I often get questions about the products and tools that I recommend for healthy, moisturized hair. On this page, I share my current favorite products for moisturizing, sealing, and caring for natural and especially Type 4 hair.
I personally use all of the products featured on this page.
Some of the links on this page are affiliate links. This means we may make a small commission if you choose to make a purchase. This is at no additional cost to you. Thanks so much for your support!
For Clarifying
Clarifying is an important part of your natural hair care routine, especially if you use products such as shea butter, mango butter, castor oil, and others that coat the hair. Doing a “deep clean” periodically will give you a clean slate and allow your products to penetrate your hair and keep it hydrated.
My favorite product for this is Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay. I like to mix the powder with apple cider vinegar and apply it to my hair as a mask. I rinse thoroughly, following up with shampoo and conditioner if I have a lot of build up.
For Oil Rinsing
If your hair forms cobwebby tangles and knots that are a bear to unravel, oil rinsing can help. Using avocado oil to oil rinse my hair on wash day dramatically decreases my detangling time and effort. My usually huggy strands happily separate from each other without breaking off in the process.
If you have acne prone skin be very careful with this technique. Rinsing avocado oil all over your face may not do your skin any favors. Always wash your face immediately and thoroughly after washing your hair in the shower to reduce hair product induced breakouts.
For Leave-In Conditioning
I’m old school with this one. My current favorite is the same product I’ve been using for more than 10 years: Kinky-Curly Knot Today. I mix it with aloe vera juice, Haitian Black Castor Oil, and sunflower oil.
This mixture smoothes my hair like nothing else I’ve used, although Curly Temple’s Lemon Gello comes close.
I like using it to put jumbo twists in my hair after washing. It also works to refresh a style and to smooth my edges with a soft, damp brush (I only smooth my edges occasionally to avoid breakage).
For Sealing
Haitian Black Castor Oil is the truth, period. I just discovered this oil this year. I’m mad that it’s taken me this long, but I’m glad I’m now getting with the program.
I use it for sealing my hair when doing the LCO method. I also use it with a spritz of water or after steaming my hair in the shower for a quick refresh.
I occasionally use HBCO on dry hair. I don’t normally do this with oils, but because of its humectant properties, it draws water to itself. This works especially well in humid weather.
This is just an all around great oil, and even more so because it comes in a heavenly chocolate scent.