The 20 Best Leave-In Conditioners for 4C Natural Hair
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4C natural hair has tightly coiled strands that have a tight zig-zag pattern.
This natural hairstyle experiences the most considerable amount of shrinkage of about seventy-five percent or more.
Apart from shrinkage, other major concerns of 4c natural hair are frizziness, tangles, and dryness.
You would not definitely want that, would you?
That’s why you need the best leave-in conditioner for 4c natural hair.
Here are our top picks for you! Let’s check them out.
Shea Moisture Strengthen and Restore Leave-In Conditioner
- Infused with castor and peppermint oil
- Uses no harmful chemicals
- Gives your hair a unique protective layer
Bella Curls Coconut Leave-In Conditioner
- Rich in vitamins and antioxidants
- Infused with palm oil
- Packed with fatty acids and antibacterial ingredients
TGIN Green Tea Super Moist Leave-In Conditioner
- Infused with natural argan oil
- Contains no harsh chemicals
- Packed with vitamins and antioxidants
What Are the Benefits of Leave-In Conditioners?
Leave-in or stay-in conditioners are great in a 4c hair care regime, especially if your 4c natural hair tends to be dry.
The best stay-in conditioner provides all the moisture your hair needs to keep it supple without weighing it down.
These products exclude heavy or hair shaft-coating oils like petrolatum and mineral oils. Instead, they provide a mixture of natural oils, humectants, and water.
They are incredible at removing frizziness and tangles, relieving dryness, and improving body and shine.
The Best Leave-In Conditioners for 4C Natural Hair Are:
1. Shea Moisture Strengthen and Restore Leave-In Conditioner
Product Overview
Intensely smooth and nourishing, this incredible leave-in conditioner will transform your 4C natural hair.
Shea Moisture Strengthen and Restore Leave-In Conditioner is a reparative conditioner that’s very effective for detangling and softening 4c hair.
- Infused with natural castor oil
- Contains peppermint oils
- Has no harsh chemicals
- Provides a unique, protective layer
It moisturizes, nourishes, and supports elasticity, making your hair highly breakage resistant when detangling.
It gives your hair a unique protective layer for a better appearance of the split ends.
Castor oil moisturizes your hair for a vibrant look, while peppermint oil prevents hair loss and boost hair growth.
You will be happy to know that this fantastic formula excludes sulfates, petroleum, parabens, mineral oils, propylene glycol, or phthalates.
Pros
- Fights split ends
- Prevents hair loss
- Boosts hair growth
The Cons
- The package might be broken
2. Bella Curls Coconut Leave-In Conditioner
Product Overview
Whip your 4c natural hair into shape with one of the best coconut conditioner.
Designed to improve the appearance, feel, and manageability of 4c hair by reducing frizziness that makes your hair tangle.
- Infused with palm oil
- High level of beneficial vitamins
- Packed with antioxidants
- Contains coconut oil and water
With hydrating coconut oil, this incredible leave-in conditioner stimulates your 4c hair to grow healthier, thicker, and longer.
It also supplies your hair and scalp with essential fatty acids and vitamins for nourishment.
Fortified with palm oil that is rich in vitamin E for stimulating hair follicles, while its antibacterial property helps clean the scalp.
Pros
- Stimulates hair follicles
- Makes your hair shinier
- Properly cleanse your scalp
The Cons
- Doesn’t smell so great
3. TGIN Green Tea Super Moist Leave-In Conditioner
Product Overview
Leave your 4c natural hair feeling smoother, softer, and more manageable with TGIN.
Infused with green tea to stop hair fall, remove dandruff, and fight dryness. Shea butter for moisturizing the scalp and hair and sealing in moisture. Argan oil for fighting dry and boosting shine.
- Infused with argan oil
- Contains shea butter
- Packed with beneficial nutrients
- Has green tea extracts
The formula is very effective at restoring natural oils without creating build-ups, making your hair look lustrous and smooth.
It is an excellent formula for easing scalp inflammation and detangling tangles and knots.
No parabens, petroleum, lanolin, sulfates, animal testing, artificial colors, or minerals.
