NaturalistaVibes

Tag: deep conditioning

What is Type 4 Hair? Everything you need to know
Do you struggle to understand your hair type and texture? Sometimes it’s hard to know if you’re a 4A, 4B or 4C natural. Especially if you don’t have an understanding of the different coil textures and patterns. Many Type 4 Naturalistas assume they have 4C hair but instead have 4A or 4B hair. Tbh – It’s easy to be confused as many people refer to the hair type as afro coily or afro kinky. So why is it important to know your hair type? It helps you to care for your hair properly and supports you with identifying what products to incorporate into your hair regimen. It’s definitely possible to have multiple hair textures – for instance – a mix of 4A & 4B OR a mix of 4B & 4C but it’s likely one type will be more prominent over the other.

If you don’t know the difference between 4A, 4B or 4C hair OR then read this article to get more insight. You’ll learn how to differentiate the Type 4 hair textures and tips on how to properly care for your hair. We also spend time running through common questions Type 4 Naturalista’s ask. Keep reading to learn more!

What is Type 4 Hair

Type 4 hair is typically referred to as afro, coily or kinky hair. It’s the most unique of all the hair types because of its the coil pattern and shape. What makes Type 4 hair unique is the versatility it offers. It has the ability to be straight, curl/coil and shrink. The texture offers a variety of styling options in comparison to Type 2 and 3 hair. It’s the most fragile of all the hair types and has fine strands which makes caring for it slightly difficult if you’re not using the right techniques, tools and products.

Here are some characteristics of Type 4 hair;
- S or Z shaped coil pattern
- Shrinks up to 70% of its length
- Prone to breakage
- Tends to be dry and be frizzy
- Hair strands densely packed together
- Tangles easily
How do I know if I have 4A, 4B or 4C Hair?

Let’s delve into 3 textures that form this hair type in more detail…

4A HAIR

4A hair has a distinct “S” shaped coil pattern. The coils are springy and similar to the size of a crochet needle. The coils are densely packed together but the coil pattern is very visible. It shrinks up to 60% of the hairs length and is the loosest of all the Type 4 hair types. 4A hair has great moisture retention levels but is still prone to dryness and breakage.

4B HAIR

4B hair is easily confused with 4C hair due to both being “Z” shaped. The coil pattern is tight but not as tight as 4C hair. You can usually see the Z shape when your hair is wet. This hair type is prone to a lot of shrinkage, usually up to 70% of the length. Keeping the hair hydrated is key with this hair type. It takes a little longer for moisture to travel through the hair strands due the coil shape.

4C HAIR

4C hair has an extremely tight “Z” coil pattern. It’s not as loose as 4B even though the shape is very similar. 4C hair is the most fragile of all the Type 4 hair types so detangling with TLC is key to minimise any breakage. Work in sections and use tools like a wide tooth comb to minimise any tugging and pulling of the hair. Similar to 4B hair, 4C hair also experiences a significant amount of shrinkage (up to 80% for some naturals). Hydration is also key for this type, it’s important to use a moisture retention technique to lock it in.

How often should 4A, 4B or 4C hair be washed?

The rule of thumb is to wash your hair every 2 weeks. But depending on your lifestyle, this could be more often or less. We wouldn’t recommend going past the 4 week mark even if you’re wearing protective style. A healthy and clean scalp is important for your hair to thrive.

As Type 4 hair is prone to dryness and breakage, it’s important not to strip the hair of its natural oils when shampooing. Stick to hydrating and moisturising shampoos which minimise the loss of oils and always follow up with a conditioner to replenish your hair with moisture. Always use a with a leave-in conditioner once done to lock in additional moisture and keep your hair hydrated until your next wash day.

It’s also important to use a clarifying shampoo every 4 to 6 weeks to minimise any build up from hair products and daily styling. If you’re not a fan of clarifying shampoos then try a bentonite clay mask.

