We’ve Got Your 4B Hair Needs Covered

Good news: 4B hair isn’t as challenging as you think.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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

The 4B hair type doesn’t get as much love as it should. When it comes to curl types, type 4 hair can be considered amongst the hardest to style and care for, but that’s not necessarily the case. If you have 4B coily hair, you may have noticed that your hair needs extra moisture and a little boost in the definition department, but once you’ve mastered these two areas, your coils flourish. This article will teach you how to care for, style, and protect your tight 4B coily hair. With these easy-to-follow tips for 4B hair under your belt, your best hair days are ahead of you.

What Is 4B Hair Type?

The 4B hair type is a type of coily hair that is densely packed and requires moisture and definition.

What Does 4B Hair Look Like?

If you have 4B hair, your curls will have a “Z”-shaped or zigzag pattern but will still be identifiable. 4B hair tends to be very porous, dry, and prone to breakage.

How Does 4B Hair Differ From Other Hair Types?

The 4B hair type has the second tightest curl pattern out there. It has a “Z” shape, whereas 4A hair has an “S” shape. 4C hair also has a “Z” shape, but its curls are the tightest and springiest of all hair types.

How to Care for 4B Hair

Now that you’re clear on the 4B hair type, follow these tips to keep your coils healthy and manageable. Although 4B hair may need more TLC to stay moisturized and defined, the extra effort will yield magnificent results.

1. Reach for a Cleansing Conditioner

Coily hair needs tons of moisture. That’s why we recommend the Hair Milk Cleansing Conditioner, which is free of sulfates and filled with uber-hydrating and nourishing ingredients like shea butter and vitamin E. This milky cleansing conditioner is formulated with agave nectar to help knots and tangles melt away. Using a cleansing conditioner between shampoo sessions will help keep your scalp and hair free of product buildup without stripping away necessary oils. When you do shampoo, opt for a duo like Goddess Strength Fortifying Shampoo and Goddess Strength Fortifying Conditioner, both with castor oil and formulated to strengthen hair when used as a system.

2. Skip Brushes and Combs When Possible

Since the 4B hair type is prone to breakage, finger detangling is the best practice. Brushes and combs can rip through your delicate strands and cause breakage and split ends, but finger detangling allows you to gently remove knots without damage. To add slip to your hair before finger detangling, try the lightweight Goddess Strength Divine Strength Leave-In Milk, which instantly strengthens hair and protects strands against heat up to 450F.

3. Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate

Moisture is key when caring for curly hair, 4B hair included. It’s impossible to have healthy curly hair if you don’t keep your coils moisturized. Stock up on products chock-full of hydrating ingredients like the Goddess Strength Divine Strength Leave-In Cream, blended with castor oil, ginger, and black cumin seed.

4. Focus on Enhancing Definition

4B hair tends to experience major shrinkage, so use styling products and implement methods that help lengthen and define your natural curl pattern. If not properly hydrated and styled, your 4B curls can lose that beautiful zigzag pattern you want to emphasize. Consider stretching your curls with Goddess Strength True Stretch Defining Cream. Apply it to wet hair, style as usual, and enjoy elongated, smoother curls.

5. Experiment With Protective Styles

Protective styles are your friend, especially if you live in a climate that gets cold and dry during the winter. Flat twists, twist outs, Bantu knots, and elegant updos will protect your ends and give your hair a break from friction and daily styling. Find which styles are ideal for your hair length and lifestyle and stick to them. (More on that in the next section!)

6. Deep Condition Regularly

Deep treatments are necessary for 4B hair. When your strands are stripped of moisture, your coils will get out of whack, lose their definition, and even lose their soft, supple texture. That’s why applying a hair mask weekly is best for keeping 4B hair healthy. Goddess Strength Cocoon Hydrating Hair Mask helps to restore and lock in moisture, repair damage, and prevent breakage. This mask is so good that 9 out of 10 women with curly hair agree their hair is deeply moisturized, nourished, and easier to detangle after just 5 minutes of using it.