Pros
- Fights dandruff and inflammation
- Restores natural oils
- Removes all the buildups
The Cons
- The packaging might be broken
4. Mizani 25 Miracle Milk Leave-In Conditioner
Product Overview
A miraculous leave-in conditioner that will help your 4c natural hair fight frizz and tangles.
This conditioner shields your 4c hair against external aggressors, prevents split ends, helps seal the cuticles, and improves manageability.
- Infused with cocos nucifera oil
- Packed with beneficial nutrients
- Contains coconut oil
- High level of moisture and hydration
It is an ideal cutting lotion that helps even out 4c hair.
Be augmented with coconut oil that supports thicker, longer, and healthier 4c hair. This potent botanical also contains essential fatty acids for nourishing the hair strands and scalp.
Another great botanical in the conditioner is Cocos Nucifera oil, which retains moisture and cools the scalp.
Pros
- Deeply hydrates your scalp
- Protects against heat and UV damage
- Improves manageability and seals the cuticle
The Cons
- Not for oily scalps
5. Renpure Coconut Whipped Crème Leave-In Conditioner
Product Overview
Naturally inspired leave-in conditioner that will boost the elasticity of your 4c hair.
Contain coconut water natural oils that are instantly absorbed into your hair strands, providing vitamins and conditioning oils for smoothing, and moisturizing the hair.
- Infused with coconut water
- Has Cocos nucifera oil
- Uses no harsh chemicals
- All-natural formula
Coconut oil supplies your damaged, dry 4c hair with vital nutrients and moisture.
The Cocos Nucifera oil penetrates your hair shafts to moisturize them, and it also helps cool the scalp.
Zero sulfates, dyes, parabens, propylene glycol, phthalates or gluten, making it ideal for 4c hair and other hair types.
Pros
- Provides the needed nutrients
- Soothes your scalp and fights dandruff
- Ideal for all hair types
The Cons
- Dries your hair if not properly used
6. Jane Carter Revitalizing Leave-In Conditioner
Product Overview
Get immediate results for your 4c natural hair with Jane Carter Revitalizing Leave-In Conditioner.
Be fortified with instant penetrating humectants that improve your 4c hair’s ability to hold moisture.
Panthenol ensures that moisture is sealed in, creating incredible shine and manageability.
- Infused with aloe vera
- Contains herbal extracts
- Has panthenol
- Packed with beneficial nutrients
Herbal extracts and aloe vera repair skin cells on your scalp, relieve itchiness, get rid of dandruff, and condition your hair for a smooth and shiny look.
Besides being an instant de-tangler, this leave-in conditioner also protects from chemical and coloring abuse.
It is safe to use twice in one day without creating build-ups, and it won’t weigh down your 4c hair.
Pros
- Safe to use twice a day
- Removes all the buildups
- Improves manageability and softness
The Cons
- Contains silicones
7. As I Am Leave-In Conditioner
Product Overview
Boost moisture, elasticity, and flexibility of your 4c natural hair with As I Am Leave-In Conditioner.
As I Am Leave-In Conditioner moisturizes and softens 4c hair with ease thanks to its potent botanicals.
Coconut supplies your hair with powerful nutrients that support faster, thicker, and longer hair growth.
- Infused with coconut oil
- Contains amla oil for extra nutrients
- Has sugar beetroot
- Packed with beneficial nutrients
Amla oil conditions and strengthens your hair follicles from root to tip. It has also been proven to reduce dandruff and promote hair growth.
Sugar beetroot prevents hair loss and supplies your hair and scalp with vitamin A, protein, and calcium for boosting healthy hair growth.
Pros
- Protects your hair against damage
- Nourishes and moisturizes
- Works perfect with tame unruly waves
The Cons
- Has silicones
8. Okay Black Jamaican Castor Oil Leave-In Conditioner
Product Overview
This incredible leave-in conditioner is sulfate, parabens, and silicone-free – perfect for 4c hair.
Apply it from your tips upwards, and you can add your favorite styler over the top. The result is bouncy, elastic, and pliable hair.
- Infused with black castor oil
- Contains argan oil
- Fights itchiness, dandruff and dryness
- Free of harsh chemicals
The black Jamaican castor oil moisturizes, strengthens, and thickens natural 4c hair, and it boosts blood flow to the scalp.
