Why is 4C hair not shiny?

Author: Sim Farrell  |  Last update: Saturday, September 6, 2025

Advertisements for sheens and elixirs have somehow made shiny hair translate to healthy hair. However, as is the case with 4C hair, this isn't always true. Type 4 hair cuticles tend to be raised meaning our hair refracts rather than reflects light. This in turn may give the appearance of “dull” hair.

How can I make my 4C hair shiny?

“For 4C texture, I lean toward moisturizing products, as we want as much bounce and shine as possible,” says Webb, creative director at Ella & Jade salon in Australia, who has worked at Fashion Weeks around the globe and won many awards for his hairdressing talents—including Queensland Hairdresser of the Year.

Why is 4C hair not silky?

Your natural oil is unable to travel from your scalp to your hair because of your coils. The curlier the hair, the harder it is for your oil to reach your strands.

Why does my 4C hair look dull?

Curly hair can easily become dry due to a lack of sebum, our scalp's natural oil, leading to a dull appearance. This becomes even more prominent as we age, because the scalp produces less sebum. There are some ingredients that can make your hair dry, so they should be avoided if you are trying to reduce dullness.

Why is my natural hair not shiny?

There are several reasons why your hair may not be shiny: Lack of Moisture: Dry hair often lacks shine. This can result from environmental factors, such as dry weather, or excessive heat styling. Product Buildup: Using too many hair products (like gels, sprays, or oils) can lead to buildup, which makes hair look dull.

Surface Texture | Natural Hair Types | Shiny Natural Hair | Why Your Natural Hair Isn't Shiny

Why doesn't my hair look glossy?

The truth is, for hair to be shiny, it must have moisture. If hair is dry, a shine spray or serum might give you a temporary gloss, but it won't tackle the root cause of the problem. If you want shiny hair, it is time to get serious about moisture.

What does dehydrated hair look like?

Dry hair is hair that's lacking in moisture – it can't retain hydration, and it's not getting enough on a day-to-day basis. Dehydrated hair often looks frizzy and dull – when you touch it, it may feel brittle and straw-like, and flyaways and split ends may become noticeable when you look in the mirror.

What does over moisturized 4C hair look like?

Hair that's suffering from moisture overload can become frizzy, limp, and struggle to hold your curls.

How often should I oil my 4C hair?

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.

Why is 4C hair so weak?

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.

What softens 4C hair?

Use the right products: When it comes to 4C hair, it's important to use products that are specifically formulated for it. Look for products that contain ingredients like organic coconut oil, organic cupuacu butter and organic avocado oil, as these will help to moisturize your hair and keep it soft.

Is my hair 4C or 4B?

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.

Why is 4C hair so hard to maintain?

The curls of 4C hair are tightly packed and have a "Z" pattern, which makes it more delicate and prone to breakage. It is also more tightly coiled and less defined than other natural hair types, such as 4A and 4B. The hair strand of 4C hair also tends to be thinner than other hair types.

Should I moisturize 4C hair every day?

Daily Moisturization: For many people with 4C hair, a daily moisturizing routine can be beneficial. However, this doesn't mean saturating your hair with a bunch of products every day. Instead, consider using a lightweight, water-based moisturizer to hydrate your hair and refresh it as needed.

What is the secret of shiny hair?

Fatty acids are known for contributing to shiny hair because of how they intensely moisturize. They quickly replenish dryness while ensuring that the hair cuticles feel supported, giving the hair a gorgeous gloss. When applying a moisturizing conditioner, don't be too hasty in washing it off.

What makes afro hair shine?

A holy grail for afro hair, coconut oil is packed with fatty acids that nourish and strengthen your strands, leaving them silky smooth. Olive Oil: Say goodbye to frizz! Olive oil adds a healthy shine to your hair, making it a must-have in your hair care routine.

Do you oil your scalp or hair?

Dr Naram recommends warming the oil first: “Massage the oil into your scalp for a few minutes, then distribute it evenly through the rest of your hair, focusing on the ends to prevent split ends and breakage.

Should you brush 4C hair everyday?

Those with kinkier textures like 4A, 4B, or 4C hair may only brush or wash their hair once a week, while those with looser curl patterns may have a detangling session two to three times a week. A major factor in how often you brush your hair is the upkeep of your curls between washes.

How long does 4C hair grow in a month?

Afro hair grows, on average, about half an inch a month. If your locks are prone to breakages then you may find that this slows any progress down. So, if you're wondering “how long does it take to grow hair an inch?” with particular reference to afro/4c hair, then you're looking at around a couple of months.

How to tell if 4C hair needs protein?

Signs And Symptoms of Protein Deficiency in Hair
  1. Your Hair is Super Porous.
  2. Your Hair is Limp and Stringy.
  3. Your Hair Has Low Elasticity.
  4. Your Hair Has Been Colored Recently.
  5. There's Increased Shedding.
  6. Lack of Elasticity.
  7. Your Hair Feels Gummy.
  8. Your Have Split Ends.

Why is my 4C hair still dry after moisturizing?

Porosity matters.

If you have low porosity hair, your hair has a tight cuticle layer and struggles to take in moisture. This could be why your hair feels dry! Use heat when applying moisture (steam, warm water, or a heat cap) to open your cuticles. Don't over-apply product or be heavy-handed.

What does real 4C hair look like?

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.

What actually hydrates hair?

“Look for products with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or aloe vera, which hydrate without leaving a greasy residue,” says Garshick. “Use a lightweight conditioner and avoid heavy oils or creams.

Why is my hair dull all of a sudden?

Dull hair can be caused by a variety of factors including product build-up and oil build-up from your scalp. Dull hair can be a result of infrequent washing or over washing.

Does putting coconut oil on your hair help?

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.

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