Best Moisturizer for 4C Hair (2026)

4C hair is the thirstiest texture on the planet. I say that with zero exaggeration and years of personal experience. Finding the best moisturizer for 4C hair is not about grabbing whatever sits on the shelf at Target. It is about understanding that your coils lose moisture faster than any other hair type, and the product you choose has to work with that reality, not against it. I have tested dozens of moisturizers on my own 4C hair and talked to barbers and stylists from Atlanta to Houston about what actually keeps tightly coiled hair soft, defined, and protected between wash days. This guide breaks down the 10 moisturizers that earned their spot, explains the LOC and LCO methods so you can lock moisture in, and gives you a complete routine you can start tonight.

If you only read one section, jump to the comparison table for my ranked picks, or read the LOC vs. LCO breakdown to understand why your current routine might not be working.

Our Top Picks: Best Moisturizers for 4C Hair

I have ranked these based on how well they hydrate 4C hair specifically, how long the moisture lasts between wash days, ingredient quality, and price per ounce. Every product on this list was evaluated against tightly coiled hair, not loosely curled 3A textures where almost anything works.

Why 4C Hair Needs a Different Approach to Moisture

Let me be real about something most generic grooming sites will never tell you. 4C hair is structurally different from every other hair type, and that structure directly determines how moisture enters, stays, and leaves each strand.

4C coils are the tightest on the Andre Walker hair typing scale. Each strand bends at sharp angles, forming a zigzag or Z-pattern rather than the round coils you see in 3C or 4A curly hair. Those tight bends create two problems. First, the natural oils your scalp produces (sebum) have a harder time traveling down the hair shaft. On straight hair, sebum slides from root to tip easily. On 4C hair, it gets stuck at every turn, which is why your roots can feel oily while your ends are bone dry.

Second, 4C hair tends to have higher porosity, meaning the cuticle layer has more gaps. That lets moisture in quickly, but it also lets moisture escape quickly. You can drench your hair in water, and two hours later it feels like straw again. If this is your experience, it is not your fault. It is physics.

The solution is not just “use more product.” It is using the right product, in the right order, with the right sealing technique. That is where the LOC and LCO methods come in.

The Porosity Factor

Before you pick a moisturizer, you need to understand your hair’s porosity. Here is a quick test I learned from my barber years ago: take a clean, product-free strand of hair and drop it in a glass of room temperature water. Wait two to four minutes.

• Low porosity: The strand floats on top. Your cuticles are tightly sealed, and moisture has trouble getting in. You need lightweight, water-based moisturizers and heat to open the cuticle.
• Normal porosity: The strand sinks slowly to the middle. You have the easiest time retaining moisture. Most products will work for you.
• High porosity: The strand sinks to the bottom fast. Your cuticles are wide open, often from heat damage or chemical processing. Moisture enters easily but leaves just as fast. You need heavier butters and oils to seal.

Most 4C hair falls into the normal-to-high porosity range. If you have been using relaxers, texturizers, or heat styling frequently, your porosity is almost certainly high. Adjust your moisturizer choice accordingly. I will note the best porosity match for each product in the reviews below.

LOC vs. LCO Method: Which One Works for Your 4C Hair

If your moisturizing routine is just slapping cream on dry hair, you are wasting product and time. The LOC and LCO methods are layering systems that trap moisture inside the hair shaft using three product types in a specific order.

The LOC Method (Liquid, Oil, Cream)

1. Liquid (L): Start with water or a water-based leave-in. This is your actual moisture. Spray your hair until it is damp, not soaking.
2. Oil (O): Apply a light oil (jojoba, sweet almond, or grapeseed) to begin sealing the water into the hair shaft. Use about a quarter-sized amount for short to medium 4C hair.
3. Cream (C): Follow with your moisturizing cream. This is the heavy seal that locks everything in.

Best for: High-porosity 4C hair. The oil layer goes on before the cream, which creates a double barrier against moisture loss. If your hair drinks products and dries out within hours, LOC is your method.

The LCO Method (Liquid, Cream, Oil)

1. Liquid (L): Same as above. Water or water-based spray.
2. Cream (C): Apply your moisturizing cream while the hair is still damp.
3. Oil (O): Seal everything with oil on top. This creates the outermost barrier.

Best for: Low-to-normal porosity 4C hair. The cream absorbs better when it hits damp hair directly (without an oil barrier in between), and the oil on top keeps everything sealed.

