Hair Basics #3: What is Type 4 Natural Hair?

Type 4 hair can be a contradition: it’s coarse but delicate, super-elastic but shrinks too much. But one thing is certain, that type 4 afro textured hair is very distinctive. It’s the classic black people’s hair type that can set you apart from the crowd. Let’s look at the subcategories of type 4 hair.

Type 4A Hair

Your hair is type 4A if:

• Your strands are tightly coiled and form a distinct “S” pattern
• Your hair feels springy or spongy to the touch
• Your hair is more lush and dense because of tightly-packed strands
• Your coils are about as wide as a crochet needle

Type 4B Hair

You have type 4B hair if:

• Your strands form a distinct “Z” pattern that changes direction at each turn
• Your hair is more compact with tightly-packed curls
• Your hair feels more wiry to the touch
• Your strands break easily when manipulated
• Your hair looks thick, full, and dense

Type 4C Hair

Your hair is type 4C if:

• Your strands form a distinct coil or spiral shape
• Your hair can shrink by up to 70% when wet
• Your hair tends to be dry and brittle
• Your strands clump together rather than curl
• Your hair takes longer to get wet and longer to dry

Hair Care Tips for Type 4 Natural Hair

Type 4 natural hair is perfect for a dense, tightly-packed afro, but there’s so much more you can do with it. If yours is type 4 (I’m a 4C myself), here are some great tips to keep your hair in great shape:

1.    Wash your hair in sections

Type 4 hair tends to break easily, so divide it into three or four sections and wash each one gently. Use hydrating shampoos and conditioners to get deep into the strands and scalp.

2.    Eat a healthy diet

The best way to strengthen type 4 natural hair is through healthy food. Load up on vitamin C, E, iron, and omega-3-rich foods, and stay hydrated.

3.    Use natural oil-based hair products

Natural oils like shea butter, castor oil, and almond oil can lock moisture into your type 4 hair. These also minimize breakage and make your hair look much healthier.

4.    Detangle with care

Be as gentle as possible when detangling type 4 hair, and never do this when it’s dry. Apply a moisturizing oil, cream, or conditioner first, then use a wide-toothed comb to tease out the tangles.

5.    Use low-manipulation styles

The best thing you can do with type 4 natural hair is to grow out an afro. But if you must style it, choose simple styles with low or no heat applications, like bantu knots or twist-outs.

Learn to Love Your Natural Hair

If you’re blessed with type 4 hair, you can learn how to style it to your advantage. Long or short, braided or twisted, type 4 hair is unique and beautiful African American hair. Happy styling!