Everything You Need to Know About 4A Hair Type

Transform your hair with these easy-to-follow tips for healthy 4A curls.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

What is 4A Hair?
What Does 4A Hair Look Like?
How Does 4A Hair Differ From Other Hair Types?
How to Take Care of 4A Hair
How to Style 4A Hair
4A Hair Products
Common Hair Concerns for 4A Hair

Caring for curly hair can be tricky, especially when determining what tips and tricks work for your hair type. If you have 4A hair, your dense coils have specific needs that other curly girls may not. The good news is, once you’ve got a good routine, your 4A curls will turn heads everywhere you go.

Ahead, learn more about the 4A hair type, how to care for 4A hair, and how to keep your curls defined and healthy.

What Is 4A Hair Type?

4A hair is the first of the type 4 curl patterns, and it may be one of the most challenging to diagnose. The look of 4A natural hair can range drastically, depending on the products you use and how you style it. If you have the 4A curl pattern, you may feel like some days your hair looks like 3C curls and other times it looks like 4B curls. If that’s you, your hair likely belongs to the 4A hair type.

What Does 4A Hair Look Like?

4A curls are densely packed, just like the commonly referenced 4C hair type. What sets 4A curls apart from other type 4 hair is its curl shape. 4C curls are hard to identify because the coil is so tight it’s often unnoticeable. In contrast, 4A curls are actually defined: they are “S”-shaped and, in most cases, very springy coils.

How Does 4A Hair Differ From Other Hair Types?

As mentioned, 4A curls are densely packed but also defined, unlike 4C curls, whose coils are very tight. Out of all type 4 hair types, 4A curls have the smallest diameter.

How to Care for 4A Hair

Like all curly hair, 4A hair is naturally very dry (more on that below) and is subject to dramatic shrinkage. But if styled and cared for properly, 4A hair can turn into swoon-worthy, defined ringlets every time. Here are a few tips on how to care for 4A hair.

1. Don’t Skip Cleansing

It’s sometimes said that shampoos aren’t necessary for type 4 hair, but that’s just not true. Sure, type 4 curls, 4A included, can go longer between washes, but you shouldn’t skip shampoos altogether. The first step to learning how to care for 4A curls is properly cleansing your hair and scalp. Reach for a moisturizing shampoo that won’t strip strands of natural oils and leave it feeling dry and hay-like. Blended with castor oil, black cumin seed oil, and ginger, Goddess Strength Fortifying Shampoo With Castor Oil cleanses as it moisturizes. When you use it with the rest of our Goddess Strength system, you can enjoy 15X stronger hair in one use! It’s the perfect shampoo for 4A curls, especially if you plan to grow out your locks.

2. Use a Hair Mask Weekly

One of the most important 4A hair tips is that deep conditioners are a curly girl’s best friend. Not only do they impart moisture into our already dry curls, but these rich conditioners are often reparative, too. Our creamy, non-sticky Goddess Strength Cocoon Hydrating Hair Mask will envelop your 4A hair in moisture while repairing damage and protecting against breakage. Best of all, it works in just 5 minutes! After shampooing and conditioning, rub the formula between your palms and apply it directly to wet hair. After 5 minutes, rinse it out.

3. Use Rich Styling Products

Some hair types flourish with thin formulas, but that’s not the case with the 4A hair type. Your densely packed coils need moisturizing, rich, buttery products, especially if you’re a fan of wash-and-go styles. Count on Goddess Strength Smooth & Shape Balm to give your hairstyles a sleek look and keep your hair in place for up to 24 hours. It’s the ultimate hair product for smooth ponytails and buns.

4. Don’t Forget to Moisturize

Anyone with the 4A curl pattern should ensure all their hair products are ultra moisturizing. If you find that your curls need an extra dose of moisture after a cold winter day or a sweat sesh at the gym, try adding a dollop of Goddess Strength 7 Oil Blend Scalp and Hair Oil to your ends. Its blend of castor and black seed oil, which moisturizes and strengthens the hair, makes it ideal for 4A curls.

5. Have Fun With Styling

The beauty of the 4A curl type is there really is no style you can’t sport. Wash-and-go styles look amazing with coiled 4A hair. The key to a wash-and-go is finding your fool-proof curly cocktail. We recommend a leave-in conditioner, styling cream, and gel, no matter the weather. The Goddess Strength Divine Strength Leave-In Milk is an excellent addition to your 4A curly cocktail because it’s a fantastic multitasker. It strengthens hair, protects against heat, prevents split ends, and, of course, moisturizes hair. Simply spray it onto damp hair, then use styling cream and gel. And as with all curly hair types, protective styles suit 4A curls super well.

6. Don’t Skip Trims

Even though the thought of cutting our curls can seem scary, regular trims are a must for healthy hair and hair growth. Keeping old ends just means more split ends, breakage, and thinning ends, which are never hair goals. It’s best to schedule routine trims every six to eight weeks. Regular trims also make detangling much easier and knots and tangles more manageable.