How to Know Which Method to Use

I personally use the LOC method because my 4C hair is on the higher porosity side. It took me a couple of weeks of experimenting to figure out which method gave me the best results. If you want more guidance on building a full routine for your hair type, check out my guide on how to grow 4C hair, which covers the entire wash-day-to-wash-day cycle.

What to Look for in a 4C Hair Moisturizer

Not all moisturizers are built for tightly coiled hair. Here is what separates a good 4C moisturizer from one that will leave your hair dry, flaky, or weighed down.

Water Should Be the First Ingredient

This is non-negotiable. Water (or aloe vera juice) must be the first ingredient on the label. That is your actual hydration source. If a product lists an oil or butter first, it is a sealant, not a moisturizer. Sealants have their place in the LOC/LCO system, but they are not doing the moisturizing work.

Look for Humectants

Humectants pull moisture from the air into your hair. The best ones for 4C hair include:

• Glycerin: The gold standard humectant. Works best in moderate humidity (40-60%). In very dry climates, glycerin can actually pull moisture OUT of your hair and into the air, so be aware of your environment.
• Honey: A natural humectant with antibacterial properties. Excellent for 4C hair because it attracts moisture without making hair feel heavy.
• Aloe vera: Hydrates, reduces scalp irritation, and has a pH close to healthy hair (4.5-5.5).

Look for Emollients and Sealants

These ingredients smooth the cuticle and reduce moisture loss:

• Shea butter: Heavy, rich, and perfect for sealing 4C hair. Use sparingly on low-porosity hair to avoid buildup.
• Coconut oil: Penetrates the hair shaft better than most oils (Rele & Mohile, 2003), but can cause protein buildup on some textures. If your hair feels stiff after coconut oil, switch to jojoba or sweet almond oil.
• Jojoba oil: Mimics the structure of natural sebum. Lightweight, non-greasy, works on all porosity levels.
• Castor oil: Thick and excellent for sealing, especially on high-porosity ends. Many 4C men use Jamaican Black Castor Oil (JBCO) for both moisture sealing and promoting hair growth.

Avoid These Ingredients

• Mineral oil and petrolatum: These sit on top of the hair and create a barrier, but they do not moisturize. They can cause buildup on 4C hair that is already prone to product accumulation.
• Sulfates (in leave-in products): Sulfates strip moisture. They belong in clarifying shampoos, not in your moisturizer. For more on choosing the right shampoo for 4C hair, read my separate guide.
• Silicones (dimethicone, cyclomethicone): They create a smooth feel, but they also prevent moisture from entering the hair. On 4C hair, silicone buildup leads to dryness that no amount of cream can fix.
• Alcohol (SD alcohol, alcohol denat, isopropyl alcohol): These drying alcohols evaporate quickly and take your moisture with them. Note that fatty alcohols like cetyl alcohol and cetearyl alcohol are actually beneficial; they soften and smooth the hair.

Detailed Reviews: The 10 Best Moisturizers for 4C Hair

1. SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie

There is a reason this sits at the top. SheaMoisture’s Coconut & Hibiscus Smoothie has been a staple in 4C hair care for over a decade, and the formula holds up. Water is the first ingredient, followed by cetearyl alcohol (a good fatty alcohol), glycerin, and shea butter. That is a textbook moisture-plus-seal combination.

What I like: The consistency is thick but not heavy. It spreads easily through tightly coiled hair without dragging or pulling. I use about a nickel-sized amount per section on my short 4C hair, and it provides two to three days of softness before I need to refresh. The coconut and hibiscus scent is subtle enough for daily wear.

Who it works for: All porosity levels of 4C hair. Low-porosity users should apply on damp hair and use less product to avoid buildup. High-porosity users can be generous.

Who should skip it: If you are protein-sensitive, be cautious. This formula contains silk protein, which can cause stiffness in hair that is already protein-overloaded. If your hair feels brittle and crunchy rather than soft, you might need a protein-free option like the Carol’s Daughter pick below.

Price: $12-14 for 12 oz. Available at Target, Walmart, and most drugstores. One of the most accessible 4C moisturizers on the market.

2. Mielle Pomegranate & Honey Curl Smoothie

Mielle Organics went from a small Black-owned startup to a mainstream powerhouse, and this curl smoothie is the product that put them on the map. The formula leans on honey as its primary humectant, which gives it an edge in drier climates where glycerin can backfire.

