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.
The microscopically tight kinks and coils of 4c hair patterns cause significant shrinkage to occur, which gives this hair type so much volume. Though dense in volume, 4c hair strands are very fragile and prone to breakage, dryness, and frizz.
4A -4C hair generally is the hardest to manage of all the hair types and requires a lot of matenience, but is also one of the most flexible in terms of hairstyles. A lot of intricate styles can be done on Type 3 and 4 hair that would be very difficult to achieve on finer textures.
The most unique characteristic of 4C hair is that it usually has a mix of waves, coils, curls, and zigzags throughout. While the combination of curls is a delight to look at, sometimes you want your hairstyle to have a little more uniformity. That's where lacers come in handy.
Taking care of 4C hair involves gentle handling and hydration. Start with a sulfate-free shampoo to prevent stripping natural oils. Deep condition regularly to moisturize and strengthen your hair. Use a leave-in conditioner or moisturizer daily to keep hair hydrated.
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.
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.
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.
4C curls are less defined than the other curl types, with strands ranging from very fine to super coarse. We love 4C natural hair, but we know that maintaining it can be intimidating, as 4C curls experience shrinkage and are prone to dryness and damage — especially when faced with chemicals or heat.
If you're in the type 4c club, your hair is an abundance of tightly kinked, less defined curls that are fragile – making them more susceptible to damage than other hair types. Your hair craves moisture and requires TLC to keep it looking shiny, defined, and healthy.
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.
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.
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.
Moisture from a leave-in is not enough; dry, naturally resistant 4C hair needs deep down hydration in order to define. Use a super conditioner like atrActiva Multivitamin Treatment to infuse moisture deep into low porosity hair, without clogging the surface.
Products Meant for Type 4 Hair
Since type 4 hair requires the most maintenance, be sure you're using products designed to nourish your hair. When caring for type 4 hair, it is important to remember not to comb too aggressively or often, as this can lead to damage.
To no surprise, 4c hair, like all curly hair types, is naturally dry. In fact, 4c curls tend to be even drier. And when 4c hair isn't properly moisturized, it becomes brittle, weak and can easily break, snap and feel like straw. That's why having a consistent moisturizing hair routine is key.
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.
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.
But 4C hair looks pretty much the same wet as it does dry. Its extremely low porosity strands don't take in enough water to transform your curls the way other hair types do when wet, so applying products on wet hair won't “lock in the curl” – or the moisture.
Grade 12A hair is just a way to say that their hair is superior to lower-grade hair, but it doesn't really exist. Graded human hair means nothing. It's basically just a way for sellers to be able to say their product is better than others.
Vitamin B5 is also commonly referred to as Panthenol or Panthothenic acid. This safe, non-toxic ingredient is in skin and hair care for its humectant properties and ability to protect your hair from unwanted damage.
We like to think of the V-cut as the U-cut's edgier younger sister. Whereas the U-cut features soft curves and blended layers, the V-cut has hair cut at a “steep diagonal” around the face. The angles then continue to taper until they reach the back of the head, where they meet to create a sharp, defined “V” shape.
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.
4c hair is curly and coily, therefore, when hairs naturally shed or fall out, they tend to get knotted up into other hairs, versus falling out of your hair.
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.