While 4C hair — consisting of tight curls and coils — boasts a unique texture that makes one stand out, it also calls for extra care and nourishment. Hence, along with other moisturizers such as deep conditioners and serums, selecting the best oil for 4C hair is the key to intensely nourishing your locks, thereby safeguarding them from the perils of dryness, breakage, and damage.

These specialized oils, as per our research, not only moisturize your hair but also seal in your hair’s natural moisture, and shield against environmental factors. Dr. Kari Williams, who is a PhD and a board-certified trichologist says, "4C curls tend to be more dry, so always incorporate hydrating products into your routine."

In our quest to help you embrace your 4C hair's natural beauty, we’ve rigorously evaluated premium-quality products available in the market and assembled a curated selection of our top picks. These oils are rich enough to tame the most extreme curls while softening their texture, improving their appearance, and enhancing their manageability. Whether you want to improve the smoothness of your mane or breathe life into your everyday looks, these oils are the hidden gems for keeping your low-porosity hair's amazing texture and strength in the spotlight. So, scroll away to explore our recommendations.

• 1
  Best to Restore Hair Elasticity

  Olaplex No.7 Bonding Oil

  Buy on Amazon

This ultra-potent, lightweight reparative styling oil significantly improves the texture and color vibrancy of your hair while reducing frizz. Additionally, it offers exceptional heat protection, up to 450°F. Because of its bond-repairing benefits, this oil for 4C hair can  work as a UV shield, provide great heat defense, and help in smooth detangling. Plus, it doesn’t weigh down your hair and makes it bouncy without any fuss. Invert the container and lightly tap your index finger on the base to release a measured drop and apply gently for better results.

2

Best for Damaged Hair

Ancient Greek Remedy Oil

Buy on Amazon

Indulge in the time-tested beauty secret with this organic face and body oil by Ancient Greek. Crafted from a blend of olive, lavender, almond, vitamin E, and grapeseed oils, this versatile elixir delivers deep hydration and nourishment to your skin, hair, hands, cuticles, and nails. Ideal for both women and men, it's a natural, organic hair moisturizer that replenishes and breathes life into dull tresses, thereby restoring their vibrancy and imparting a gorgeous shine. Adding on, it soothes and pampers your scalp by leveraging its anti-inflammatory properties — making it the best moisturizing oil for 4C hair.

3

Free from Dyes

Wild Growth Hair Oil

Buy on Amazon

When discovering covering the perfect hair care solution can go “wild” on the head, this growth hair oil is the caring answer for naturally textured 4C hair. This product is specially formulated for normal hair types and is free of unwanted materials or dyes. With a natural, subtle scent, it provides a refreshing and clean feel while catering to the unique needs of curly, coily tresses. Say goodbye to frizz and hello to a sleek and manageable mane. It's the ideal choice for those seeking a reliable, no-fuss product that keeps your hair looking its best.

4

Best Lightweight Oil

Leven Rose 100% Pure & Organic Jojoba Oil

Buy on Amazon

This multi-purpose oil is your answer to healing blemishes, chapped skin, rashes, sunspots, stretch marks, and more. With its fragrance-free, cold-pressed, and unrefined nature, this versatile product is also suitable for use on your face as a gentle makeup remover or for indulging your beard. Packaged in a protective dark amber bottle with a glass dropper, it shields the potent ingredients from light and oxidation. From head to toe, it's perfect for revitalizing and rejuvenating your skin, hair, nails, and more.

5

Best Strengthening Formula

Carol's Daughter Goddess Strength 7 Oil Blend Hair & Scalp Oil

Buy on Amazon

Made with the power of 7 vital oils, this product by Carol’s Daughter is a solution to several hair-related problems. Designed to infuse curly hair with essential moisture and save it against breakage and split ends, this hair oil gives a boost of moisture to your scalp. The best part? It doesn’t impart any heavy, weighed-down feeling in your tresses — just renewed vitality with every application. Blended with the goodness of sunflower seed, olive, jojoba, coconut, black cumin seed, linseed, castor, and soybean oils, this product proves to be ideal for all hair types and styles, be it straight, curly or coily. This unique blend is a key ally in promoting hair strength and ensures your locks remain healthy and vibrant all day long.

6

Best to Revive Brittle Hair

Arvazallia Premium Argan Oil Hair Treatment

Buy on Amazon

Experience the transformative magic with this premium salon leave-in treatment. It can instantly transform the quality of your hair, making it softer, silkier, and easier to manage. Crafted with a special formula that enhances hair repair, hydration, and manageability, this treatment locks in moisture and imparts a brilliant shine to your locks. Formulated with premium Moroccan cosmetic grade argan oil, it also promotes natural hair growth, while restoring and strengthening over-processed, damaged, and brittle strands.