What I like: It is lighter than the SheaMoisture Smoothie, which makes it ideal for 4C hair on the finer side. Not all 4C hair is thick and coarse. Some of us have fine 4C strands that clump tightly but get weighed down by heavy butters. Mielle understood that assignment. The honey and pomegranate extract add shine without greasiness.

Who it works for: Fine to medium 4C hair, all porosity levels. Especially good for men who want moisture without the heavy, coated feeling.

Who should skip it: If you have very thick, coarse 4C hair that needs heavy-duty sealing, this might not be enough on its own. Layer it under an oil for better results, or go with the TGIN Butter Cream instead.

Price: $9-11 for 12 oz. A solid value for a well-formulated product. Mielle is a Black-owned brand, which matters to a lot of us when we are choosing where our money goes.

3. TGIN Butter Cream Daily Moisturizer

TGIN stands for Thank God It’s Natural, and their Butter Cream lives up to that name. This is one of the richest moisturizers on this list, formulated with shea butter, cocoa butter, and vitamin E. It was designed specifically for natural hair that needs serious hydration.

What I like: When my hair is at its driest, usually during winter or after a protein treatment, this is what I reach for. The butter cream is thick but not greasy. It melts into the hair and provides a level of softness that lasts well into day three. I have recommended this to guys at the barbershop who were ready to give up on keeping their 4C hair moisturized, and it turned things around for them.

Who it works for: High-porosity 4C hair, thick and coarse textures, anyone dealing with extreme dryness. Excellent in the “C” position of the LOC method.

Who should skip it: Low-porosity 4C hair will likely experience buildup with this one. If products tend to sit on top of your hair, go lighter. Also another Black-owned brand worth supporting.

Price: $13-15 for 12 oz. Slightly higher than some competitors, but the richness means you use less per application.

4. As I Am DoubleButter Cream

The name tells you exactly what this is. As I Am’s DoubleButter Cream combines two butters (shea and cocoa) for maximum sealing power. The formula also includes organic extracts and is free of sulfates, parabens, and petrolatum.

What I like: This is the heaviest cream on the list, and for guys with very coarse, very dry 4C hair, that is exactly the point. It works as both a moisturizer and a sealant in one step. On nights when I am too tired for a full LOC routine, I spray water, apply this, and call it done. It holds up surprisingly well as a two-step shortcut.

Who it works for: Coarse, thick 4C hair that seems to eat lighter products for breakfast. High-porosity hair that loses moisture within hours of application.

Who should skip it: Anyone with fine 4C strands. This product will weigh down thinner hair and cause it to look flat and greasy. Also not ideal for low-porosity hair unless used in tiny amounts.

Price: $10-12 for 8 oz. Slightly less product per dollar, but the richness means a little goes far.

5. Cantu Shea Butter Leave-In Conditioning Repair Cream

I have to be honest. Cantu gets mixed reactions in the natural hair community. Some people swear by it; others say it causes buildup. Here is the truth from my experience: Cantu works well for 4C hair IF you use the right amount and clarify regularly.

What I like: The price cannot be beat. At $5-7, Cantu is the most affordable quality moisturizer for 4C hair. The formula includes shea butter, coconut oil, and honey, hitting all the right notes for hydration and sealing. It is available at literally every drugstore, grocery store, and corner beauty supply in America. If you are just starting your 4C moisturizing journey and do not want to spend $15 on a product you might not like, Cantu is where you begin.

Who it works for: Budget-conscious men with normal-to-high porosity 4C hair. Great as a daily leave-in for short to medium length hair.

Who should skip it: If you are prone to product buildup or if you do not use a clarifying shampoo at least twice a month, Cantu’s heavier ingredients can accumulate and leave your hair feeling coated and stiff. Low-porosity hair should approach with caution.

Price: $5-7 for 12 oz. The best value on this list by a wide margin.

6. Carol’s Daughter Hair Milk Nourishing & Conditioning Styling Cream

Carol’s Daughter is a legacy brand in Black hair care, founded by Lisa Price in her Brooklyn kitchen in 1993. The Hair Milk line is their lightweight offering, and it hits a sweet spot for 4C men who want moisture without the weight.