How can I make my Type 4 hair more manageable?

People have typically opted for relaxers in the past for ease of styling. For some reason, people think type 4 hair isn’t manageable but we’re here to dispel that myth. Whether you’re newly natural, a lazy natural or experienced natural – your hair is manageable. All you need is the right tools and techniques to care for your hair. As part of the process, you’ll need to create a natural hair routine and ensure you’re using products your hair has a liking to.

Here are some key elements to incorporate into your routine to make your type 4 hair easier to work with.

Moisture, Moisture, Moisture

Type 4 hair needs more moisture compared to other hair types. The “S & Z” shape makes it harder for moisture to travel down the hair shaft. Which is why the texture is prone to breakage and dryness. Utilise a moisture retention technique like the LOC or LCO method to keep your hair hydrated for longer. Spritzing your hair with water and leave-in mixture is one way to get moisture into your hair strands in between wash days.

Detangle your hair thoroughly

Type 4 hair has a fine texture and is densely packed together so it’s important to detangle your hair thoroughly to reduce any breakage. Always detangle on damp hair and never dry hair. Use a detangling tool like a wide tooth comb or detangling brush and take your time. Using a product with some slip like a conditioner or detangling lotion will make the process easier. The product helps you glide through your hair smoothly without pulling and tugging on your hair strands..

Some naturals forget to detangle prior to shampooing and do it when they’ve applied conditioner. But you must detangle prior to washing your hair to minimise excess shedding.

Work in sections

Work in sections of 4 to 6 depending on the length of your hair. This will make detangling, styling and washing your hair a smoother process.

Wear styles that don’t need to be re-done daily

Daily styling and over manipulation leads to breakage and loss of hair. Stick to protective styles that keep your hands out of your hair for at least 1 week. Type 4 hair is versatile enough for you to have several styling options. Experiment with buns, twists, braids, cornrow, afro puffs etc. Whatever style you choose, make sure you don’t do the same style back to back to give your hair a break and reduce any tension on your hairline.

Stay on top of trims

Trim your hair every 12 weeks to minimise split ends and single strand knots travelling up the hair shaft. Keeping on top of your trims makes detangling easier, keeps your coils defined and improves the overall health of your hair.

Frequently Asked Questions

1: How do you treat type 4 hair?

Use deep conditioning treatments to replenish your hair. It doesn’t have to be every wash day but aim for at least once a month. Deep conditioners are good for adding moisture back into the hair whilst minimising frizz and dryness. It also helps repair damage and nourish your hair back to health. Read our Deep Conditioning guide for Type 4 Naturals for some product recommendations.

Clay Washes are another treatment that is quite underrated but offers great benefits. It’s not something you should do regularly but a nice treat for your hair especially for low porosity naturals. It draws out impurities from your scalp and deeply clarifies your hair follicles making it easier for water and moisture to be absorbed. They also have healing and regenerative properties, getting rid of dryness and flakiness whilst adding shine back into your hair.

2: How do you hydrate type 4 hair?

The best way to keep your hair hydrated is utilising the LOC or LCO method to moisturise your hair. It keeps moisture locked into your strands for at least a week by sealing with an oil or butter. Read our article on LOC vs LCO method! Which one should you choose?

Wear a silk or satin scarf at night and sleep on a silk pillowcase for that extra protection. Cotton is known for absorbing oils and moisture from hair and skin leading to dryness.

Staying hydrated from the inside is another way to get extra hydration into your hair strands. Aim to drink up to 2 litres per day.

3: How do I stop my type 4 hair from shedding?

Shedding is a normal part of your hair’s life cycle. Women typically shed 50 – 100 days per day so it shouldn’t be something you’re alarmed about. However, excessive shedding is a problem! You’ll know if you have excess shedding from the amount that falls out on wash days or when styling your hair.

