4c Hair Type
4c hair shares many characteristics with 4b hair but there are differences. For instance, both 4b and 4c hair have open cuticles meaning that hair can both absorb moisture and products well but also lose moisture and struggle to retain shape after using other products.
4c hair, however, differs in that the zig-zag curl pattern may be so tight that it’s not noticeable to the eye, meaning it lacks the definition of 4b hair. While it may have a wide variety of possible textures, from fine or thin to soft or coarse, a common trait of 4c hair is that it is the most fragile hair type, so extra care must be taken when maintaining it.
It's important to note that this article focuses on 4c hair type rather than 4c hair color. The hair type scale offers invaluable insights into the texture, curl pattern, and structure of your hair, but please note that this article does not specifically cover tips related to the nuances of the 4c hair color.
Caring for 4c Hair Type
Moisture is an integral part of managing 4c hair. Not only should you use sulfate free shampoos and conditioners as part of your cleansing routine, but be sure to add in oils and butters to seal in moisture. Look for products with ingredients like jojoba oil, argan oil, and shea butter that work like your hair’s natural oils to hydrate hair.
Take a look at some common concerns people with 4c hair deal with and solutions to address those concerns.
Caring for Dryness with 4c Hair
Hair that naturally has open cuticles will likely be naturally drier, and taking steps to lock in moisture is important if you have this type of hair.
In addition to leave-in conditioners and using products with natural oils and butters, use curl defining gels or custards to stretch curls and add definition while hair is still wet from showering. Since 4c hair is more likely to experience shrinkage, caring for it in this way while still damp can help your hair’s length, making the most of the inches you have without weighing hair down.
Weekly deep conditioning, plus using a hair mask monthly, can help hair retain moisture for longer and become more elastic over time.
Caring for Tangles with 4c Hair
With such fragile strands, it’s important to detangle 4c hair only when hair is wet. Avoid small tooth combs or brushes which can worsen tangles or cause frizz. Instead, use a wide tooth comb or your fingers to carefully detangle hair. Add some conditioner to hands to aid the process.
To avoid tangles in the future, use a cap or satin scarf over your hair as you sleep. A satin pillowcase also keeps hair tangle-free and reduces split ends and breakage.
Caring for Different Style Needs with 4c Hair
4c hair brings with it different styling needs, meaning sometimes it will be better to put here in a protective style to reduce breakage. Other times low maintenance styles like braids, buns, or twists may be better for your hair’s needs.
Relying too heavily on styling products may not only lead to product buildup, but cause hair to become frizzy, dry, or dull. Detangle and condition hair often in between washes to keep it strong and prevent breakage.
Weekly deep conditioning, plus using a hair mask monthly, can help hair retain moisture for longer and become more elastic over time.
Take Our Hair Quiz
Do you have 4c hair but need a bit more help managing it? Try the HairCode quiz to learn about products made just for your hair type!
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FAQs
4c hair is defined by coils that are tightly packed and dense. Even though 4c hair is naturally curly, the coils are so tight that it's often hard to see curl definition. In fact, an actual 4c curl will have a zig-zag shape instead of a s-shape or ringlet like type 3 curls. Type 4c hair is also prone to shrinkage.
What is 4C hair type? ›
Now really - what is 4c hair? 4c hair type has the tightest curl pattern of all the curly hair types. Strands are formed in tight, springy, ringlets. 4c hair tends to clump more at the ends and is even more prone to shrinkage than 4b hair. According to CURLS, 4c hair can shrink up to 75% of its length!
How do you moisturize 4C hair everyday? ›
Honey Infused Hair Oil is the ideal daily moisturizer for all hair types, including those with 4C hair, and there are several ways to use it. We've already mentioned applying it after washing, but you can also use it in between washing to smooth away flyaways and add extra shine.
