Type 4C hair has a very tight zigzag pattern and is quite fragile. This coily hair type experiences the most shrinkage, so it may seem to grow more slowly when in fact, the length is just concealed in the tight pattern.
Type 4 hair has tight, small, kinky curls that are naturally dry, and the texture can range from fine to coarse.
Type 3b Curls
Each curl is about as wide as a tapered candlestick. Because 3b curls are fairly tight and springy, this hair type experiences a lot of shrinkage when it goes from wet to dry. Since these curls are more defined than that of a looser texture, it takes a lot of time and effort to change their curl pattern.
These type 2 curly hair are the epitome of curl power and bring a unique and eye-catching texture to any style. Type 2c hair has a high density and coarser texture than other types of wavy hair and can have a high level of shrinkage, meaning that when wet, it can appear much shorter.
Shrinkage Variability: Individuals with varied hair porosities and textures may have varying degrees of shrinkage. While low-porosity hair shrinks less overall, individual differences in hair density, curl pattern, and environmental factors can all affect shrinking dynamics.
Type 4C hair is the tightest, densest, and coiliest of all hair types – and these strands experience the most shrinkage: up to 75%.
Type 4 (Coily Hair)
Coily hair, commonly referred to as Afro-textured or kinky hair, type 4 is naturally very dry and spongy in texture and can be soft and fine or coarse and wiry. Strands form very tight, small curls of zig-zags right from the scalp and are prone to major shrinkage.
Type 1A: The rarest hair type, this one is very straight and fine with a “wispy” appearance. It's very difficult to get it to hold a curl. Type 1B: Though still straight, this type has a medium (rather than fine) texture and a little more volume.
While hair shrinkage can affect all kinds of curly strands, certain hair types are more susceptible to shrinkage. Those with 4A, 4B, and 4C hair experience shrinkage the most because the curls are coiled tighter than the other curl patterns.
Types 4a, 4b, and 4c hair are very tightly curled or coiled. Types 3a, 3b, and 3c hair have coils or spirals in the hair. Types 2a, 2b, and 2c have a wavy or S-shaped curve. And type 1 hair is straight.
5c hair type:
Type 5c hair texture has the tightest curl pattern among the other types. It forms a distinct "Z" shape and has a coarser texture. This hair type is often densely packed. Also, it requires extra care to maintain moisture and prevent breakage.
Type 4A hair is a unique coily hair type characterised by tightly wound curls that form a spiral pattern. These are well defined curls and range from fine to wiry in texture. Type 4A hair is known for its density and shrinkage, making it appear shorter when dry compared to its actual length when wet.
A general observation across experiments was that straight hair was perceived as younger, healthier, and more attractive than wavy hair and darker shades (medium copper and brown) were perceived more positively than blonde hair.
If the above applies to you, congratulations - you have 4C hair. Although this hair type is the weakest for breakage and dryness, the incredible volume allows for a range of hairstyles that will last for days, as well as holding protective hairstyles for months.
Rihanna reveals her natural coily hair texture and it's super short, cropped length.
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.
Okay, I am going to start by letting you all know, shrinkage is a normal and good thing. Although it hides our hair's true length, shrinkage is one of the best indicators of textured hair health. Natural hair that is properly hydrated and moisturised will shrink.
4C Hair Type
Type 4C hair has a very tight zigzag pattern and is quite fragile. This coily hair type experiences the most shrinkage, so it may seem to grow more slowly when in fact, the length is just concealed in the tight pattern.
Nature's Rarest Palette: Red Hair Standing at the apex of rarity, natural red hair occurs in just 1-2% of the global population. This striking shade results from a specific genetic variant of the MC1R gene, requiring both parents to pass on the recessive trait.
Coily hair is often referred to as afro or kinky hair, as well as type 4. Coily hair can consist of very tight corkscrews or a 'Z' shaped pattern that starts right from the root. Due to its tight curls, this curly hair type often appears shorter than it actually is - this is referred to as shrinkage.
The rarest eye colors are red and violet, which are primarily found in individuals with albinism. Excluding those affected by albinism, green and gray eyes are considered the most uncommon.
Type 3A curls are loose and have a well-defined "S" shape, while Type 3C curls are tight and have a corkscrew-like pattern. Type 4A curls are tightly coiled and have a defined "S" pattern, while Type 4C curls are tightly coiled and have a more zigzag-like pattern.
Most African-Americans have what's known as 'type 4' hair. This type is tightly curled or coiled, often called 'kinky' or 'afro-textured' hair. It's unique and very different from other hair types.
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.