Excessive shedding is caused by a variety of factors such as stress, diet, hair care practices etc. As shedding is part of your hair growth cycle – you’ll need to replenish your strands starting from the inside as opposed to just your hair regimen. Here are some things worth incorporating into your regimen.
1. Eat a well balanced diet with lots of protein. Protein strengthens hair strands and will be a good source for replenishing your follicles.
2. Take hair supplements and vitamins known for boosting your hair health.
3. Incorporate scalp massages into your routine. Scalp massages boost the flow of blood into your follicles and help thicken your strands.
4. Increase your water intake – water helps keeps you hydrated and will act as a source of moisture for your strands.
Another thing that could be contributing to shedding is if you’re lacking iron or have a vitamin D deficiency. It’s worth doing a blood test to know exactly what your ferritin and Vitamin D levels are and discuss the results with your doctor to get advice on what supplements to take. Black people tend to have low levels of Vitamin D in western countries due to the lack of sun.

“A vitamin D deficiency affects your hair life cycle and is associated with scarring alopecia”. ¹

4: Why is my type 4 hair breaking?

Type 4 hair is prone to breakage due to the nature and shape of the hair strands. They’re tightly coiled and moisture tends to have a difficult time travelling through the length of the strands. As a result, your hair can become brittle and extremely dry leading to breakage. It’s important to incorporate good hair practices to minimise breakage and keep your hair hydrated at all times.

Here are some things you might be doing that could lead to breakage;
- Over manipulating your hair with daily styling
- Excessive use of heat
- Bleaching hair excessively
- Protective styles that pull on your and are too tight
- Not washing your hair and keeping up with your moisture routine whilst wearing protective styles
Be mindful of these things and adjust your hair regimen accordingly. You’ll notice the word excessive is used when it comes to heat and bleaching. There are many naturals who use heat and dye their hair but have healthy hair. So it’s not a case you can’t do these things but moderation is key!

Final Thoughts

You should now have a thorough understanding of Type 4 hair and be able to identify if you have 4A, 4B or 4C texture. The key to maintaining Type 4 hair lies in your hair regimen and we hope you’ve been able to come away with some tips on how to maintain it.

If you’re new on your journey or struggling to embrace your hair then read our article on 5 ways to embrace your natural hair journey.

Are you a 4A, 4B or 4C Natural? And What’s your no 1 tip for maintaining your Type 4 hair?

Leave a comment below, we’d love to hear from you.

References :
1. Saini K, Mysore V. Role of vitamin D in hair loss: A short review. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2021 Nov;20(11):3407-3414. doi: 10.1111/jocd.14421. Epub 2021 Sep 22. PMID: 34553483. ↩︎
January 25, 2024
Easy Homemade Deep Conditioners to try for Natural Hair
Deep conditioning treatments are an essential part of many Naturalista’s hair care routine. It’s that one treat your hair will thank you for once done because of its nourishing, hydrating and moisturising benefits. With natural hair care costs being more expensive compared to our counterparts. There’s no surprise homemade deep conditioners have become increasingly popular. They’re easy to make, significantly cheaper and give you more control on what ingredients you apply to your hair and scalp.

We’ll give you a run down on the best ingredients to include in your homemade deep conditioners and some recipes to help your natural hair thrive. If you’re not a fan of DIY and prefer a ready made product, then read our post on Top 8 Deep Conditioners to try for Type 4 hair.

How do you make deep conditioner for natural hair at home?

The process is pretty simple, all you need is a blender or whisk, some containers and the right ingredients. The process shouldn’t take too long and if you like you can batch create the conditioners and store them away. Depending on the ingredients you’ll be using, you may have to store them in the fridge to keep them from going bad.

What are the best ingredients for homemade deep conditioners for natural hair?

