Table Of Content
The 4C hair type has to be properly prepped with product before drying to achieve the most shape and manageability. Before you dry (air dry or blow dry) your hair, you need to layer on the right types of products in the correct order to get the most coil support and control. Your scalp’s natural oils (sebum) have a really hard time making their way down the sharply angled kinks that make up each strand. The moisture that does reach your strands is quickly lost due to the high porosity nature of your strands. Fine and medium hair usually don’t have the medulla layer, so they’re much more susceptible to different types of damage (heat, chemical, physical, etc.).
How to Care for and Style Your 4C Hair
Most people have no idea how to care for 4C curls, so a regular curly hair routine won’t cut it. 4C hair is tightly coiled, often fragile, and prone to breakage and moisture loss. To care for 4C coils, prioritize moisture and avoid harsh chemical treatments. "4C curls refer to a specific curl pattern in natural hair texture, particularly in the context of the hair typing system developed by Andre Walker," says Groover. "This system categorizes hair into different types based on curl pattern and texture. The 4C category is characterized by tightly coiled or kinky curls." Type 3A hair features loose “S” shape curls that may appear flatter than its other type 3 subtypes.
The Glycolic Acid Serum Your Skin Care Routine Needs
Why Undone Natural Hair Is The Next Big 4C Hair Trend - Refinery29
Why Undone Natural Hair Is The Next Big 4C Hair Trend.
Posted: Tue, 15 Aug 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
If you want more curl definition, try to twirl tiny sections of curls around your finger when your hair is damp. Prior to examining your hair, be sure that it has been recently washed (rinsed in cold water) and doesn’t have any hair products applied to it. Maybe – that is if you decide to use one well-known hair typing system. Your hair type could also be an “OS” or an “IS” according to a different hair type chart (or system). Type 3C hair has springs that are smaller and more tightly-packed than 3B, and they can vary from precisely defined to loose helixes. Detangle your hair while wet and saturated in a product for the best care.
How to Care for 4C Coils, According to 3 Textured Hair Authorities
The nature of these tight curls make it tougher for the oils on the scalp to move down the hair shaft and deliver proper moisture needed for healthy hair. While the matte look is certainly in, overly dry hair isn’t good for anybody. Slightly "S"-waved hair that sticks close to the head and tends to be fine in density. This type of hair dries quickly and straightens easily and is generally pretty low maintenance. If you have 4C hair then you’ve probably already got your preferred protective style of choice down. Natural hairstyles like cornrows, box braids, and locs require a gel, wax or pomade product to keep 4C hair flat while styling.
Although washing your hair is crucial to a healthy scalp, you don’t need to shampoo every time you shower. To achieve the best results, alternate washing your hair with a co-wash and sulfate-free shampoo. When washing your hair, it is best to divide it into small sections to avoid tangles. Without proper hydration, these coils become brittle and weak- almost to the point where they feel like straw when you touch them. Not only does this damage the curl pattern, but it can also lead to breakage and split ends.
"It’s a sign that your hair hasn’t lost its elasticity. This is exactly what 4C hair is supposed to do when it hasn’t been compromised by heat damage." 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.
The Best Leave-In Conditioners For 4C Hair That Nourish Your Curls - Forbes
The Best Leave-In Conditioners For 4C Hair That Nourish Your Curls.
Posted: Wed, 09 Aug 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
Along with making sure you're keeping your hair clean while in a protective style, be mindful of how much tension is being placed on your hair to create your desired look. Thanks to our evolving knowledge of various hair types, we now know more about the specific needs of 4c hair. 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. For instance, shampoos and conditioners with silicone can be too heavy for low-porosity hair. The letters refer to the hair subtypes, which are distinguished by their curl pattern and other characteristics.
They develop tiny holes along the surface of the shaft, which can contribute to breakage and splitting. Some highly recommended detanglers are the Cantu Coil Calm Detangler, Alikay Naturals Knots Be Gone Hair Detangler, and Soultanicals Mango Dip Detangling Slip. For 4C Hair, you want to find a gel that will hold your curls without a crunchy texture, moisturize to avoid dryness and shrinkage, and has a non-flaking and non-sticky formula. The most popular gels with these qualities for 4C Hair are Eco Styler Gel, Shea Moisture Curling Soufflé, Canto Curling Cream, and Design Essentials Curl Enhancing Mousse.
Avoid Coloring or Straightening Your Hair
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. With type 4b hair, strands have a "Z" shape and a less defined curl pattern. Instead of curling or coiling, the hair bends in sharp angles like the letter "Z." Type 4b hair is tightly coiled and can feel wiry to the touch. They are composed of a few more actual curls, as opposed to just waves. The curl type is not all you have to look at to acknowledge your hair type fully; you also must look at the shape of the individual hair strands.
This multi-purpose leave-in conditioner detangles, smoothes, and strengthens curls, facilitating the most challenging of wash days. The brand claims that the conditioner detangles hair in 10 minutes, as tested by over 100 curly-haired participants. The moisturizing formula also makes this conditioner ideal for fragile hair. For best results, apply to damp hair, then work the conditioner through in small sections from root to tip. Temporary straight styles can include silk presses and blowouts—although you should always apply a good heat protectant first to make sure your curls pop back on your next wash day.
Deep conditioners go a step further by penetrating the hair shaft. They are made with small molecules that can penetrate the cortex layer and impact moisture. This helps hair to retain (and restore) moisture, bolster elasticity, and may even mend some damage. You can also try using heat to open the cuticles and help moisture to penetrate your 4C hair. A hot oil treatment, microfiber towel, or steam cap can all help improve moisture retention and keep your 4C hair looking healthy and hydrated. There are heat-free hair dryers and reverse hair dryers on the market, but they aren’t always the best for moisture retention, which is still important whether your hair is stretched or not,” she says.
"4C hair has tight, small coils ranging from pencil-sized to much smaller," says Groover. "The curls may form a zig-zag pattern or a tight spiral." It's important to note that different curl types may mimic a 4C curl when dehydrated. "The needs of authentic tight coils and dehydrated tight coils are totally different," Groover adds. Since then, I've fallen in love with my 4C curls and my daily maintenance feels like an act of self-love rather than a chore. Strands with the 4B pattern are densely packed and can bend in sharp angles like the letter Z. "I love that it can be shaped in many different ways," says François.
No comments:
Post a Comment