Tag: Natural Hair Care

10 Benefits of Trimming Natural Hair you Need to Know!
Trimming your natural hair is key to retaining length and maintaining healthy curls and coils. It’s one of those things people are scared to do during their natural hair journey even though there are many benefits of trimming your natural hair. Neglecting trims could result in less hair growth! Simple reason being is if you don’t nurture or maintain your ends then you’ll have a problem with damage. If you’re damaged ends aren’t snipped, they’ll end up travelling up your hair shaft eventually leading you to cut significant amounts of your hair.

We’ll be breaking down everything you need to know re; the benefits of trimming your, how to incorporate trimming into your natural hair regimen. Plus, some techniques to help. Continue reading to learn more or click on the contents for areas of interest to you.
Why Trimming your Natural Hair is Important?

Snipping the ends of your hair can be a daunting experience for some Naturalista’s. We seem to be obsessed with holding onto our straggly ends because we want to hold onto our length and feel a trim will affect our hair growth progress. But holding on to unhealthy ends could actually bite you in the butt in the long run. Unfortunately, split ends and single strand knots affect our hairs overall health and ability to hold on to our new growth. So it’s best to embrace the benefits of trimming your natural hair so it doesn’t become a hindrance.

Here’s a rundown of how split ends can hinder you from retaining length;
- Split ends are caused by the natural wear and tear of your hair and although it’s easy to maintain your hair’s health through a consistent regimen. It’s impossible to completely eliminate split ends without a trim. If you don’t get rid of them, they’ll continue to split all the way up your hair shaft leading to more damage and loss of the entire strand.
- Split ends and single strand knots can snag and tangle easily. Once tangled, detangling your natural hair will become much harder and you’ll end up tugging/pulling on your hair which leads to breakage
- Split ends lead to scraggly and frizzy ends which makes your hair lack volume and become unhealthy.
How Trimming your Natural Hair Regularly Benefits Hair Growth?

Trimming your natural hair regularly can contribute to you maintaining healthy hair which is crucial for growing long hair. But it doesn’t actually make your hair grow faster.

Hair growth begins with your scalp and various factors can contribute to how fast it grows such as genetics, eating habits, supplements etc. Whereas the ends of your hair are the oldest part of your hair and tend to have the most damage i.e. split ends, single strand knots, fairy knots etc. One of the benefits of trimming your natural hair is it gets rid of those damaged ends and stops it from getting worse or leading to any unnecessary breakage.

Trimming and hair growth work hand in hand. To achieve growth, you need to focus on your scalp and hair follicles. But to retain length, you need to have a hair routine/regimen that incorporates regular trims. Sometimes, we’re scared to snip those end’s because we might feel we’re getting rid of our hair growth’s progress. This is where you need to change your mindset about trimming and align it with positive thinking. Think about it as a process of getting rid of damaged ends and keeping your hair healthy.

The Difference Between a Trim, Dust and Cut

You might have heard these phrases being used interchangeably but they actually mean different things. It’s important to understand the differences so you’re choosing the right method for your hair care needs.

TRIMMING helps you maintain the length of your hair whilst removing any damage. It’s basically a way of maintaining your initial cut without losing too much length.

DUSTING is a cutting technique which involves removing just the damaged ends of your hair. The length removal in this process is very minimal and focuses on just removing the split ends of the oldest part of your and any unhealthy flyaway along the length of your hair.

A CUT is just a cut. Here you’re cutting your hair into a shape or style. You’re taking off slightly more than you would with a typical trim. The amount you remove will vary depending on the style you’re looking to achieve.

How Often Should you Trim your Natural Hair?

Your hair grows an average of six inches in a year! During that time your style will definitely start to grow out and your ends will need tidying. Most stylists recommend trimming your natural hair every 3 months and dusting every 2 months. However, depending on your texture, hair, length and style – you may do it more or less regularly. Basically, what works for one Naturalista might not work for you.