The ingredients you choose will vary depending on your hair needs. Regardless of what deep conditioner you decide to make, you’ll either opt for one with moisturising or protein benefits. Or you can opt for one with a balance of both. The most common ingredients included in most homemade deep conditioners include;
- Avocados : Rich in vitamins and biotin which helps strengthen, moisturise and repair your hair leaving it looking healthy and shiny
- Shea Butter : It’s full of fatty acids and anti-inflammatory properties. Which helps hydrate your hair and minimises frizz leaving you with healthy looking kinks, coils and curls.
- Coconut Milk : Another ingredient full of fatty acids and moisturising benefits. It helps restore your hair and scalp whilst nourishing and protecting damaged strands from breakage.
- Yoghurt : Rich in vitamins and nutrients which helps revive limp and dry hair. It also has anti-inflammatory benefits which is great for treating dandruff and strengthening your hair follicles.
- Mayonnaise : Contains protein and great for restoring damaged, dry and brittle hair. It’s quite oily as it contains vegetable oil but it’s great for adding that extra shine and leaving your hair soft.
- Honey : A natural humectant which helps hair retain moisture. It adds a nice slip to the product making it easy to apply but also leaves your hair feeling soft and aids with detangling.
- Eggs : Mainly used for strengthening treatments due to its high protein content protecting your hair strands and preventing breakage. Some naturals have raved about eggs’ ability to promote hair growth but results may vary.
- Oils : Great for adding extra shine and helping lock in moisture. They have additional wide ranging benefits which will vary depending on what oils you use.
TIP – purchase organic ingredients, they’re less likely to have any added chemicals in them and you want to be using the best ingredients when making homemade deep conditioners.

What oils to use in homemade deep conditioners for natural hair?

It’s best to use lightweight oils with moisturising benefits to help the ingredients penetrate through the hair shaft. Moisturising oils are known for their ability to penetrate through the inner and outer layers, helping you preserve moisture inside your hair follicles and preventing it from leaving. This makes it a great option for deep conditioning treatments as opposed to sealing oils. Which are known for sitting on top of the hair strands locking out moisture.

Here are list of oils you’ll want to choose ;
- Olive Oil
- Avocado Oil
- Coconut Oil
- Peppermint oil
- Rosemary Oil
- Castor or JBCO Oil (this is a sealing oil but works great in deep conditioners too)
Click here to learn more about moisturising vs sealing oils and when to use them.

5 homemade deep conditioners for natural hair

1. Avocado & Honey Deep Conditioner

Great for all Type 4’s (4A, 4B & 4C) and helps prevent damage and breakage whilst strengthening your natural hair. It has multiple moisturising benefits and helps eliminate frizz.

Ingredients
- 1 Avocado
- ½ a cup of Coconut Milk
- 2 Tablespoons of Honey
- 1 Tablespoon of Olive Oil
How to Make?
1. Break the avocado into smaller pieces to make blending easier
2. Put the avocado, honey and coconut milk into the blender
3. Pulse the blender until it become slightly smooth and then add the olive oil
4. Blend the mixture again until it has a smooth consistency
5. Voila! Your deep conditioner is ready to use
6. Apply to length of your hair and let it sit for at least 30 mins before rinsing
2. Banana & Coconut Oil Deep Conditioner

Bananas contain potassium and lots of vitamins which will help improve the overall health of your hair. It’s also great for those who suffer from itchiness and dandruff.

Ingredients
- 2 – 3 overripe bananas
- 2 tablespoons of honey
- 1 tablespoon of coconut oil
How to Make?
1. Peel the bananas and mash with a fork
2. Melt the coconut oil over a stove or in the microwave
3. Place the mashed bananas, coconut oil and honey into a blender
4. Blend the mixture until you achieve a smooth consistency
5. Voila! Your deep conditioner is ready to use
6. Apply to length of your hair and let it sit for at least 30 mins before rinsing
TIP – if you suffer from extreme itchiness then massage into your scalp before letting the mixture sit.

