Some people with 4C hair may need to deep condition more frequently than once a week, especially if exposed to a lot of heat or chemical treatments. On the other hand, some people may get away with deep conditioning less frequently if their hair is well-maintained and in good condition.
One way to minimize the breakage is by nourishing your hair with a protein treatment every 6-8 weeks.
In conclusion, while the frequency of trimming 4C hair can vary based on individual factors, a trim every 3-4 months is a good starting point. Remember, the goal is to maintain healthy ends and prevent breakage. Along with regular trimming, a proper hair care routine designed for the needs of 4C hair is vital.
Textured hair is more fragile than other hair types, and damage can present itself in many different ways, including constant dehydration or texture change, hair that feels mushy and soggy, lack of elasticity, split ends and excessive tangling, to name a few.
No, you don't need to moisturize every day but if you would like to, then you should use lighter products like sprays and hair milks and light oils like jojoba or grapeseed. And if you like bigger hair and live in a humid area then using products with aloe vera or glycerin higher up on the list should give you volume.
Common signs of Moisture Overload
Hair in moisture overload will have some distinctive symptoms: If you pull one strand of hair it will stretch and stretch without bouncing back, and eventually fall apart and tear. The hair will feel mushy, limp and excessively soft.
By deep conditioning, co-washing, using the right products, detangling, using a diffuser, protective styling, air drying, low manipulation, sealing in moisture and trimming your ends regularly, you can help to keep your hair healthy and manageable.
While there isn't a one-size-fits-all answer, a general rule of thumb is to comb 4C hair only as needed to remove tangles and style it, usually a few times a week. This frequency allows for the removal of product build-up and the maintenance of a clean, healthy scalp without over-drying or causing damage to your hair.
Most 4C hair textures fall under a low porosity, high shrinkage category, which means that the hair has a tough time absorbing moisture, is very fragile and easily breakable, and shrinks a lot when it's wet.
Most hair care professionals recommend washing 4C hair once or twice a month, with at least five days between washes. Washing more frequently can severely damage 4C hair because it's particularly dry and brittle compared to other hair types.
Whether you use a tool or nature to dry your hair is really a matter of personal preference and how you plan to style it. If you want to just go with the safest choice, heat-free is always going to be the healthiest way to dry natural hair and prevent damage—but blow-drying natural hair certainly has its benefits also.
Cut dry. Some people cut hair wet because wet hair is more stretched, so it is easier to see and make a clean cut. However, your hair is also weakest when it is wet, so trimming wet can lead to more breakage and damage.
Use a leave-in conditioner & detangle regularly
Using a leave-in conditioner and detangling can be a game-changer for keeping 4C hair moisturized and preventing breakage. A leave-in conditioner can provide an extra layer of moisture and protection to the hair, while detangling can help to remove any knots and tangles.
This simple hair strand test can be helpful in determining the hair's current condition and needs. Take an inch of your hair and stretch it, if it doesn't stretch or breaks, feels dry and rough, it is brittle/damaged and needs moisture treatment.
The yolk is loaded with healthy fats, which help replenish moisture and make strands look sleek and shiny. And because hair is 80% protein, applying protein-rich eggs to hair can help replenish the protein lost through styling, making hair stronger and better able to stand up to heat.
Also, brushing 4C hair when it's dry can lead to excess frizz so you should brush your hair when wet (so the hair has slip) to avoid this. Brushing 4C hair when dry can cause breakage as there is no slip, meaning that more force is required to brush through the coils.
Trimming your natural hair regularly can contribute to you maintaining healthy hair which is crucial for growing long hair. But it doesn't actually make your hair grow faster.
Both experts agree, however, that dry cutting hair can be risky because any mistakes made are way more visible and harder to fix. According to Groover, wet cutting is good for seamless layering but requires more detail. She explains that cutting wet hair will result in a healthy renewal of the overall shape and style.
Curly or coily hair types are more prone to matted hair due to the unique structure of their hair strands. The natural bends and coils in these hair types make it easier for strands to interlock and form mats. Curly and coily hair also tends to be drier and more fragile, further contributing to knots and tangles.
Hair grows best when left alone. As long as its not getting matted you should be fine.
Brushing's Real Benefits: While brushing doesn't directly stimulate hair growth, it aids in distributing scalp oils and enhancing circulation, which can indirectly support hair health.
Those who have 4C hair have naturally dry strands. This is because the natural oils from your scalp struggle to reach the entire strand due to your changing curl pattern. If your curls are not properly hydrated, then it is more likely to break or split off.
Coconut oil can have many benefits for your hair and scalp. It is used to relieve dandruff, restore luster to dry and damaged hair, tame frizz, and protect hair against styling damage. It is safe to use on all hair types.
Some hair oils particularly suited to 4C hair include coconut, avocado and black seed oil. You can apply hair oils in a variety of ways including as a scalp treatment, deep conditioner or daily moisturiser. Avoid products such as mineral oil that can clog follicles and cause hair loss.