By Exyhair team | 21 January 2025 | 0 Comments
Type 4 Hair: 4A, 4B, 4C – Complete Guide
Without a doubt, differentiating between 4A, 4B, and 4C hair is one of the most challenging things to do. Well, at least for me, knowing your hair type is quite a challenge. I often have to clarify between 4B and 4C hair, and I discovered I had 4C hair a few years ago. Knowing your hair type is important in choosing the right products and dread hairstyles that will work best for you. In this article, I will delve into type 4 hair, provide a chart of type 4 hair, and the best hairstyles and products, but first, let me give you a little background and history on the richness of African hair.
Throughout history, African women have been built in how they style and treat their hair; this dates back to the 15th century when symbols and meanings were attached to hair, for example, depicting the Yoruba and Mandingo people of Africa (Majali et al., 2017). However, hair styling was more than just that; it was considered a bond that united communities and individuals. Hair was considered a sense of identity between individuals and communities.
However, colonization and slavery brought Africans into contact with the Western world and also allowed them to adapt to new ways of caring for their hair. This was one of the key factors that led to a change in African hair care practices; African kinky bulk hair began to be associated with negative connotations and women began to seek straighter, silkier hair to fit in with the Western world (Majali et al., 2017). However, I urge us to revisit history and embrace our cultural diversity. Let us learn to accept the fourth hair type as it expresses the richness of human diversity and celebrates our cultural pride and resilience.
Replenish your scalp’s natural oils with hair oils like almond oil, avocado oil, coconut oil, jojoba oil, and Jamaican black castor oil. These oils contain essential fatty acids that help thicken hair, reduce hair loss, and are perfect for curly 4a hair.
Water is the best — and cheapest — moisturizer, so it’s best to regularly spritz your hair and scalp with plain water from a spray bottle. Then, massage any of your favorite oils or oil blends from this list into your scalp and hair to lock in juicy moisture.
Since protective styles don’t last long for Type 4a hair, you may need to constantly restyle your hair. Frequent restyling can be tedious and can cause breakage or scalp tension over time.
With its high moisturizing power and natural curl, it creates the perfect "wash and go" look.
4a won't shrink like 4b or 4c. This is a plus for those who like to show off their length.
To keep 4b hair shiny and healthy, use oils (like argan, coconut, grapeseed, avocado, and essential oils) before shampooing. Use a deep conditioner after shampooing to keep your hair hydrated.
Moisturize your hair with water or a leave-in conditioner.
Then apply other moisturizing and sealing products (like shea, mango, and cocoa butters) to keep your curls looking healthy, defined, and voluminous!
4b hair often grows into bold and beautiful Afro-like styles
4b hair is easier to style and manage than 4c hair
Increasing the elasticity of the hair will prevent breakage by temporarily stretching the curls, making them easier to manage. The best part? You’ll maintain length and prevent single strands from getting tangled or split ends!
Some of the best sealing oils for 4c hair are olive oil, neem oil, castor oil (regular castor oil and Jamaican black castor oil), moringa oil, and amla oil. For lotions, try cocoa butter, shea butter, mango butter, and chebe lotion.
4c hair has unmatched shrinking capabilities; shrinkage can reach up to 75%. If your hair is twenty (20) inches long, 4c shrink technology can make your hair look like it's only five (5) inches long.
Once dry, 4c hair is virtually immune to gravity. This feature gives you a variety of styling options - updos, buns, mohawks, you name it!
4C hair gives incredible volume and beautiful, evocative afros.
Twists: This involves parting your hair while it is wet, twisting it, and then letting it air dry. This is a great look for getting defined curls and volume.
Pull-Back Ponytail: For this style, you will need a nice bristle brush, edge control gel, and a high-shine hairspray.
Bantu Knots: You can create intricate knots to protect your hair and make a statement.
Protective Looks: The beauty of type 4 hair is that you can try out a variety of protective looks, including large knotless braids, bohemian braids, or faux braids.