What I like: This is my go-to for twist-outs and styles where I need definition without crunch. The agave nectar acts as a humectant, the cocoa butter seals, and the whole formula feels silky going in. It absorbs quickly without leaving a greasy residue, which makes it ideal for shorter 4C styles where you do not want your hair looking wet all day.

Who it works for: 4C hair of any porosity, especially men who style with twists, finger coils, or sponge curls. Also excellent for guys who want a daily moisturizer that does not show up as shine or grease on short cuts.

Who should skip it: If your 4C hair is extremely dry, this alone will not be enough. You will need to layer it with an oil in the LOC/LCO system. It is a maintenance moisturizer, not a rescue mission product.

Price: $11-13 for 8 oz.

7. CurlSmith Moisture Memory Reactivator

CurlSmith is the premium pick on this list, and if you have the budget, the Moisture Memory Reactivator is worth every penny for mid-week refreshes. This product is designed to reactivate your existing style and moisture levels without starting over.

What I like: This is not a wash-day product. It is a day-three or day-four product. When your 4C hair starts feeling dry between washes but your style is still intact, you spray this on and it brings the moisture back without disrupting your pattern. The formula uses aloe vera, flaxseed, and marshmallow root to hydrate and soften. I keep this in my gym bag for after workouts when my hair feels parched from sweat and air drying.

Who it works for: Men who go five to seven days between wash days and need a mid-week moisture boost. All porosity levels. Especially useful for longer 4C styles that need refreshing.

Who should skip it: If you wash every two to three days, you probably do not need a separate refresh product. Put that money toward a better wash-day moisturizer instead.

Price: $22-26 for 12 oz. The most expensive pick, but it serves a different purpose than the others.

8. Camille Rose Curl Love Moisture Milk

Camille Rose makes some of the best-smelling hair products on the market, and the Curl Love Moisture Milk is no exception. But this is not just about fragrance. The formula is built on a base of rice milk, macadamia oil, and honey, which creates a lightweight moisture layer that 4C hair absorbs readily.

What I like: The consistency is thinner than most creams on this list, closer to a lotion. That makes it easy to distribute through tightly coiled hair without the sectioning and detangling battle that heavier products can cause. My barber actually put me on to Camille Rose. He uses the Curl Love on clients with shorter 4C cuts because it adds softness without weighing down a fresh shape-up.

Who it works for: All 4C hair types, especially men who prefer lighter products. Great for year-round daily use in moderate to humid climates.

Who should skip it: In very dry, cold climates (Chicago winter, Denver altitude), this alone will not seal moisture effectively. Layer it under JBCO or shea butter in the LOC method during those months.

Price: $15-18 for 8 oz. Mid-range pricing for a quality formulation. Another Black-owned brand.

9. Design Essentials Natural Almond & Avocado Moisturizing & Detangling Sulfate-Free Conditioner

Design Essentials is a professional salon brand that has been a staple in Black barbershops and salons for decades. This Almond & Avocado formula doubles as a detangling conditioner and daily moisturizer, which saves a step for men who keep their routines simple.

What I like: The slip is excellent. If you have 4C hair that tangles the moment you look at it, this product makes detangling nearly painless. The almond oil and avocado oil provide lasting moisture without heaviness, and the formula is sulfate-free so it will not strip what is already there. I use this on wash days as a rinse-out conditioner and then apply a small amount as a leave-in.

Who it works for: 4C men who want a dual-purpose product. Great for medium-length 4C hair that needs detangling and hydration in one step.

Who should skip it: If you are looking for a rich, buttery moisturizer that you apply on dry hair between washes, this is not it. It works best on damp to wet hair as part of a wash-day routine.

Price: $12-14 for 12 oz.

10. Aunt Jackie’s Quench Moisture Intensive Leave-In Conditioner

Aunt Jackie’s Quench is the sleeper pick on this list. It does not get the Instagram hype of Mielle or SheaMoisture, but it quietly delivers serious hydration at a budget-friendly price. The formula centers on shea butter, olive oil, and flaxseed, creating a rich but absorbent leave-in.

What I like: This is my winter product. When the air is dry and my 4C hair starts acting like it has never seen moisture in its life, Aunt Jackie’s Quench brings it back. The flaxseed adds a light hold alongside the moisture, which is helpful for guys who want their coils to stay defined without adding a separate styling gel.

