If you happen to be blessed with type 4 hair,  you probably don’t believe it yet. But after you finish reading this, I promise you’ll be ready to create the ultimate lifestyle for your curls using these go-to curly products that now seem like they were made with your perfect, lustrous hair in mind!

I’ll be going over the key points for type 4a, 4b and 4c hair, since the list is long, I’m just going to hit the most important points and then move onto the rest of the things you need to know!

The Pro Tips You’ll Need For Your Coily Hair. 

Regardless of everyone’s types of curls, from type 1 to type 4 hair, it’s essential to find the one routine treatment that perfectly fits your coils.

Hair is unique to each of us. It’s a combination of factors, including the individual, our diet, the environment, and so on, that determines how we look, how our hair grows, and the type of curls we have.

Your curl types will bring out other factors that affect the care and styling of hair, such as porosity, thickness, scalp type, and much more.

Three Kinds of Type 4’s

Andre Walker, the creator of the Andre Walker Method, and Oprah’s hairstylist, have made it famous.

Of all four types widely known are such as: straight, wavy, frizzy and curly, with straight is the easiest them to deal with because it’s more of a “set” kind of type.

Wavy is the most difficult kind of type 4 hairs to control because it has a lot of volume and movement.

But at the end of the day, no mat it’s all about the right combination of products, styling, and sometimes a haircut.

Wavy type is like a surfboard: it’s an unstable surface. If you put the wrong products on it, you’ll end up with an “instant” frizz. The same thing happens with most of curly hair type 4 hair out there.

This happens primarily due to the voluminous nature of curls.  

It’s like a sphere of water that has been stretched out, so it has a lot of “give”. 

If you put a lot of products on it, you’ll get a lot of volumes, but if you don’t, you’ll end up with a “curl ball”.

You can’t apply products like you can to straight hair. Yours has to be dry, so you can’t put products when its wet. If you try, you’ll end up with “tangled knots”.

Finding The Curly Hair Products That Work for You

Ultimately, you can determine your type by using visual traits. Just make sure you’re getting a good look in the right light, and see what it wants to do naturally. When ready to style, use the right products for your type.

Type 4 hair or not, you can’t go wrong with the truth when it comes to finding out what works for you.

Because in the end, you’re the one who has to make the final decision. A stylist can only give you recommendations, but you have to feel your curls out and document how it reacts.

Finding a product that suits you ideally requires knowing what it wants to do. This means you have to get to know your it and understand what it wants to look like.

ABSOLUTELY NOTHING will make you look good if you don’t love yourself first, curls and all. Keep that in mind.

The Right Products & Styling Tips for Each Type 4 Hair

Type 4a hair.

Type 4a is coiled tightly. It tends to be brittle. However, it is less fragile than types 4b and 4c.

If you’re looking for a thick, luscious, dark brown colour, this is the colour you want. It’s a dark, rich brown colour that can look quite heavy.

Type 4b hair.

Type 4b types are a bit different from zigzags. They have a circular pattern with each change of direction very close to the other.

Styling tips:

Giving the nourishments and hydration your hair needs means you should find a lush yet effortless leave-in conditioner. “Leave-ins are designed to fortify the cuticle, adding extra moisture to the cortex, allowing it to grow without breaking,” says expert and author Sarah Roberts.

It’s essential to hydrate your strands for good growth, so you should look for a luxurious but natural leave-in conditioner that will leave your strands feeling soft, shiny, and healthy.

After a long day of work, these are a must-have to protect your hair from drying out. They also add a little extra volume, and when you’re done styling, they leave your curls looking shiny and healthy.

Those with oily type should avoid over-shampooing. A good sub-in is co-washing. It’s gentler than shampooing, and it can also help reduce dandruff.

It protects the integrity and the strength, while keeping the natural oils in place. For more information, visit our co-washing guide.

Oil is a critical step when washing your hair. If it is dehydrated, you might want to use a leave-in conditioner. Otherwise, use a lotion or a cream to seal the moisture and keep your strands healthy.

Moisture and prevent frizz. The thickness of the product will depend on the hair’s porosity, but in general, it’ll help your strands look and feel healthier.

Type 4c hair.

Type 4c is the next step down from 4b. It has a condensed pattern with zigzags and a thicker texture. It can be more difficult to style than type 4b.

With medium density and some of the strands thickening, type 4c hair can make it feel like coarse hair, as it tends to have more texture than what you can handle.

Styling tips:

Always be sure you take care of yourself and pay attention to your diet. 

Give yourself regular scalp massages, and with type 4c hair, be sure to use topicals with hair enhancing botanicals like rosemary and tea.

When your crown needs hydration, don’t just use regular conditioners. Use deep conditioners, which are inherently more hydrating than traditional conditioners. 

Also, masks are absolutely more hydrating than regular ones, so you’ll get even more from this treatment.

The takeaway!

Haircare for your types of curly hair and subtype is greatly influenced by the products you use. Whether you’re looking for that feeling in your hair, that soft, shiny, or healthy feels, there is a routine that will get you there.