Table of Contents
Introduction
If you’ve been trying to figure out how to get softer, stronger hair without feeling overwhelmed by all the techniques and routines out there, you’re not alone. Type 4 hair is beautiful, bold, and full of personality — but it also needs intentional care and moisture to truly thrive. When your strands feel dry, brittle, or difficult to manage, it’s usually a sign that your hair needs more consistent hydrate-focused routines and a reliable way to seal all that goodness in.
That’s why the “hydrate, seal, repeat” method is a game-changer. It’s simple, effective, and works beautifully with both the LOC and LCO methods. Today, we’re diving into exactly how to use these routines to transform your type 4 hair from dry and dull to soft, strong, and flourishing — plus where your favorite She’s Made products fit in for maximum results.
Start With a Clean, Hydrated Foundation
The foundation of how to get softer, stronger hair always begins with hydration — and that hydration starts on wash day. Cleansing your scalp and strands properly allows moisture to penetrate instead of sitting on top of buildup.
Start with a nourishing cleanse using the Restoring Refresh Shampoo, which gently lifts dirt and product buildup without stripping the natural oils your type 4 hair needs. Think of this step as rinsing away anything that could block hydration from getting into your strands.
Once your hair is clean, it’s time for deep hydration. The Replenishing Deep Hydration Mask is perfect for type 4 hair because it adds water-based moisture while strengthening your curls from the inside out. This mask supports your hair’s elasticity, reduces breakage, and gives your strands the slip and softness you crave.
During this phase, your hair is most receptive to moisture, so don’t rush the process. Let the mask sit, steam, or deep condition with a cap to help your curls hydrate fully. This alone moves you closer to how to get softer, stronger hair — but pairing it with the right method afterward takes everything to another level.
Mastering the LOC and LCO Methods for Type 4 Hair
If you’ve ever wondered how to hydrate type 4 hair in a way that actually lasts, the LOC and LCO methods are your best friends. Both routines use layering techniques that help your strands absorb moisture and hold onto it longer.
LOC Method – Liquid, Oil, Cream
This routine is ideal if your hair struggles to stay moisturized or dries out quickly.
Liquid (Hydrate): Start with a liquid; water or a water-based product like the Hydrating Leave-In Butter.
Oil (Seal): Follow with the Nourishing Essential Hair Oil to seal the moisture into your strands.
Cream: Finish with a cream-based styler (our Hydrating Leave-In Butter also applies here!) for softness and definition.
LCO Method – Liquid, Cream, Oil
This method works beautifully if your hair loves rich creams and responds well to softness first.
Liquid (Hydrate): Begin again with your leave-in.
Cream: Apply your cream-based product to further hydrate and soften your curls.
Oil (Seal): Finish by using your oil to lock in all that work.
Either method can help you get softer, stronger hair — it’s all about listening to what your curls respond to. Some type 4 hair thrives on the LOC method, while others lean toward LCO for maximum softness. No matter which routine you choose, the key is to hydrate your curls well and seal in that hydration so it stays put.
Maintain Moisture With “Hydrate, Seal, Repeat” Throughout the Week
The biggest secret to how to get softer, stronger hair is consistency, not complexity. Type 4 hair thrives when it receives small, regular doses of moisture throughout the week — not just on wash day. That’s where the “hydrate, seal, repeat” routine shines.
As your curls start to feel dry, gently mist them with water or apply a small amount of our Hydrating Leave-In Butter to rehydrate. This keeps your curls flexible, soft, and less prone to breakage.
Next, seal that moisture using a few drops of the Nourishing Essential Hair Oil. This step helps your type 4 hair maintain hydration longer while adding shine, reducing frizz, and protecting your ends.
Repeat this simple hydrate and seal routine as needed — usually two to three times per week — depending on how thirsty your curls are. Over time, you’ll notice your strands becoming more pliable, less brittle, and more visibly healthy. When you hydrate consistently and seal properly, softness and strength naturally follow. And don’t worry if you happen to miss a few days, our She’s Made product line is formulated specifically for hydrating type 4 hair — long term. Watch the video below for real life results.
Closing Thoughts
Caring for type 4 hair doesn’t have to be complicated — it just has to be consistent, intentional, and centered on moisture. When you focus on how to get softer, stronger hair through routines that hydrate deeply, seal effectively, and repeat regularly, your curls naturally become healthier over time. Whether you choose the LOC or LCO method, the goal remains the same: give your hair the hydration it craves and lock it in so your strands can truly flourish. With the right products, the right routine, and a little patience, your type 4 hair will stay soft, strong, and radiant every single day. Let your curls be a reflection of the care you pour into them — hydrated, nourished, and growing beautifully.
