Moisture is essential for hair to remain healthy and shiny. For those with 4C natural hair, leave-in conditioners can be a real source of hydration. In this article, we explain the importance of keeping your hair moisturized and reveal 14 of the best leave-in conditioners for 4C natural hair on the market today.
Written By Chia Kougianos
Table of Contents
In A Hurry? Our Top Picks
| Title | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|
Top Top | Shea Moisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen & Restore Leave-In Conditioner,431 ml | Buy on Amazon | |
 Top | Curlsmith - Curl Conditioning Oil in Cream - Vegan Leave in Conditioner for Curly and Coily Hair (237ml) | Buy on Amazon | |
 Top | Imbue Curl Inspiring Conditioning Leave in Spray - Vegan and Curly Girl Compliant, 200ml | Buy on Amazon | |
 Top | Bounce Curl Super Smooth Cream Conditioner | Curly Hair Conditioner | With Organic Aloe & Sunflower Oil | 8oz, 238ml | Buy on Amazon |
What Is 4c Hair?
4C natural hair is characterized as being one of the kinkiest types of hair and is known to have a unique structure. It can be recognized by its S and Z-shaped coils that are woven close together and appear kinky in its shape.
This type of hair is often susceptible to breakage as it is quite fragile and dry. You may find that the texture may range from being super fine and thin to being wiry and coarse.
What is a Leave-in Conditioner?
Unlike regular shampoo and conditioner which you rinse out of your hair after applying it, leave-in conditioners stay in your hair until your next cleansing routine.
Leave-in conditioners act as an effective source of moisture. This makes them ideal to use on 4C natural hair. They help to lock in extra hydration into your curls making your hair soft and manageable with an added shine.
An added advantage is that leave-in conditioners can also act as a detangler for knotted hair.
Leave-in conditioners come in a few different consistencies, depending on your personal preference and the porosity of your hair.
They come in liquids, thick butters or cream, and as a spray.
Leave-in conditioner can be reapplied to 4c hair every day if necessary to maintain the moisture balance of the hair.
The best leave-in conditioners for 4c hair should:
- Detangle
- Moisturize the hair
- Make the hair more manageable and easier to style
Also Read: 12 Best Flat Irons for Natural Hair (2021 Buying Guide)
27 Best Leave-In Conditioners for 4C Hair
1. Shea Moisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen and Restore Leave-In Conditioner
This Strengthen and Restore leave-in conditioner from Shea Moisture is formulated with shea butter, peppermint, and keratin. Peppermint is beneficial as it stimulates your scalp and promotes hair growth.
It contains no sulfates or parabens. Infused with castor oil, it promises to gently soften and detangle your strands. It also eliminates frizz which leaves your hair smooth and easily manageable.
This leave-in is suitable to use on natural, chemically processed, and color-treated hair. This makes it one of the best leave-in conditioners for 4C natural hair.
2. Curlsmith – Curl Conditioning Oil in Cream
If you’re hoping to bring life back into your dry hair, this oil-in-cream leave-in conditioner is rich in moisture.
Ideally suited to combat extremely dry, porous hair, the formula is designed to hydrate and moisturize thick, curly hair.
The product is lightweight. You will therefore not run the risk of weighing down your hair. Once applied, it offers a nourishing boost. An added advantage is that it can be used as a primer before styling or on its own as part of your hair care routine.
This product is free from sulfates and silicones and is 100% vegan and cruelty-free.
3. Imbue Curl Inspiring Conditioning Leave in Spray
Known as the ultimate pick-me-up to help moisturize and detangle your curls, this leave-in spray from Imbue Curl is vegan and Curly Girl friendly.
Designed to be a nutrient-rich mist, the formula is lightweight with zero stickiness. It can be used as a styler for fine hair or even as a stand-alone product to help treat dry ends.
This product includes camellia oil which delivers its signature scent. Other ingredients include coconut and cupuaçu oils. Your hair will be left feeling nourished and manageable with reduced frizz.
4. Bounce Curl Super Smooth Cream Conditioner
This creamy conditioner from Bounce Curl offers much needed hydration to dry, porous hair.
The formula is lightweight, so it won’t leave your hair feeling heavy or saturated with product.
Designed with organic aloe, the formula is vegan and color safe making it suitable to use on most hair types.
It’s also free from silicones and parabens making it one of the best leave-in conditioners to use on natural 4C hair.