This fantastic botanical will also prevent itchiness, hair breakage, dryness, and dandruff.
Argan oil is vital for 4c natural hair because it has great moisturizing properties. Not to mention how good it is at sealing in moisture.
Pros
- Makes dry and weak hair healthy again
- Leaves a nice scent
- Provides natural shine all day long
The Cons
- Smell filled with overwhelming perfume
9. Giovanni Direct Leave-In Treatment Conditioner
Product Overview
A weightless stay-in conditioner that is created to reduce frizziness and breakage of 4c hair.
Detangles your hair for easy comb-out and styling, while restoring luster, strength, and nourishment.
Vitamin E enriched to help stimulate capillary growth in the scalp and prevent pesky split ends and breakage.
- Enriched with vitamin E
- Contains pro-vitamin B5
- Packed with antioxidants
- Infused with citric acid
The antioxidants found in this vitamin boost elasticity and shine.
Pro-vitamin b5 prevents moisture loss by sealing it in, and it also penetrates the scalp and hair follicles for nourishment.
Be fortified with citric acid, which is great in increasing blood flow to the scalp and relieving dandruff.
Pros
- Nourishes hair follicles
- Deeply cleanses and hydrates
- Detoxifies your scalp and hair
The Cons
- Doesn’t help with heat damage
10. Alikay Naturals Lemongrass Leave-In Conditioner
Product Overview
A stay-in conditioner that stands out with its natural and organic ingredients.
It is infused with lemongrass oil to support healthy 4c hair growth and shine.
- Infused with lemongrass oil
- Contains high level of vitamins
- Packed with other beneficial nutrients
- Leaves a nice, soft scent
Lemongrass oil works by profoundly penetrating your hair cortex to lock in moisture, condition the individual hair strands, and strengthen hair follicles.
Aloe vera is a great moisturizing agent that will leave your 4c natural hair feeling moisturized and healthy.
The subtle scent is incredible, which recalls of Lemonheads candy.
Grab a bottle and give your 4c hair that natural, soft, silky, and style-ready appearance.
Pros
- Leaves your hair silky smooth and soft
- Penetrates deeply into your skin and hair
- Provides a nice scent
The Cons
- Strong perfume
11. Camille Rose Naturals Curl Love Moisture Milk
Product Overview
Give your natural 4c hair a new look with Camille Rose Naturals Curl Love Moisture Milk.
Just apply to wet or dry 4c hair and style as usual for incredible results.
This handcrafted stay-in conditioner is fortified with natural oils, milk, and butter for decreasing shrinkage and providing lasting moisture and shine.
- Packed with beneficial nutrients
- Contains natural oils and milk
- Has shea butter
- Infused with powerful antioxidants
Rice milk will make your natural 4c hair soft and easy to style, while macadamia oil strengthens your hair shafts, leaving them stronger and healthier.
It is also augmented with powerful antioxidants for supporting hair growth.
Pros
- Repairs and prevents future damage
- Reduces frizziness and dryness
- Does a great deal moisturizing
The Cons
- Not for oily curls
12. Marc Anthony Strictly Curls Leave-In Conditioner
Product Overview
Defrizz and define your 4c natural hair with this fantastic stay-in conditioner from Marc Anthony.
Avocado oil massages and moisturizes your scalp, while it boosts blood circulation and strengthens the roots of your hair.
- Packed with beneficial vitamins
- Infused with avocado oil
- Contains shea butter
- Has deep UV protection
Shea butter is rich in vitamins F, E, and A for UV protection and fatty acids for promoting hair growth.
It has a subtle citrus scent that is not too strong or irritating.
Spray onto damp 4c hair from the roots to the ends to condition, moisturize, control frizz, detangle, add shine, and prevent splitting.
Pros
- Deeply moisturizing effect
- Hydrates your scalp and hair
- Leads to a silky smooth hair
The Cons
- Contains some chemicals
13. SexyHair Healthy Tri-Wheat Leave-In Conditioner
Product Overview
If your 4c natural hair tends to tangle throughout the day or after washing, this incredible SexyHair Healthy Tri-Wheat Leave-In Conditioner will give you a quick fix.
Spray on the damp 4c hair to provide moisture.
