Which Oils Are Best for 4B Hair?

Type 4B hair, like its cousins 4C and 4A, require moisture treatments and continuous maintenance.  As a type 4B sista, your hair care plan is unique to your hair type as well as your hair porosity and density. (See MANE Movement’s Hair Guide under the subcategories Porosity and Density to find out where your hair fits best). 

Type 4B hair is soft and fluffy and has a zigzag shape pattern, which causes the hair to be extremely prone to dryness.  Due to this hair pattern, the hair’s natural oils may never make it to the ends of the hair shaft. However, MM has put together a list of oils that are recommended  for 4B which include:

• Castor oil This inexpensive oil has become a common staple in black hair care.  It is very thick so use it sparingly to avoid weighing your hair down. Jamaican Black Castor Oil, or “JBCO” as it is commonly known, gets its dark color and nutty scent from the ash content derived from roasted castor beans.  These beans are believed to assist in the hair growth process.  Many women claim that JBCO has helped them with hair growth, especially those stubborn edges.
• Coconut Oil Don’t sleep on coconut oil ladies! It’s an oil that benefits many types of hair and actually moisturizes your hair, unlike other oils. The chemical structure of coconut oil allows it to penetrate your strands which strengthens and moisturizes the hair from within.  It is recommended to purchase an organic coconut oil brand which works the best.
• Olive Oil Everyone has some type of olive oil in their pantry.  Look for extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) as this type of olive oil has little processing or refinement done to it so it retains a lot of its nutrients. Oil olive is also good for dry scalps as it nourishes it and helps ease the itchiness when massaged into the scalp. 
• Avocado Oil This oil is extremely rich in oleic acid and monounsaturated fats.  These fats penetrate the hair shaft and help to prevent it from breaking.  It contains vitamins A, E, and B-5 along with antioxidants and minerals, making it one of few oils that can actually penetrate the hair shaft and moisturize your hair, rather than sitting on top and coating your hair. These fats also strengthen the hair shaft and help to prevent breakage. Overall, avocado oil makes your hair feel softer, smoother and healthier, so it’s a winner for type 4C hair.