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Top Oils for 4C Hair: Jamaican Black Castor, Coconut, Jojoba & More (2024)

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4c hair best oilsLooking for the best oils for your 4C hair? Here are the top 10 oils that will help you achieve healthy, hydrated, and moisturized hair.

  1. Castor oil
  2. Argan oil
  3. Coconut oil
  4. Olive oil
  5. Jojoba oil
  6. Sweet almond oil
  7. Avocado oil
  8. Hemp seed oil
  9. Macadamia nut oil
  10. Neem oil

Key Takeaways

  • Jamaican Black Castor Oil and Sweet Almond Oil are recommended for 4C hair.
  • Oils can moisturize, protect, promote growth, strengthen, and detangle 4C hair.
  • Some cons of using oils for 4C hair include potential heaviness, buildup, and clogged pores.
  • When choosing an oil, consider hair goals, porosity, and styling needs.

Best Oils for 4C Hair

Best Oils for 4C Hair

When it comes to hair care, 4C hair types are unique and require special attention. Luckily, there are a number of oils that can help to nourish and protect your hair.

  • Jamaican black castor oil
  • Sweet almond oil
  • Leven Rose jojoba oil
  • Coconut oil

Jamaican Black Castor Oil

Sunny Isle Extra Dark JamaicanView On Amazon
Jamaican Black Castor Oil is a powerhouse oil that can help you achieve your hair goals, from strengthening your hair to promoting growth. It’s rich in vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids that nourish the hair follicle and scalp, and it also has antimicrobial properties that can help to fight off bacteria and fungus.

Pros
  • Strengthens hair follicles and promotes hair growth
  • Nourishes the scalp and helps to prevent dryness
  • Fights off bacteria and fungus
  • Can be used as a heat protectant
  • Affordable and easy to find
Cons
  • Can be heavy for fine hair
  • May cause buildup if not used properly
  • Has a strong smell that some people find unpleasant

Overall, Jamaican Black Castor Oil is a great option for 4C hair. It’s effective at nourishing and protecting the hair, and it can help to promote growth.

Sweet Almond Oil

NOW Solutions, Sweet Almond Oil,View On Amazon
Sweet almond oil is a lightweight, non-greasy oil that’s ideal for 4C hair. It’s easily absorbed and won’t clog pores, making it a great choice for those with oily or acne-prone skin.

Sweet almond oil is also rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin E, which is known for its antioxidant properties. This oil can help to moisturize and protect your hair from damage, and it can also help to promote hair growth.

Pros
  • Lightweight and non-greasy
  • Easily absorbed
  • Rich in vitamins and minerals
  • Moisturizes and protects hair
  • Promotes hair growth
Cons
  • May not be as effective for thick or coarse hair
  • May cause breakouts for some people

Leven Rose Jojoba Oil

Leven Rose Jojoba Oil, PureView On Amazon
If you’re looking for a lightweight oil that’s perfect for 4C hair, Leven Rose Jojoba Oil is a great option. It’s nutrient-dense and multi-use, and it’s made in the USA, is fragrance-free, Kosher friendly, and comes in a dark amber glass bottle with dropper for extended shelf life.

Pros
  • Nutrient-dense antioxidants for various skin issues like blemishes, dryness, rashes, and sun damage.
  • Multi-use: beard care, stretch marks, makeup remover, etc.
  • Made in the USA, no additives or parabens, non-GMO for enhanced healing.
Cons
  • External use only.
  • Stored in dark amber bottles to prevent oxidation due to light sensitivity

Coconut Oil

Shea Moisture 100% Extra VirginView On Amazon

Coconut oil is a versatile oil that can be used for a variety of purposes, including hair care. It’s rich in nutrients that can help to moisturize and strengthen hair, and it’s also an effective sealant that can help to prevent moisture loss.

Pros of Using Coconut Oil for 4C Hair

  • Penetrates hair shaft, providing deep moisturization
  • Strengthens hair follicles, preventing breakage and damage
  • Seals in moisture, preventing dryness and frizz
  • Promotes hair growth

    Cons of Using Coconut Oil for 4C Hair

  • May be too heavy for some hair types
  • Can cause buildup if used too frequently
  • May clog pores if applied to the scalp

Black Castor Oil Hair Growth

Tropic Isle Living Jamaican BlackView On Amazon
Black Castor Oil Hair Growth is a powerful hair care product enriched with Vitamin E, Omega Fatty Acids, and Minerals that can help you achieve thicker, healthier hair and promote growth.

