Deep Conditioning Type 4 Hair : Guide for 4A, 4B & 4C Naturals

What is a deep conditioner?

Deep conditioners nourish, moisturise, and repair hair from damage or dryness while keeping it healthy. Although they have similarities with leave-in conditioners, deep conditioners tend to be thicker in texture due to the higher concentration of conditioning agents within the product.

The great thing about deep conditioners is their ability to penetrate deep into your hair shaft, giving your hair the extra hydration it needs. They tend to be rich in protein or moisture, so you’ll need to be mindful of what you use depending on your hair needs at that moment in time. Don’t be afraid to alternate between the two, as your hair needs a combination of moisture and protein to be healthy.

Benefits of deep conditioning Type 4 hair

In a nutshell, the key benefit of deep conditioning type 4 hair is to get as much moisture as possible into your hair cuticles. Deep conditioners tend to be a step ahead of normal conditioners. It’s a lot thicker in texture and has additional ingredients which penetrate through your hair shaft. These ingredients can contribute to your hair’s shine, coil & curl definition whilst reducing breakage. 

Naturally, type 4A, 4B and 4C hair is prone to breakage due the tight coil and curl pattern so deep conditioning is a perfect way to keep your hair replenished. Deep conditioning 4C hair is even more vital due to it’s ultra-tight curl pattern. The coils on 4C hair interweave easily which ends up creating knots, split ends and breakage. This makes it more fragile than type 4A & 4B  hair textures so deep conditioning for 4C naturals is a must. 

Here are some benefits of deep conditioning type 4 hair and its impact:

1. Helps retain moisture and penetrates into your hair shafts
2. Supports with the reduction of  split ends
3. Improves hair’s elasticity 
4. Makes hair stronger and prevents breakage
5. Restores your hairs natural shine
6. Helps heal damaged hair from over styling, colour treatments and heat damage

How often should you deep condition your natural hair?

This depends on your hair regimen and routine but it’s advised to deep condition your hair at least once a month. I your type 4 hair is prone to dryness or has been damaged from straightening and colour then we suggest deep conditioning at least twice a month. It’s common knowledge that 4C hair is typically drier in comparison to 4A & 4B. So you may need to do this treatment more regularly depending on your hair type. You also need to be mindful of the deep conditioner you use to ensure it’s contributing to your hair needs.

Regardless of how often you decide to deep condition, take time to listen to how your hair is responding to the products. Ask yourself these questions;

• Is my hair responding positively or negatively to the product?
• Does it sit on my hair shaft or penetrate through the shaft?
• Does my hair feel more moisturised? 
• Am I seeing improvements with my hair health? I.e. less shedding, breakage etc

NOTE – no product works overnight so you’ll need to try it a couple times to see if it works for you. Just remember to take time to understand how your hair is responding to it so you can either continue or discontinue use.

1. Camille Rose Jansyn’s Moisture Max Conditioner

This is a super moisturising conditioner enriched with vitamins to reduce the appearance of split ends and frizz. It contains a variety of cocoa butters and is blended with coconut milk & oils, aloe vera juice and vitamin E. It has a thick consistency but  instantly melts into the hair providing maximum moisture. 

It’s  highly recommended for colour treated naturals or naturals who have experienced damage from over styling and excessive heat. 

FUN FACT – Great for finger detangling and penetrates the hair shaft to lock in moisture.

*Perfect for 4C hair textures

2. Camille Rose Algae Renew Deep Conditioner

This is a moisturising and strengthening treatment containing 65 different vitamins and minerals. It has an infusion of blue green algae and emollient mango butter to prevent hair strands from breaking, shedding and thinning. The conditioner is also designed to shield your hair from environmental aggressors. The benefits include locking in hydration and sealing your cuticles for a deeply moisturising effect. It also includes Biotin which is known to support hair growth.

FUN FACT: Blue algae helps keep hair strong and builds resilience to reduce the risk of breakage from brushing and styling.

*Great for all hair textures especially dry hair

3. PATTERN Intensive Conditioner for Tight Textures

New on the block and created by Tracee Ellis Ross. Even thought it’s a conditioner, you can also use it as a Hair Mask when left on for 10 mins or more. It’s the richest out of the patterns hydrating range and perfect for low porosity hair. It’s packed with ingredients like Avocado Oil, Shea Butter, Safflower Oil & Acacia Decurrens Flower which helps moisture seep deep into the strands. Whilst protecting against breakage & dryness. 

FUN FACT: Tracee picked the fragrance to be clean & not overpowering. Notes used are the sweet floral essence of Neroli, Rose & Patchouli.

