Why is 4c hair so rough?

Author: Brianne Kulas  |  Last update: Friday, May 9, 2025

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.

How can I make my 4C hair smoother?

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.

Why is 4C hair so coarse?

With its tight coils and sharp angles, 4C hair is the tightest and coarsest of all the curl types. The 4C hair type curl pattern is made up of super-tight zigzags that are densely packed. 4C curls are less defined than the other curl types, with strands ranging from very fine to super coarse.

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 is 4C hair so hard to take care of?

Because 4c hair has dense and tight coils, it's the most difficult to keep hydrated. Your lovely curl pattern makes it difficult to get natural oils from your scalp to your hair strands. You can fight (and win) against frizziness, shrinkage, and sluggish hair development if you moisturize regularly.

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Why is 4C hair so special?

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.

What is 5c hair?

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.

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 does 4b hair look like?

It's characterised by its Z-shaped curls that are sharply angled and less defined, giving a fluffy and voluminous appearance. This coily hair type is known for its delicate texture, propensity for drying out, and tendency to experience shrinkage.

Why does 4C hair get knots?

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.

Why is 4C hair not shiny?

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.

How often should 4C hair be washed?

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.

Do most black people have 4C hair?

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.

Why is my 4C hair so rough?

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.

What oil makes 4C hair soft?

Some hair oils particularly suited to 4C hair include coconut, avocado and black seed oil. You can apply hair oils in a variety of ways including as a scalp treatment, deep conditioner or daily moisturiser. Avoid products such as mineral oil that can clog follicles and cause hair loss.

What does 4C hair look like wet?

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.

What is the rarest hair type?

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.

Is 4b better than 4c?

The difference between the two types of hair is that 4c hair has a broader curl pattern than 4b, which makes it more challenging to maintain. 4c hair is typically more prone to frizz and less bouncy than 4b. On the other hand, 4b hair has a tighter curl pattern that results in a looser curl pattern.

Is there a type 5 hair?

If your hair is undeniably curly (like tight corkscrew curls) with defined S-shapes forming into coils, you have type 5 hair. If you're unsure whether or not your hair falls under the type 5 umbrella, Brown says curls should stretch with immediate spring back.

Should I comb my 4C hair every day?

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.

Why is 4C hair so hard to grow?

4C hair is particularly prone to breakage because it's intrinsically dry. The oils produced by the scalp don't effectively travel far along the hair shaft. If they do, the cuticle layer is likely lifted and absorbs as well as losses these oils quickly thus exacerbating dryness.

Why does 4C hair not curl?

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.

What is 12A hair?

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.

What is ABC hair?

56% less breakage, 82% less visible split ends, pH balancing for all hair types and textures. “ABC” stands for “Acidic Bonding Concentrate” and it brings life to dry, damaged hair.

What is V hair?

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.

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