How to Fix Type 4 Hair Dryness and Achieve Maximum Hydration

Hair dryness is a huge struggle for natural hair owners, especially if you have a tight coil 4c hair type.  Type 4 hair is usually prone to dryness and because of the hair structure, curls and coils make moisturizing quite a struggle. 

Struggling to keep your hair hydrated and moisturized? Let's consider some good hair practices to help you achieve hydration and moisturization. 

But first, a little explanation of what hydration and moisturization mean to help you grasp the essence of this article. 

What is Hydration and Moisturization

Hydration refers to moisture absorption, adding water to the internal layers of your hair (the medulla and cortex). With hydration, what you take inside your body plays a key role, so eating a good diet and drinking enough water to stay hydrated is important. 

Additionally, hydration involves using products that attract water to your hair (humectants). Using the right proteins and taking advantage of natural humid air to keep your hair hydrated. 

Mild heat can help in hydration, so after applying water to your hair, you can cover up with a shower cap and tie a towel on your hair for about 5-10 minutes to trap the water for absorption.

Moisturization on the other hand refers to water retention. So, you've hydrated your hair, that's good but if you don't retain that hydration, it'll evaporate, and your hair will dry out. 

That's where moisturizing comes in, to seal the water your hair has taken in. Moisturization focuses on the external layers of your hair, the cuticle. 

With moisturization think of sealants that lock in moisture. So, you hydrate first to add water in, then you moisturize second to lock that water in. They work together to give you great hair.

Now, let's get to the real topic: how do you hydrate and moisturize to fight against dry hair?

How to Hydrate and Moisturize your Hair to Fight Dryness

1. Choose the right products

The right products and natural hair go hand in hand. To hydrate your hair look for products that contain honey and glycerine, they are great humectants (they attract water). 

To moisturize your hair choose leave-in conditioners, hair butters and oils that seal in moisture. 

Products that contain avocado, almond, or olive oils are great. Shea butter, and aloe vera among other ingredients are great to lock in moisture. 

2.Shampoo and condition properly

What's your hair wash routine like? Do you use shampoo on your hair more than once or twice in a week? 

Frequent shampooing can dry out your hair, you might want to consider reducing your weekly hair washes. 

For 4B/4C naturals that use lots of styling products on their hair, it’s a good idea to use clarifying shampoos once or twice a month to prevent product buildup. Also, use hydrating shampoos to prevent stripping your scalp of natural oils.  

In my routine, depending on the time of year, weather, and type of product (e.g. Using a thick hair butter during the winter instead of a cream for a twist out) alternating between a hydrating shampoo and clarifying shampoo on wash days helps with moisturization. 

Check out these community-loved hydrating and clarifying shampoos you can try.

3. Cut out exposure to harsh chemicals and weather

One thing that'll surely dry out your hair is the sun, especially if you live in the tropics. You want to keep your hair protected from UV rays and very dry weather. Tie a scarf or use a cute hat that covers your hair and looks good.  

If you love going to the pool, chlorine present in pools isn't exactly your hair's best friend. Add an extra layer of thick leave-in conditioner and wear a well-fitted swimming cap to protect your hair from drying out. 

Colored treated hair requires more care than usual, opt for natural options like indigo and henna. Choose dye products that don't contain harsh chemicals like:

1. Para-phenylenediamine (PPD)
2. Sulphates
3. Benzene
4. Parabens etc.

Tip: You could ask your stylist to use hair dyeing methods that don't require frequent reapplication of the dye.

4. Use Deep Conditioning Treatments and Masks

A great way to hydrate your hair is with deep conditioning masks.

To deep condition, use a heat cap or sit under a hooded dryer with a plastic cap for at least 10-15 minutes. Please always read the instructions on the product bottle.

You can create a DIY mask with ingredients in your kitchen like:

• eggs,
• avocado,
• olive oil,
• honey, ayurvedic herbs, etc

If you aren't a DIY natural, you can always buy good hair masks that work for your type 4 hair. Check out these deep conditioning masks in the product store

5. No Heat Styling Methods

Curling irons, straighteners, and dryers are good hair styling tools, but if you are trying to fight hair dryness you might consider letting them go. 

So here is the thing, everyone’s hair is different, and hair care methods also differ. Some 4B/4C naturals apply low heat to their hair and it’s thriving, that’s great and good for their hair. 

But what if you already see a problem with your hair and you are heavy on heat styling? This is where the no-heat styling tip comes in. Try a different hair practice and study how your hair feels about it. 

Constant use of curling irons and straighteners will cause your hair to feel dry and crunchy, and it will break. Try the goodness of air drying your hair, 4B or 4C thrives with soft care. Why not try rocking other hairstyles that don't need heat? 

6. Eat healthy and drink water

Like your skin, when you eat right it’s obvious, you glow. Your hair is the same, eat healthy foods and drink enough water.  Depending on your age and routine, drink as much water as you can. The body is incredibly good at maintaining its water balance.

Wrapping Up on Fixing Hair Dryness

Hydration and moisturisation plays a huge role in enhancing your hair's ability to absorb moisture, stay hydrated longer and thrive.

To prevent hair dryness, good and consistent hair practice is a must. Would you like to stay consistent?

 Join the community, connect with Hair Talkers and get support in your journey.