Products That Never Fail 4A, 4B, and 4C Curly Hair

If you share my journey, you too might have turned to Google in search of the best 4A, 4B, and 4C curly hair products for your middle child’s mixed curls.

My littlest darling dances on the border of 3C and 4A/B curly hair.

Truly, this was a brand-new curl universe waiting to be explored by me.

With a pinch of patience and a dash of trial and error, I’ve come to discover that her low porosity locks demand a hair care routine that’s almost a complete 180 from my eldest’s curly hair regimen.

Here’s what worked best for my daughter’s 4a, 4b curly hair.

1. Carol’s Daughter Wash Day Delight

Carol’s Daughter has always been a staple product on wash days in our home.

This Wash Day Delight is an amazing product with ingredients that you can understand which makes it safe for your hair and your child’s.

Now, I’ll admit, the first time, I went a little overboard with the nozzle and used more product than I needed.

Fair warning, this product comes out like water, but that does not mean it won’t lather and cleanse your child’s hair.

Mistakenly, I spent 30 minutes washing out this cleanser, because I thought it was water when it was actually the real deal.

Despite my initial mishap, I’ve been using Carol’s Daughter Wash Day delight for the past three years.

If you’re able to score the package deal along with the Jelly Cream Conditioner, go ahead and buy the set.

You’ll thank me later.

2. Carol’s Daughter Black Vanilla Leave In Conditioner Spray

Leave-in conditioners are an obvious must, but ones that are in spray format are a godsend when you have kids that refuse to sit still.

Carol’s Daughter Conditioner Spray is one of my favorites for my middle child because she was always on the go and had a rough time with hairstyling (early on).

So, I followed her little footsteps around spritzing her hair until her curls were conditioned.

What I love specifically about this spray is the smell is so sweet, but not overpowering.

And since Mariah has low porosity 4a hair, it doesn’t just sit on her curls leaving a weird residue.

Overall — amazing in a bottle.

3. Kuza Indian Hemp Jumbo Hair & Scalp Treatment

When the natural hair movement took over, it seemed as though grease was a shameful thing of the past.

But, grease and scalp treatments are still items you should keep in a hair regimen, especially as a type 4 hair product.

My middle child, Mariah’s hair (4b/4c hair type) handles grease FAR better than creamy conditioners.

The Indian Hemp treatment was a great addition to Mariah’s hair regimen because it gives her curls so much luster and bounces!

There is a drawback of the hemp flakes in the grease mixture, but nothing that deterred me from buying two more bottles after my initial purchase.

4. Shea Moisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie

I’ve used Shea Moisture’s Curl Enhancing Smoothie since its conception (or at least until it arrived in stores in my local area).

This is a product that is frequently sold out in my area (which is saying something), so if you’re able to add this to your child’s type 4 hair product shelf, make sure to buy a few.

It’s very lightweight and has yet to disappoint.

5. tgin Butter Cream Daily Moisturizer

If your child’s type 4 hair has low porosity, tgin Butter Cream is the answer to your prayers.

My middle child’s hair gets dry much faster and feels brittle at the ends, screaming for nourishment (even though it may have product left over from the day before).

This is where using the right products is essential!

If you’re still shopping around trying to figure out what product to help combat the same brittle/dry strands, this butter cream will be a good product to test.

6. AS I AM As Double Butter Rich Daily Moisturizer

Going right along with combating brittle, dry hair for our type 4 little ones, AS I AM makes a great daily moisturizer.

Their Double Butter Rich Daily Moisturizer does exactly what it sounds like, but so much more.

This is such a rich, vitamin B-filled moisturizer that won’t weigh down your child’s hair.

But, it’s thick and creamy enough that will encapsulate your child’s curls without suffocating them in the process.

I’ve mentioned this several times across my blog, but having more than one (of anything) is more helpful than you think.

It allows you to switch off products so your child’s hair doesn’t get accustomed to one particular product or brand.

And, if your products happen to go missing or wind up in the hamper, you always have a backup (been there done that).

7. Hairitage S.O.S. Deep Moisture & Restore Deep Conditioner

If you are looking for a deep conditioner that actually penetrates your child’s follicles, Hairitage will make a great addition to your collection.

It adds an intense amount of hydration for curly hair types (in general), but also helps to rejuvenate your child’s curls.

