What you need to know about the 4C Hair Type
Unlocking the secrets of 4C hair and embracing the beauty of afro-textured hair starts with understanding your unique hair type.
Knowing your hair type will empower you to create a personalised care routine that promotes hair growth, allowing you to confidently embrace your natural hair journey.
We unpack all things 4c hair by discussing:-
*Pssst, for a comprehensive list of all the natural hair lingo to know when you embark on your exciting Journey, NaHaZo’s Natural Hair Glossary can bring you up to speed on the top 50 natural hair buzz words.
1. What exactly is type 4C hair?
Type 4 hair is characterized by tightly coiled strands that form a Z-shaped pattern along the hair shaft.
This hair type, common among individuals of African descent, typically exhibits thin strands densely packed together.
Known for its cottony texture and low sheen, type 4 hair is mostly highly porous, thus readily absorbing (and losing) moisture.
The 4C Hair Classification
Under the type 4C hair classification, there are 4A, 4B and 4C hair types.
The 4A hair type has a curl pattern in an S shape, and there is minimal curl definition.
4b hair has a curl pattern tighter than 4A – essentially, a corkscrew effect down the hair shaft much tighter than 4B.
4C hair, on the other hand, is densely packed and has no curl definition –there is no definite corkscrew shape on the hair shaft.
Regardless of the classification, all type 4 hair has more or less the same requirements regarding care and moisture needs.
Read our guide on high-porosity hair
Celebrities who share Type 4C hair include Lupita Nyongo, Teyonah Parris, Danai Gurira, Brandy, Viola Davis & Uzo Aduba, to name a few.
2. What are the Characteristics of type 4C hair?
Natural hair, like any other hair type, presents unique styling challenges.
By understanding these challenges, naturals can develop a customized hair care routine that effectively addresses their unique hair needs. This proactive approach limits guesswork and mistakes, and ensures healthy, long manageable hair.
For Type 4 naturals, the following tips are important for achieving successful styling and hair care:
2.1 Maintaining moisture
This hair, by virtue of the shape of the hair strands, has a difficult time retaining moisture.
Because of this, moisture must be CONSISTENTLY introduced to avoid breakage and allow for length retention.
2.2 Avoiding breakage at the nape and ‘kitchen’ of the head
Over and above ensuring moisture retention, the strands of some (not all) type 4C naturals can be fragile. This is especially true along the nape, edges, and middle (kitchen) of the hair.
To avoid damage to these parts of the hair, naturals must be careful of the hairstyles and accessories they consistently use on their heads.
Too-tight hairstyles, non-silk head scarfs and dry hair are a big no-no, and responsible for most hair breakage in these parts of the scalp.
2.3 Shrinkage
Shrinkage is the secret superpower of this hair type and one of its unique features. Shrinkage is one of the signs of HEALTHY virgin, afro-textured hair.
It therefore makes sense to embrace it wholeheartedly, in your styling and in your hair routine, bearing in mind that shrinkage is not the enemy and that learning to work with this unique quality is the key.
2.4 Length retention
Retaining length, is a challenge ONLY if you are not well informed and constantly manipulate your hair.
While afro-textured hair is versatile, it is important to remember that this hair type is wiry, fragile and needs lots of TLC.
In addition to having a consistent solid regime, naturals need to learn how to protective style their hair during their hair journey.
And once properly cared for, 4c hair will dazzle and sparkle in the different hairdos you rock.
3. Myth buster: Is type 4C hair difficult hair?
4c hair is perhaps one of the most misunderstood and poorly represented hair types.
When people hear type 4C hair, words like ‘difficult’, ‘tough’, and ‘tamed’ come to mind, BUT this cannot be further from the truth. Unfortunately, this myth has also permeated the professional corporate space to a certain extent.
However, the idea that Afro-textured hair is difficult and ‘not good’ hair is untrue.
Type 4C hair is EASY to manage, if you take the time to know how. A lot of the misinformation from childhood when natural hair was ‘tamed’ by relaxers and then covered by silky straight wigs when older, needs to be revisited.
And only an army of dedicated naturals can do this.
Experiencing your Natural Hair
Very few mature naturals have had the chance and the choice to experience their hair right from childhood.
This has added fuel to the perception and practice that natural hair needs to be hidden.
Luckily, this viewpoint is changing.
Moms these days are better informed as to loving and caring for little fros.
What about Moisture?
Lots and lots and lots of moisture! Daily. Consistently.
The ‘difficult’ title for this hair type comes from trying to make it do what it was not naturally meant to do and trying to make it what it is not.
Once you understand what your hair is, its characteristics and what it likes and tweak your regime accordingly – your hair is on its way to living up to its true ‘good hair’ title.
4. The Good News About 4C Hair
Type 4C hair is fabulous to style, and anyone who has Oohed and Aaahed over Teyonah Parris or Lupita Nyongo’s exquisite looks can attest to that.
The other good news is that there is an ever increasing army of naturals who are unapologetic about their crown and wear it with pride.
So, in terms of the way forward, after correctly identifying your hair type and reading up on its unique care and styling needs, make sure you rock your hair like the good hair ambassador you are.
This will help spread the good hair news by this positive reinforcement.
We can turn the previously wrong representation of this type of hair on its head (pun intended).
Do you want longer natural hair?
Sound off in the comments below, and let’s hear your fabulous and insightful stories on learning more about your type 4C hair.