At Exyhair, we have a wide range of human hair to choose from, whether you're looking for a classic, we'll make sure you get the perfect hair to suit your needs.
If have any other questions, please feel free to contact exyhair:
WhatsApp: +1 213-337-7694
Email: support@exyhair.com
Embracing the Beauty and Diversity of Afro Hair
Every now and then, you’ll hear Black women say that their hair is “bad.” But where did we learn this about good and bad hair? Why is curly and wavy hair considered bad, while straight, silky hair is considered “good.” It’s time for Black women to embrace their hair and stop putting type 3 or 4 hair below the beauty standards. Well, let me give you a brief history of our hair and why we should learn to accept it and stop using derogatory terms.Throughout history, African women have been built in how they style and treat their hair; this dates back to the 15th century when symbols and meanings were attached to hair, for example, depicting the Yoruba and Mandingo people of Africa (Majali et al., 2017). However, hair styling was more than just that; it was considered a bond that united communities and individuals. Hair was considered a sense of identity between individuals and communities.
However, colonization and slavery brought Africans into contact with the Western world and also allowed them to adapt to new ways of caring for their hair. This was one of the key factors that led to a change in African hair care practices; African kinky bulk hair began to be associated with negative connotations and women began to seek straighter, silkier hair to fit in with the Western world (Majali et al., 2017). However, I urge us to revisit history and embrace our cultural diversity. Let us learn to accept the fourth hair type as it expresses the richness of human diversity and celebrates our cultural pride and resilience.
What is Type 4 Hair?
Type 4 hair is often referred to as curly or kinky hair and is characterized by a zigzag pattern, tight curls, and pronounced frizz. 4A, 4B, and 4C are three subcategories of Type 4 hair; each with unique characteristics. This hair type is very versatile and offers many styling options, but at the same time, it requires special care and maintenance to ensure its health.
4A Hair
In terms of its curl pattern, type 4A hair has a similar curl to the number "3". The hair is very springy. In terms of its texture, type 4 hair feels quite soft; these strands can break easily if not cared for. Type 4 hair tends to have a higher porosity than 4C, which has very low porosity.
Moisturizing Tips for 4a Hair
Like other Type 4 hair subtypes, 4a hair is prone to dryness and needs moisturizing. To prevent damage or breakage during manipulation, use natural hair oils like shea butter and essential oils.Replenish your scalp’s natural oils with hair oils like almond oil, avocado oil, coconut oil, jojoba oil, and Jamaican black castor oil. These oils contain essential fatty acids that help thicken hair, reduce hair loss, and are perfect for curly 4a hair.
Water is the best — and cheapest — moisturizer, so it’s best to regularly spritz your hair and scalp with plain water from a spray bottle. Then, massage any of your favorite oils or oil blends from this list into your scalp and hair to lock in juicy moisture.
Cons of 4a
Type 4a hair generally can’t hold protective styles for long periods of time — more than 2-5 days.Since protective styles don’t last long for Type 4a hair, you may need to constantly restyle your hair. Frequent restyling can be tedious and can cause breakage or scalp tension over time.
Advantages of 4a
Type 4a hair is very easy to moisturize. With just a small pump or spray of leave-in conditioner and a few drops of oil, you can keep type 4a hair moisturized for days!With its high moisturizing power and natural curl, it creates the perfect "wash and go" look.
4a won't shrink like 4b or 4c. This is a plus for those who like to show off their length.
4B Hair
Type 4B hair has a tighter curl shape compared to type 4A hair. This type of hair has less pronounced curls. In terms of its texture, this type of hair has a firm or cottony texture. It tends to look quite fluffy and thick, but shrinks easily. Like other type 4 hair, this type of hair can also be handled and styled in a variety of ways.