You’ll want one (or several) deep conditioners to use at least once a week to help rectify any roughhousing from daycare and playtime with siblings.

8. Camille Rose Almond Jai Twisting Butter

This styling butter is also another product that is frequently sold out in my area — and for good reason!

When a product works, it’s usually hard to find.

Thankfully the Internet exists, and I am still able to keep this twisting butter in my rotation for Mariah’s hair regimen.

I always prefer to put my girls’ hair into plaits or twists, so I can keep reducing the amount of frizz but also help protect it from being loosely caught on playground equipment, jacket zippers, etc.

This Twisting Butter helps to do just that without leaving a waxy, sticky residue behind!

9. Blue Magic Original Coconut Oil Hair Conditioner

If you haven’t heard of Blue Magic, you have been missing out.

This product has existed since I was born, and it’s probably one of the simplest products to exist that packs such a punch!

Honestly, no matter the hair type in our household (and we all have four different hair types), Blue Magic will be something to keep on your shelf that will last longer than most other products.

My husband who is biracial is finally accepting of his curly hair.

This has been an easy transition in his 4c hair products to help him get accustomed to 4c curly hair care.

Bonus: it’s ridiculously affordable, and if you’re in a pinch, all you need is a little bit of this grease and a hairbrush, and you’re good to go!

10. tgin Moisturizing Shampoo & Conditioner

I’m a huge fan of working in brands, especially when first starting out on a hair journey (or in this case, understanding type 4 hair for your mixed kids).

We mentioned the tgin Butter Cream Daily Moisturizer earlier, and keeping it “on brand” will allow you to fully try out the entire line from tgin.

And it will be well worth it.

The best thing about tgin’s Shampoo and Conditioner is how moisturizing it really is.

And if you haven’t guessed: type 4 hair requires a little more moisture and hydration than the other curl types.

You’ll save on your styling products more if you are moisturizing in the earlier steps of your child’s hair regimen giving them the best chance at nourishment from beginning to end.

11. Camille Rose Algae Deep Conditioner

Camille Rose knocked it out of the park with this Algae Deep Conditioner.

This product works twofold (at least in our house).

I know most people detangle while conditioning, but I only detangle on wash days during the deep conditioning phase.

My only reason is because of time.

I can take my time detangling and the girls’ are usually patient and find deep conditioning the most relaxing part of wash days, so it’s much easier for us both.

The second amazing aspect of this deep conditioner is it works as a great pre-shampoo, which of course provides an extensive amount of conditioning to avoid your child’s curls being stripped of natural oils.

12. The Mane Choice – Hair Type 4 Leaf Clover Leave-In Spray

The Mane Choice was practically made for type 4 hair curly kids in mind.

While their products are formulated for all curl types, the 4 Leaf Clover line was made with type 4 hair on the brain.

There are several leave-in conditioners that are amazing at conditioning (as shown on this page).

But where the 4 Leaf Clover Leave-In goes the extra mile is the added moisturizing benefit from aloe vera, clove oil, and flaxseed oil.

Bonus: it’s also a spray for the little ones that refuse to sit still.

13. Mielle Organics Pomegranate & Honey Curl Refreshing Spray

Mielle’s Pomegranate & Honey Curl Refreshing Spray was a staple of mine during Mariah’s hair whenever we traveled.

When we flew to visit my parents, my mom always had this in the guest bathroom.

I honestly used this product on a whim since I couldn’t bring anything with us on the plane.

But, the way Mariah’s curls handled this spray was insane; as if they were reaching out for the bottle (I kid you not).

There are several products that I love for her type 4 hair, but this is one of the top three favorite products that I can’t keep enough of.

So, a minus is that it goes fast in our home because Mariah’s hair literally just eats this up.

But, it’s worth every purchase.

14. Creme of Nature Argan Oil Gloss and Shine Mist

If we’re still being honest, I have an unhealthy collection with gloss and shine mist(s).

If you have kids with different curl types, you’ll see that I mentioned different ones each time.

The reason being, they go missing in our house.

I would like to say that my kids hide them, but it’s honestly because I don’t have enough of them.

They are perfect, almost pocket-sized sprays filled with goodness and shine that I carry throughout the house multiple times a week.

And I always forget where I put them, so I keep buying more.

And I’m not ashamed.

If you learn anything from today’s list: buy a few (you’ll thank me later).

