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TYPE 4 HAIR

Most black women or Africans generally have what is called the type 4 hair, which is the KINKY or CURLY HAIR and not usually the straight type. It is the driest and thickest of all hair which makes it fragile.



Generally, AFRO hair is type 4.

The type 4 hair can grow as long as other types of hair, it's just that it needs more care to avoid breakage.

Not sure of what kind of type 4 hair you have? This article will help you determine right now.

We have different kinds of the type 4 hair and with these knowledge, you'll be able to make better choices of products and also manage your hair properly.

The type 4 hair is divided into three(3):
4A, 4B and 4C



Picture from PINTEREST

Type 4A Hair (S-Shaped)

This hair forms a clearly visible curl pattern with spirals. Although, this type is fragile, it has a very high density which makes it darker. 
It is also prone to dryness.
It moisture retention capacity is higher than any other type 4s.
Due to the retention capacity and the well defined curls of the type4A hair, the "wash and go" hairstyle is usually great on women with this type of hair.
Women with this type of hair should take care of it well and make sure to use a sulfate free shampoo that has tea tree oil or jojoba oil in it and also hair butters and products that are rich in cream.




Picture from PINTEREST

Type 4B Hair ( Z- Shaped)

This type of hair is fluffy and has a cotton appearance. It's curls are not clearly defined and is tightly curled.

This type of hair is dryer and breaks easily.
It shrinks easily making it appear shorter than it really is.
Women with this type of hair should go for protective styles such as twists, braids and buns inorder to protect it from damage. They should also try to avoid doing "twist-outs" or roller sets. Since, this type of hair is usually dry, it is important to moisturize regularly.
Also, after washing the hair, be careful when drying it. Don't blow dry your hair as this would cause breakage.




Picture from PINTEREST

Type 4C Hair (no defined-curl pattern)

This hair type is more tightly coiled than type 4B. It looks shorter than it actually is. The 4C hair ranges from soft, fine, thin to coarse. It actually looks like the 4B hair but the difference is that it is more tightly coiled and has less definition.

Of all hair types, 4C is very fragile and requires more care because it's proned to breakage easily. Do protective styles like twist and braids to avoid high breakage.
It is also important that women with the type 4C hair wear a silky or satin scarf before sleeping inoder to avoid breakage as well.

Now that you can differentiate type 4A, 4B and 4C, what's your hair type?


I hope this article was super helpful. Thanks for reading!!!

Comments

Unknown said…
Wow! Highly educative... Thanks to you @hairssentials.
6:37:00 am
Damilola Adetunji said…
Thanks for your reading and the comment
3:56:00 am
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