Best Products for Type 4 Hair: Moisture & Definition

Photo Credits: Isimeme Edeko

All my girls with type 4 hair, make some noiseeee! I started my natural hair journey in 2016 and never looked back. From then to now, I've been collecting and experimenting with different products to keep my 4A curls healthy.

Aside from trims and protective styling, there are so many factors to think about when trying to achieve your hair goals. I, personally, always strive for moisture, definition, and softness.

So boom: I've curated a list of the best moisturizing and defining products for type 4 hair. Each product mentioned is great for both low and normal porosity hair types. Let's get into it!

The Best Products For Type 4 Hair: Chasney's Picks

The Best Moisturizing Products At Glance:

1. TGIN Honey Whip Hydrating Mousse

This mousse is great if you want your hair to dry fast, because it's lightweight and water-based.

For that reason, it's typically my go-to for twist-outs.

If you use creams for your for twist-outs, there's a very low chance that your twists will dry overnight. Especially if you're wearing a bonnet or scarf. This product will keep you from looking like boo boo the fool in the morning. Trust me.

2. Texture ID Styling Crème

I'd never heard of Texture ID until my cousin with dense, 4C hair recommend this styling crème.

Let me tell you, it is THICK. I recommend either using it by itself, or pairing it with a lightweight gel.

The inclusion of cocoa butter and shea butter is guaranteed to keep your hair moisturized for days at a time. It's perfect for low porosity hair!

3. African Pride Moisture Miracle Curling Cream

Girl, this curling cream will leave your hair so freaking soft. Sometimes softer curls can indicate less definition, but that's not the case here.

It has a very soft hold, so expect that volume to kick in on day two!

This cream also smells of honey, cookies, and any amazing fall-scented candle you can think of. *Chef's kiss.*

4. Shea Moisture Curl Stretch Pudding

Not too much on Shea Moisture; this is one of their better products! This pudding is heavy and incredibly moisturizing. My hair retained its moisture for a full week after initial application!

It's great for elongating curls, which helps a ton since type 4 hair is shrinkage-prone. It won't get rid of all the shrinkage (it is what it is, boo) but it def makes a noticeable difference!

5. Mielle Hawaiian Ginger Moisturizing Hair Butter

This hair butter is that girl. It mixes amazingly with several gels, including Wet Line Xtreme and Eco Style gel.

It's got plenty of slip, too, so detangling will be a breeze!

Disclaimer: it smells quite strongly of sweet ginger, so if that's not your tea, I'd steer clear.

6. Mielle Pomegranate and Honey Leave-In Conditioner

Another one of my faves! I started experimenting with products a few days ago (to no one's surprise) and found this hiding in my cabinet.

It makes your hair smell like the finest of fruits, moisturizes substantially, and leaves your hair soft to the touch.

If you want definition, though, you'll need to use a styler with this one.

The Best Curl Defining Products At Glance:

1. Crème of Nature Shrinkage Defense Curl Activator

Y'all are sleeping on this curl activator! It's inexpensive and works like magic. I like to pair it with the Mielle leave-in conditioner listed above.

This creates beautiful curl definition without making your hair crunchy or weighing it down.

If you want soft, defined, voluminous curls, gon' ahead and grab this.

2. Mielle Hawaiian Ginger Moisturizing Styling Gel

Mielle's Hawaiian Ginger Gel is water-based (therefore moisturizing) and super lightweight. It tends to leave a cast after the first application, but softens up by day two.

You can count on this gel to provide a hold that's strong enough for definition, but light enough to promote volume.

3. Wet Line Xtreme Gel

If you're a person that wants absolutely NO frizz, this gel is for you. It's heavy and has an extremely strong hold (no pun intended), so expect a hard cast.

You can prevent the cast by applying an oil of your choice while your hair is still wet. Also, please be warned: unless you break out the diffuser, your hair will take at least 2 business days to dry. This especially applies to those with dense hair.

This gel is so thick that it takes awhile for any moisture to escape. There was a time that I stuck my head out of the car window, in true dog-fashion, just to get my roots dry. Don't say I didn't warn you!

Bonus: This is the best product I've ever used to slick back my hair. That low-bun you've been struggling with? Yeah, this is the solution. You're welcome!

What Did We Learn Today, Class?

I hope my years of being a product junkie has helped y'all out! I don't re-purchase items very often, but these will always have a place in my heart (and my bathroom cabinet).

If you missed it, we also covered Makeup for Brown Eyes and the best methods for Getting Defined Curls...take a look!

Determined and Inspired,

Chasney