Type 4c Hair (Coily): Styling Tips and How to Take Care of It

stock.Adobe.com

Managing your hair is half the battle when you know your unique hair type. You can create daily and weekly hair habits to make the most of your natural curls, whether that means reducing the number of wash days, moisturizing regularly, or investing in curl-enhancing formulas.

If your hair is super curly, voluminous, and tightly compact, you may have type 4c hair. So how do you navigate these extraordinary curls and make the most of your natural hair?

Learn more about type 4c hair to better manage your curl pattern.

Pros of type 4c hair

4c is a wonderful hair type with many advantages. Of course, it takes an effective haircare routine to ensure these tighter curls stay healthy and always look their best.

Here are 3 pros of type 4c hair.

• Unique curl shape: Type 4c hair has different curls from other coily hair types. The hair bends at sharp angles, creating zigzag shapes that are so tight they are sometimes impossible to see clearly. Type 4b hair also has a zigzag pattern, but it is more distinguishable to the eye at first glance.
• Full of volume: Since type 4c hair experiences a lot of shrinkage, it becomes incredibly voluminous. The tight kinks spring upwards, forming a head of hair that grows outward rather than downward. You don’t need to apply volumizing products; just enjoy your hair’s natural lift.
• Versatile for styling: It’s easy to create new looks with type 4c hair. You can style it in various ways, and it will remain in place for long periods without much manipulation or heat damage. Ultimately, you can get as creative as you like with different hairdos and accessories.

Cons of type 4c hair

As many people in the curly community know, there is a downside to having type 4c hair. As the kinkiest, coarsest, and driest hair type, it is susceptible to a few problems.

• It’s very delicate: Type 4c hair is extremely fragile. The hair strands get incredibly dry and can break and snap easily, even from simple procedures like combing and detangling. It’s because the natural oils cannot reach and protect the strands from root to tip. It’s vital to care for your natural hair.
• Frizz-prone: Frizz is the result of dehydrated hair. Because there is a lack of moisture, your hair strands search for moisture in the air and soak it up, resulting in frizzy, hard-to-control locks. This is one of the biggest problems that can be addressed with proper haircare for this hair type.
• It tangles easily: Unlike the loose curls of type 4a hair, type 4c curls are packed tightly together. The cuticle layers can overlap each other, and this causes the hair to tangle, matt, and form knots. Tangling also occurs when the strands are too dry because the cuticles do not lie flat.

How to Take Care of Type 4c Hair: 7 Proven Strategies

All hair types have pros and cons, but you can strike a balance when implementing the right haircare regimen. Below are some of the best practices for type 4c hair texture.

#1 Shampoo less often than you’d want

Washing your hair feels great, but it’s vital that you keep your wash days to a minimum. Type 4c hair is already extremely dry, and over-shampooing strips the essential oils that the sebaceous glands in your scalp secrete. You need these oils to naturally lubricate your hair.

Washing your hair and scalp a couple of times a month with a gentle cleansing shampoo is usually sufficient for 4c hair types. It sounds like a long time, but you can co-wash between wash days. Co-washing, or conditioner washing, is when you cleanse the hair with conditioner only.

It’s beneficial for dry and textured hair types because it cleans the scalp without removing moisture.

#2 Deep condition generously

Using a deep conditioner restores moisture and helps to repair and prevent breakage. You can deep condition once a week if your hair is dehydrated, leaving the treatment on for 20–30 minutes. Apply a generous amount to coat every hair strand for shinier and softer tresses.

#3 Use the LOC method

The LOC method is perfect for coily hair types because it promotes ultra hydration. LOC stands for leave-in conditioner, oil, and cream. Following these 3 steps in the same order every time you cleanse your hair will seal in moisture and prevent frizz.

#4 Get rid of split ends

The only way to get rid of split ends is with regular trimming. Type 4c hair is more susceptible to dry ends, and it’s crucial that you remove these ends before they extend up the hair shaft and cause the hair to snap off.

Regular trips to the salon will keep your hair in healthy condition and support the hair growth process. A haircut every 6–8 weeks is acceptable for most people, but you can monitor your split ends and schedule trims when necessary.

#5 Detangle regularly

Your tight corkscrews tangle easily, but you can prevent this with a proper detangling routine. It’s best to detangle your hair while it’s soaking wet or coated in conditioner. You can use your fingers to gently comb through the length to minimize tool breakage.

A leave-in conditioner can also help you detangle while wet.

#6 Go for simple hairstyles

The simpler the style, the less damage it is likely to cause. Stay away from heat tools, tight hairstyles, and rubber bands that put extra stress on your hair. Instead, use popular protective styles that minimize damage and hair ties made of soft, non-friction materials.

#7 Protect your hair at night

You still need to protect your curly hair when the day is over. You can do this by wrapping your hair in a silk scarf, using protective styles like the pineapple at bedtime (piling your curls on top of your head and tying them with a scrunchie), or investing in a satin pillowcase.

What Hairstyles Are Ideal for Type 4c Hair?

You can experiment with different styles if you have this type of coily hair. Shorter styles work well because they show off your thick texture in a stylish way. Alternatively, you can grow your hair longer if you want it to fall down instead of growing horizontally.

Some of the best type 4c hairstyles are:

• Bob cut: A curly bob creates bounciness and a flattering shape.
• Layered cut: Layers are good for highlighting your natural curl pattern. 
• Pixie cut: The pixie is a very low-maintenance style to manage your coils.
• Shoulder-length cut: A shoulder-length cut helps your curls to frame your face.

Style-wise, you can play around with different looks. Some fun examples include:

• Box braids: These are good for adding length. 
• Bantu knots: This protective style helps stretch out your curls.
• Slick-back bun: A quick and simple way to handle your curls for a sleek look.
• Space buns: Space buns are a playful and trendy look that highlights your features.
• Twist outs: This style protects the hair from moisture loss and boosts curl definition.

How to define 4c curls

You can add curl definition to your tight coils by prioritizing moisture. Moisturization should begin on wash day when you cleanse and condition with a nourishing shampoo and conditioner. You can then dry the hair as gently as possible using a microfiber towel.

You can hydrate your hair further by applying styling products to wet hair and generously coating the hair strands. These are the very first steps to define your tight curl pattern and minimize frizz before the hair dries. Remember never to brush your tight curls when dry, as this will immediately disrupt your curl patterns and result in overly frizzy hair.

Best Hair Products for Type 4c Hair 

The natural texture of type 4c hair can thrive with a haircare plan featuring the best hair products. Always keep hydration in mind when shopping for hair products, as this is the most important thing for dry hair types like 4c that struggle to distribute the scalp’s natural oils.

The following ingredients will help bring out your hair’s natural beauty:

• Avocado and avocado oil
• Aloe vera
• Coconut oil
• Honey
• Jojoba oil
• Olive oil
• Shea butter

You can find these ingredients in most haircare items, from shampoos to leave-in conditioners. The Moérie Mineral Shampoo is perfect for supporting dry and damaged hair. It can also boost hair growth, which is ideal for the fragile 4c hair type that tends to snap easily.

FAQs

Conclusion

If you have type 4c hair, you have the curliest, kinkiest, and most delicate hair type. And with that comes the need for more tender loving care. These tight curls don’t have to be unmanageable. You can easily take control with simple care and a routine.

The best routine includes plenty of moisture, natural ingredients, and regular trimming with minimal washing, heat styling, and brushing.