15. Pacifica Beauty, Indian Coconut Nectar Hair Perfume

I have to confess: this is a product that is so unnecessary, I need it in my life.

Yes, I needed it. But, my girls LOVE it!

When Mya, my oldest was playing soccer at daycare, she had a smelly scalp.

But during the week, I didn’t have time to do a full wash day and wished there was a perfume for her hair since dry shampoos weren’t working and instead left white residue making everything worse.

I had no idea that Pacifica existed until [now] four years later.

After learning more about mixed hair care, I came across this product randomly on YouTube and bought two to test on myself.

But, my girls are just as obsessed, so I use this hair perfume as a last step before heading out the door (whether to church or the grocery store).

Warning: it does have alcohol in it, so I don’t spritz it directly on [anyone’s] hair, but rather mist it above and let it fall.

16. PATTERN Beauty Scalp Serum

I knew that I would jump on the PATTERN Beauty bandwagon as soon as Tracey Ellis Ross announced it on social media.

I’ve been a huge fan of her acting and her hair since high school and wanted to use whatever she suggested.

Growing up, I always used tingly scalp treatments in grease form, but didn’t want to use the same for my girls.

It always felt SO thick and I remember a friend in class asked why my hair looked like it had flakes in it.

It was embarrassing, to say the least, but a learning lesson that not all products work for everybody.

PATTERN Beauty makes the same product that traumatized me but in a serum format.

My girls get to experience the tingly, soothing feeling of the product at work hydrating their hair from the scalp without the embarrassing residue that haunted me.

17. Mielle Organics Rosemary Mint Strengthening Edge Gel

I am a HUGE (I mean, HUGE) supporter of edge gels.

It always gets me picking up my girls from school and seeing little girls with their hairline standing up, completely separate from the rest of their hair.

Save your kids’ hairlines, and lay it down with the right products.

This is definitely trial and error, of course, with every aspect of mixed hair.

But, Mielle makes a strengthening edge gel that is amazing for small kids, especially if they are in school.

It’s nourishing, but also has the lasting hold that your little one needs to make it throughout an entire day of daycare.

Pro tip: a little goes a long way, believe it or not.

Edge gels are meant for just that – edges.

Avoid being heavy-handed.

If it’s shining, you’ve used too much. If it’s clumping, you’ve used too much.

18. Aunt Jackie’s Curls and Coils Quench Moisture Intensive Leave-In Hair Conditioner

The theme of this list is hydration and moisture.

Aunt Jackie’s Quench Moisture Intensive Leave-In Conditioner, I mean — it’s right there in the name.

This conditioner is nothing short of an intense moisturizer that isn’t heavy like a cream, but thicker than a traditional conditioner.

Quench has a light and airy scent that isn’t super strong for your little ones.

When I first started shopping for products for my girls, Aunt Jackie’s was one of the first that I purchased…to date, I’ve bought three more bottles.

Mainly because my husband always confiscates one for himself (he has almost identical hair to Mariah, and uses several of the type 4 hair products listed here).

19. Moroccanoil Treatment

No matter your hair type, Moroccanoil Treatment like this one is a staple for curly kids.

It may be pricey, but it is worth every penny.

This Moroccanoil Treatment is like a supercharged oil that adds nourishment and shine to the dullest of hair.

This isn’t a product that I use daily, but definitely as needed (particularly due to price), but also because it has a lasting effect on hair.

20. Aunt Jackie’s Don’t Shrink Flaxseed Elongating Curling Gel

Admittedly, I have a love/hate relationship with curling gels.

I am slightly heavy-handed and used way more of these gels than I should have during my first uses.

And I regretted every bit of it…literally.

You know how you accidentally write with a permanent marker on a whiteboard, go to erase it, but it slightly smears and then permanently stains the entire board?

Using a curling gel improperly is like that.

You will literally have to dab all of it out, or little clumps will form or you’ll have to just wash it all out.

I have done this with both of my girls, Mya (who has type 3 hair) and Mariah (who has type 4 hair).

Now, that I have tried and tested the wrong method of application, we’ve both learned from my mistakes.

And now that we know, a little truly goes a long way.

With the proper application, this Flaxseed Curling Gel is phenomenal on the hair, especially for drier hair.

21. DevaCurl SuperCream Rich Coconut-Infused Definer

DevaCurl received a huge backlash and hate years ago, but [today] their products regained the same love the products show curls.