The key is to incorporate trimming into your natural hair care routine. If you’re new to trimming we recommend every 3 months until you get used to it. If you’re experiencing breakage and split ends then you might opt for every 8 weeks until your hair is nursed back to health. Some people may stretch their trims to every 4 to 6 months but only do this if your hair is healthy and you’re not experiencing excessive shedding or breakage.

Whatever you decide, REMEMBER not to skip your trim! Although trimming your hair doesn’t actually result in hair growth. We’ll cover the full list of the benefits of trimming natural hair as you continue reading. In the meantime, it’s important to understand that trimming helps you retain length and reduces breakage. With time, your hair will become healthier, leading to less hair being taken off at the ends.

How to Know if your Type 4A, 4B or 4C Needs a Trim ASAP?

Curly, Coily and Kinky hair is prone to breakage due to the tight curl pattern. If you’re a beginner at getting trims or don’t know when is the right time to get a snip. Here are some signs that will help you figure out if your hair is in dire need of trim;

Your ends are becoming extremely dry and rough

Some people are prone to dry hair but if your hair is continuously dry after moisturising then it could be a sign your hair is not retaining moisture due to the amount of split ends and knots. If this is the case, pay close attention to the ends of your hair and inspect it to see if the split ends have travelled upwards to the rest of your hair shaft

Detangling becomes difficult and your hair snags easily

This is a quick tell-tell sign especially if you’ve found your detangling process to be smooth in the prior weeks. It’s likely your hair is snagging due to single strand knots making detangling frustrating. As a result, you might end up pulling on your hair due to lack of patience leading to breakage.

Loss of volume and/or shape

If you notice that your hair is lacking definition or volume, that’s a sign that your coil or curl structure is suffering. Getting a trim can revive your curls and bring them back to life.

The best way to stay on top of your trims is by setting up a calendar alert, whether you decide to opt for 8, 12 or 16 week trims. Book them in and set reminders so you don’t forget. Although snipping that regularly may feel like you’re stopping your hair’s growth progress. In the long run, you’ll see the benefits. You can always do a length check each time you get a trim and document your progress through pictures to monitor your length retention.

10 Benefits of Trimming Natural Hair

We’ve covered quite a fair bit regarding the importance of getting regular trims and why you need to incorporate them into your hair regimen. Now let’s get into the benefits for your natural hair.

1. Prevents/ Gets rid of split ends

As we mentioned earlier, split ends can be seen as the enemy of progress during your hair growth journey. They are caused by natural wear and tear, excessive dryness, heat damage and chemicals. They’re found on the oldest part of your hair so it’s only natural for them to appear. Unfortunately, you can’t stop them from reappearing but you can minimise how often they appear. The only way to eliminate them completely is through trims or opt for a clean cut depending on how bad they are.

2. Prevents single strand knots

Single strand knots can cause frustration for Naturalista’s! They’re usually caused by the strand of your hair twisting and tangling around each other. If you’ve ever stroked your fingers through your hair and run into what feels like a tied knot then you’ve definitely encountered a single strand knot. The reason why they’re even more annoying is because they get caught on other hair strands leading to excessive tangling. When you pull on them or try to unravel them – it can weaken your hair strands causing breakage. Keeping your hair in a stretched state can minimise them from re-appearing but that isn’t practical all the time especially when you want to wear your hair in its natural state.

3. Makes detangling easier

Detangling as we know takes a lot of patience and is one of the most delicate steps in our natural hair care routine. Detangling with split ends and knots make the process a lot harder and you’ll end up tugging, pulling and ripping on your hair when these knots appear regardless of how careful you are. Making your hair strands weaker and leading to excessive shedding and/or breakage whilst using your detangling tools. Trimming your hair supports you to detangle with ease but also makes the process quicker.

4. Prevents thin ends and makes hair appear thicker

If the ends of your hair appear thinner than usual then this is a big sign you’re in need of a trim. Trimming those ends improves your hair health and also improves thickness all around. It’s important to note; that thin ends can be influenced through genetics, lifestyle or how we manipulate our hair but getting rid of them will encourage healthier and more voluminous looking hair. Your hair will look thick and healthier from root to tip.

