Choosing what oils to use on 4b/4c hair can be harder than it sounds. I feel like the natural hair community clings on to oils for trends and not how beneficial it is for our hair. When I first went natural coconut oil was first introduced and everyone and to get their hands on it and as a new natural I followed suit. I can admit this now because I’ve learned from my mistakes, but I used to try a wash and go with just washing my hair and slapping a bunch of coconut oil on and calling it a day. If you know how terrible that was for my hair, you’re probably cringing like me.
Don’t get me wrong, oils are beneficial! And for some hair types, coconut oil is the GOAT; I just didn’t know what oil was the GOAT for me. So if you’re trying to figure that out, I’m here to help! Here are the best oils to use on 4b/4c hair:
Disclaimer: I’m not the hair guru, but I believe sharing my experience can save you from a lot of the mistakes that I made. As you know type 4 hair is very fragile and it tends to suffer from dryness the most, So, it’s important to have something that doesn’t only moisturize or seal moisture but also doesn’t suffocate our strands and stop moisture from getting in. Secondly, you don’t want anything that will make your hair harder to detangle or cause mechanical damage (the damage done by us while we style or detangle our hair).
So now let’s get into the tea when it comes to oils.
Jojoba Oil
Jojoba oil is probably my favorite oil to use. It’s light in consistency so it won’t weigh your hair down or clog your strands. It also
- moisturizes and locks in moisture
- helps with dry and flaky scalps (dandruff)
- promotes hair growth
- helps against damage from heat and styling
- contains various vitamins like vitamin B, C, & E
- promotes curl elasticity
Argan Oil
The benefits of argan oil are similar to those of Jojoba oil. It’s also light in consistency and has other benefits like:
- it adds shine to dull hair
- it’s rich in vitamin E
- it smoothes damaged hair strands
- it smells amazing
- is great for everyday use to maintain moisture
Jamaican Black Castor Oil
This is a much heavier oil than the other two I mentioned, but it does help with moisture. It is a good sealant for keeping moisture. Here are a few other benefits of Jamaican Castor oil:
- it’s a great oil for hot treatments
- strengthens hair
- moisturizes dry hair
- nourishes your scalp with necessary proteins and antioxidants
Avocado Oil
This oil is one that I’m very new to. I’ve heard a lot about the benefits of avocado in skincare and it makes sense that it will do wonders for my hair. This is another oil that has a light consistency but it also:
- moisturizes hair
- reduces buildup because of how lightweight it is
- is great for sensitive and dry skin
- contains a ton of Vitamin D & E
- is great for deep conditioning treatments
Tea Tree Oil
This oil is a goodie that I use for a specific reason but it’s not limited to that. Oils like tea tree, rosemary, and peppermint are great for scalp treatments. Here are some other benefits I love:
- It helps soothe your scalp
- promotes hair growth
- it’s lightweight
- helps aid with hair loss
- helps promote hair growth
Marshmallow Root Oil
This is another oil that I’m new to and it’s been showing up as an ingredient in some of my hair products. Marshmallow root extract is a popular ingredient in many hair conditioners because it provides a lot of slip. It also:
- adds moisture
- softens hair
- adds shine
- it’s high in plant protein
- it’s great for everyday use
Vitamin E Oil
Vitamin E is definitely one ingredient that can make your hair journey a lot easier. It has various benefits for your skin and nails, but this is how it benefits your hair too:
- supports hair growth
- strengthens strands
- increases hair elasticity
- helps fight breakage
- promotes circulation
When it comes to type 4 hair, these are my go-to oils. While all of them are beneficial some may work better than others for your particular hair needs. Lastly, brands like Now Solutions and Hollywood Beauty offer affordable and quality oils for your hair.
Also, check out 10 Things I Would Tell Someone Starting Their Natural Hair Journey.