is often very dry because the sebum naturally produced by the scalp doesn't "travel" down the hair shaft due to the curl pattern. This makes 4C hair very fragile and prone to breakage.
The key to healthy curls? Hydration, hydration, and more hydration! Let's see how the right oils can help seal moisture into the hair shaft.
What Type of Oils Work Best For Coily Type 4 Hair?
Dryness, shrinkage, breakage... To manage all the hair issues encountered by type 4C hair, specific care is required. Among these, lightweight natural oils rich in essential fatty acids and proteins play a crucial role. They help maintain moisture within the hair shaft, protect the hair from external aggressions, and nourish it deeply.
Jojoba Oil: The Best Oil for Type 4C Hair
- Criteria #1: Its molecular structure is similar to human sebum, allowing for easy absorption without clogging pores or weighing down the hair.
- Criteria #2: It is rich in monounsaturated fatty acids, including gadoleic acid, which penetrates the hair shaft well, nourishing and hydrating the hair from within.
- Criteria #3: Its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties help maintain a healthy scalp, reducing inflammation and protecting against infections, which is crucial for type 4C hair that is often sensitive and prone to irritation.
Composed of 99% natural ingredients, CHÉRIBÉ Chébé Complex Growth Oil contains jojoba oil. Its dry texture is quickly absorbed by the hair shaft. It repairs, stimulates growth, and makes type 4C hair shine.
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Argan Oil
- Criteria #1: Rich in vitamin E, it protects hair from external aggressions and damage caused by free radicals.
- Criteria #2: Rich in essential fatty acids (omega-6 and omega-9), it nourishes and hydrates dry and damaged hair.
- Criteria #3: Its softening properties are ideal for curly and coily hair.
Rosemary Oil
- Criteria #1: Contains rosmarinic acid, which stimulates scalp blood circulation and thus the growth of new hair.
- Criteria #2: Its antimicrobial properties help keep the scalp healthy by fighting infections and dandruff.
- Criteria #3: Rich in antioxidants, it protects and strengthens hair, making it less prone to breakage.
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Coconut Oil
- Criteria #1: Loaded with moisturizing agents, its saturated fatty acids, especially lauric acid, penetrate deeply into the hair shaft.
- Criteria #2: Its antibacterial and antifungal properties protect the scalp from infections.
- Criteria #3: Forms a protective shield around the hair, reducing protein loss and protecting against external aggressions.
Grapeseed Oil
- Criteria #1: Non-greasy and lightweight, it is easily absorbed by the hair and doesn't weigh it down.
- Criteria #2: Rich in linoleic and oleic acids, it nourishes and hydrates hair deeply.
- Criteria #3: Packed with vitamin E and polyphenols, it protects hair from damage caused by free radicals.
Avocado Oil
- Criteria #1: Rich in oleic acid, it penetrates deeply into the hair shaft, providing long-lasting hydration.
- Criteria #2: Contains vitamins A, D, E, and B6, as well as minerals like magnesium and iron, which nourish hair and keep it healthy.
- Criteria #3: Its anti-inflammatory properties help soothe the scalp, promoting a healthy environment for hair growth.
Apricot Oil
- Criteria #1: Rich in essential fatty acids (omega-6 and omega-9), it nourishes and hydrates hair, making it more supple and less prone to breakage.
- Criteria #2: Contains antioxidants that protect hair from damage and enhance its shine.
- Criteria #3: Helps soften hair and make it easier to style, ideal for textured hair.
Almond Oil
- Criteria #1: Rich in proteins, vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, and E, it strengthens and deeply nourishes hair.
- Criteria #2: Contains oleic acid, an essential fatty acid that hydrates and softens hair, helping to prevent breakage.
- Criteria #3: Ultra-light and non-greasy, it is ideal for fine, curly, and coily hair as it doesn't weigh them down.
Olive Oil
- Criteria #1: Contains oleic acid, a monounsaturated fatty acid that penetrates the hair shaft, hydrating and nourishing hair deeply.
- Criteria #2: Rich in antioxidants (vitamin E and polyphenols), it protects hair from damage caused by free radicals.
- Criterion #3: Its softening properties help smooth hair, making it easier to style.
Jamaican Black Castor Oil
- Criteria #1: Contains a high concentration of ricinoleic acid, which deeply hydrates hair and scalp.
- Criteria #2: Its antifungal and antibacterial properties help keep the scalp healthy and prevent infections that can lead to hair loss.
- Criteria #3: Promotes hair growth by increasing blood circulation to the scalp and strengthening hair follicles.
Other Things to Consider About Your Hair When Choosing the Best Oil
Hair Porosity
Low, medium, or high, it's important to know your porosity before choosing an oil.
For example, low porosity hair, which has difficulty absorbing moisture and hair products, does not pair well with oils like castor, avocado, and olive oils, as they tend to weigh it down.
Hair Density
Hair density refers to the number of hairs per square centimeter. It should not be confused with volume, which refers to hair thickness.
The more visible your scalp is, the lower your hair density. Some oils, like coconut oil, can thicken hair thanks to their protein and essential fatty acid content.
How To Use Oil in 4c Hair
Method #1: As an anti-breakage treatment
Before shampooing, apply a small amount of oil, previously warmed in your hands, from the roots to the tips, focusing on split ends, weakened baby hairs, and sparse areas. Leave it on for a few hours or overnight before rinsing and shampooing.
Method #2: As a styling serum
As a finishing touch to your styling routine, apply on dry hair to nourish and add shine.
Other Products That Can Benefit 4c Hair
As a complement, you can complete your hair routine with products that nourish and moisturize your curls without weighing them down, and that protect them from external aggression and breakage.
CHÉRIBÉ CHÉBIOTIC™ REPAIRING MASK
This revitalizing treatment balances the scalp while infusing curls with intense hydration. It helps prevent hair thinning caused by breakage.
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CHÉRIBÉ NOURISHING BUTTERCRÈME
This styling product strengthens and softens without leaving a greasy or stiff finish. It reshapes curls while providing light protection against breakage. Hair is hydrated for 48 hours.
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Conclusion
Dry and prone to breakage, type 4C curly and coily hair needs intense hydration as their very tight curls prevent natural sebum from traveling down the hair shaft.
To seal in moisture, it's important to include good oils in your hair care routine. They should be lightweight and rich in essential fatty acids and proteins.
This is the case with jojoba oil, which seals hair cuticles, and rosemary oil, which nourishes hair follicles. Psst, CHÉRIBÉ Chébé Complex Growth Oil contains both!
Once you have chosen the hair oil best suited to your hair porosity and density, you can use it as a deep treatment, in addition to the CHÉRIBÉ CHÉBIOTIC™ REPAIRING MASK, or as a finishing touch to your styling routine, right after the CHÉRIBÉ NOURISHING BUTTERCRÈME, to nourish and add shine to your hair.
Trust us, your hair will thank you!