5. African Pride Shea Butter Leave in Conditioner
If you’re looking for a product to help combat dryness and add volume to your hair, this leave-in conditioner by African Pride is an ideal choice.
The product includes extracts of shea butter which acts as a source of intense moisture to hydrate your strands and lock in the moisture. Suited to naturally curly, wavy, and kinky textured hair it is one of the best leave-in conditioners for 4C natural hair.
6. Aunt Jackie’s Quench Moisture Intensive Leave in Conditioner
This moisturizing and conditioning treatment from Aunt Jackie helps to eliminate dryness, without leaving a heavy feel.
The formula is specially designed to be as natural as possible and is free of sulfates, parabens, and mineral oils. This eco-friendly leave-in conditioner is infused with marshmallow root, shea butter, and extra virgin olive oil to offer the utmost hydration to dry hair.
An added bonus is that this buttery conditioner is lightweight and won’t clog your pores or weigh your hair down.
Like this? Read our guide on the best hairdryers for natural hair
7. Palmers Olive Oil Leave-In Conditioner
If you’re in the market for a leave-in conditioner and would like a moisturizer and detangler in one, this product from Palmers is perfectly suited to you.
The unique formula acts as an all-in-one solution and even serves as a heat protectant for your hair during styling. It features keratin, silk protein, and Vitamin E which is perfect for treating frizzy hair.
It’s also natural and free from sulfates and parabens so it’s gentle and safe to use on 4C natural hair.
8. As I Am Leave-In Conditioner
As I Am leave-in conditioner aims to manage dry, brittle hair and results in hydrated locks with added volume.
It also works great as a detangler so you can enjoy effortless styling after your cleansing routine. The formula is specifically designed to include an organic strengthening agent and consists of all-natural ingredients.
9. Giovanni 2chic Ultra Luxurious Leave in Conditioner
This leave-in conditioner from Giovanni offers instant hydration and also works well to prevent split ends and combat unwanted flyaways.
Your hair will be well-nourished and easy to manage during styling. The formula is infused with heavenly scented rose petals and cherry blossoms while nodes of honeysuckle, jasmine plumeria, and passion fruit add to the floral aroma.
Your hair will be left feeling shiny and glossy thanks to the corn silk extract which is specially formulated to deeply hydrate dry locks delivering a salon-quality shine.
10. Garnier Ultimate Blends Hair Food 3-in-1
This vegan formulated hair product from Garnier can be used three ways – as a conditioner, rinse-out hair mask or leave-in conditioner. Infused with coconut and macadamia, this decadent hair treatment is a major source of nourishment for dry or damaged hair.
It promises to leave hair up to four times smoother after just one application.
Suitable to use on 4C natural hair, it is free from silicones and any harsh chemicals.
11. REDKEN Multi-Benefits Leave-In Conditioner and Treatment Spray
This multi-benefit leave-in conditioner is one of the best products to use for treating 4C natural hair.
It will help to increase your hair’s manageability levels and offer a source of moisture to your locks. The intense smoothing treatment will also help soften any frizz and soften unruly hair.
12. Maui Moisture Vegan Hair Mask for Curly Hair
If you’re in the market for a hydrating cream for curly hair, this vegan hair mask from Maui will leave your curls smooth and full of volume.
The creamy conditioner is gentle on your tresses and is formulated with aloe vera and coconut water fused with coconut oil, papaya fruit, and plumeria extract for a unique blend of natural ingredients.
These botanicals all work together to help promote your hair’s natural volume and bounce by hydrating your curls leaving them soft and well-nourished.
13. Kinky-Curly Natural Leave-In Detangler
Free your hair from tangles and knots with this natural leave-in conditioner from Kinky-Curly. It’s specially formulated to be gentle on your curls and contains no harsh chemicals.
This creamy, herbal conditioner is designed to help protect, strengthen, and add moisture back into your damaged locks. It also helps to smooth out any knots and tangles throughout your hair resulting in defined, bouncy curls.
14. Noughty Intensive Care Leave in Conditioner
Rescue dry, frizzy, and damaged hair with this leave-in conditioner by Noughty.
The formula is infused with shea butter to add moisture and hydration to your dry locks with argan oil ideally suited to combat frizz and unwanted flyaways.
Designed with a Moroccan argan and almond scent, it will help to rejuvenate your natural hair offering a deep conditioning treatment.
15. EDEN BodyWorks Coconut Shea Leave-In Conditioner
With super ingredients like avocado, coconut and jojoba oil, aloe vera, and shea butter, this leave-in conditioner is ideal for hydrating and adding definition to 4c hair.
