Type 4 Hair 101
Andre Walker (Oprah's former hairstylist) is famously known for creating a hair typing system starting from 1 to 4C. This system defines the different curl patterns of hair. Today, we're gonna dive deeper into the Type 4 hair realm.
Type 4 hair is known as kinky or coily. The sub-classifications from A to C are based on the width or diameter of your wave, curl or coil pattern. Type 4 hair can be easily dehydrated and damaged, which means it’s essential that your hair care routine helps to address this. Using thicker natural emollients like mango or shea butter can help to style it after washing.
Type 4A Hair
Type 4A has a defined curl pattern almost like a “s” shape. Generally speaking it retains moisture fairly well, but as with most curly hair types can still be prone to dryness. Being that this hair type has a naturally defined curl pattern wash n’ go styles may be a great option as it can be easily achieved with the right product and technique.
Type 4B Hair
Type 4B bends into sharp angles like the letter Z. This curl is tighter but less defined. Its circumference is about the width of a pen, and the strands of hair may be anywhere from fine and thin to wiry and coarse depending on the woman rocking these curls.
Type 4c Hair
Type 4C hair experiences less definition and more shrinkage. Your strands will be so tightly coiled that they’re incredibly delicate. Hence, this type has an increased chance of dryness and breakage. Why? The very tight curl pattern does not allow your natural oil (sebum) to travel down the hair shaft to do its job.
Hair Care Tips
Moisturize! Moisturize! Moisturize!
Don’t wash your kinky hair every day. Shampooing every day can strip your hair of its natural oils. Use a cleansing conditioner to cleanse your hair without stripping it of its moisture. Additionally, deep condition your hair. Your hair health depends on it.
Use a cleansing shampoo. These shampoos make sure that your hair is clean without stripping it of moisture. You can also use sulfate-free shampoos. Conditioning your hair is critical. Use a deep cleansing conditioner to replenish, revive and re-moisturize your strands in a cellular level. You are doing your hair a true disservice if you don't deep condition every 7-10 days!
Leave-In Conditioner
Leave-in conditioner is your savior that keeps your hair moisturized and fresh until the next time you wash your hair. Use a natural leave-in conditioner as it is good for your curls.
Oil Your Hair
Apply an oil that not only helps moisturize your hair but also seals the moisture from the roots to your ends.
Protect it at all cost!
Protective styles are great for Type 4A, 4B, and 4C hair. Go for low manipulation hair styles like bantu, knots, twist outs, braid outs, etc. Protective styles give the ends of our hair a break from weather, our hands and snagging on our clothes which does horrific damage to our ends!
Product Recommendations
Dark Chocolate & Mint Deep Conditioner
Very educational article! It breaks down Tye 4 hair in a really easy to learn way. Thanks! 😊
This article was very educational. Now I understand 4 c hair much better and also how to care for my hair better. Thanks!