How do you define 4C natural hair? ›
While 4C natural hair types can range and vary in terms of the tightness of the curl, coils are a major indicator that you have 4C hair. This hair type is made up of tightly-coiled, fragile strands with a zig-zag pattern that is sometimes discernible to the eye.
Should I comb my 4C hair every day? ›
While there isn't a one-size-fits-all answer, a general rule of thumb is to comb 4C hair only as needed to remove tangles and style it, usually a few times a week. This frequency allows for the removal of product build-up and the maintenance of a clean, healthy scalp without over-drying or causing damage to your hair.
Should I oil my 4C hair every day? ›
Expert Advice: It Depends on Your Hair and Scalp
Some individuals may require oiling once a week, while others may benefit from oiling every day. Factors such as scalp conditions (like psoriasis or seborrheic dermatitis) and personal hair washing preferences can influence the ideal frequency of oiling.
What moisturizer is good for 4c hair? ›
Hydrating oils are excellent for penetrating the hair shaft and providing deep nourishment to 4C hair. Argan and jojoba oil are particularly beneficial for their lightweight yet potent moisturizing properties.
How often should I wash my 4c hair? ›
And the kinkiest of them all, Type 4C hair, can be washed once every 2-3 weeks. This is because these hair types are naturally drier due to their wavy and coily nature. With these hair types, oils from the scalp can't easily travel down the hair shaft, leading to dry hair strands.
Why is 4c hair so special? ›
The most unique characteristic of 4C hair is that it usually has a mix of waves, coils, curls, and zigzags throughout. While the combination of curls is a delight to look at, sometimes you want your hairstyle to have a little more uniformity. That's where lacers come in handy.
How do I keep my 4C hair soft and moisturized? ›
By deep conditioning, co-washing, using the right products, detangling, using a diffuser, protective styling, air drying, low manipulation, sealing in moisture and trimming your ends regularly, you can help to keep your hair healthy and manageable.
4 Proven Ways to Soften Your 4C Natural Hair (Without Chemicals)
- Use a Water-based Moisturizer. The most important factor in keeping 4C Natural Hair manageable and healthy is hydration. ...
- Invest In a High Quality Satin Bonnet. ...
- Gently Stretch Your 4C Hair. ...
- Deep Condition Your Natural Hair More Often.
4c hair is the queen of thick, bold afros. From afar, 4c hair looks like a thick fro, but if you look closely, you'll notice very tight, small springs or coils on each strand. Coils are pretty different from curls.
What is the difference between Type 4 and 4c hair? ›
4A - Your curls are packed in tight with a spiral pattern. 4B - Your hair is prone to dryness and breaks and has a zig-zag shape and experiences shrinkage. 4C - Your coils are dense and can range from fine and soft to coarse and wiry, your hair strand will have a "Z" shape and will experience significant shrinkage.
What are the do's and don'ts of 4C hair? ›
What are some tips for keeping 4C hair healthy?
- Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize. To no surprise, 4c hair, like all curly hair types, is naturally dry. ...
- Be gentle. 4c hair is the most fragile hair type. ...
- Take advantage of protective styling. ...
- Don't neglect scalp care. ...
- Give your ends a little TLC. ...
- Trim regularly.
And the kinkiest of them all, Type 4C hair, can be washed once every 2-3 weeks. This is because these hair types are naturally drier due to their wavy and coily nature. With these hair types, oils from the scalp can't easily travel down the hair shaft, leading to dry hair strands.
Should you cut 4C hair wet or dry? ›
A regular trim also helps your hair retain more length. It is advisable to trim your 4C hair when dry but you can also trim your 4C natural hair wet this will help you see the split end better, but beware trimming 4c hair wet can cause you to lose more length than usual, so trim carefully!
Why is 4C hair so hard to maintain? ›
The nature of 4C hair prevents the thorough and even distribution of the natural oil produced by your scalp (sebum) throughout your hair. Due to this, the hair dries out faster than other hair types. This is why you need to make conscious efforts to keep your hair properly moisturized and hydrated.
