Maintaining 4C hair can be a challenge if you don’t know how to nourish it the right way.
4C hair has a tightly curled pattern that easily tangles and can turn into a love-nest if not maintained properly. I have been growing my hair as an Afro ever since COVID-19 happened. It was the easiest way to maintain a hairstyle without needing a haircut. After years of trying different products to maintain and nourish my hair, I have found some products I can swear by. I’m going to explain each product and its purpose, in the order I apply them day to day.
Damped hair
Before I apply any products to my hair, I always start by dampening it until it is almost dripping wet. I usually do this in the shower, although I’ve seen some content creators use a spray bottle. For my hair and the state it’s in when I take off my durag, it needs the power of the shower stream to really penetrate. Plus, I find it much easier.
Garnier Superfood Leave in Conditioner
The first product I apply is Garnier Hair Food. This product comes in many scents, but watermelon and banana are my favorites. This not only leaves my hair smelling great but also adds moisture that lasts throughout the day. This is an important step and the first one in the process.
Blue Magic Originals
Next is Blue Magic Originals Super Sure Gro Grease, which has been in my routine for the last two months. I remember this product from my childhood; I used to lather my hair in it, and it gave amazing results back then, just as it does now. I stopped using it as I got older because they only had the original blue, which didn’t have the greatest scent. If you know, you know. Now, it comes in many variations, and the one I use has shea butter, jojoba oil, and Japanese green tea leaves. Without this product, my hair tangles more easily, leading to significant hair loss. It keeps the moisture throughout the day and night and now has a good smell. If you don’t have a product that adds grease and locks in moisture, I highly recommend you try this one.
Black Castor Oil
Black castor oil has been a part of my routine for a long time. I have tried replacing it with other oils to try something new, but I always end up going back to this favorite. Cécred By Beyonce, their hair oil is on my list to try, but this Jamaican oil is affordable and has a thick consistency. It’s amazing but not a product I can use by itself. Many people talk about using hair oils as their only product, but this one doesn’t provide the same moisture as Garnier or Blue Magic Originals. If I’m in a hurry, I mix it with Blue Magic.
Chapter 2000 By Champers
Chapter 2000 by Champers is great for weak spots. I use it on my temples and edges. It has a strong scent, so I often use it before bed. I haven’t seen many people talk about this product; maybe they are gatekeeping?
Combing to prevent shedding
After working the products in, stretching my hair, and massaging my scalp (yes, it’s a multitasking process), I comb my hair with a wide-tooth comb. I start from the tips and work through to the roots. This process can feel daunting, but it’s crucial to be patient if you don’t want to ruin your ends.
Twist Sponge For Styling
If I have the time, I let my hair dry for an hour before using my twist sponge. This is how I style my hair daily, and I find it much easier to handle the next day. The twists keep my hair from compressing as much during the night compared to when it’s combed out with no styling. This slight difference is something I don’t take for granted.