- Contains hydrolyzed wheat proteins
- Infused with citric acid
- Contains almond extracts
- Increases blood circulation
Hydrolyzed wheat protein adds volume to your hair, thickens strands, improves manageability, and adds shine.
Hydrolyzed wheat starch, similar to hydrolyzed sweet almond protein, by both penetrating and coating the scalp.
Wheat amino acid reduces the porosity of your hair, making it easier to style, shinier, and healthier.
Another significant factor in this formula is citric acid, which plays a vital role in improving blood circulation to the scalp.
Pros
- Moisturizes and reduces itchiness
- Strengthens your hair with protein
- Seals the moisture inside your hair
The Cons
- Has silicones
14. Cantu Shea Butter Leave-In Conditioning Repair Cream
Product Overview
Transform the look of your 4c natural or kinky hair with this amazing stay-in conditioning repair cream.
It is an intensive deep penetrating cream that stops hair breakage, repairs split ends and adds manageability and shine with every application.
- Plenty botanicals and natural ingredients
- Perfect for daily usage
- Ideal for severe hair damage
It works effectively because it is made with 100 percent pure shea butter, which provides your hair with powerful nutrients and fatty acids.
Be fortified with natural oils for hydrating and moisturizing the scalp.
Pros
- Leaves no frizziness
- Rich in vitamins
- Does well with dry hair
The Cons
- Has some chemicals
15. It’s a 10 Haircare Miracle Leave-In Product
Product Overview
It’s a 10 Miracle Product is an original product for restoring shine, eliminating frizz, and restoring 4c hair’s natural beauty.
It does not have an overly perfuming smell, but it definitely smells clean.
- Rich in minerals
- Plenty of nutrients
- No harsh chemicals
- Ideal for severe hair damage
It’s a 10 can detangle, control frizz, seal and protect, prevent split ends, inhibit breakage, create silkiness, and enhance the natural body of your 4c hair.
Contain silk amino acid that conditions as well as protects 4c hair from moisture loss to provide a silky smoothness.
It protects and seals hair color and also prevents brassiness and color fading.
Pros
- Does great with flakes
- Works amazing with eczema
- Leaves no frizziness
The Cons
- The package might get broken
16. Design Essentials Bamboo and Silk HCO Leave-In Conditioner
Product Overview
Design Essentials Bamboo and Silk HCO Leave-In Conditioner is an excellent stay-in intercellular treatment that acts as a blow-drying agent and a conditioner.
Be enriched with a bamboo extract that does wonders by moisturizing and improving the natural sheen of your 4c hair.
- Plenty botanicals and natural ingredients
- Perfect for skin inflammation
- Perfect for daily skin and hair care
This nutrient-packed ingredient is also rich in protective antioxidants for improving hair health.
Hydrolyzed silk protein is weightless, which means it has a more exceptional ability to penetrate your 4c hair, improving elasticity and flexibility.
Be augmented with hydrolyzed wheat protein for adding volume and shine while improving manageability.
Adds body and shine to your natural 4c hair with this incredible treatment.
Pros
- Ideal for damaged hair
- Moisturizing and nourishing effect
- With aloe vera
The Cons
- Has some chemicals
17. N+B Light Leave-In Conditioner
Product Overview
Weightless stay-in conditioner that quickly infiltrates your 4c hair to improve elasticity and pliability.
It has a floral, fruity, clean scent with notes of sandalwood, amber, jasmine, rose, apple, grapefruit, and pineapple.
- Rich in minerals
- Plenty of nutrients
- No harsh chemicals
- Ideal for severe hair damage
In addition to getting rid of scalp problems and soothing the scalp, the aloe vera found in the formula is a great conditioning factor.
The formula is also enriched with hydrolyzed quinoa that’s great for conditioning, color retention, and protection.
It is basically designed to nourish each strand of your 4c hair to help resist flyaways and frizz.
Pros
- Moisturizing and nourishing effect
- With aloe vera
- Does great with inflammation
The Cons
- Leaves no scent
18. Shea Moisture Virgin Coconut Oil Leave-In Treatment
Product Overview
Moisturize, soften, and improve styling manageability of your natural 4c hair with this incredible leave-in treatment.