3. Mayonnaise & Egg Deep Conditioner – Great for damaged, dry, colour treated and brittle hair

Great for damaged and brittle hair. Especially if you’ve experienced damage from heat, hair dye or bleaching. Both mayonnaise and eggs are high in protein which will act as a strengthening treatment. It helps strengthen your hair and reverse damage whilst adding thickness.

Ingredients
- 1 cup of mayonnaise
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon of honey
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil (this is optional, mayonnaise contains a lot of vegetable oil so only use if needed)
How to Make?
1. Place the mayonnaise into a mixing bowl
2. Crack the 2 eggs and whip into the mayonnaise
3. Add the honey to the mixture and mix until you achieve a smooth consistency
4. If mixture is dry, add the olive oil and give it a mix
5. Voila! Your deep conditioner is ready
6. Apply to length of your hair and let it sit for at least 30 mins before rinsing
4. Shea Butter & Avocado Deep Conditioner

Avocado and Shea Butter are both rich in fatty acids and have great moisturising benefits. This is a rich mixture so you’ll need more oils for a smooth consistency. This is great for all Type 4’s (4A, 4B, 4C) especially if you’re experiencing dryness or just want to give your coils and curls extra hydration.

Ingredients
- ½ to ¾ cup Shea Butter depending on your hairs length
- 1 Avocado
- 3 tablespoon of coconut oil
- 1 tablespoon of rosemary oil
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
Other: depending on your hairs needs you can opt for other oils such as tea tree oil, castor oil, JBCO, argan oil etc. you can experiment with different oils with this mixture – the choice is yours!

How to Make?
1. Melt the shea butter and mash the avocado
2. Place them in a blender and pulse until it becomes slightly smooth
3. Melt the coconut oil and add to the mixture
4. Add the olive and rosemary to the blender and mix until you achieve a smooth consistency
5. Voila! Your deep conditioner is ready
6. Apply to length of your hair and let it sit for at least 30 mins before rinsing
5. Greek Yoghurt and Banana Deep Conditioner

Yoghurt is cheap but has many benefits for your natural hair. Just make sure you pick a plain yoghurt with no added extras. You can either use plain or greek yoghurt depending on your preference. Regular yoghurt is great for moisture treatments whilst greek yoghurt is great for protein treatments.

Ingredients
- 1 cup of plain or greek yoghurt
- 1 – 2 ripe bananas
- 1 tablespoon of honey
- 2 – 3 tablespoons of olive oil
How to Make?
1. Mash the banana
2. Mix the mashed banana with the yoghurt
3. Add honey and olive oil to the mixture and whisk until smooth
4. Voila! Your deep conditioner is ready
5. Apply to length of your hair and let it sit for at least 30 mins before rinsing
How long will the benefits last?

You should start feeling the benefits of your deep conditioning treatment from the moment you rinse out the product. This typically lasts anything from 2 – 4 weeks but consistency is the key to experience long-lasting benefits. Aim to deep condition your hair at least once a month. It may feel like a time consuming process but trust me, your hair will thank you in the long run. If you’re experiencing dryness or damage then try and do it every 2 weeks until you see improvements to the health of your hair. If you don’t have time then use a heat cap or steamer to speed up the process.

Deep conditioning Tips for Natural Hair
- Start of with freshly washed and detangled hair
- Comb or brush the product through your hair to ensure its evenly distributed across the length of your hair
- Always use heat to help open up your hair cuticles and let the ingredients penetrate
- Let it sit for at least 30 mins – 1 hour
- Don’t overload on protein and moisture treatments, alternate between the 2 depending on your hair needs. You’re hair needs moisture more than protein so it’s likely you’ll be doing the moisture treatments more often
- Ensure the product has been thoroughly been rinsed out with lukewarm water
- Always apply leave in conditioner after treatment
Final Thoughts

Making homemade deep conditioners for your natural hair helps you customise treatments to suit your hair needs. It allows you to tackle the problem you’re facing at that point in time i.e. heat damage, itchy scalp, dry hair etc. It’s also fun to make your own treatments and experiment from time to time. We’ve included some recipes if you’re not sure on what deep conditioner to make and if you like, feel free to add additional ingredients where you see fit.