Who it works for: Extra dry 4C hair, high-porosity textures, winter months, anyone who lives in a dry climate. Excellent for the “C” position in the LOC method.

Who should skip it: In hot, humid weather, the richness of this product can feel heavy and attract frizz. Switch to a lighter option like Mielle or Carol’s Daughter during summer months.

Price: $8-10 for 12 oz. Excellent value for a moisture-intensive formula.

Water-Based vs. Oil-Based Moisturizers: What 4C Hair Actually Needs

This is where a lot of men get confused. I hear it at the barbershop all the time. “I put oil in my hair every day and it is still dry.” That is because oil is not a moisturizer. Oil is a sealant.

Water-Based Moisturizers

These have water (aqua) as the first ingredient. They deliver actual hydration to the hair strand. Every product on my top 10 list is water-based, and that is intentional. 4C hair needs water. Full stop.

How to spot them: Check the ingredient list. If “water” or “aqua” or “aloe barbadensis leaf juice” is first, it is water-based.

When to use: Every moisturizing session. This is step one in both the LOC and LCO methods.

Oil-Based Products

These have an oil (coconut, olive, jojoba, etc.) as the primary ingredient. They seal moisture in but do not add moisture themselves. Think of oil as the lid on a pot. Without water in the pot first, the lid does nothing.

Common oils for 4C hair:

• Jojoba oil: Closest to natural sebum, lightweight, ideal for all porosities
• Jamaican Black Castor Oil (JBCO): Thick, heavy sealing power, traditionally used for hair growth in the Caribbean
• Sweet almond oil: Mid-weight, good for scalp massage and sealing
• Argan oil: Lightweight, adds shine, absorbs well
• Coconut oil: Penetrating oil, but can cause protein overload on some 4C textures

When to use: After your water-based moisturizer, as the “O” step in LOC or LCO.

The Bottom Line

You need both. A water-based moisturizer to hydrate and an oil or butter to seal. If you have been using only oil and wondering why your 4C hair still feels dry, now you know. Start with water, then seal with oil.

How Often Should You Moisturize 4C Hair?

This question does not have a one-size-fits-all answer. It depends on your porosity, your climate, and your lifestyle. But here is a general framework that works for most 4C men.

Seasonal adjustments: In winter, increase frequency by one step. Cold, dry air strips moisture faster. In summer humidity, you can often go an extra day between sessions because the air helps your humectants do their job.

If you work out regularly and sweat through your hair, you will need to refresh more often. Sweat is salty, and salt pulls moisture from hair. A quick spray of water mixed with a leave-in conditioner after a workout keeps your 4C hair from drying out between proper wash days.

Nighttime Moisture Retention Tips for 4C Hair

You can have the best moisturizer in the world, but if your nighttime routine is wrong, you are losing half your hydration in your sleep. Here is how to keep moisture locked in overnight.

1. Use a Satin or Silk Pillowcase

Cotton pillowcases are the enemy of 4C hair. Cotton fibers create friction against your coils, pulling out moisture and causing breakage. A satin or silk pillowcase lets your hair glide instead of grip. This alone can extend your moisture by an extra day.

2. Wrap with a Satin-Lined Durag or Bonnet

I know, I know. Not everyone wants to sleep in a durag. But for 4C hair, a satin-lined durag or bonnet creates a moisture-trapping environment around your head all night. The satin prevents friction. The compression keeps your style intact. If you are serious about moisture retention, this is not optional.

3. Apply a Light Oil Before Bed

After your evening moisture check (is your hair feeling dry?), apply a very small amount of oil, just enough to coat your fingertips, and press it into your ends and the driest areas. Then wrap. The oil creates a final seal that carries moisture through the night.

4. The “Greenhouse Effect” Method

This is a deeper technique for extremely dry 4C hair. Apply your moisturizer and oil, then cover your hair with a plastic cap (like a shower cap) before putting on your satin bonnet or durag. The body heat from your head creates a warm, humid environment that forces moisture deep into the hair shaft. Use this once or twice a week, not every night, to avoid over-moisturizing and potential hygral fatigue (when hair swells too much from excess water).

5. Protect Your Ends

The ends of your 4C hair are the oldest and most fragile part. They dry out first and break first. If you have medium to longer 4C hair, consider tucking your ends into a protective style at night. Two-strand twists or braids keep ends protected and reduce the surface area exposed to friction and dry air.

