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.
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.
By nature, African american hair is drier and requires moisture (water) frequently, sometimes daily, sometimes a couple of times a week. If you do not have a hair care regimen, this is exactly why you suffer from hair breakage! How often do apply moisture to your scalp and hair throughout the week?
Water is the best hair regimen. Moisture increases hair growth. Remember that 4C hair is prone to drying very quickly so it's of utmost importance to keep it hydrated and moisturized. Moisturizing should be a daily routine. Spritz your head with water before styling.
Yes, 4c hair is definitely more susceptible to breakage due to the shape of the hair (and strand shape is based on the shape of the hair follicles ), but the hair DOES NOT break at the same time it grows. If that were the case, all people with tight, coily hair would be bald lol...
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.
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.
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.
While thin hair is the most prone to breakage (about 10 times more, in fact), it can happen to any hair type. Fine hair is a bit more vulnerable as it has a smaller inner core and thin cuticle layer, containing about 50% less protein than thick hair. In short, if your hair is fine or thin, it will need even more TLC.
One of the easiest ways to repair and prevent hair breakage is to hydrate curls and coils with a hair mask, deep conditioning treatment or leave-in conditioner. Try a hair breakage treatment after using shampoo and conditioner to lock in moisture and help with gentle detangling.
What causes hair breakage? Your broken hairs may be a result of a combination of the following issues: Rough, aggressive brushing – especially when your hair's fragile and wet. Using products which aren't suitable for your hair type – especially if you have thick hair which needs extra hydration.
4c hair is defined by coils that are tightly packed and dense. Even though 4c hair is naturally curly, the coils are so tight that it's often hard to see curl definition. In fact, an actual 4c curl will have a zig-zag shape instead of a s-shape or ringlet like type 3 curls. Type 4c hair is also prone to shrinkage.
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.
WHAT IS TYPE 4C HAIR? 4c curls are the curliest of curls on the spectrum. Often described as tight, springy, 'Z' shaped ringlets, 4c hair tends to clump more at the ends and is even more prone to shrinkage than other curl types. 4c coils are so springy that they can shrink up to 75% of their length.
Of these, 4C or tightly coiled afro hair is often assumed to be inherently dry and unable to grow “properly.” But this is not true. There is no such thing as normal. For people of African descent, hair does grow slower (2 inches per month) than other racial groups. Asian hair grows the fastest at 8 inches per month.
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.
Hair is more vulnerable when it is wet. Damaged, fragile, or compromised hair becomes even more prone to breakage when wet. Even relatively healthy hair can be damaged by combing it in the shower. Combing through tangles in the shower can lead to more hair shed than what is considered normal or healthy.
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.
Jojoba Oil: The Best Oil for Type 4C Hair
Composed of 99% natural ingredients, CHÉRIBÉ Chébé Complex Growth Oil contains jojoba oil. Its dry texture is quickly absorbed by the hair shaft. It repairs, stimulates growth, and makes type 4C hair shine.
These differences are quite noticeable. The slowest and fastest average hair growth rates in the study were: South African hair (from Black participants), the slowest, grew at 0.0272 cm per day (around 4.9 cm in 6 months) Korean hair, the fastest, grew at 0.0426 cm per day (around 7.67 cm in 6 months)
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.
Your hair will get matted and eventually will fall due to gross neglect. Combing your hair helps to get rid of dirt, chemicals, and buildup at the roots and scalp and also helps to open up the pores.