*Great for all Type 4 textures 

4. TGIN Honey Miracle Hair Mask

Created for dry, damaged or coloured treated hair. It’s enriched with raw honey which contributes to softer hair and shinier tresses. It also contains jojoba and olive oils which are known to nourish and heal strands in need of repair. TGIN is a luxurious deep conditioner which helps reduce shedding and breakage whilst locking in moisture.

Product is great for coloured treated naturals and you’re likely to see improvements after 1 use. 

*Great for all Type 4 textures 

5. AS I AM Naturally Hydration Elation Conditioner

This deep-hydrating and fortifying treatment is a must for strong, shiny, soft, springy coils and curls. It’s infused with pure herbal ingredients such as coconut, sugar cane, green tea, apple, lemon, shea butter, vitamin E. These ingredients are known to stimulate the scalp and hair roots whilst promoting health from the follicular level. 

FUN FACT – the product is known to make detangling 75% easier and increase ease of combing by 60%.

*Great for all Type 4 textures 

6. Mielle Organics Babassu Oil & Mint Deep Conditioner

This deep conditioner reduces frizz and flyaways whilst infusing your hair with protein and moisture. The ingredients are derived from an Amazonian palm fruit, babassu oil which contains high concentrations of sterols and tocopherols to moisturise and improve hair and scalp. It’s also enriched with fatty acids and natural oils, as well as complex amino acids from wheat, soy, and other all-natural ingredients, to help hydrate and replenish your hair. 

*Great for all Type 4 hair textures, specifically dry hair. This is a perfect option for 4C hair.

7. Ominira Naturals Honey and Watermelon Infusion Ultimate Deep Conditioner

Ominira Naturals is our personal fav and the brand is known for backing their products with science. The deep conditioner formula instantly penetrates, hydrates and strengthens thirsty strands that are in desperate need of moisture and prone to breakage. Ultimately, leaving you with stronger, longer & healthier hair.

Fun Fact : Product includes watermelon oil. Watermelon oil is extremely moisturising without being overly greasy which helps moisturise your hair whilst preventing breakage.

*Great for all Type 4 hair textures. It’s our personal fav, we love it so much.

8. Curlsmith Double Cream Deep Quencher

Not one we’ve tried but heard great things. The double cream is their richest mask treatment. Specifically created for super dry and dull hair hence the thickness of the formula. It’s a nourishing treatment which has a buttery texture which will deliver intense moisture without weighing your hair down. The good thing is it’s designed for all curl types and even straight hair so relaxed sisters can jump on this too. If you’re suffering from dry hair then this is the treatment for you.

*Great for all Type 4 hair textures. Recommended for medium to coarse textures and suitable for any hair porosity.

How to deep condition your type 4 hair?

Now you know what products to use, you’re probably wondering what’s the best way of deep conditioning your type 4 hair for maximum results. Here are some steps to help you out;

Step 1 – Wash hair with a moisturising or clarifying shampoo and rinse out. The recommendation is to do at least 2 washes to ensure your hair is completely clean. Note: rinse your hair thoroughly before proceeding to step 2.

Step 2 – Detangle hair with a detangler or a conditioner that has a lot of slip. A product with great slip reduces the tugging and makes it easier for your comb or brush to glide through your hair. When detangling it’s important to work in sections and take your time so you don’t pull out your hair. Note; use the right detangling tools i.e wide tooth comb, a flexible brush etc.

Step 3 – Once you’ve rinsed out the detangler, apply the deep conditioner to your hair in sections. Then brush or comb through for even distribution.

Step 4 – Let the deep conditioner sit for 30 mins to an hour. You can apply a shower cap or use a saran wrap. Some people even use something as simple as a plastic bag. The key here is to use something that will keep the deep conditioner from drying out.

Step 5 – Sit under a hooded dryer or put on a heated cap. Don’t skip this step! Heat helps the deep conditioner to penetrate deeply into your hair shaft. 

Step 6 – Rinse out as normal and then air dry or blow dry. The choice is yours – dry your hair as you normally would.

Important Points to Remember when Deep Conditioning Natural Hair

• Keep an eye out for how your hair reacts to the product 
• Deep condition at least once a month but if you can try and do it every 2 weeks.  
• Heat is your friend when deep conditioning. It’ll help the conditioner penetrate through your hair shaft
• Make sure your hair is damp before applying the deep conditioning treatment. You want to blot off any excess water so there’s no barrier stopping it from penetrating well. You also don’t want the conditioner to slide off when applying it.
• Comb or brush the conditioner through your hair once applied. This ensures your hair is evenly coated with product and no strand is left behind. 
• Rinse out the conditioner with cool water. This will close the hair cuticle and help your hair to retain moisture.
• Lastly, this is a personal preference but detangle your hair after shampooing and prior to adding the deep conditioner.