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Type 4 hair is characterized by its tight coils and high porosity.
Learn the different types of type 4 hair, how to moisturize it, and the best products for your hair type.
Table Of Contents
- Key Takeaways
- Types of Type 4 Hair
- Moisturizing Tips for Type 4 Hair
- Best Products for Type 4 Hair
- Verb Curl Leave-in Conditioner
- Design Essentials Curl Enhancing Mousse
- Coconut Cowash
- Carol’s Daughter Hair Milk Curl Refresher
- Mielle Organics Honey & Ginger Styling Gel
- Goddess Curls Botancial Gel
- Rucker Roots Texture Mousse
- Hair Rules Kinky Curling Cream
- Nourishing Hair Mist Treatment
- Creme of Nature Curling Cream
- Maui Moisture Curl Quench Curl Smoothie
- How to Care for Type 4 Hair
- Common Problems With Type 4 Hair
- Tips ForStyling Type 4 Hair
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Conclusion
Key Takeaways
- Type 4 hair has very tight coils that can be prone to dryness, breakage, and frizz without proper care
- Moisturizing type 4 hair regularly through co-washing, deep conditioning, and using creamy leave-in products is important
- Protective styling helps prevent damage for type 4 hair when it’s not being styled
- Defining curls properly by using styling products like mousse, curl cream, and gel is key to managing type 4 hair
Types of Type 4 Hair
What are the different types of Type 4 hair?
Type 4 hair is naturally very dry and spongy in texture. It can be soft and fine or coarse and wiry. Strands form very tight, small curls of zig-zags right from the scalp and are prone to major shrinkage.
Type 4A hair has dense springy, S-patterned coils that are about the same circumference as a crochet needle.
Type 4B hair strands are densely packed and can bend in sharp angles like the letter Z.
Type 4C hair has tightly coiled strands that are more fragile and have a very tight zig-zag pattern that’s sometimes indiscernible to the eye.
Moisturizing Tips for Type 4 Hair
In addition to the following tips for moisturizing your Type 4 hair, you should also use a clarifying shampoo once a month to remove any buildup of product or oil.
- Co-wash your hair regularly to cleanse and moisturize.
- Use protein treatments to help repair damaged hair.
- Deep condition your hair weekly to lock in moisture.
- Protect your hair with protective styles when you’re not styling it.
Best Products for Type 4 Hair
You’re looking for the best products for your type 4 hair? Look no further!
We’ve rounded up 11 of the best products on the market to help you achieve your dream curls.
Verb Curl Leave-in Conditioner
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Verb Curl Leave-in Conditioner is a lightweight curl cream that moisturizes, detangles, and repairs damaged curls, leaving them bouncy, shiny, and frizz-free.
- Weightlessly moisturizes curls
- Detangles and prevents breakage
- Repairs damage
- Promotes shine
- Reduces frizz
- Provides memory to curl pattern
- May be a bit runny for some users
- May not be suitable for very curly hair
- May contain silicone
Design Essentials Curl Enhancing Mousse
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If you’re looking for a lightweight, non-greasy mousse that will enhance your curl definition and provide soft, pliable hold, you should try Design Essentials Curl Enhancing Mousse. This product is free from parabens, paraffin, petrolatum, and mineral oil, and it’s also moisturizing.
- Lightweight and non-greasy
- Enhances curl definition
- Provides soft, pliable hold
- Free from parabens, paraffin, petrolatum, and mineral oil
- Moisturizing
- Some users found the smell to be too strong
- May turn platinum blonde hair green
Coconut Cowash
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The As I Am Coconut Cowash is a deeply nourishing hair product that cleanses without stripping the hair of its natural oils. It’s perfect for curly hair and reduces the effort required for combing by 55%. This cream also promotes healthy hair growth and provides safe and natural cleansing.
- Deeply nourishes hair
- Cleanses without stripping hair of its natural oils
- Perfect for curly hair
- Reduces combing effort by 55%
- Promotes healthy hair growth
- Safe and natural cleansing
- Some users found the container difficult to use
Carol’s Daughter Hair Milk Curl Refresher
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Carol’s Daughter Hair Milk Curl Refresher is a conditioning, nourishing curl refresher that’s free of silicones. It’s designed for wavy, curly, and coily hair. The product comes in a 355 ml bottle and is made in the USA.
- Conditions and nourishes hair
- Free of silicones
- Suitable for wavy, curly, and coily hair
- May be too heavy for fine hair
- Can be expensive
Mielle Organics Honey & Ginger Styling Gel
Mielle Organics Honey & Ginger Styling Gel is a natural hair care product that nourishes hair without build-up or damaging chemicals. It’s perfect for all hair types, but it’s especially beneficial for Type 4 hair.