Have you tried making your own homemade deep conditioner? What’s your go-to recipe?
October 21, 2023
Deep Conditioning Type 4 Hair : Guide for 4A, 4B & 4C Naturals
Is your type 4 hair feeling dry and brittle? You’re not alone, and there’s a transformative step in your natural hair regimen that could change everything. Deep conditioning isn’t just a routine task—it’s a game-changer, especially for those with 4A, 4B, or 4C textures.

Imagine reviving your kinks and coils with a surge of moisture, making them more manageable and less prone to breakage. Think about deep conditioning as a luxurious treat for your curls, coils and kinks. One that you shouldn’t miss! Want to know why this step is so vital and how it can transform your hair care routine?

Keep reading to uncover the many benefits of deep conditioning and how it can bring your natural hair back to life. Plus, product recommendations to suit all Type 4 hair textures.
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.
8 Best Deep Conditioners for Type 4 Hair

The good news is there are many deep conditioners on the market which means you’ll find at least one or two that cater to your hair needs. But because there’s so many on the market, you might not know where to start from. Plus, a lot of black-owned brands we once loved have been bought out by the big players and have altered ingredients in the formulas.

Here is a run down of 8 deep conditioners we recommend trying to maximise your deep conditioning treatments for type 4 hair.

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.

If you’re interested in making your own deep conditioners, read our post on easy homemade deep conditioners to try for natural hair.

Best Deep Conditioner for Dry or Damaged Type 4Hair

If you’re experiencing dry, brittle or damaged hair then you’ll want to use a deep conditioner that can repair the damage and whilst nursing your hair back to health. Here are 5 Deep Conditioning Treatments that are designed to tackle the problem and revitalise your hair shaft.

1. Amika Intense Bond Repair

This is a moisturising mask created to reduce breakage and prevent any further damage. It’s rich in butters and moisturising oils (such as mango butter, shea butter, borage oil) which helps to deeply hydrate your hair strands. Whilst the bond curing technology helps strengthen the hair stands.

Amika claims your hair will be 3.2x stronger, 8x more conditioned and experience 69% less breakage after using the product.

2. Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair Deep Conditioning Mask

This deep conditioning mask has a balance of protein and moisturising benefits. It’s great for naturals who are trying to repair damage from heat, over-processing and colour. It’s designed to re-hydrate dry, brittle and brittle hair whilst strengthening the hair strands. It contains ingredients such as B-vitamins, rosehip, argan oils, algae and biotin. It also contains hydrolyzed proteins (corn, wheat and soy) making this a great protein deep conditioner too.

Another plus is Briogeo products are 97% natural and vegan so you don’t have to worry about any harsh chemicals or ingredients.

3. Keracare Intensive Moisture Restorative Masque

One of the OG brands – it’s a super hydrating treatment. The ingredients contain a blend of fruit extracts which improves your hair elasticity. The product works to seal the hair cuticles, smooth and tighten your hair strands to enhance moisture retention. It’s great for all type 4 hair textures experiencing dry, brittle and dull hair. Leaving your hair silky and soft whilst reinforcing the weaker areas.

4. Melanin Hair Care Plumping Deep Conditioner

Melanin are black owned brand who’ve been killing it with their products. They’ve created a moisture rich conditioner which hydrates and strengthens dry damaged hair. One of the secret weapons on the ingredient list is Hyaluronic Acid which helps your hair retain moisture and reduce frizz.

The product features many natural ingredients such as lemongrass, sage, ginger and clay. As well as Hemp, Baobab, Provitamin B5 and Argan Oil which all work together to restore your hair’s elasticity whilst strengthening your strands at the same time.