Budget Breakdown: Good, Better, Best

I do not believe you need to spend $30 on a moisturizer to have healthy 4C hair. Here is how I would build a routine at three price points.

Start at “Good” and work your way up. You will see real results at every level. The difference between budget and premium is not whether your hair gets moisturized, but how long that moisture lasts and how many extra steps you need. If you are comparing this to general moisturizers for Black men’s skin, the principle is the same: the right ingredients matter more than the price tag.

Common Mistakes When Moisturizing 4C Hair

I made every single one of these mistakes before I figured out what works. Save yourself the frustration.

1. Applying Moisturizer to Dry Hair

Your hair should be damp when you apply moisturizer. Dry hair cannot absorb cream effectively. The water is what your hair actually drinks. The cream locks it in. Always start with a spray bottle of plain water or a water-based leave-in.

2. Using Too Much Product

More product does not mean more moisture. Excess product builds up on the hair shaft, blocks further absorption, and makes your hair feel heavy, stiff, or flaky. Start with a dime-sized amount per section and add more only if needed.

3. Skipping the Seal

If you apply a water-based moisturizer and do not seal with an oil or butter, the moisture evaporates within hours. The LOC/LCO method exists because 4C hair loses moisture so quickly. The seal is not optional.

4. Never Clarifying

Product buildup is the silent killer of 4C moisture routines. If you are layering products every day or every other day, residue accumulates on the hair shaft and scalp. Once a month (at minimum), use a clarifying shampoo to strip everything back to clean. Then rebuild with your LOC/LCO routine. If you need help choosing, read my guide on the best shampoos for 4C hair.

5. Ignoring Your Scalp

A healthy scalp is the foundation of healthy 4C hair. If your scalp is dry, flaky, or irritated, your hair cannot retain moisture properly. Massage a light oil into your scalp two to three times a week. If you are dealing with dandruff or scalp buildup, check out my recommendations for the best dandruff shampoos for Black hair.

6. Using the Wrong Method for Your Porosity

If the LOC method is not working for you, try LCO, or vice versa. Your porosity determines which layering order is most effective. Do not assume one method works for all 4C hair; that is not how hair science works.

My Personal Moisturizing Routine (4C, High Porosity)

I get asked about my routine at least once a week, usually at the barbershop or in DMs. So here it is, step by step. This is what I do on wash days and between washes.

Wash Day Routine (Every 7-10 Days)

1. Cleanse with a sulfate-free shampoo. I alternate between a moisturizing shampoo and a clarifying one.
2. Deep condition for 20-30 minutes with heat. (More on this in the deep conditioner guide.)
3. Rinse and section hair into four to six sections while still wet.
4. LOC Method per section:
   • Spray water until damp
   • Apply a quarter-sized amount of jojoba oil
   • Follow with SheaMoisture Smoothie or TGIN Butter Cream (depending on how dry I am feeling)
5. Style (finger coils, twists, or just a brush and durag)

Mid-Week Refresh (Day 3-4)

1. Lightly spray with water
2. Apply Camille Rose Curl Love Moisture Milk
3. Seal ends with a drop of JBCO
4. Wrap with satin durag for 15-20 minutes, then unwrap

Nightly Routine

1. Check ends for dryness. If dry, apply a small amount of oil.
2. Wrap with satin-lined durag.
3. Sleep on satin pillowcase as backup.

This routine keeps my 4C hair soft, defined, and breakage-free. It took me about three months to dial in, so give yourself time to experiment. The key is consistency. Your hair will not transform overnight, but after four to six weeks of steady moisturizing, you will notice a real difference in softness, length retention, and overall health.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

4C hair demands respect. It demands the right products, the right methods, and the patience to figure out what works for your specific texture and porosity. The best moisturizer for 4C hair is the one that keeps your coils soft, defined, and hydrated between wash days without buildup or greasiness.

Here is what to do next:

• Determine your porosity using the water glass test described above.
• Choose your method (LOC for high porosity, LCO for low-to-normal).
• Start with a budget-friendly option like Cantu or SheaMoisture and test for two to three weeks.
• Invest in a satin pillowcase or durag for nighttime retention.
• Clarify monthly to prevent buildup from undermining your routine.

If you are building a complete 4C hair care system, pair this moisturizer guide with the right shampoo, leave-in conditioner, and styling gel. Your hair will thank you.

Last updated: February 2026