With its tight curls and thick texture, 4c hair requires very specific hair care products to keep it moisturized, soft and strong. Often prone to dryness, breakage and frizz, this type of hair requires adapted washing products to maintain its health. In this article, we invite you to discover the best shampoos for 4c hair, and how to choose and use them.
How To Choose The Best Shampoo For 4c hair?
Choose a gentle, moisturizing, sulfate-free composition that won't strip your hair of its natural oils. Aloe vera, shea butter and vegetable oils (argan, coconut, jojoba) are the ingredients of choice. On the other hand, avoid shampoos containing drying alcohols or silicones, which inhibit hydration. The texture must be relatively rich to effectively penetrate tight, thick curls.
Best Shampoo For 4C Hair - Cheribé Hydrating Shampoo
#1 Cheribé Chébiotic Hydrating Shampoo
Formulated without sulfates, SLS or SLES, Chéribé Chébiotic Hydrating Shampoo cleanses 4c hair without drying it out, while providing a shot of hydration.
It contains a Chébé Complex, formulated from an ancestral variety 100 times more biologically concentrated than other Chébé varieties grown in Chad, which strengthens roots, reduces hair loss caused by breakage and stimulates hair growth. It is also rich in prebiotics, which help maintain a healthy scalp. Chébé is also ideal for straightened hair, provided you use it correctly for best results.
BUY CHÉRIBÉ CHÉBIOTIC™ HYDRATING SHAMPOO
#2 Shea Moisture Raw Shea Butter Moisture Retention Shampoo
Rich in shea butter, argan oil, and seaweed extracts, this shampoo is highly moisturizing and restores dry and damaged hair. This ultra-nourishing formula is ideal for very dry hair. The raw shea butter scent can be strong for some.
#3 Cantu Sulfate-Free Cleansing Cream Shampoo
With shea butter, coconut, and mango oils, this shampoo deeply cleanses while hydrating the hair. Formulated without sulfates, it’s gentle on fragile hair. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, be cautious: it contains essential oils. Consult your doctor before use.
#4 Mielle Babassu Conditioning Sulfate-Free Shampoo
Containing Babassu oil (moisturizes without weighing hair down), almond protein (strengthens and repairs), and hibiscus extract (adds shine), Babassu Conditioning Sulfate-Free Shampoo making it great for natural hair, curls, and coils. The almond protein repairs damaged hair while maintaining softness. But some users find the almond protein can leave hair feeling slightly dry, so you might need extra conditioner.
#5 Camille Rose Sweet Ginger Cleansing Rinse
With Raw honey (hydrates), rice water (strengthens), sweet almond oil (softens). This product is a gentle cleansing without stripping, ideal for keeping curls defined and shiny. Contains fragrance, which may be strong for some users, especially those sensitive to scents. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should be cautious with essential oils like ginger.
#6 Deva Curl No-Poo Original Cleanser
Peppermint oil (stimulates scalp), grapeseed oil (moisturizes without greasiness), and soy protein (strengthens). Non-lathering formula that cleanses while hydrating, perfect for curly hair types. This cleanser contains Peppermint oil might be too intense for sensitive scalps or pregnant women. Also, some people find the no-lather formula difficult to get used to.
#7 Design Essentials Almond & Avocado Moisturizing & Detangling Sulfate-Free Shampoo
Containing Almond oil (moisturizes), avocado oil (nourishes and softens), this shampoo quick-detangling and provides intense moisture, great for type 4 hair textures. Avocado oil is not a friend to hair with low porosity, as it tends to weigh it down.
#8 Mizani True Textures Moisture Replenish Shampoo
Shea butter, coconut, and olive oils: this shampoo is perfect for textured hair! Its ultra-nourishing formula helps redefine curls but contains silicones that may weigh down the hair.
#9 Rizos Curls Hydrating Shampoo
With Shea butter (deeply hydrates), moringa oil (nourishes scalp), sunflower oil (softens). This Shampoo is sulfate-free and helps reduce frizz, making it ideal for dry, curly hair. Some find it doesn’t lather much, which can be a downside if you prefer a foamy wash.
#10 Curlsmith Curl Quenching Conditioning Wash
Rich in coconut oil (moisturizes), shea butter (nourishes), avocado (softens). This product is a gentle cleanser designed for highly textured hair, leaving it soft and manageable. Coconut oil can be too heavy for fine hair.
#11 Pattern Hydration Shampoo
Aloe vera (moisturizes and soothes), honey (retains moisture), and coconut oil. Deeply hydrating and perfect for coily and curly textures. This shampoo is one of the most expensive on this list ($21).
#12 Adwoa Beauty Baomint Moisturizing Shampoo
Containing Baobab oil (rich in vitamins for nourishment), peppermint (stimulates scalp), and spearmint, this Shampoo is great for dry, frizzy hair, provides intense moisture and a cooling effect. Peppermint is not recommended for pregnant women. Also one of the most expensive on this list (26,95€).
#13 Bread Beauty Supply Hair-Wash Gentle Milky Cleanser
With Aloe vera (hydrates), argan oil (nourishes), and lemon tea tree oil (cleanses scalp). This cleanser is gentle, sulfate-free, and ideal for wavy to kinky textures. Lemon tea tree oil can be irritating for sensitive skin and not recommended during pregnancy.
#14 Sienna Naturals H.A.P.I. Shampoo
Rich in Baobab oil (moisturizes), coconut oil (strengthens), and aloe vera (soothes). This product is a hydrating shampoo that leaves hair soft, smooth, and moisturized. Contains coconut oil, which can weigh down finer hair, and some users find the scent too strong.
How to Wash 4C Hair?
Several steps are required to gently cleanse and deeply moisturize hair 4c :
Step 1 - Gently detangle
Before washing, gently detangle dry hair with your fingers or a wide-tooth comb. This will prevent breakage.
Step 2 - Apply a pre-shampoo (optional)
Use a light oil or pre-shampoo conditioner to soften hair and prepare it for washing.
Step 3 - Wash in sections
Separate damp hair into sections to facilitate cleansing and avoid tangles.
Step 4 - Apply shampoo
Apply shampoo to the scalp and massage gently, without rubbing too much, to avoid tangles.
Step 5 - Rinse and moisturize
Rinse thoroughly, reapply if necessary, then apply a nourishing conditioner to restore moisture.
FAQ
What should I wash my 4C hair with?
Take a sulfate-free moisturizing shampoo rich in nourishing ingredients (shea or mango butter) and humectants (glycerine, aloe vera, provitamin B5) that seal in moisture at the heart of the hair fiber.
The latter removes impurities deep down, especially when styling products have accumulated. Alternate with a co-wash. This non-foaming cleanser is a gentle option for cleansing hair and extending the time between washes.
What is the best brand for washing 4C hair?
With Chéribé Chébiotic Hydrating Shampoo, you can't go wrong because it's suitable for all hair types, textures and porosities. It's particularly effective on dry, weakened and brittle hair: all the problems encountered by the 4c!
Which shampoo is best for brittle 4C hair?
Choose a gentle shampoo enriched with vegetable oils (coconut, argan, jojoba) to strengthen and deeply nourish your hair.
Find Your Perfect Shampoo and Nourish Your 4C Hair Today
4c hair requires a gentle and moisturizing wash. By choosing a shampoo suited to its thick texture and tight curls, you'll ensure the health and beauty of your beautiful curls. The theme of your hair routine: hydration! This includes a good shampoo, silicone-free and rich in nourishing agents. It's an essential hair care routine to preserve the vitality of your curls.
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