Lack of Moisture 4C hair is evidently difficult to manage when dry. It can be very painful to comb out 4C hair that has no moisture in it. And unfortunately this only results in breakage which is contrary to hair growth. Dryness causes other hair issues like
One of the main reasons why Afro hair may seem not to be growing is due to breakage. The tight curls of Afro hair can make it more prone to breaking and splitting, which can make it appear as though your hair is not growing.
4C hair types experience shrinkage THE MOST because the curls are so tight. And this can make it difficult 😞 to detangle, manage, and style. BUT…. Contrary to popular belief, 4C hair shrinkage is a sign of healthy 💪🏾 strong hair! However, you may still want to reduce your shrinkage and I understand that comp.
Because 4C hair experiences so much shrinkage, it can feel like your hair is growing very slowly or not at all. However, if you take care of your hair, you will notice growth when you stretch out your hair. Another reason 4C hair can appear to grow slowly is because it is so fragile.
Apply a leave-in conditioner or moisturizer to your hair, focusing on the ends and dry areas. Style your hair as desired, using a lightweight oil or butter to seal it in moisture and prevent breakage.
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.
Shrinkage is a sign of healthy hair. By its nature, natural hair is curly, compact and coily. Shrinkage just means your hair is able to bounce back to its naturally curly state. This indicates that your hair hasn't lost its elasticity (strength) and hasn't been damaged by heat or any form of chemical.
Some things that can help speed up your hair growth such as scalp massages and using supplements like biotin. You can also use hair growth oils such as Jamaican black castor oil and rosemary oil but remember consistency is key!
Black seed oil, also known as nigella sativa oil, is perfect for 4C hair as this natural oil has anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory properties which keep the scalp and hair well protected. Not only that but its high content of antioxidants and fatty acids lock in moisture to promote healthy hair growth.
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.
Water contains minerals and vitamins essential for hair health and growth. Enough water intake enables your body to carry out its essential processes. Thus, you enable the body and your hair to perform at their peak by maintaining proper hydration. That means your hair will grow instead of getting dry and brittle.
Regular scalp massages can stimulate blood flow to the hair follicles, promoting faster growth. Use natural oils like castor oil for potential added benefits.
Type 4B Hair - Your hair is prone to dryness and breaks and has a zig-zag shape and experiences shrinkage. Type 4C Hair - Your coils are dense and can range from fine and soft to coarse and wiry, your hair strand will have a "Z" shape and will experience significant shrinkage.
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.
4C hair needs a lot of moisture, and it's important to choose a shampoo and conditioner that can provide that. Look for products that contain ingredients like Shea Butter, Mango Butter and Black Seed Oil. These ingredients will help to hydrate and strengthen the hair, promoting growth.
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 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.
4C hair breakage could be from excessive styling, your hair is too dry and brittle, improper nutrition, or poor hair care. There can also be an underlying medical condition that includes a side effect or symptom of hair loss or breakage. Whatever the cause may be, it is still important to know how to care for 4C hair.
How often should I oil my natural hair? Short Answer: Every Other Day. Long Answer: Every other day/every 2-3 days is usually a good rule of thumb for 4C textured beauties who tend to have super low porosity. However, even within the 4C curl type porosity often depends on how thick or thin your strands are.