Which Oils Are Best for 4C Hair?

Ladies with type 4C hair know the struggle to keep it moisturized.  Type 4C hair tends to be dry and brittle with a spongy texture. The strands form very tight zig-zag curls from the scalp and the shrinkage is real!  Below is a list of oils that are recommended for 4C hair, but please understand that most oils act as sealants, not moisturizers.  In other words, the oils help to seal in moisture that you add to your hair in the form of water or water-based products such as a leave-in conditioner. This means your moisturizing routine should be either the LOC (liquid, oil & cream), or LCO (liquid, cream & oil), whichever method works best on your hair. 

The oils that are recommended  for 4C hair 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. 
• Marula Oil: Marula oil is derived from the Marula fruit tree that originates from South Africa. It is rich in amino acids, fatty acids and antioxidants which nourish and add moisture to the hair follicles. Marula oil contains anti-inflammatory properties that help to prevent and treat itchy scalp. Marula oil also helps repair damaged hair and prevents split ends. Use a few drops to help seal and coat your hair cuticle, eliminating frizz and adding tons of shine.
• 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.