7

Best Oil for 4c Low Porosity Hair

African Pride Moisture Miracle 5 Essential Oils

Buy on Amazon

Unlock the secret to lustrous, healthy hair with this best oil for 4C hair growth and thickness. This powerful blend combines castor, grapeseed, argan, coconut, and olive oil to effectively seal in moisture and bestow a radiant shine to your locks. Enriched with vitamin E, this formula nourishes and rejuvenates your hair from the roots to the tips. Perfect for all hair types, it's the ultimate solution for achieving the vibrant, hydrated hair you've always desired. All in all, these essential oils are perfect to elevate your hair care routine to new heights with their application.

8

Best for Type 3A to 4C Hair

Mielle Mint Almond Oil Blend

Buy on Amazon

This all-natural formula aids in minimizing excessive hair fall and breakage while providing protection and nourishment for a dry, itchy scalp. Suitable for all hair types, it offers a comprehensive solution to promote hair and scalp health. Comprising a diverse range of hair-friendly ingredients, this product ensures the well-being and care of natural hair, ranging from type 3A to 4C, ensuring the preservation of moisture, strength, and shine. With all-natural ingredients, it revives your hair, rejuvenating it with vitality and deep nourishment.

9

Best Carrier Oil

Shea Moisture Head-To-Toe 100% Extra Virgin Coconut Oil

Buy on Amazon

Crafted from pure, unrefined coconut oil, this product delivers intense moisture, leaving your skin and hair feeling soft, smooth, and revitalized. Use it as a deep conditioner, body moisturizer, makeup remover, or for a hot massage to bid adieu to dry, dull, and dehydrated locks or cracked skin. Its natural, unadulterated formula is rich in nutrients and helps improve the appearance of damaged hair and skin. Treat yourself to the luxurious, tropical goodness of Shea Moisture's extra virgin coconut oil, and embrace a healthier, more radiant you.

10

Best Thermal Shield

Coco & Eve Miracle Hair Elixir

Buy on Amazon

This innovative elixir combines the power of coconut oil with the hydrating magic of hyaluronic acid to create a leave-in conditioner that's a true game-changer for dry and damaged hair. Crafted with a distinctive fusion of Balinese humectants — including mangosteen, papaya, and prickly pear — this hair oil for 4C hair not only enhances manageability but also protects your hair from the damaging effects of heat styling. Plus, the abundance of essential fatty acids, works its magic to mend your hair from the inside out, sealing those pesky split ends.

11

Unite U Oil

Buy on Amazon

Unite your hair woes with this argan oil by Unite — an all-in-one superhero for hair. Hydrating, adding shine, and taming frizz, it seals moisture for any hair type, safeguarding its health and beauty. Plus, this product is gentle and suitable for use on hair extensions and chemically-treated hair. To experience the best benefits of this product, simply apply 1 to 3 drops to either damp or dry hair. For a frizz-free finish and sealed ends, use it on dry hair.

12

artnaturals Rosemary & Castor Hair Growth Oil

Buy on Amazon

This product combines the potent goodness of rosemary, castor oil, coconut oil, and olive oil for a hair and scalp treatment like no other. Experience invigorating nourishment that targets dryness, damaged hair, and split ends, promoting a healthier, more vibrant mane. This organic formula revitalizes your hair, stimulating growth and leaving it feeling luxuriously soft. Say goodbye to dry, lackluster locks and hello to the radiant, healthy hair you've always dreamed of with every application of this product.

13

Briogeo Scalp Revival Revival Charcoal + Tea Tree Scalp Treatment

Buy on Amazon

This nourishing leave-in treatment that effectively detoxifies and your scalp and soothes irritation. It sublimely boosts scalp hydration, making it your go-to solution for a dry, flaky, or itchy scalp. The infused tea tree oil works to diminish flakiness and provide relief from itchiness, while the refreshing blend of peppermint and spearmint oils invigorates and calms the scalp. Witch hazel further contributes by normalizing oil production, ensuring a well-balanced level of scalp hydration. Comprising 99% natural ingredients, this product offers a clean, ethical solution for your hair and scalp needs.

Choosing the ideal oil among these options may pose a significant challenge. To assist you in making an informed choice, we've gathered key factors to consider based on our first-hand experience that will help you pick the best option from our top recommendations.

Hair Type And Concerns: For 4C hair, opt for heavier oils like avocado oil or sweet almond oil, as they deeply penetrate and moisturize dull and frizzy hair, maintaining a healthy hair cuticle.

• Hydration And Nourishment: Look for nutrient-rich oils such as avocado oil or sweet almond oil, as they effectively hydrate and nourish the hair, keeping it soft and resilient. Carrier oils like sweet almond oil act as natural sealants, locking moisture into the hair, crucial for maintaining moisture in Afro-textured or black hair.  Some oils, like avocado oil, or sweet almond oil, possess anti-inflammatory properties, beneficial for sensitive scalps within the natural hair community while being cautious of potential allergic reactions.

• Stimulating Hair Growth: Consider oils like rosemary oil known for their properties that stimulate hair growth. These can be beneficial for the 4C hair community concerned about hair loss or growth issues.

