Hey curlfriend! So, you’ve decided to take the plunge and add some color to your gorgeous 4C hair. Whether you’re going for a bold red, a soft caramel, or even a playful pastel, it’s crucial to prep your hair properly. Why? Because 4C hair, while stunningly versatile, is also delicate and prone to dryness. But don’t worry, I’m here to guide you every step of the way so you can achieve vibrant, healthy colored hair without compromising your curls.

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Why Proper Prep Matters

Coloring hair involves using chemicals that can strip moisture and weaken your strands. For 4C hair, which already thrives on moisture and care, skipping proper preparation can lead to dryness, breakage, and even loss of curl pattern. The goal here is to strengthen your hair, ensure it’s well moisturized, and protect it from potential damage. Ready? Let’s get your crown ready for its colorful transformation.

How to Prep 4C Natural Hair for Coloring.

Step 1: Assess Your Hair’s Health

Before you even think about reaching for that box of dye or booking an appointment with your stylist, you need to assess your hair’s current health.

Questions to Ask Yourself:

• Does my hair feel dry or brittle?
• Have I experienced excessive shedding or breakage lately?
• When was my last trim?

If your hair isn’t in its best condition, hold off on coloring and focus on reviving your strands first by having a hair routine that will address the current air issues you’re experiencing.

Product Recommendations for Strengthening:

• Olaplex No.3 Hair Perfector: This treatment is a lifesaver for repairing damaged hair and strengthening strands. Grab it to prep your hair before coloring.
• SheaMoisture Manuka Honey & Yogurt Hydrate + Repair Protein-Strong Treatment: Perfect for fortifying weak strands and adding moisture.

Step 2: Clarify Your Hair

A clean slate is essential before coloring your hair. Residue from products like oils, creams, and gels can block the dye from penetrating evenly. Use a clarifying shampoo to remove buildup without stripping your hair of its natural oils.

Best Clarifying Shampoos:

• Design Essentials Oat Protein & Henna Deep Cleansing Shampoo: Gentle yet effective for removing buildup.
• Kinky Curly Come Clean Shampoo: Great for cleansing without over-drying.

Step 3: Deep Condition

After clarifying, your hair will need some extra love. Deep conditioning helps restore moisture, strengthens weak hair, repairs damage and prepares your strands for the coloring process.

How to Deep Condition:

1. Apply a generous amount of deep conditioner to damp hair.
2. Cover with a shower cap or a Tifara Beauty Cordless Deep Conditioning Cap for better product penetration.
3. Leave it on for 30 minutes to an hour.

Product Recommendations:

• Dr. Miracle’s Strong & Healthy Hydrating & Strengthening Deep Conditioner: Hydrates while balancing protein and moisture levels.
• TGIN Honey Miracle Hair Mask: Infused with raw honey and olive oil for intense hydration.

Step 4: Strengthen with Protein

Protein treatments are a must before coloring, especially for 4C hair. They repair hair damage and strengthen your strands, making them more resilient to the chemical process.

Protein Treatments to Try:

• Aphogee Two-Step Protein Treatment: A salon-quality treatment for preventing breakage during and after coloring.
• Arvazallia Fortifying Protein Hair Mask: A gentler option for adding protein and moisture.

Pro Tip: Don’t overdo it with protein too much of it leads to protein overload. Use a protein treatment once every 4-6 weeks leading up to your color appointment.

Step 5: Trim Split Ends

Trimming split ends ensures that your hair looks and feels healthy post-coloring. Plus, damaged ends don’t hold color well, so cutting them off will give you a more vibrant result.

Related posts; how to keep your natural hair ends healthy.

Tools You’ll Need:

• Equinox Professional Shears: Invest in high-quality scissors to avoid causing more damage.

Step 6: Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate!

In the weeks leading up to your coloring session, keep your hair ultra-moisturized. Use the LOC or LCO method to lock in hydration. Use moisturizing products meant for your hair’s porosity type.

Products for the LOC/LCO Method:

• Liquid/ Leave in conditioner: Artnaturals Argan Oil Leave-In Conditioner
• Oil: Jamaican Black Castor Oil or Argan Oil
• Cream: Camille Rose Naturals Almond Jai Twisting Butter

Pro Tip: Use a Continuous Mist Spray Bottle to rehydrate your hair daily.

Related posts: How to apply moisturizing products On dry type 4 hair.

Step 7: Protect Your Scalp

A healthy scalp is the foundation for healthy hair. Protect it from the harsh chemicals in hair dye by creating a barrier with oil or a scalp protector.

Scalp Protectors:

• Carol’s Daughter Goddess Strength 7 Oil Blend Scalp and Hair Oil
• Moroccanoil Treatment: A lightweight oil that also adds shine to your hair.

Related post: dos and don’ts for a healthy scalp

Step 8: Choose the Right Dye

Not all hair dyes are created equal. Opt for dyes that are ammonia-free and formulated for natural hair.

Recommended Hair Dyes:

• Clairol Professional Texture and Tones: Specifically designed for textured hair and available in vibrant shades.
• Adore Semi-Permanent Hair Color: A gentle option for bold, temporary color.

Step 9: Post-Color Care

The work doesn’t stop once your hair is colored. To maintain your vibrant hue and keep your hair healthy, follow a post-color care routine.

Post-Color Must-Haves:

• Moisturizing shampoo
• Moisture and protein based deep conditioner
• Moisturizing leave in conditioner
• Moisture sealants
• curling creams
• Styling gels

Bonus Tips:

1. Avoid Heat Styling: Minimize heat use to prevent further drying your hair.
2. Sleep with Protection: Use a satin bonnet or a silk pillowcase like the Bedsure Satin Pillowcase to prevent moisture loss.
3. Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to nourish your hair from the inside out.

Final Thoughts

Coloring your 4C hair can be an exciting way to express yourself, but it’s essential to prep properly to avoid damage. By following these steps and using the recommended products, you’ll be on your way to vibrant, healthy, and head-turning hair.

So, what shade are you thinking of trying? Let me know in the comments below, and don’t forget to grab your prep essentials from Amazon to get started. Your crown is about to shine even brighter, queen!