Skip to main content

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.
Thanks for your reading and the comment

Popular posts from this blog

NATURAL HAIR GUIDE FOR BEGINNERS - 1

Hi Naturalista, I know what's on your mind.... "I want a long and healthy natural hair and I wish it can happen overnight".... Yes, you can grow an inch at least overnight if you are maintaining the hair properly. But all we need is PATIENCE!!! I'll just share few tips you need to achieve a healthy natural hair. First off, every single Naturalista must have these 5 things on her hair hack: Sulfate-free shampoo  Get a shampoo that's sulfate-free. When you go to any hair store to purchase a Shampoo, check and ensure it does not have sulfate as part of its ingredients. Sulfates in shampoo causes frizziness especially curly hair. It dries out the hair and deprives the hair and scalp of its natural supplements. Rinse-out Conditioner   Of course, a conditioner is needed after shampooing the hair. It's used to rehydrate, strengthen and protect strands . It helps tame frizz and smoothen the cuticle to detangle. If you're ...

Benefits of wearing a Satin Bonnet

Satin bonnet!!! This should be part of your hair care routine. You must have heard that wearing a satin bonnet helps prevent breakages. Satin bonnet because if it's texture, does not allow the hair to tangle. These benefits are: - it keeps your hairstyle in shape by making it last longer. - it prevents breakages by providing slip for your hair unlike cotton which makes the hair tangle and causes breakage. - it locks in moisture and hydrates your hair. Freshness lasts longer in your hair when you wear a stain bonnet. But when you wear a cotton scarf or sleep on a cotton pillowcase, it dries out moisture in your hair which makes it frizzy. - it makes your hair healthy giving it less split ends instead of using cotton that gives split ends while sleeping on it. As a Naturalist, you need to wear a satin bonnet to sleep as this would help you maintain a healthy natural hair. You can now place orders for your satin bonnets, scarves, pillowcase and throw-pillows...

EGGS - Benefits of using Eggs for Deep Conditioning

Image from Pinterest Yes, Eggs are good source of protein, sulfur and vitamins (A, D abd E) to the hair. They help nourish the hair, reduce inflammation and circulate the flow of blood, thereby increasing hair growth.  Benefits of egg mask for the hair: - promotes hair growth  - adds sheen or luster to the hair - serves as an antioxidant that repairs damaged hair or reverses hair loss - prevents dry or flaky scalp  - prevents breakage  - prevents dandruff  - makes the hair follicle strong giving the hair a nice texture - moisturizes the hair - softens the hair Eggs keep the hair's natural oils intact for easy detangling, thereby resulting in less breakage. Eggs are cheap and available everywhere. So you have no reason not to give your hair that healthiness.