Type 1 and type 2 hair are used to refer to straight and wavy hair respectively. Types 3 and 4 are used to refer to curly and kinky-curly hair. Type 4 hair is divided into 4A, 4B, and 4C. 4C hair is the type with the tightest curls that are Z-shaped.
People with 4C hair might experience dryness and shrinkage. 4C hair is the most delicate of all hair types because oils and sebum from the scalp don’t cover the whole hair. People with hair that isn’t as coiled don’t struggle as much with these issues.
Tips for people with 4C hair will always be general and might apply to many people. You’ll need to find what will work best for your hair. Just because you and someone else have 4C hair, that doesn’t mean that you’ll both get the best of the same products.
What to Know About 4C Hair for Healthier Hair
Never lose your patience or attempt to handle your hair while it’s dry. Detangling your hair while it’s dry will lead to breakage and excess damage. Detangle your hair using your fingers or a wide tooth comb while it’s moist and wet for better results that don’t damage your hair and scalp.
Watch Your Diet
While this might come as a surprise, but eating right will improve your hair’s health. Prioritizing vegetables rich in folic acid, iron, and vitamins will promote hair growth and scalp oil production. Making sure your body is well hydrated will also help your hair remain hydrated.
Always Moisturize
People with type 1 and type 2 hair won’t suffer from dryness as much. Oil can easily cover their entire hair. People with coiled hair should always look to moisturize their hair as much as possible. There’s no shortage of moisturizing creams and conditioner on the market for 4C hair. You’ll find products rich in ingredients like aloe vera and shea butter. Investing in a leave-in conditioner is highly recommended as these conditioners will keep your hair moisturized for longer periods. Use co-wash between showers to clean your hair without having to use water.
Protective Hair Styles
Protective hair styles will give your hair a much needed break. Instead of constantly manipulating your hair into different hairstyles, these styles will keep things simple. A protective hair style should be applied for 4-8 weeks before being changed.
Trim Your Hair
Trimming your hair sounds counterproductive if you’re trying to grow it but it’s not. Trimming your hair will get rid of split ends and promote healthier hair. It’s widely recommended that you trim your hair around three times per year or approximately once every four months.
There’s nothing that says 4C hair can’t grow or be healthy and lush. Your 4C hair might seem complicated but as long as you keep it moisturized, your life will be simple. Follow the few things we talked about along with the right products for healthy and beautiful hair.