Be fortified with 100 percent virgin coconut oil that’s toxic-free and works well with split ends, frizziness, and unmanageable hair.
- Perfect for daily usage
- Does well with dry hair
- With moisturizing natural oils
- No chemicals
The antioxidants, capric acid, lauric acid, and fatty acids contained in coconut oil help rehabilitate 4c hair by preventing protein loss.
Enriched with shea oils that help restore moisture as well as suppleness to your kinky hair.
Not to mention that it detangles and protects your hair against heat.
Pros
- Plenty of nutrients
- No harsh chemicals
- Ideal for severe hair damage
The Cons
- Has no pleasant scent
19. Carol’s Daughter Black Vanilla Hydrating Leave-In Conditioner
Product Overview
Be made with love and encouragement for your 4c natural hair.
It has a fortifying blend of natural moisturizers, pro-vitamin B5, and soy protein.
Pro-vitamin B5 profoundly penetrates and moisturizes the hair. Soy protein repairs damaged strands, strengthens and improves hair texture.
- Infused with black castor oil
- Contains argan oil
- Fights itchiness, dandruff and dryness
- Free of harsh chemicals
The citric acid in the formula does an incredible job of treating itchiness and improving scalp health.
Wheat protein adds volume, shine, thickness, and manageability, while honeysuckle smooths hair strands to provide a stunning shine to your 4c hair.
Not to mention that sage contains natural oils that help stimulate hair growth.
Pros
- Stimulates hair follicles
- Makes your hair shinier
- Properly cleanses your scalp
The Cons
- Has some chemicals
20. Motions Nourish and Restore Active Moisture Leave-In Conditioner
Product Overview
Nourish and restore your 4c hair with this active moisture leave-in conditioner.
It is augmented with potent botanicals.
Coconut oil works deeply to repair damaged strands and hydrates and conditions natural 4c hair.
- Infused with cocos nucifera oil
- Packed with beneficial nutrients
- Contains coconut oil
- High level of moisture and hydration
Shea butter protects and strengthens your natural hair while it profoundly moisturizes each strand and seals in moisture.
The natural properties of argan oil smooth and add shine to your natural hair cuticles.
Just apply a sufficient amount throughout your 4c hair and leave it in for the best results.
Pros
- Nourishes hair follicles
- Deeply cleanses and hydrates
- Detoxifies your scalp and hair
The Cons
- Has some chemicals
Home Remedies for 4C Natural Hair
Along with a high-quality high-performing leave-in conditioner, you might be able to restore the charm of your 4c natural hair with the following home remedies.
Also read: How often should you wash 4C Natural Hair?
Molasses, Egg Yolk and Mashed Avocado
This moisturizing hair mask will soothe and nourish every single strand of your 4c natural hair.
Molasses are great for removing frizziness, while mashed avocado is exceptionally nourishing and moisturizing.
Peppermint Oil and Tea Tree
This refreshing, scalp-tingling concoction helps to smooth even the most unruly hair into shiny, manageable, gorgeous tresses.
Conclusion
Improve the texture, look, and feel of your 4c natural hair with the best stay-in conditioner.
The Conditioner can be misted through the hair or massaged in after cleansing.
The best leave-in treatment you choose should be able to tame frizziness, remove tangles, moisturize hair and scalp, and improve volume and shine.
If you found high-performing leave-in formulas that are working wonders for your 4C natural hair, tell us about them in the comments below.
Shea Moisture Strengthen and Restore Leave-In Conditioner
Infused with castor and peppermint oil
Uses no harmful chemicals
Gives your hair a unique protective layer
Aida
Founder & Hair Beauty Specialist
I’m Aida and this is my blog where I write mostly about beauty and make up related stuff, but I like to spice it up a bit with lifestyle and photography posts. Or with whatever that comes to my mind. Hope you will enjoy the reading enough that we will ‘see’ each other more often!
Sources:
- https://www.headandshoulders.com/en-us/healthy-hair-and-scalp/hair-care/what-is-a-leave-in-treatment by Head & Shoulders accessed on August 18, 2020
- https://naturallclub.com/blogs/the-naturall-club-blog/7-tips-to-maintain-grow-and-care-for-4c-hair by Natural All accessed on August 18, 2020