5. Adwoa Beauty Baomint Deep Conditioning treatment

This is a great conditioning treatment which also invigorates your scalp due to the infusion of baobab and mint oils. It has a thick creamy consistency and is made up of butters and essential oils to help moisturise your hair. The reason why this product stands out is because it has antibacterial and antifungal properties which makes it double up as a scalp treatment too. Adwoa pride themselves on using organic ingredients so you don;t have to worry about sulphates, parabens or mineral oils with this treatment.

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.
FAQ’s re; Deep Conditioning Type 4 Hair

1: How often should 4C hair be deep conditioned?

You want to deep condition your 4C hair at least once a month but ideally every wash day if you have the time. The myth with deep conditioning is the product needs to be left on for hours. 20 – 45 mins will suffice and if you want the deep conditioner to penetrate quickly into your 4C hair stands then use a heat cap or steamer to open up your cuticles.

2: Does Type 4 hair need leave in conditioner?

YES, YES & YES! Type 4 hair is prone to dryness due to the shape of the hair cuticles making it difficult for the natural sebum from your scalp to penetrate down your hair shaft. Leave in conditioners help ensure your hair gets that added hydration to stop your hair from drying out whilst replenishing your hair with moisture.

One of the most common reasons for breakage and dryness on type 4 hair is lack of moisture so you want to make sure your getting as much moisture into your hair strands as possible and keep them there with the use of moisture retention techniques.

Read How to moisturize 4C hair effectively for more moisturising tips and LOC VS LCO – Which one should you choose? to learn more about moisture retention techniques.

3: Can you over condition 4C hair? & Is it okay to sleep with deep conditioner in your hair?

Yes – you can over condition your hair which could eventually lead to damage. Deep conditioners are a treatment which shouldn’t be used daily or left on for several hours. Some naturals believe deep conditioning overnight will help their hair stay moisturised for longer. But instead it could lead to moisture overload and cause significant damage and lead to hair loss. Your hair needs a balance of moisture and protein to thrive.

Moisture overload is caused due to moisture levels being too high and protein levels being significantly low. This ends up weakening your hair strands eventually leading to breakage, frizz, limp and mushy hair. So follow the guidelines on the product to minimise this from occurring. You can also alternate between protein and moisture rich deep conditioners to help your hair strands stay balanced.

4: Is it better to put deep conditioner on wet or dry hair?

Always apply on damp hair for best results. Deep conditioners work best on freshly washed hair so make sure your hair has been cleansed with a hydrating or clarifying shampoo before applying the treatment. As deep conditioners are thick in texture and have a great slip – it’ll help your detangling process after washing your hair much simpler.

5: How do you know if your hair needs a deep conditioner?

Deep conditioners should already be part of your hair care routine. However, if you’re experiencing extreme dryness or suffering from some form of damage (such as heat, colour) then you’ll want to incorporate deep conditioning into your wash day more regularly.

6:Are you supposed to put deep conditioner on your scalp?

Deep conditioners are designed for your hair and not your scalp so I wouldn’t recommend applying it to your scalp. They are rich in butters and oils which could lead to scalp irritation/oiliness and cause build up. You don’t want to clog up your pores with product so it’s best to just focus on the length of your hair. Of course when applying it to your hair, it’s inevitable that some of the product may get on your scalp. But as long as you’re not applying onto your scalp and massaging it in then you should be fine.

FINAL THOUGHTS

We hope you found this guide helpful. Deep conditioners provide intense moisture, nourishment, and repair for your hair, penetrating deeper into the hair shaft than regular conditioners. Incorporating them into your natural hair care routine is especially beneficial for dry, brittle, or damaged hair. Regular deep conditioning for Type 4 hair enhances moisture retention, reduces breakage, and improves coil definition, leading to healthier, more manageable hair.

Have you tried any of the deep conditioners mentioned above? What other deep conditioners do you recommend for Type 4 Hair?

Comment below and specify your hair type to help another Naturalista out!
July 18, 2023