This gel is made with a blend of honey, ginger, and other natural ingredients that help to moisturize, strengthen, and define curls.
- Nourishes hair without build-up or damaging chemicals
- Perfect for all hair types, but especially beneficial for Type 4 hair
- Made with a blend of honey, ginger, and other natural ingredients
- Helps to moisturize, strengthen, and define curls
- Reduces frizz and flyaways
- May be too heavy for fine hair
- Can be difficult to apply
- May leave a sticky residue
Goddess Curls Botancial Gel
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If you’re looking for a firm hold, moisturizing curl cream that’s perfect for curlies in humid climates, you should try Goddess Curls Botancial Gel. This product is infused with Plumeria Alba Flower Extract and Aloe leaf juice, which help to nourish and moisturize your curls.
It also has a firm hold that will help to keep your curls in place all day long.
- Firm hold
- Moisturizing
- Perfect for humid climates
- Protects against frizz
- Great product to use before traveling
- Some users reported that it made their hair feel brittle and their scalp sensitive and itchy.
- Some users reported that it didn’t work for their hair type
Rucker Roots Texture Mousse
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Rucker Roots Texture Mousse is a styling cream that defines waves and sets curls. It’s sulfate, paraben, and mineral oil free and is vegan. It’s great on fingerstyles, spiral rod sets, wrap styles, roller sets, wash & go sets curls & waves.
- Defines waves and sets curls
- Keeps hair hydrated and bouncy
- Great on fingerstyles, spiral rod sets, wrap styles, roller sets, wash & go sets curls & waves
- May cause hair to be less curly when combed through after styling
- Some users reported that the smell is strong
Hair Rules Kinky Curling Cream
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You’ll love the Hair Rules Kinky Curling Cream for your Type 4 hair as it transforms kinks into vibrant, bouncy coils with its ultra-moisturizing formula. This cream is mineral oil, phthalate, sulfate, and paraben-free, making it a natural and safe option for hair care.
It also eliminates shrinkage and frizz while boosting elasticity and preventing moisture loss.
- Transforms kinks into vibrant, bouncy coils
- Eliminates shrinkage and frizz
- Boosts elasticity and prevents moisture loss
- Delivers maximum bounce and volume
- Cruelty-free formula
- Some users reported that it left their hair dry and crunchy
- May not work as effectively for hair that isn’t kinky or curly
Nourishing Hair Mist Treatment
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Nourishing hair mist treatment is a versatile product that’s suitable for all hair types. It’s alcohol-free and has a natural scent. It nourishes, softens, protects, strengthens, and revives hair, reducing dryness and damage.
- Hydrating
- All hair types
- Alcohol free
- Natural scent
- May be too heavy for fine hair
- Some users reported that the product started smelling rancid after a year
Creme of Nature Curling Cream
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If you’re looking for a styling cream that will leave your curls soft and shiny, the creme of nature curling cream is a great option. This cream is specially formulated for curly hair, and it provides long-lasting hold and a beautiful shine.
- Hydrating
- Long-lasting hold
- Beautiful shine
- Dye-free
- Suitable for various curly hair types
- Some users found it to be thick
- Not ideal for fine hair
- May not be strong enough for hold on very thick hair
Maui Moisture Curl Quench Curl Smoothie
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Maui Moisture Curl Quench Curl Smoothie is a lightweight curl smoothie that de-frizzy and define curls, hydrate, smooth and enhance hair softness and body. It’s ideal for thick hair and tight curls and is safe for use on color-treated hair.
- De-frizzy and define curls
- Hydrate, smooth and enhance hair softness and body
- Ideal for thick hair and tight curls
- Safe for use on color-treated hair
- May be discontinued by manufacturer
Product dimensions are 8 x 10 x 8 inches 12 Ounces
Item model number is 18004
UPC is 022796180049
Manufacturer is Maui Moisture
ASIN is B01MFHHD33
Country of origin is USA
How to Care for Type 4 Hair
In addition to using the best products for your hair type, there are a few other things you can do to care for type 4 hair:
- Deep condition your hair weekly.
- Use a protein treatment once a month.
- Style your hair in a way that minimizes frizz.
By following these tips, you can help keep your type 4 hair healthy and looking its best.
Common Problems With Type 4 Hair
You know your 4a, 4b, or 4c hair is dry, frizzy, and prone to breakage. But what’re the specific reasons for these common problems? And what can you do about them?
In this article, we’ll discuss the most common problems with type 4 hair, as well as some tips on how to deal with them.
