As a Black man, finding the best curly hair products can be a daunting task. Just like Black women, Black men have diversified hair textures that require specific hair care products and styling techniques. With so many products on the market, it can be hard to determine which ones are effective and worth your time and money. In this article, we will recommend some of the best curly hair products for Black men. We will also provide tips on how to use these products to achieve maximum results and answer frequently asked questions.
Black Men Haircare Frequent Asked Questions
Haircare products geared toward Black men are not as prevalent in the marketplace. So it's refreshing to find all-natural products that help foster a healthy scalp and hair. When you know better, you do better...
How do Black men maintain curly hair?
Black men can maintain curly hair in a few simple steps. Start with gently cleansing the hair, followed by conditioning the hair to lock in moisture. This is not a daily procedure for Black men, however. Instead, we recommend once per week. Next, use a hydrating styling cream or water-based pomade. Finally, use a hair twist sponge to define the curl pattern.
How do Black men get soft curls?
Hydration and conditioning are key factors in gaining soft curls. Avoid greasy petroleum-based styling products. Although they can initially make the hair feel soft, they can cause build-up in the scalp. Instead, we recommend water-based products when styling the hair.
What does 3C mean in hair?
According to All Things Hair, 3C hair is the void between 3B and 4A hair types in the scale for hair. 3C hair is very curly and can hold its S or Z-curve even after being stretched out. 3C hair can naturally coil the circumference of a pencil.
What does 4C mean in hair?
4C hair is very coily and in a tight zig-zag pattern and is often subject to shrinkage and dryness. However, with daily moisturizing, dryness is a non-issue especially if the scalp is healthy!
How do Black men make their hair curly with a sponge?
The hair sponge is designed to lock in chunks of hair while twisting into a hairstyle. Use circular motions to rub the sponge on the hair without pressing into a section of your hair for one to five minutes before moving on to another. It's important to make sure to twist only in one direction. Why? Your hair will look uniform, and you won’t “undo” your style.
What do Black men use on their hair?
What men's products are good for curly hair?
We recommend the following products for men with curly hair- especially if you have 3C or 4C hair!
Black Male Curly Hair Products
The key factors for Black men to maintain healthy hair are scalp care, shampooing less, conditioning more, and hydration. Each of these products we recommend satisfies those important factors.
Best Shampoo for Black Men
Invigorating Shampoo & Gentle Cleaner
Many commercial shampoos on the market cleanse the hair but also strip it of natural oils produced by the scalp. It's best to use a shampoo that cleanses without removing needed moisturizing oils.
Hair is clean and healthy-looking with our Invigorating Shampoo. The gentle formula removes build-up from the scalp, oiliness, and sweat without stripping natural moisture from hair so it feels refreshing. It also does not contain harmful chemicals such as sulfate, alcohol, and paraben. Unfortunately, some of the aforementioned ingredients commonly found in shampoo products result in dryness and scalp irritation.
In contrast, this shampoo contains Spearmint Oil (for invigorating the scalp), Clove Oil (which stimulates blood flow), Nettle Oil (promotes hair growth), and Hemp Seed Oil (for hydration and moisturizing). These oils have been proven to help your hair grow and stay healthy.
Best Conditioner for Black Men
Moisturizing Conditioner
Most people make the costly haircare mistake of skipping the conditioner. However, conditioning your hair is an essential part of protecting it. Conditioners lock in moisture and nutrients to keep you from having dry, brittle hair or an itchy scalp that can lead to dandruff. When applying this moisturizing shampoo, it instantly tingles with a cooling sensation, which ensures that the natural oils are working. With this conditioner, flakes and an itchy scalp will be a thing of the past. It will have your hair feeling refreshed, hydrated, soft, and manageable.
Best Moisturizers for Black Men
Daily Hydrator Styling Creme
This styling cream can be used daily to hydrate the scalp and moisturize the hair. It's grease-free so your hair won't be weighed down or trap debris build-up. Upon application, it provides a cooling “tingle” for added scalp relief. Think of it as a leave-in conditioner with a hint of holding strength.
Here's a real barber's testimony illustrating how he uses the shampoo and conditioner combo on this client before cutting their hair:
Sleek Water Pomade
This pomade is water-based (not petroleum-based) thus it minimizes build-up when styling curly hair. It provides medium hold as a gel does, yet offers soft-to-the-touch high shine to keep you looking groomed (and dapper) all day long. Best of all, it hydrates and moisturizes the hair and scalp.
Best Curly Hair Products for Black men
Double-Sided Twist Hair Sponge
Now that you've gently cleansed, conditioned, hydrated, and styled your hair. It's time to secure a solid curl pattern with a twist hair sponge. A double-sided hair sponge is a must-have product for Black men with curly hair. The flat side pulls hair inside for a finer curl while the spikey side offers a more textured twist.
Putting it all together…
Twist & Curls Kit
Are you looking for a complete kit of curly hair products for Black men? Look no further as all haircare products mentioned earlier are packaged in this convenient twists and curls kit. In addition, it contains a gentle cleaning shampoo, moisturizing conditioner, hydrating styling cream, water-based pomade, and hair twist sponge. Best of all, you save some coins when it's purchased as a kit versus individually.
The challenge for Black men is finding products that consider all of these factors. We’ve recommended a few products that we believe meet these key criteria, but it’s important to find what works best for you. Experiment with different types of shampoos, conditioners, and styling products to find the combination that leaves your hair looking and feeling its best. Remember to scalp massage and hydrate regularly; both will improve blood circulation to the scalp and keep your curly hair looking healthy and shiny. What are your favorite curly hair products for Black men? Let us know in the comments below!