Despite the super-hydrating ingredients, this is nonetheless a lightweight leave-in that can be used every day.
Why We Like It
- Can be used daily without causing buildup.
- Increases hair’s shine with coconut oil and shea butter.
- Promotes curl definition.
16. MIZANI 25 Miracle Milk Leave-In Conditioner
This leave-in conditioner spray is one of the best for those with low porosity 4c hair.
It repairs damage, moisturizes, and controls frizz while providing a protective shield against heat damage and color fade. It penetrates deep down to the follicle with fennel seed oil and coconut oil.
Why We Like It
- Protects against heat damage.
- Great for various curl types.
- The spray formula makes it great for low porosity hair.
17. GIOVANNI Eco Chic Weightless Moisture Formula Direct Leave-In
Giovanni’s leave-in conditioner protects your 4c hair throughout the day, giving it more body and leaving it feeling thicker.
It nourishes hair with a rich blend of vitamins, antioxidants, and organic ingredients. A lightweight formula that won’t weigh down the hair.
Why We Like It
- Adds body to hair.
- Color-safe.
- Great for low porosity hair.
18. GIOVANNI Eco Chic Weightless Moisture Formula Direct Leave-In
You know you’re in safe hands with world-renowned natural hair care specialist Taliah Waajid.
All her hair products are specially formulated for curly, coily, kinky, and wavy hair textures.
With shea butter and coconut oil, this leave-in conditioner will leave your 4c hair healthy, soft, and less prone to shrinkage while protecting your hair from damage.
Why We Like It
- Doesn’t cause buildup
- Smells great
- Natural ingredients.
19. Mielle Organics White Peony Leave-In Conditioner
This floral-scented, fan-favorite leave-in is versatile and goes well with other products.
It is a lightweight mist formula and will not weigh the hair down. It even protects the hair from heat damage.
Infused with botanicals and natural ingredients, it can be used for daily styling to effectively hydrate the hair.
Why We Like It
- Can be used as protection from heat damage.
- Made with natural and organic ingredients.
- Works nicely with other products, so you don’t have to adjust your entire routine.
20. Oyin Handmade Hair Dew Daily Quenching Hair Lotion
This sweet-smelling hair lotion smells just like cookies! And the creamy formula is lightweight and nourishing for dry 4c hair.
Great not just for wash day but also for reinvigorating hair all through your hair care cycle. Made with food-grade, natural and organic ingredients.
Why We Like It
- Full of quality ingredients like castor olive, olive oil and aloe vera.
- Has a delicious sugary vanilla scent.
- Lightweight and can be used daily without product build up.
21. Shea Moisture 100% Virgin Coconut Oil Daily Hydration Leave-In Treatment
This tropical-smelling leave-in conditioner will leave your 4c hair detangled, soft and frizz-free.
It can be used daily as a leave-in due to its lightweight spray formula.
Blended with coconut oil, coconut milk, and acacia Senegal, along with argan oil and sweet almond oil, it is formulated without nasties like silicones, sulfates, parabens, or petrolatum.
Why We Like It
- Smells like a tropical breeze.
- Can be used daily.
- Works as a heat barrier.
22. TGIN Butter Cream Daily Moisturizer For Natural Hair
If you prefer a leave-in for your 4c hair that has the texture of butter or cream, this could be the one for you.
Ideal for naturals who struggle with dry hair, it can be used daily. Shea butter, vitamin E and cocoa butter deliver moisture without leaving the hair greasy.
Why We Like It
- Ideal for those who prefer a butter or cream formula over a spray-in.
- Vitamin E smooths hair cuticles and promotes blood flow to the scalp for healthier hair growth.
- Will leave your hair smooth and shiny.
23. Aunt Jackie’s Quench Moisture Intensive Leave-In Conditioner
Aunt Jackie is a great, budget-friendly brand for 4c hair. If you find you get through a lot of products quickly, this is definitely a purse-friendly option.
Quality ingredients like shea butter, olive oil, and marshmallow root will moisturize your hair and provide slip without weighing down your hair.
Why We Like It
- Budget-friendly option for 4c hair.
- Packed with quality ingredients.
- Delivers long-lasting moisture without a heavy feel.
24. NaturAll Nourishing Avocado Leave-In Conditioner
This product is packed with all the benefits of avocados for your 4c hair, including antioxidants and healthy fats.
Expect increased softness, shine, and bounce. It hydrates and seals in moisture with a lightweight formula.