One of the biggest challenges of having type 4 hair is dealing with dry hair. This is because type 4 hair is naturally low in moisture, and it can be difficult to keep it hydrated.
There are a few things you can do to help keep your hair moisturized, including:
- Using a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner
- Applying a leave-in conditioner or hair mask to your hair after each wash
- Using a deep conditioner once or twice a week
- Avoiding sulfates and other harsh chemicals in your hair care products
- Drinking plenty of water
Frizz is another common problem for people with type 4 hair. This is because the hair is so dry and porous, it can easily become tangled and frizzy.
There are a few things you can do to help reduce frizz, including:
- Using a leave-in conditioner or hair oil to help smooth your hair
- Using a diffuser to dry your hair on low heat
- Avoiding using heat styling tools on your hair
- Wearing protective styles, such as braids or twists, when you’re not styling your hair
Breakage is another common problem for people with type 4 hair. This is because the hair is so dry and fragile, it can easily break when it’s brushed, combed, or styled.
There are a few things you can do to help prevent breakage, including:
- Using a gentle detangling brush or comb
- Avoiding brushing your hair when it’s wet
- Using heat protectant when you use heat styling tools
- Getting regular trims to remove damaged hair
Shrinkage is a natural part of having type 4 hair. This is because the hair is so tightly coiled, it tends to shrink up when it’s dry.
There are a few things you can do to help reduce shrinkage, including:
- Using a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner
- Applying a leave-in conditioner or hair mask to your hair after each wash
- Using a diffuser to dry your hair on low heat
- Wearing protective styles, such as braids or twists, when you’re not styling your hair
If your curls are undefined, it could be because your hair is dry, damaged, or not getting enough moisture.
There are a few things you can do to help define your curls, including:
- Using a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner
- Applying a leave-in conditioner or hair mask to your hair after each wash
- Using a diffuser to dry your hair on low heat
- Wearing protective styles, such as braids or twists, when you’re not styling your hair
Tips ForStyling Type 4 Hair
After moisturizing your hair, it’s time to style it! Here are some tips for styling your type 4 hair:
Protective Styles:
- Try out different protective styles like twist-outs, braid-outs, and wash-n-go styles.
- These styles not only protect your hair from damage but also enhance the natural texture of your curls.
Finger Coils:
- Create beautiful finger coils by twirling small sections of damp or wet hair around your finger.
- This technique helps define and elongate the curls in type 4 hair.
- Use high-quality styling products specifically designed for curly hair.
- Look for products that provide moisture and hold without weighing down your strands.
Night Care Routine:
- Develop a night care routine to maintain healthy and well-defined curls overnight.
- Protecting with a satin bonnet or pillowcase can help prevent frizz and preserve moisture in type 4 hair while you sleep.
By following these tips, you can achieve stunning hairstyles that showcase the beauty of your natural type 4 curls!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How often should I wash my type 4 hair?
Wash your type 4 hair once every 7-10 days.
Using a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner specifically made for curly hair is best.
Avoid over-washing, as this can strip your curls of moisture and lead to damage over time.
Can I use regular shampoo and conditioner on type 4 hair?
You can, but they typically lack the moisture and nutrients needed for healthy type 4 locks.
Seek out shampoos and conditioners specially formulated for curly, coily hair instead.
What are some common causes of breakage in type 4 hair?
Overmanipulation causes breakage for type 4 hair.
Finger detangling, protective styles, gentle handling, and regular trims help prevent it.
Moisturizing and strengthening the strands makes them more resilient.
How can I prevent frizz in my type 4 hair?
To minimize frizz in your curls:
- Regularly deep condition
- Avoid touching hair while drying
- Smooth products through strands instead of raking
- Let air dry instead of heat styling when possible
- Sleep on a satin pillowcase
- Protect hair in wind, rain, and sun with a scarf or hat
Are there any specific hairstyles that are recommended for type 4 hair?
Absolutely!
Twist-outs, braid-outs, and wash-and-gos are perfect low manipulation styles for type 4 hair.
They let you show off your beautiful coils and texture while keeping frizz at bay.
Conclusion
To truly embrace and care for your type 4 hair, understanding its unique characteristics is key.
Type 4 hair, with its tight coils and high porosity, requires extra moisture and TLC.
By incorporating the right products into your routine, such as leave-in conditioners, curl enhancers, and styling gels, you can keep your type 4 hair hydrated and defined.
Remember to nourish and protect your hair, addressing common problems like breakage and dryness.
With these tips and the best products for type 4 hair, you can confidently rock your natural curls.
