If describing your hair as just curly is a big understatement. Is your natural hair well defined, slightly dry and hair shrinkage is a daily struggle, then you probably have hair type 4a! For those with type 4A hair, the journey to embracing and maintaining their gorgeous coily locks can be both rewarding and challenging. We know that understanding your hair type is the first step in proper hair care and styling. But you don't have to worry anymore, we will tell you everything you need to know about this hair type.
Type 4A hair is a unique coily hair type characterised by tightly wound curls that form a spiral pattern. These are well defined curls and range from fine to wiry in texture. Type 4A hair is known for its density and shrinkage, making it appear shorter when dry compared to its actual length when wet.
Differences between 4a hair and other coily hair types
Type 4A hair shares some characteristics with other coily hair types like 4B and 4C. The key difference lies in the tightness of the curls. 4A curls are more defined with a looser spiral pattern compared to the densely packed, zigzag-like coils of 4B hair and the extremely tight coils and dense 4C hair. Understanding your specific curl pattern is essential for creating a suitable hair care routine.
How to care for type 4A Hair?
So how do you get the best out of your hair? Maintaining the health and beauty of your type 4A hair starts with a proper hair care routine
4A hair, like other curly hair types, often struggles with dryness just slightly more than other hair types. To maintain the natural texture and hair health, focus on moisture retention.
That's why we suggest switching between sulfate-free shampoo and co-wash. This way you will not strip too much of your natural oils. Our cleansing co-wash will keep your scalp clean and your hair moisturised. When applying our cleansing co-wash make sure you start at your roots. Use your fingers to gently rub the co wash in. Since it's not a shampoo it will not lather.
Hair mask
Follow this up with a deep conditioning treatment, using a product designed for coily hair and we got just the thing. Our Hydro Hug Hair Mask is perfect for this. This hydrating hair mask detangles the hair and restores the moisture balance by sufficiently hydrating the hair. Perfect for coily hair with slightly dry hair. Apply a generous amount of the hydro hug hair mask on super wet hair. On wash day, detangle your wet hair gently with a wide-tooth comb "The wetter the better!" Start from the bottom and work your way up!
Styling and protective styles
Explore various styling options like twist-outs, Bantu knots, or crochet styles to showcase your type 4A hair's versatility. These hairstyles aren't only beautiful they also protect your 4A hair from breakage and split ends. When taking out your bantu knots or twist-outs you'll see you have a different curl pattern than before, a totally different look with loose curls.
Treatments:
Incorporate moisturising treatments every once in a while to strengthen your hair strands and reduce breakage. At Curly Girl Movement we provide a 90 minute hair spa that will give your hair the love it deserves.
Ways to extra protect your 4A hair:
Since your 4A hair is prone to breakage or hair damage, you want to avoid that at all cost. You want to keep your hair as hydrated as possible so your natural hair doesn't become dry and frizzy. We suggest using our curly hair towel. Regular towels can dry your hair too fast, leaving it frizzy and hard to style. Microfiber towels are gentler because they let air flow through, so your hair dries more slowly and stays smooth and styled.
But that's not the only thing you could do! Even during your beauty sleep you can protect your hair by using our sleeping cap. Sleep caps are your silent guardians during the night, reducing friction between your hair and your pillow. This simple act holds the key to preserving those beautiful curls and ensuring they stay well-defined and hydrated. Say goodbye to waking up with a tangled mess – sleeping caps are here to keep your coily hair intact and ready to conquer the day!
Embrace your coils
In conclusion, type 4A hair is a stunning and unique hair texture that deserves a customised hair care routine. With proper moisture retention, deep conditioning and the right products, you can fully embrace your natural curls. Explore different styles and protective measures to keep your type 4A hair healthy and well-defined. Remember, your natural curls are a source of pride and beauty – embrace them!
Type 4A hair is a unique coily hair type characterised by tightly wound curls that form a spiral pattern. These are well defined curls and range from fine to wiry in texture. Type 4A hair is known for its density and shrinkage, making it appear shorter when dry compared to its actual length when wet.
Seal in moisture and lock out frizz with a moisturizing leave-in conditioner or a bottle of water mixed with hair oil throughout the day. Minimize heat exposure. The 4A hair type is delicate and prone to breakage, so rely on curl-defining 4A hair products to style your curls rather than heat tools.
Coily hair, commonly referred to as Afro-textured or kinky hair, is naturally very dry and spongy in texture and 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.
How Often Should You Wash 4A Hair? Alvarez says washing 4A hair once a week is usually enough, but there's no universal rule. The frequency of your shampoo days ultimately boils down to your lifestyle, environment (hotter weather = a sweatier scalp), and personal preference.
Moisturize: Type 4 hair is naturally dry and needs lots of moisture to prevent breakage and brittleness. Use a moisturizing conditioner after shampooing, and apply a leave-in or oil to your hair daily. Use a light cream or oil for daily maintenance, and give yourself a hot oil treatment every month to seal moisture.
Like the other type 4 hair subtypes, 4a hair is prone to dryness and needs moisture. To prevent hair damage or breakage during manipulation, use natural hair butters (like shea butter) and essential oils.
The 4a curl pattern is characterized by very tight coils. You still have a visible, curvy S pattern in your hair and your curls are the circumference of a crochet needle. Any time you pulled a curl taut to see just how much length you were hiding, it sprang right back into shape.
Hair grows at an average of 1/4 - 1/2 an inch every month. 4c hair also grows at this rate, but depending on genetics it can grow faster or slower. The length of 4c hair is usually not noticeable like other hair types because of the nature of the our hair(curly/coily) that makes it appear shorter.
Brushing curly hair too often is a bad idea. To maintain the integrity of your curls, try to minimize how often you brush your hair to not disturb the curl pattern. A good recommendation is to brush your hair when you wash your strands.
4A hair tends to be prone to dryness because the natural oils produced by your scalp can't as easily make their way down the twists and turns of the coils compared to straight hair. Consider adding an oil, e.g. argan oil, to your routine to lock in moisture, recommends Gibson.
Tighter textures make it more difficult for moisture and sebum to travel down the hair shaft, resulting in dryness and brittleness. This is especially true for Type 4 hair textures. While frizziness can be a sign of hair damage, it's usually a signal that your strands need moisture and a little TLC.
Look for sulfate-free shampoos, deep conditioners, and leave-in conditioners enriched with ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, and castor oil. Additionally, consider using hair oils or serums for added hydration and shine. Protective styles like twists or braids can help retain moisture and minimize breakage.
Whether it's a high pony or bun, type 4A hair seems to be made for dramatic, lifting updos. Gather your curls at your crown & twist them into a bun with a hair tie or let them loose with a ponytail. If you want a slicked-back look, use gel & a brush to pull back your hair, showing off your showstopping baby hairs.
Introduction: My name is Kerri Lueilwitz, I am a courageous, gentle, quaint, thankful, outstanding, brave, vast person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
We notice you're using an ad blocker
Without advertising income, we can't keep making this site awesome for you.