4b Hair Moisturizing Tips
4b hair tends to dry out easily. Without moisture, hair loses its shine and tangles into bird nests and single strand knots.To keep 4b hair shiny and healthy, use oils (like argan, coconut, grapeseed, avocado, and essential oils) before shampooing. Use a deep conditioner after shampooing to keep your hair hydrated.
Moisturize your hair with water or a leave-in conditioner.
Then apply other moisturizing and sealing products (like shea, mango, and cocoa butters) to keep your curls looking healthy, defined, and voluminous!
Pros of 4b
4b hair lasts longer than 4a hair (up to 7 days)4b hair often grows into bold and beautiful Afro-like styles
4b hair is easier to style and manage than 4c hair
4C Hair
One of the major characteristics of type 4C hair is its tight and densely packed coils. The hair has quite a kinky texture that appears dense. Besides, 4C hair is popular for its shrinkage; it tends to appear short when dry. 4C Hair Type One of the major characteristics of type 4C hair is its tight and densely packed coils. hair also has low porosity, which tends to absorb hair products less readily. One of the major characteristics of type 4C hair is that it tends to shrink a lot. It is also quite voluminous. However, this should be fine with you, as various low-porosity products are designed for type 4 hair.
4c Hair Moisturizing Tips
4c hair is usually dry and has trouble retaining moisture, so moisturizers like water and leave-in conditioners and sealants like oils and lotions are the best companions for 4c hair. They help increase the elasticity of the hair while locking in moisture.Increasing the elasticity of the hair will prevent breakage by temporarily stretching the curls, making them easier to manage. The best part? You’ll maintain length and prevent single strands from getting tangled or split ends!
Some of the best sealing oils for 4c hair are olive oil, neem oil, castor oil (regular castor oil and Jamaican black castor oil), moringa oil, and amla oil. For lotions, try cocoa butter, shea butter, mango butter, and chebe lotion.
Cons of 4c
4c hair is the most prone to breakage. Even after untangling, the curls will remain tangled.4c hair has unmatched shrinking capabilities; shrinkage can reach up to 75%. If your hair is twenty (20) inches long, 4c shrink technology can make your hair look like it's only five (5) inches long.
Advantages of 4c
4c hair eliminates the hassle of constant re-styling and re-manipulating your hair. It maintains the best protective hairstyles for the longest time - we're talking one to two (1-2) months!Once dry, 4c hair is virtually immune to gravity. This feature gives you a variety of styling options - updos, buns, mohawks, you name it!
4C hair gives incredible volume and beautiful, evocative afros.
Hairstyles for Type 4 Hair
One of the main feature of type 4 hair is that it is very versatile and can be styled in a variety of ways. Some popular looks for type 4 hair include:Twists: This involves parting your hair while it is wet, twisting it, and then letting it air dry. This is a great look for getting defined curls and volume.
Pull-Back Ponytail: For this style, you will need a nice bristle brush, edge control gel, and a high-shine hairspray.
Bantu Knots: You can create intricate knots to protect your hair and make a statement.
Protective Looks: The beauty of type 4 hair is that you can try out a variety of protective looks, including large knotless braids, bohemian braids, or faux braids.
Conclusion
All in all, type 4 hair is popular for its variety and versatility. A zigzag pattern and a curly or oily texture are characteristics of types 4A, 4B, and 4C hair. Choosing the right products is key to reducing breakage and maintaining your hair. This hair can be styled in a variety of styles, including protective hairstyles, twists, or sleek ponytails. For many people, hair is considered a fashion statement or a status symbol.Welcome to Exyhair
Are you looking for the perfect human hair series for you? Hair is a very personal thing and it's natural to feel overwhelmed when trying to pick the perfect hair for you.At Exyhair, we have a wide range of human hair to choose from, whether you're looking for a classic, we'll make sure you get the perfect hair to suit your needs.
If have any other questions, please feel free to contact exyhair:
WhatsApp: +1 213-337-7694
Email: support@exyhair.com
Leave a Reply
Your email address will not be published.Required fields are marked. *