If I've learned anything over the years, it's that my hair and skin are extremely particular. If you relate, you know it can take a lot of trial and error to figure out what works best for you. Out of the two, though, my hair proves to be the most challenging. That's why I'm incredibly grateful I have a job that allows me to stay up to date on launches and sample different types of beauty products. It helps me narrow down what ingredients work well for me and which ones are a hard no.
My low-porosity, 4a curls don't do well with typical haircare ingredients like silicones and coconut oil, so you can imagine that makes it tough to find products that effectively moisturize and smooth without weighing my hair down. Normally, I tend to avoid drugstore haircare altogether. Not because it isn't great (it usually is!), it just doesn't work for my very picky hair because a lot of it contains silicones.
But apparently, it pays to be patient. L'Oréal recently released its Iron Sleek collection, a color-safe and silicone-free shampoo and conditioner set that leaves my hair incredibly soft with virtually no frizz. I'm glad I decided to give this collection a go because it's definitely a winner for type 4 hair.
I'm usually skeptical of trying shampoo that isn't designed specifically for curls because some tend to strip my already dry strands. This formula is amazing, though. It has a light, creamy texture that's sulfate-free and doesn't foam up too much. I know what you're thinking: Co-washes and low-foam shampoos can be tricky because some of them don't clean the hair as well as foaming formulas. This one doesn't have that issue, though.
To give you more context, I have to condition my hair every day because it's so dry, but this can lead to buildup if I'm not careful. I need a formula that doesn't strip my hair but also removes anything sitting on the scalp with ease. While this formula might be low-foam, it still cleanses your hair really nicely and really helps smooth down any frizz and flyaways. What's impressive is that it got my hair so smooth and shiny without even using conditioner yet.
On washdays, I use this as a deep conditioner by leaving it on for 20 minutes. The name "iron sleek" is no joke. Like the shampoo, this formula really smooths the hair and leaves it incredibly shiny and healthy-looking. I was pleasantly surprised by how well it worked for my type 4 hair, but it provides the perfect amount of moisture without being too heavy.
The main draw here is that it's silicone-free. It's tough sometimes to find good silicone-free formulas because they don't give as much slip. That said, I generally avoid silicones for my own hair. While they are great for sealing moisture into the hair initially and creating that super smooth, tangle-free experience, over time, they aren't always great for curlies or low-porosity hair because they're not water-soluble and sit on top of the hair. This creates an impenetrable layer where moisture can't get in, which can make some hair dry and brittle over time. I do want to note that this might not happen to everyone with curly or low-porosity hair. If you use products with silicones that work well for your curls, then no harm, no foul! But I will share that I find the above to be true for my own hair, and it's something to keep in mind if you're noticing products with silicones seem to dry out your strands.
This silicone-free conditioner does a nice job of finding a balance—providing enough moisture and sleekness without any harm to dry hair. While I do wish it provided a tad more slip for my super-thick, easily tangled hair, it's still an amazing conditioner that's become a regular staple in my routine. This pair is a really strong duo overall and would work well for most hair types.
I was inspired by TikTok user Abbey Yung and her "Abbey Yung Method" for strengthening damaged hair. While I don't think you need quite as many bond repair products as she uses in her method, I did take her recommendation when it came to L'Oréal's EverPure Bond Repair Concentrate. I only bust this out every once in a while when my hair could use a boost. I don't use it weekly because using bond repair products too often makes my hair brittle, but as a once-in-a-while treatment, this one is great. It really helps smooth out my hair and makes my curls less scraggly-looking.
I used to heat style almost every day, and over time, that took a toll on my hair. Using this once a week or every couple of weeks really helps perk up my strands and keeps them healthy-looking. It's super easy to apply for 10 minutes on damp hair before wash day. When I'm done, my hair feels so much softer and looks shinier—a huge accomplishment when you've lived with perpetually dry hair most of your life.
More of My Low-Porosity Type 4 Hair Essentials
Honestly, it felt like a journey to find the right leave-in conditioner for my hair. Low-porosity hair can be tricky to deal with, but this $6 leave-in from Cantu really does the trick for me. It's rich in argan oil, which my hair seems to love. It provides enough moisture to my hair well into the next day without weighing it down or causing buildup.
This is another great shampoo that's fantastic for type 4 and low-porosity hair. It's a really low lather option that still cleans effectively without leaving my hair feeling tangled or dry.
This deep conditioning treatment is magic. I can get away with using it every day if my hair needs extra TLC, but it's also a great option for days you have some time to let it sit for 30 plus minutes. I'm always really impressed by how well it hydrates and smooths out frizz. My hair always feels so soft afterwards, and my natural hair color looks a lot richer—the sign of excellent conditioning.
Another great option for low porosity hair is Giovanni's Eco Chic Conditioner. It's silicone- and coconut oil-free, making it perfect for deep hydration without making your hair feel dry in the long run. It contains a blend of organic oils and extracts like sunflower oil and chamomile to revitalize dry strands. It's a heavy-hitter, but lightweight—perfect for daily use.
This spray leave-in is great for when your hair needs a quick refresh. It's also a great heat protectant.
This super lightweight leave-in is great for all hair types, but especially great for low-porosity hair because you can use it daily without it causing buildup.