Let's learn about what is 4C hair and how to maintenance it the right way.
Discover the essence of 4C hair and the best ways to care for it.
We’ll cover everything from understanding its unique texture to mastering essential routines.
What is 4C hair?
Characterized by diverse patterns like waves and coils, 4C hair stands out for its bold appearance.
This combination offers a bold and unique appearance but requires extra care.
Is 4C hair good?
4C hair is beautiful, just like all textures, each with its charm.
Whether your hair is straight, wavy, or tightly curled, it reflects your individuality.
Is 4C hair high maintenance?
4C hair is notoriously dry and fragile due to its structure, requiring extra TLC.
Its unique curl pattern hinders natural oils from fully coating the strands, leading to higher maintenance demands for hydration and strength.
Despite this, it offers endless creative possibilities for hairstyling.
How do you know if your hair is 4A, 4B, or 4C?
Learning to distinguish between these curl patterns can simplify hair care.
With 4A’s defined curls and 4B’s sharp bends, each type is unique.
In contrast, its diverse patterns include waves, coils, and tight zigzags.
For more details, check out our guides on identifying 4A and 4B hair types.
How do you care for 4C hair?
Mastering 4C hair care is about understanding its unique needs.
4C hair, known for being naturally dry, benefits from a consistent moisturizing regimen.
Wash hair with moisture
Hydration begins with the right shampoo and conditioner.
We recommend using Biolage's hydrating products, enriched with aloe 4C hair and cupuaçu butter, for soft, manageable curls.
For deeper hydration, the treatment pack nourishes with natural emollients for soft, healthy curls.
Plop your hair
Gentle drying methods preserve the integrity of delicate 4C strands.
Instead of traditional drying methods, opt for plopping with a smooth T-shirt to reduce damage.
Some people prefer to plop overnight, while others let their hair air dry after partial drying.
Choose nourishing stylers
Post-shower care is essential for styling and maintaining moisture.
We suggest Mizani's 25 Miracle Milk for detangling and moisture restoration.
Care for your scalp
Healthy 4C hair starts with a well-nourished scalp.
Avoid persistent tension from styles like micro braids or tight ponytails.
Matrix's Total Results Instacure Tension Reliever provides instant relief from tension and minimizes buildup.
Apply products the right way
Sectioning hair ensures even product distribution and better results.
Apply products methodically to ensure every strand gets the moisture it needs.
To protect against dryness, opt for low-tension, elongated hairstyles.
Don’t apply oils to wet hair
Avoid sealing moisture out by applying oils to damp hair.
Let your hair dry or reach dampness before introducing oils into your routine.
See your stylist
Collaborate with a stylist for trims and treatments tailored to your hair.
Your stylist can help set a trim schedule that suits your hair's needs.
Jen Hair emphasizes the beauty of 4C hair, highlighting its adaptability and charm.Top Styles for 4C Hair
Knotted Hairstyles
Start by dividing your hair into sections, ensuring you create enough parts for the desired knots. To keep the look cohesive, keep sections of similar size, although trying unique patterns is also an option.
After sectioning, twist each segment tightly around itself, then create a knot by wrapping it again and secure it using bobby pins.
Expert tip: You can use Bantu knots to achieve curls without heat. For perfect curls, style your moist strands with curl cream.
Twist Curls
Twist-outs are popular styles, due to its low-maintenance and protective benefits.
Use hydrated, clean strands, separate into parts for your desired twists. Smaller twists will yield tighter curls. Once dried completely through air or time, unravel each twist and fluff for volume.
Blow-Out
Begin from the base and use a heat shield before using a blow dryer. To polish the look further, add a quick ironing touch.