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Unlike other coily hair types, the key to identifying 4C hair is the lack of definition in its curl pattern. "4C hair is tightly coiled in its raw state and as it has no defined curl pattern—coils must be defined by styles such as twisting and braiding," Mensah tells Byrdie. "Type 4 hair is the most coily out of all the hair types," Sultan adds. What separates 4C hair from its fellow subtypes is its distinctive zig-zag pattern and spring factor, which is between eight to 16 inches. The mission of Knox Salon is to provide service for all hair textures from African American curly hair to naturally straight and wavy hair. Knox Salon caters to all hair types and has stylists who are well educated to care for your hair.
How to Figure Out Your Curly Hair Type — And Why It Matters
4A hair shapes a visible curl pattern with spirals which have the nearly same circumference of a regular crochet needle. People who have this hair type will have some regular breakage because it has very few cuticle layers that means its natural protection is so poor. However, the density of type 4A hair is pretty hair and that why it looks very dark in spite of breakage. Type 2 hair incorporates natural waves that can range from barely noticeable to being mistaken for curly hair. Wavy hair tends to be straight when wet and ripples as it dries.
The Best Haircuts and Styles for 4C Hair
When searching for the best cut, consider your lifestyle as well as your individual hair needs. If you want to fully embrace your curls and coils, Sultan recommends afros. "They’ve made a huge comeback on the catwalks and in editorial shoots—all you need to do is grab an afro pick and pat it into your desired shape," she says.
Penetrating Oils for Hair Shaft: Coconut, Avocado, Olive, Argan, Jojoba (
We recommend air drying because it’s the least-damaging option for 4C hair. If you want to use a hair dryer with or without a diffuser, the products and oils you’ve added to your hair act as a great heat protectant. Any person with natural hair knows how tricky laying your edges can be. So, when it comes to laying those baby hairs in just the right place, Bergamy recommends breaking out this edge-control gel. This extra-hold gel keeps every strand in place while its formula conditions and smoothens frizz and flyaways for shiny, sleek styles that last all day long.
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It could even be detrimental to your hair’s condition because 4c hair is delicate, and it can be damaged by excessive combing, brushing, and manipulation. They can protect your hair from dirt and environmental stressors and help minimize manipulation that could lead to breakage. And knowing whether your hair has low or high porosity is vital when learning how to maintain moisturized 4c hair. It could be due to genetics or just how your hair has fared from previous treatments.
12 Best Flat Irons for Natural Hair, According to Hairstylists - Teen Vogue
12 Best Flat Irons for Natural Hair, According to Hairstylists.
Posted: Wed, 08 Nov 2023 08:00:00 GMT [source]
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She also reviews applications, substantiates claims and evaluates products for the GH Seal and the Beauty Awards and Sustainability Awards programs. In chemistry from Ithaca College and more than 16 years of experience working in the pharmaceutical and personal care industries. Type 3C hair has springs that are smaller and more tightly-packed than 3B, and they can vary from precisely defined to loose helixes. Type 2B hair grows straight, but starts forming medium to large S-shaped waves at the crown (think beach waves). Bantu knots or Zulu knots are an easy protective style for 4C hair.
Unlike other hair textures, 4C hair isn’t prone to becoming oily or greasy. This is because the structure of the tightly packed coils of 4c hair makes it harder for natural oils to travel from the follicles on the scalp down to the hair shaft. Good hair is healthy hair, and there's no reason that 4C hair can't be healthy, lush, and the envy of everyone you encounter. While you might need to do a bit of trial and error to find the perfect products, 4C hair can be gorgeous, moisturized, and versatile.
Moisturizing and Preventing Breakage
If shrinkage puts a damper on your styles, this curling gel will help to loosen tight coils. It's made with omega fatty acids, vitamin E and flaxseed to keep hair healthy and strong and to prevent damage. Since curls will be full of hydration and slip, it allows you to manipulate your curl pattern to be looser and more separated.
Detangle Gently and Regularly
With large soft curls, this hair is usually not coarse to the touch, and springs are bouncy and full of life even when minimally styled. This wave type is easy to comb and requires a minimal amount of styling. Look for shampoos and conditioners that won’t make your hair limp, but instead add a little bit of volume. That’s a challenge, especially if you’re trying to grow your hair out and find yourself struggling to accumulate length with so much breakage going on. Treating your hair with the right moisturizing ingredients and protein-packed products, plus handling it gently, will help cut down on breakage. Your 4C strands have a coarse texture, so each strand is thicker than a thread.
One of the most important things you’ll need to do to keep your 4C hair healthy is to give it plenty of moisture. Thanks to our evolving knowledge of various hair types, we now know more about the specific needs of 4c hair. First, avoid detangling your hair dry, which can cause breakage. Instead, use detangling products to soften your hair and make the process easier. You need to ensure it gets enough moisture throughout the days or weeks before your next wash day. This will help you manage your hair’s susceptibility to dryness and frizz.
These can draw out the natural moisture of your hair, making it drier and more prone to damage. Those with shorter hair can also achieve an Old Hollywood style with the classic finger wave on 4c hair, which involves styling short locks into S-shaped waves with gel. If you have short 4c hair, you can put it up into a high, loose ponytail and let the curly ends stay upright to create the pineapple bun style. For the few times you really need to use heat-styling tools, make sure to use a heat protectant spray like the Chi 44 Iron Guard Thermal Protection Spray to minimize potential damage. You’ll just need to be extra patient and gentle when detangling and styling to avoid further breakage.
Styles that help to stretch the curls are preferred, like two-strand twists, Bantu knots, and braid outs. Or, wearing your hair in a wash-and-go style or up in a puff are other options. A great 4C hair care routine should accommodate the unique challenges of this kinky textured hair. That’s the only way you can enjoy healthy, flourishing, and tangle-free coils.
This curl-defining cream is a great alternative to conventional hair gels for its crunch-free feel and lightweight formula that adds moisture and creates soft defined curls with incredible shine. "Because 4C strands grow out vertically, the sebum from the sebaceous glands are not able to travel down the hair strand to lubricate the hair, giving the hair a dried-out feel," says Edwards. Groover notes that "adequate moisturizing and hydration are crucial for maintaining healthy 4C hair." "4C hair tends to have a lot of natural volume, which can be a desirable feature for those who love voluminous hairstyles," says Groover.