5. Supports heat damage recovery

Heat can cause our natural curl or coil pattern to change when misused, ultimately leading to damage. Unfortunately, once your hair stands are damaged it’s not reversible. The only way to get rid of the damage is by getting a cut or trimming small amounts of your hair until all the damage is gone. It’s important to note that heat isn’t bad for your hair, just remember to use a good a protectant and opt for low heat settings if you can. If you use heat regularly then it’s even more important to get your regular trims to get rid of frazzled ends that can be caused from heat.

6. Helps with length retention

Although trimming doesn’t actually grow your hair, it helps retain length. Some people can get baffled with how this works – it’s pretty simple tbh. All you’re doing is getting rid of parts of your hair that would cause more damage to the full length of your hair. You’re reducing breakage and split ends from travelling up into the hair shafts which ultimately end up stunting your growth. On average your hair grows half an inch a month or up to 6 inches per year. You usually trim your hair every 3 months and typically get rid of quarter of an inch to an inch. Let’s say you’re cutting off an inch per trim, you’re still left with 3 inches at the end of that year. Some people’s hair grows at a different rate but hopefully this gives you an idea of how trimming and length retention work hand in hand.

7. Promotes Healthy Hair

Healthy hair is a key end goal in any natural hair care journey. There’s no point having long gorgeous locks that look frazzled, dry and riddled with loads of knots. Holding on to damaged ends has no benefit in your hair care routine as you’ll be left with excessive breakage. Trimming your hair regularly is a must for healthy hair and will keep it in the best possible condition.

8. Gets Rid of Swollen Ends

Have you ever experienced the ends of your hair looking puffier compared to the hair closer to your roots? Well, that’s a sign of damage and can affect your coil or curl definition. You can use treatments such as detoxifying, clarifying and treatment masks to minimise the swelling. But it’s best to trim them as they appear instead of holding on to them.

9. Makes styling easier

You’ll experience less knots and tangling when trying to style your hair. Plus, your hairstyles will come out looking a lot better. The worst thing is spending so much time on styling and it ends up being lacklustre and not how you envisioned purely because your damaged ends are affecting the end result of the style.

10. Reduces Frizz

This is one of our favourite benefits of trimming. Frizzing can be part and parcel of dealing with curly and coily hair. There are many ways to combat it like using the right products and sleeping with satin scarfs. Trimming is another method which can be used to keep your frizz under control, making your hair appear sleeker and smoother.

FAQ’s re: Trimming your Natural Hair

1: How often should you trim your natural hair for growth?

If you’re concerned about retaining length and think regular trims will affect your progress then we recommend getting a trim every 3 months. However, you need to ensure your hair care routine is top notch to keep it healthy. You might consider the dusting technique when you see split ends and knots appearing to minimise the amount that needs to be cut off when it’s finally time to get your trim.

2: Is it better to trim natural hair on wet or dry hair?

Most stylists recommend trimming on dry stretched hair because this is the actual full length of your hair in comparison to its shrunken state. Your hair is typically weaker when wet and can lead to frayed ends if not done properly. So stick to dry hair to play it safe – it’s also easier to see the damage and amount you need to snip off when your hair is dry.

3: What happens if you don’t trim your natural hair?

Don’t skip out on trimming even though it may feel like a painful exercise. We can’t stress enough that by not trimming your hair, you’re risking your natural hairs health and the opportunity for it to grow. Plus you’ll end up with excessive shedding, split ends, knots and breakage which lead to you getting a cut instead of just snipping up to an inch.

Final Thoughts

As you can see, the benefits of trimming your natural hair are endless. Trimming your hair regularly and maintaining healthy luscious locks go hand in hand. Although, it feels like you’re not making progress due to the amount of times you need to get a trim that’s just in the mind. Trimming your hair actually adds many benefits to your hair’s progress. We suggest documenting your progress if you’re concerned, through length checks and progress pics. This will help you make adjustments to your routine as needed. The key is to get rid of split ends and any damage as soon as possible so it doesn’t travel into the rest of your hair shafts.

How often do you get trims? AND What benefits have you seen from incorporating this into your hair regimen?
August 18, 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