There are different types of hair textures. There’s hair with a slight wave to it and then there is hair that is curly and coiled throughout. Some people with wavy or curly hair like to straighten by visiting permanent hair straightening salons for fabulous styles, while others rock their natural hair texture gorgeously. Here is everything you need to know about 4C hair and how to style and manage it.
What Is 4C Hair?
There are different variations of curly hair. 4C hair typically lies in the spectrum in which there is a mixture of waves, curls, coils, zigzag patterns, and poofiness.
4C hair isn’t usually frizzy, as it is with the case of 4A and 4B hair, but it can still be a pain in the neck to manage and style, especially if you don’t know how it’s done.
Managing 4C Hair
With the coily 4C hair, you want to figure out how you can make the hair look amazing, from the inside out. Here’s how:
Your Hair Needs Moisture
4C hair is very coiled and if you look closely, there is a lot of dryness that causes the hair to look poofy and messy. This is where you need to give your hair that extra TLC in the form of moisture.
Your hair needs moisture anyway, so look for products that have amazing nourishing and replenishing qualities and you’ll see the difference in no time. Remember, it’s all on the bottle so read the labels.
Conditioning Will Save The Day
Conditioning is a must for any hair type, but for 4C hair, it’s even more important because you want to tame the hair as best as you can in the shower before you style it. You’ll see for yourself how amazing and silky your mane feels and you won’t be spending hours trying to detangle your hair.
So, use a deep conditioner in the shower, and if you can, keep a wide-toothed comb near you as well so that you can brush out the conditioned hair. This will get rid of knots and it will make your life so much easier when you go ahead and brush your mane out.
Detangle The Tresses
Speaking of brushing, detangling the hair is crucial as well. You want to do it while your hair is still wet because it’s the easiest at that time. Also, you want to keep something emollient in your hair like a slippery conditioner that won’t produce friction in your hair when you try to brush it out.
So, always use a wide-toothed comb with conditioner in your hair. You’ll see that the hair will glide through the comb and it will be a breeze to untangle the knots and kinks in your hair.
Wear The Hair Protectively
Half the battle is trying to prevent your unruly 4C hair from becoming a bird’s nest, especially while you’re sleeping. So, the best way to combat this problem is to ensure that you are sleeping with your hair up protectively. You can either braid your hair or secure the hair on the top of your head.
The main thing to look out for is to prevent the hair from rubbing against the fabric of your pillowcase because that’s what produces friction and you don’t want that. You’ll wake up with great hair every single day.
Snip Snip
Trimming hair is generally good, but it’s even better for 4C hair because as coiled the hair is, it’s very delicate and it can break from the weirdest of places. This is why you need to prevent split ends and go for regular trims.
This will not only keep the hair looking healthy, but it will also be manageable because you won’t have to deal with long and damaged locks since that’s not the best combo. Trimming your hair is great after 6 to 8 weeks. You’ll see the difference yourself and will love the results.
Best Hairstyles For 4C Hair
Here are some easy yet amazing hairstyles for your curly 4C hair:
Fake Afro
This afro won’t make you look like Bob Marley and it’s classy if you know how to nail it. For this, you’ll need to settle your hair down with some gel or pomade. You want the sides of your hair to be completely flat for that edgy look.
Once that is done, part your hair and work with one side. Brush the hair to give it that teased look and pin it up towards the center of the head. Repeat the same on the other side. Lastly, fluff your hair from wherever you feel looks nice and be prepared to wow yourself and everyone else with that effortless afro.
Blow It Up – With Style
If you want to minimize the texture of 4C hair just a touch, but still want your unruly hair to take center stage, then you’ll love this style. It involves using a heat protectant on damp hair and then blow-drying it to set the style in place.
Then with the heat high, you can use a paddle brush and work it through the same section to give it a somewhat straighter look. If you want to go the extra mile, then finish the ‘do off with a curling or flat iron.
Knot The Hair Up
If you want to channel your inner space child and want to go a bit crazy with your hair, then knots will look amazing. You can either go for pigtail knots or Bantu knots.
The trick is sectioning the hair to make it look even throughout because you want every knot to be the same size. These knots are extremely versatile and the best part? They keep your hair away from your face, so it’s perfect for summer when you don’t want to fuss with your super curly hair.
Thick Braids
Even if you don’t have longer 4C hair to work with, you can still get away with braids that will make you look put-together and classy. If you have shorter hair, then you can try a crown braid that borders the sides of the head and forehead and it just looks something out of a Victorian dream.
If you have longer, mid-shoulder-length hair, then you can go for a normal braid. This is a two-for-one. Your hair will be safe from weather damage since braids are protective hairstyles and you’ll look amazing.
Low Maintenance & Classy
Parting your hair to one side is heavier than the other, and will give your normally uncontrollable hair a very side-swept and romantic look, which is perfect if you don’t want to do anything too high maintenance for your hair.
You can wear the style however you like and it will be perfect. You just need a good texturing spray and a styling spray to keep everything in place so that even if the hair unravels its coil at the end of the day, your hairstyle will still have an amazing wave to it.
Conclusion
4C hair is typically very hard to style because of its curliness, but if you know these tips, then you’ll be a pro in flaunting gorgeously curly hair. However, if you need any advice or want to straighten your hair, head to our Brazilian blowout salon Potomac.