Pros
  • Rich in Vitamin E, Omega Fatty Acids, and Minerals
  • Nourishes and hydrates dry skin
  • Stimulates hair growth
  • Seals in moisture and diminishes scar tissue appearance
Cons
  • May cause scalp irritation for some people
  • Can be difficult to rinse out completely
  • May leave hair feeling heavy

Briogeo Scalp Revival Serum

Briogeo Scalp Revival Charcoal +View On Amazon
Briogeo Scalp Revival Serum is a leave-in soothing scalp treatment that balances and hydrates the scalp. It detoxifies, balances, and calms an itchy, irritated, and flaky scalp. It’s clinically shown to increase scalp hydration by up to 2X.

Pros
  • Detoxifies, balances, and calms an itchy, irritated, and flaky scalp
  • Clinically shown to increase scalp hydration by up to 2X
  • Works best for dry, flaky, or oily scalps of all hair types and textures
Cons
  • May be too heavy for fine hair
  • Can be pricey
  • May not be suitable for people with sensitive scalps

Mielle Rosemary Mint Growth Oil

MIELLE Mielle rosemary mint growthView On Amazon
If you’re looking for a nourishing and strengthening oil for your 4C hair, Mielle Rosemary Mint Growth Oil is a great option. This oil is rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, and it can help to promote hair growth, strengthen hair follicles, and improve scalp health.

Pros
  • Nourishes and strengthens hair
  • Promotes hair growth
  • Improves scalp health
  • Safe for all hair types
  • Can be used as a daily moisturizer or an intensive deep treatment
Cons
  • May be too heavy for some hair types
  • Can be expensive
  • May cause irritation for some people

Olaplex Bonding Oil

Olaplex No.7 Bonding Oil, 30View On Amazon
Olaplex Bonding Oil is a heat protectant that can be used to seal in moisture and prevent damage to your 4C hair.

It’s lightweight and absorbs quickly, so it won’t weigh your hair down. It also contains antioxidants that can help to protect your hair from environmental damage.

Pros
  • Heat protectant
  • Lightweight
  • Absorbs quickly
  • Contains antioxidants
Cons
  • May be too expensive for some users
  • Not all users may experience the same results

Rosemary Essential Oil

Handcraft Rosemary Essential Oil -View On Amazon
Rosemary essential oil is a natural hair growth oil that can help to stimulate hair follicles and promote new growth.

Pros
  • Stimulates hair follicles and promotes new growth
  • Good for healthy hair and dry scalp treatment
  • Natural and affordable
Cons
  • May cause irritation for some people
  • Can be strong-scented
  • Not suitable for use on sensitive scalps

Wild Growth Hair Oil

Wild Growth Hair Oil -View On Amazon
Wild Growth Hair Oil is a popular oil-based hair product that promotes hair growth. It’s made with a blend of natural ingredients, including castor oil, rosemary oil, and peppermint oil. The product is designed to penetrate the hair shaft and promote hair growth by stimulating the scalp.

Pros
  • Promotes hair growth
  • Made with natural ingredients
  • Affordable
Cons
  • May not be suitable for everyone
  • May cause scalp irritation or allergic reactions
  • Not recommended for daily use

How to Choose the Best Oil for Your Hair

How to Choose the Best Oil for Your Hair
When choosing the best oil for your 4c hair, you need to consider:

  • Your hair goals
  • Porosity
  • Styling needs

There are many different oils available, so it’s important to find one that will work well for your specific hair type.

Hair Goals/Needs

To choose the best oil for your hair, you need to consider your hair goals and needs.

Some oils are better for hair growth, while others are better for strength, moisture, scalp health, or shine.

Porosity

Your hair porosity determines how well an oil will penetrate your hair shaft, so it’s important to choose the right oil for your hair type.

Hair porosity is measured on a scale from 1 to 4, with 1 being low porosity and 4 being high porosity.

Low porosity hair has a tight cuticle that makes it difficult for oils to penetrate. Oils that are lightweight and easily absorbed, such as jojoba oil, are best for low porosity hair.

High porosity hair has a more open cuticle that allows oils to penetrate more easily. Oils that are heavier and more emollient, such as coconut oil and castor oil, are best for high porosity hair.