Hot Oil Treatments: Oils like sweet almond oil or avocado oil can be used in hot oil treatments for deep conditioning, aiding in managing frizz and keeping 4C hair healthy and hydrated.

Natural And Pure Oils: Prioritize oils free from additives or chemicals, beneficial for the natural hair community. Look for pure avocado oil or sweet almond oil to ensure the best results without causing adverse reactions.

Consider Hair Porosity: Assess the compatibility of oils with 4C hair. Opt for oils that suit your hair's porosity and texture to prevent issues like excessive buildup or weighing down the hair. 4C hair can have varying levels of porosity, which determines how well it absorbs and retains moisture. If your hair has high porosity, it may benefit from heavier oils like castor oil or olive oil to seal in moisture. Low-porosity hair may require lighter oils like grapeseed or argan oil, as heavy oils can build up and make the hair feel greasy.

Key Ingredients to Seek Out: 4C curls often lack sufficient moisture due to their dense thickness and tightly coiled structure. This can result in dryness and brittle hair strands, especially at the tips. To combat this issue, consider using hydrating shampoos that incorporate natural oils and butter, such as shea butter, castor oil, or coconut oil. These ingredients delicately nourish the strands with moisturizing emollients, effectively preventing moisture loss and keeping your curls soft and well-hydrated. It's time to steer clear of harmful and harsh chemicals and instead opt for organic components that promote ample moisture for your coily hair. Look for shampoos featuring botanical extracts, black vanilla, mango butter, and black castor oil to provide the moisture your hair craves.

Assess Your Scalp: A healthy scalp is crucial for maintaining healthy and shiny 4C hair. If you have scalp issues like dandruff or itchiness, consider oils for 4C hair that have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, such as neem oil or tea tree oil. These oils can help soothe the scalp and alleviate common problems.

• Pre-poo Treatment

Before shampooing your hair, consider applying good oils for 4C hair as a pre-poo treatment. This involves gently massaging the oil into your dry hair and scalp, ensuring that you cover all areas. Use enough oil to coat your hair thoroughly. Leave it on for at least 30 minutes or even overnight. This helps to protect your hair from the drying effects of shampoo.

• Shampoo And Condition

After the pre-poo treatment, wash your hair with a clarifying shampoo to remove any excess oil and dirt. Follow up with a hydrating conditioner. This combination of cleansing and conditioning helps maintain moisture and prevents excessive drying.

• Damp Hair Application

Consider applying oils to damp hair to seal in moisture effectively, especially important for 4C hair prone to dryness.

• Seal in Moisture

After washing and conditioning, while your hair is still damp, apply a small amount of your moisturizing oils for 4c hair to seal in moisture. Focus on the ends of your hair, which tend to be the driest. Be cautious not to use too much, as 4C hair can become greasy if overloaded with oil.

• LCO Or LOC Method

Consider using the LCO (liquid, cream, oil) or LOC (liquid, oil, cream) method to layer products for maximum moisture retention. Start with a water-based leave-in conditioner, followed by oil, and then a cream or butter-based product to lock in moisture.

• Moisture Retention

4C hair is prone to dryness due to its tightly coiled structure, which can make it challenging for natural oils to travel from the scalp to the ends. Applying oils helps seal in moisture, preventing dehydration and keeping your hair well-hydrated.

• Reduced Breakage

The use of 4C hair oils can help improve hair elasticity and reduce breakage. Oils like coconut oil and olive oil can penetrate the hair shaft, making it more flexible and less susceptible to breakage, especially during styling or manipulation.

• Improved Scalp Health

A healthy scalp is essential for healthy hair growth. Oils can be massaged into the scalp to promote blood circulation, soothe irritation, and reduce dandruff or dryness, ultimately supporting the overall health of your 4C hair.

• Enhanced Shine And Luster

Using oils can add a natural shine and luster to your 4C hair, making it appear more vibrant and healthy. Well-moisturized hair tends to have a more attractive, reflective appearance.

Do’s:

• Apply oil to your hair and scalp when wearing protective styles like braids or twists to reduce friction and prevent breakage.
• Choose lightweight 4C hair oil such as jojoba, grapeseed, and almond oil to prevent your hair from feeling heavy or weighed down.
• Apply oil to your hair and scalp as a pre-poo treatment before shampooing to protect your hair from excessive drying and detangle it.
• Do apply oil to the ends of your hair, which tend to be the driest and most prone to breakage. This helps prevent split ends and promotes overall hair health.

Don’ts:

• Don't overuse oils. Using too much oil can make your hair greasy and weigh it down. Start with a small amount and adjust as needed.
• Don't apply oil to dry hair. It's more effective to apply oil to damp or wet hair. The moisture helps the oil penetrate the hair shaft.
• Don't use oils as a sole moisturizer. Oils can seal in moisture, but they don't provide hydration on their own. Use them in combination with a water-based moisturizer or leave-in conditioner.