4B hair appreciation post. Who else is rocking their texture this week?✨
All of a sudden, I started to care about my hair—not just how it looked, but its health. Growing up, my mom would style my hair in bobbles or braids. Sometimes, I’d throw on one of her wigs and wear it to school. I never really liked doing my own hair or wearing it naturally, so it was either my mom or the salon handling it. It wasn’t something I loved or cared for; I just wanted it to be done.
I didn’t even know what 4B hair was, nor did I understand high or low porosity. I was doing everything wrong—from the products to the maintenance—and was just focused on trying cute hairstyles. Wearing my natural hair was not my first choice, and if it wasn’t done, I wouldn’t want to go out. Being seen without my hair done was a lot for me, I didn’t feel pretty.
As I got older, I became more comfortable exploring new hairstyles, so I’d switch it up more often—whatever looked good in the moment. My hair’s health wasn’t something I paid attention to. Once I started modeling, my natural hair was requested more often. Through modeling, I’ve been told many times that I look beautiful with my natural hair—but I always brushed it off.
My hair was full, long and flourishing until it wasn’t. I started noticing my scalp flaking more than usual. I booked an appointment with a dermatologist and found out I have seborrheic dermatitis. That was a wake-up call. I knew I had to switch gears and tap into what my hair really needed. I kept experimenting with wigs, weaves, clip-ins, whatever I felt like. But one day, I just decided I wanted to reconnect with my own hair. I wanted to know it—understand the products that work for it, what it likes, what it needs. I realized I’ve never really given it a chance. Natural hair is beautiful and I wanted to embrace it more as I haven’t throughout my life.
Once I discovered that I could do a Wash-N-Go on my hair, it was a game changer. Then, when I started learning about products made specifically for my hair texture and the moisture it needs, everything made sense. Seeing my curls for the first time was honestly shocking—I had never seen my hair like that before. Literally!
Don’t get me wrong, I’m still learning my curls, but the process has been so fun. My goal now is to grow a big, healthy fro. I’ve promised myself a full year without flat ironing my hair, and I’m giving my scalp time to breathe between protective styles. I usually stick to my go-to’s: boho braids or box braids.
I’m excited to see what my hair can do—without heat, without pressure—just me, my hair, and intention. I want to share some products that have truly helped me on my healthy hair journey. And trust me, they’ve been game changers for my 4B, high porosity hair. I’ve also been consistent with vitamin D, C, and iron supplements, which also helps for hair growth. I’ll share the supplements soon.
I don’t own the rights to the music playing in this video.
Song: Pharrell Feat. Jay-Z- Frontin’ (1981 Tokyo Amapiano Edit)
My Healthy Hair Routine + Favorite Products
1. Nizoral Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
This is the first step in my routine when my scalp needs serious attention. With seborrheic dermatitis, this shampoo helps calm irritation and flakes while cleansing my scalp without over-stripping it.
2. As I Am Coconut CoWash Cleansing Conditioner
I follow up with this gentle co-wash that cleanses and conditions at the same time. It’s super moisturizing, which my high porosity strands love, and it makes detangling a lot easier.
3. Aphogee Two-Step Protein Treatment
I use this treatment every 6 weeks to strengthen my hair. High porosity hair loses protein quickly, and this has helped me reduce breakage and keep my strands resilient.
4. 4C Only “Too Easy” Collection
This entire collection was made for 4C and 4B hair. The shampoo, conditioner, leave-in, and styling cream are all super rich in moisture and make wash day actually feel manageable. My curls clump better, and my hair feels soft for days.
5. ArtNaturals Rosemary & Castor Hair Growth Oil + Scalp Massager Set
This oil and scalp massager combo is a self-care ritual in a bottle. The rosemary and castor oil blend stimulates the scalp, promotes hair growth, and helps with dryness and itchiness. I love using the massager to boost circulation and really let the oil soak in.
6. Olaplex No. 7 Bonding Oil
A few drops of this go a long way. It locks in moisture, gives shine, and helps protect my ends—especially on twist-outs or wash-and-go days.
7. Keranique Satin-Lined Microfiber Hair Towel
A good towel makes a difference. This one reduces frizz and breakage by keeping my hair protected while drying.
8. Detangling Comb + Brush
The detangling comb is my go-to in the shower while my hair is soaked in conditioner. It helps me work through knots without causing breakage. The brush is perfect for styling—it defines my curls and helps them clump together beautifully.
9. Mielle Curl Forming Glaze
This glaze is a holy grail for definition. I use it when I want my curls to pop and hold. It gives shine, controls frizz, and doesn’t leave flakes. Perfect for twist-outs, braid-outs, or slick styles with edge control.
10. Mielle Mongongo Oil Thermal & Heat Protectant Spray, Protects Hair from Heat Damage, Intense Heat Defense, Curl Pattern Protection, Safe for All Hair Types, 4
This spray is a must for protecting your hair during styling. I use it when I need extra defense before diffusing or stretching my wash and go. It shields against heat, keeps my curls intact, and leaves my hair soft without weighing it down. Perfect for maintaining healthy, defined curls on any wash day.
This is just the beginning of me learning how to care for my 4B, high porosity hair. No more overlooking it, no more hiding it—just embracing it fully, one wash day at a time!
I’m excited to see what my hair can do-without heat, without pressure-just me, my hair, and intentionAugustah Allen