Styling

There are a few factors to consider when choosing the best oil for your 4C hair, including:

  • Your hair goals
  • Porosity
  • Styling preferences

Oils can help with:

  • Heat styling
  • Protective styling
  • Curl definition
  • Detangling
  • Moisture retention

Jamaican black castor oil, avocado oil, jojoba oil, argan oil, and grapeseed oil are all great options for 4C hair.

How to Use Oil on Your Hair

How to Use Oil on Your Hair
There are many ways to use oil on your 4c hair, including as:

  • A pre-shampoo treatment
  • A hot oil treatment
  • A leave-in treatment

Pre-shampoo treatments help to moisturize and protect your hair from damage, while hot oil treatments can help to strengthen and repair your hair.

Pre-Shampoo Treatment

Before shampooing, apply a small amount of oil to your hair and scalp.

Let it sit for 30 minutes to an hour before washing it out.

This will help to seal in moisture, protect your hair from damage, and make detangling easier.

Hot Oil Treatment

A hot oil treatment is an effective way to moisturize and strengthen your 4c hair.

To do this,

  • Warm a few drops of oil in the microwave until it’s just warm to the touch.
  • Apply it to your hair and scalp, cover with a shower cap, and let it sit for 30-60 minutes.
  • Rinse it out thoroughly and enjoy your healthier, more moisturized hair!

Leave-in Treatment

To use a leave-in oil:

  • Apply a few drops to damp hair after washing and styling.
  • Comb through to distribute evenly.

Leave-in oils help to:

  • Seal in moisture
  • Protect against heat and styling damage
  • Promote hair growth

Oils to Avoid for 4C Hair

Oils to Avoid for 4C Hair
When it comes to hair care for 4C hair, there are certain oils that you should avoid using.

These include:

  • Mineral oil
  • Heavy oils
  • Essential oils

Mineral oil can clog your hair follicles and lead to buildup, while heavy oils can weigh your hair down and make it look greasy.

Mineral Oil

Avoid mineral oil, as it can:

  • Clog your hair follicles
  • Make your hair look dull
  • Build up on your hair and weigh it down, making it difficult to style
  • Isn’t natural and isn’t good for hair growth.

Heavy Oils

Are you wondering what heavy oils to avoid for your 4C hair?

Heavy oils can clog pores, cause buildup, weigh hair down, and make hair greasy.

They aren’t recommended for 4C hair.

Essential Oils

Along with mineral oil and heavy oils, essential oils should be avoided for 4C hair, as they can cause dryness and irritation.

Dilution is essential when using essential oils, and precautions should be taken to avoid contact with the scalp.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use essential oils on my 4C hair?

Yes, you can use essential oils on your 4C hair, but it’s important to do so with caution.

Some essential oils can be harsh on the scalp and hair, so it’s important to do your research and choose oils that are specifically designed for hair care.

How often should I oil my 4C hair?

You should oil your 4C hair every 3-4 days to prevent dryness and breakage.

Applying oil to damp hair before styling can also help to protect your hair from heat damage.

Can I mix different oils together for my 4C hair?

Yes, you can mix different oils together for your 4C hair. However, it’s important to experiment with different combinations to find what works best for your hair type and needs.

Are there any oils that can help with hair growth for 4C hair?

Yes, there are many oils that can help with hair growth for 4C hair.

Some of the most popular include:

  • Jamaican black castor oil
  • Peppermint oil
  • Rosemary oil

Can I use oil on my scalp if I have dandruff or dry scalp?

Yes, you can use oil on your scalp if you have dandruff or dry scalp.

Oils can help to:

  • Moisturize the scalp
  • Reduce inflammation

This can help to improve dandruff symptoms.

Conclusion

To achieve healthy and moisturized 4C hair, incorporating the right oils into your hair care routine is essential.

  • Jamaican Black Castor Oil
  • Sweet Almond Oil
  • Leven Rose Jojoba Oil

These oils can provide nourishment and hydration to your hair. It’s important to choose oils based on your hair goals, porosity, and styling preferences.

By using pre-shampoo treatments, hot oil treatments, and leave-in treatments, you can maximize the benefits of these oils.

Remember to avoid mineral oil, heavy oils, and essential oils that can weigh down your hair.

Incorporating these oils into your routine will help you achieve the healthy, hydrated 4C hair you desire.

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Mutasim Sweileh

Mutasim is a published author and software engineer and beard care expert from the US. To date, he has helped thousands of men make their beards look better and get fatter. His work has been mentioned in countless notable publications on men's care and style and has been cited in Seeker, Wikihow, GQ, TED, and Buzzfeed.