7 Tips on How to Care for 4C Hair

Reach your healthy hair goals with this easy-to-follow guide. 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

• What is 4C Hair? 

• What Does 4C Hair Look Like? 

• How Does 4C Hair Differ From Other Hair Types? 

• How to Take Care of 4C Hair 

• How to Style 4C Hair 

• 4C Hair Products 

• Common Hair Concerns for 4C Hair 

4C curls are often assumed to be challenging. The truth is, if you have the right styling tools and 4C hair products, your 4C curls can be gorgeous, defined, and manageable. 4C curls are the tightest curl pattern and are densely packed. Some 4C curls are visibly defined and others aren’t. Some 4C curls are coarse and thick and some are fine and thin. But no matter what type of 4C hair you have, there are a few tips and tricks for managing healthy curls. This article on 4C hair care will teach you everything you need to know. 

How Can I Tell If My Hair Is Type 4C? 

First off, 4C curls are stunning. 4C hair is defined by coils that are tightly packed and dense. Even though 4C hair is naturally curly, the coils are so tight that it’s often hard to see the definition of the curl. An actual 4C curl will have a zigzag shape instead of an “S” shape or ringlet-like type 3 curl. Type 4C hair is also prone to shrinkage. We’re talking bra-length curls that dry to be shoulder length. Yes, these are beautiful, tight coils.

How Does 4C Differ From Other Type 4 Curl Patterns, Like 4A and 4B?

4C is the tightest curl pattern among type 4 curl patterns. Like type 4B curls, 4C curls have a zigzag shape. However, type 4C hair has more densely packed curls. Type 4A curls have an “S” shape. 

Tips for Keeping 4C Hair Healthy

Look no further than these seven 4C hair care tips for maintaining your coils. Adjust your hair routine and notice the difference. 

1. Make Sure Your Hair Is Moisturized

It’s no surprise that 4C hair, like all curly hair types, is naturally dry. In fact, 4C curls tend to be even drier than the rest. When 4C hair isn’t properly moisturized, it becomes brittle and weak and can easily break, snap, and feel like straw. That’s why having a consistent moisturizing hair routine is key. Our Goddess Strength collection is the perfect 4C hair care because it addresses dryness and breakage, leaving hair divinely moisturized and strong.

2. Be Gentle With Detangling

4C hair is the most fragile hair type. Even one rough combing session can result in major hair breakage! For the best care, stick to detangling your hair while it’s wet and saturated in a product. Goddess Strength Divine Strength Leave-In Cream with Castor Oil can be applied to wet or damp hair and ease detangling. As part of our Goddess Strength line, it helps to reinforce weak strands so hair grows stronger between washes. 

3. Do Protective Styling for Healthier Hair

While there’s nothing wrong with sporting a wash-and-go, protective styling can be a 4C girl’s BFF. Protective styles help give your hair a break from outside exposure (to the sun, wind, humidity, and pollution) and daily manipulation. They’re also a great way to protect your ends, as most protective styles keep them tucked. If you have 4C hair, you may want to experiment with protective styles like Bantu knots, spring twists, or cornrows.  

4. Care for Your Scalp and Stimulate Hair Growth

Scalp care is non-negotiable no matter your curl type, but it’s especially important for product junkies with 4C curls. If you want to learn how to grow 4C hair that is healthy, start by balancing your scalp. You can do this by incorporating routine scalp cleanses like a pre-poo or scalp scrub. You can also add oil to your scalp to keep it hydrated and prevent itching and irritation. Our go-to picks are the Goddess Strength Shampoo, Conditioner, Leave-In, and Hair Oil. The oil, which moisturizes the scalp and hair, is a blend of oils that includes castor, black seed, and jojoba. 

5. Avoid Too Much Heat

Frequently using hot tools, such as a hair dryer or flat iron, can lead to damage that can bring about breakage. And we haven’t yet talked about how drying hot tools can be to your 4C curls! To ensure your 4C hair is as healthy as can be, cut back on heat styling. When using a hair dryer or flat iron, use a low heat setting, the diffuser attachment when blow drying your hair, and a heat protectant. 

6. Protect Your Hair at Night

Sleeping with your hair loose or laying your head on a cotton pillow can mess up your 4C curls because of the friction between your hair and your pillow. Before bed, pineapple your hair to minimize how much your curls rub against your pillow. Even better, use a silk or satin pillowcase. Because of their smoother surface, silk and satin create less friction with your hair. 

7. Trim Regularly

Our ends are the oldest part of our hair, which means they can be brittle, dry, and fragile. As mentioned previously, protective styles can promote healthier hair. However, certain styles are more adept at protecting ends. Buns, wigs, and weaves keep ends up and tucked, allowing them to grow longer and stronger without breakage. Another 4C hair care tip for giving your ends extra care is applying additional styling or moisturizing products daily.