Why We Like It
- Loaded with the goodness of avocados.
- All natural ingredients.
- Great for sealing in moisture.
25. Carol’s Daughter Black Vanilla Leave-In Conditioner
This weightless leave-in conditioner smells amazing and has powerful ingredients with lavender, honeysuckle, sage, and aloe.
It adds strength to your 4c hair with soy protein, pro-vitamin B5, and natural moisturizers. Many believe it also makes their curls more defined. It can be used every day without weighing down your hair.
Why We Like It
- Strengthens hair
- Made with natural moisturizers
- Smells amazing
26. Pattern Beauty Leave-In Conditioner
This leave-in is an ideal detangler for 4c hair and helps give hair definition.
With a lighter consistency, it lays a base foundation for moisture with a cocktail of oils and honey. It has a light, floral fragrance that is not overpowering.
Why We Like It
- Works wonders for detangling.
- Lightweight formula that won’t weigh down hair.
- Clean but not overpowering fragrance of neroli, rose and patchouli
27. Camille Rose Naturals Honey Leave-In Treatment
This product looks like honey and has the same emollient and moisturizing benefits, but without stickiness.
It will smooth your hair and provide maximum hydration with honey, olive oil, castor oil, bilberry and orange extract, and pure sugar maple. It sounds good enough to eat and smells delicious.
Why We Like It
- Gorgeous honey and orange scent.
- Honey works as a natural humectant which draws moisture to the hair.
- Great moisturizer and detangler.
Also check out our guide to the best gels for 4c hair
Why Is a Leave-In Conditioner Important for 4C Hair?
4C hair is structurally very textured and curly. As a result, the natural oils produced by your scalp battle to get transported down the hair shaft to the ends of your hair, and the oils become contained in your roots.
This can lead to your strands becoming dry and brittle and this is also the reason why you should also use a heat protectant after styling.
The best leave-in conditioners for 4C natural hair offer your strands a much-needed boost in moisture so your hair is left feeling hydrated and well-nourished.
It will also help to make styling your locks easier as the added moisture helps to detangle the strands making them more manageable.
Many leave-in conditioners that are suitable for 4C natural hair are best at offering protein as well as moisture. This will serve to fortify your hair against breakage and will encourage new hair growth in the process.
Other advantages of applying a leave-in conditioner to your hair include added shine, the elimination of unwanted frizz and voluminous curls.
Ingredients That Are Beneficial for 4C Hair
One of the benefits of understanding 4C natural hair is knowing what styling methods work best and which ingredients are better suited to caring for your strands.
Here are a few of the ingredients that are beneficial for 4C hair:
Olive Oil
Natural hair can really benefit from oils. Olive oil offers great benefits to your hair as it acts as a sealant to lock in moisture in your strands. It increases moisture levels and helps improve the elasticity of your hair.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil can act as a protein boost and will help to reduce the appearance of dandruff. An added advantage is that it works well to add shine to dull hair and works well in thickening fragile hair strands often found in 4C natural hair.
Honey
Honey is loaded with powerful antioxidants and nutrients which go a long way to nourish 4C natural hair. This in turn helps to promote hair growth.
Avocado
Did you know that avocado is rich in vitamins and minerals? These ingredients help to encourage hair growth and shine making your hair look and feel healthier.
What’s The Difference Between Deep Conditioners And Leave-In Conditioners?
Deep conditioners are used as a treatment for your hair, usually weekly. They are applied after shampooing and are generally left in for five minutes to an hour, then rinsed out.
Whereas leave-in conditioners are applied to your damp hair after shampooing and conditioning, or shampooing and deep conditioning.
They are not rinsed out and are left in your hair to keep it shiny and manageable. Think of leave-in conditioners as being like a lotion for your hair.
How Often Should You Use Leave-in Conditioner For 4c Hair?
It all depends on the condition of your hair, the porosity of your hair, the products you use, and even the climate you live in.
You could use leave-in every other day, or only 2-3 times a week if you use a richer formula.
If your hair is damaged or especially dry, or you prefer to use a lighter spray-type leave-in, then you can apply it every day.
It all depends on your preferences and hair, and you may have to do a bit of experimenting to see what works best for you.
Disclaimer: This site is not intended to provide professional or medical advice. All of the content on LovedByCurls.com is for informational purposes only. All advice should be followed at your own discretion. Ingredients may change at any time so always check the product label before using. Check our full disclaimer policy here.