Admittedly, I didn’t jump on the bandwagon until two years ago, but I was amazed when I first used this super cream.

Coconut is an underestimated ingredient in most curly hair products, but it does wonders for nourishing curls.

As long as coconut oil isn’t used in excess, it really revives mixed hair with a renewed bounce in the curls.

For my middle child, Mariah’s hair, it helps to distinguish her type 4 hair into little individual curls again.

Pro tip: a little goes a long way, and trust me, your wallet will thank you.

22. ampro Protein Styling Gel

I’ve mentioned that gels are a last and final resort for special hair days, not daily.

Gels do not provide nourishment to the hair…well, except ones like this by ampro.

Pro tip: use sparingly and only when needed.

I only use this Protein Styling Gel, on a case-by-case basis, when Mariah’s hair needs a little extra attention.

If it seems like your child’s hair is breaking more than usual when brushing, you may want to amp up the protein (temporarily).

But, if you don’t have the time to commit to a protein treatment on a wash day, there are other ways to implement it.

I’ve found that ampro has helped her and their treatments to avoid ever having mechanical damage or a protein shortage in her type 4 hair.

23. THE MANE CHOICE – Soft As Can Be Revitalize & Refresh Conditioner

Usually, when a conditioner says it can be used as a rinse-out or leave-in, I usually put it back on the shelf.

To me, it either is or it isn’t.

Because rinse-out conditoners contain ingredients/chemicals that can cause skin irritations if left in, I never want to chance it with my kids and them having a reaction.

However, Soft As Can Be Conditioner got it right, not one or twice, but three times in more ways than one.

It has a light smell that isn’t overbearing and helps to cleanse your little one’s hair.

24. Shea Moisture Kids Extra Moisturizing Detangler

I’m actually shocked that more detanglers didn’t make the cut when devising this list of type 4 hair products.

But that should tell you something.

Shea Moisture could retire solely based on this detangler alone (in my opinion).

It does the job with only a few spritzes, for my daughter’s type 4 hair.

Type 4 hair doesn’t get the appreciation that it deserves, thanks to the media, but when you have the right products, taking care of type 4 hair is easier than you think.

This detangler has made such a difference when I use this versus when I don’t.

Trust me, it’s better when using a detangler, but I couldn’t imagine having one that didn’t also nourish.

25. Curls Blueberry Bliss Curl Control Paste

Here’s another edge control that needs no introduction.

Curls Blueberry Bliss is such a sweet-smelling edge control that is slightly thick, yet lays down your child’s hairline without suffocating their hairline.

Now, when I say, a little goes a long way, Curls Control Paste honestly has lasted me at least four months.

It may be because I have more edge controls than I can count, but this is always the one that Mariah grabs when she picks out her own hair products for the day (added bonus!).

26. Camille Rose Kids Sundae Glaze

I’ve been mentioning light, airy scents, but here is a fun, fruity leave-in conditioner that is fun for kids.

Camille Rose Sundae Glaze was made for kids, and it’s a nourishing mixture made for cleansing and conditioning.

If you decide to add this to your collection of type 4 hair products, your little one will naturally gravitate to this solely because of the scent.

What better way to entice your little one to enjoy hairstyling than with a product that smells like this?

27. Shea Moisture Curling Gel Souffle

I mentioned earlier that I have a love/hate relationship with curling gels, and Shea Moisture’s Curling Gel Souffle is no different.

When you use it correctly, it works wonders. But use it with a light hand! You’ve been warned.

If I scared you out of using it, find one that works for you.

I usually gravitate towards curling gels when I leave the girls’ hair out (as in, not twists/plaits) on Christmas Sundays, graduations, and some church services.

When used properly, it honestly adds such a gleaming luster and bounces to your child’s curls as if they “woke up like this.”

These were the best 4a, 4b and 4c curly hair products.

If you found this helpful for narrowing down the best type 4 hair products for your kids, make sure to check out the mixed hair category on my blog.

I have dabbled in too many to count hair products for my three kids, all with different curl patterns and hair types.

If you also have kids with opposite hair types, click here to read more and join us over on Instagram to catch us in real-time as we live out our daily Do You Even Mom moments.

[This post has affiliate links, but all opinions are my own. Read my full affiliate link disclosure here.]