4b hair type, also commonly referred to as kinky hair, is a hair type identified by tight z shaped like coils that are closely packed and have a coarse feel. 4b hair is usually full and voluminous in appearance. No gender is limited to having 4b hair. 4b hair is common among people with African- American and afro- Caribbean backgrounds. Generally, people from an African descent or ancestry, can have 4b hair.
Due to the tight coil pattern of 4b kinky hair, it is prone to dryness and frizz. Therefore, Moisture and hydration is vital for 4b kinky hair to thrive and shine. When choosing products for 4b hair, look out for the ones that are formulated with rich ingredients such as: shea butter, olive oil, behentrimonium chloride, and humectants like glycerin, and aloe vera.
Deep treatments such as protein treatments, and keratin treatments are also highly beneficial to 4b kinky hair. Most people with 4b hair opt for protective hairstyles, and afro puffs because they are low maintenance.
What is Type 4B Hair?
Type 4b hair is a curly hair type characterized by tight coils that fall vertically from the head. 4b curls are tightly packed and have a coarse kinky texture. They have a vertical direction which results in a round and voluminous shape that forms an afro.
Type 4B Hair Pattern
4b hair has a tightly coiled z-shaped pattern. It has small sized coils that are densely packed and not too visible, especially when dry. 4b hair has a weight distribution that falls in a vertical direction that grows up and out. When 4b hair is wet, it can appear up to 50% shorter than its actual length. It can get dry, and frizz, when the air is humid.
Type 4B Hair Texture
4b hair type has a texture best defined as “coarse kinky”. It has a thick and coarse texture that doesn’t get weighed down easily. Type 4b hair’s coarse texture makes it have less movement and is more stiff compared to other hair types.
What does 4B Hair Look Like?
4b hair has an all round even volume, and a full appearance. It is usually densely packed and can either be high or low porosity. 4b natural hair color varies for different individuals but it majorly comes in natural black/jet black, and blonde/ginger (for people with albinism). 4b hair length ranges from a teeny weeny afro (TWA) to longer lengths.
Type 4B Hair Care Routine
A general hair care routine for type 4b curly hair includes with pre-pooing, shampooing, conditioning, moisturizing the hair, and finishing with a hair sealant.
4b hair tends to be more fragile and prone to breakage, so it has to be handled with gentle care, and moisturized regularly (4b hair thrives on moisture).
When taking care of 4b hair, it is advisable to work in sections, so it is better managed and to ensure that every strand benefits from the care. It is also advisable to occasionally do deep conditioning, protein treatments or keratin treatments to deeply moisturize and strengthen 4b hair.
It is advisable to avoid products that contain harsh chemicals such as sulfate, silicones, and alcohol that may damage the hair. Avoid overwashing 4b hair, and avoid using too much heat.
How to Care for Type 4B Hair - Type 4B Hair Care Tips
- Use heat protectant - A heat protectant is a product that is applied on the hair before using any heat styling tool. 4b hair is fragile and prone to damage and breakage, so it is important to apply heat protectant before using heat. Using heat protectant on 4b hair helps to protect the hair and prevent damage caused by heat.
- Detangle gently - Detangling is the process of separating the hair and removing knots and tangles from it. It is important to gently detangle 4b, because it can get tangled easily due to its tight coil pattern. Detangling 4b hair gently, makes the hair more manageable and easy to style.
- Comb hair - Combing 4b hair involves using a comb to pass through the hair. The best way to comb 4b hair is from the ends to the roots. It is also advisable to use a wide toothed comb for 4b hair, so it can run through the hair smoothly. Combing 4b hair helps to prepare the hair for easy styling and distributes natural oils through the hair.
- Be gentle with your curls - Being gentle with 4b hair involves avoiding too much manipulation and avoiding being heavy handed with the hair. 4b hair is more delicate compared to other hair types, so it is important to be gentle when handling its tight coils. Being gentle with 4b hair ensures that the hair stays healthy and does not break or become frizzy.
- Use deep conditioning - Deep conditioning involves keeping a deep conditioner on the hair for an extended period of time and trapping in moisture with heat. 4b hair can get really dry and frizzy, so it is important to do a deep conditioning treatment when necessary. Deep conditioning 4b hair provides its coils with intense moisture and hydration. Deep conditioning also makes 4b hair soft, and helps to repair any damage the hair may have.
- Moisturize regularly - Moisturizing 4b hair involves providing moisture to the hair by using water based products. It may be a bit difficult for natural oils to travel down the tight coil pattern of 4b hair, so it is important to moisturize regularly. Moisturizing 4b hair regularly provides it with the vital hydration and moisture it needs to flourish and stay healthy. Moisturizing 4b hair also helps to prevent dryness, and promotes elasticity.
- Use a moisturizing shampoo - Using a moisturizing shampoo involves washing the hair with a shampoo that is specifically formulated with hydrating ingredients. It is important to use a moisturizing shampoo because it caters to the hydrating needs of 4b hair. Using a moisturizing shampoo to wash 4b hair, helps to ensure that the hair is clean, without stripping it of its natural oils.
- Avoid high manipulation styles - High manipulation styles are styles that require maximum or frequent handling of the hair. It is important to avoid high manipulation styles because it can cause strain and tension to the scalp. Doing high manipulations styles on 4b hair can lead to loss of hair and damage. Rather, go for hairstyles like wash and go, and protective styles that do not require frequent manipulation of the hair.
- Cover your hair at night - It is essential to cover 4b hair at night, to keep it protected. Covering 4b hair at night helps the hair retain moisture and prevent frizz. 4b hair can be protected at night by covering it with either a silk/ satin bonnet or scarf. Whatever you decide to use to cover 4b hair should be properly secured, so it doesn’t slip off while you’re asleep. 4b hair should be either braided, twisted or secured with scrunchies, before covering it.
- Get regular trims - Getting a trim involves the process of cutting off the ends of the hair. It is important to get regular trims on 4b hair because it prevents split ends. Getting regular trims on 4b hair also creates room for new growth, and helps to keep the hair healthy.
- Keep your scalp healthy - Keeping the scalp healthy involves taking the necessary measures to take proper care of the scalp. The scalp is where all the hair grows out from, so it is important to keep it healthy. To keep the scalp healthy, you should wash, moisturize and be gentle with it. A healthy scalp serves as a foundation for healthy hair.
- Try heavier hair products - Using heavier hair products involve using thick hair products that provide deep and intense treatments to the hair. Due to how easy 4b hair can get dry, it can benefit from heavier hair products. Heavier hair products like deep conditioners, and creams can provide deep hydration for 4b hair and keep it healthy.
How Often Should 4B Hair be Washed?
4b hair should be washed once within two weeks. Washing 4b hair bi- weekly helps to ensure that the hair is clean without losing moisture. If your 4b hair doesn't get dirty as fast, you can extend your wash day farther than two weeks. Although, if you sweat a lot or your hair gets dirty quickly, wash as needed. 4b hair can also be washed while it is in protective styles. It is also advisable to use a shampoo that contains hydrating ingredients, to wash 4b hair.
How to Define 4B Curly Hair?
4b curly hair can be defined by applying a gel or mousse, and brushing the hair. Moisturizing with a conditioner or curl cream is also essential when defining 4b hair, so that the curls can stay defined. The shingling method or finger curling method can also be used to define 4b curls.
How to Keep 4B Hair Moisturized?
To keep 4b hair moisturized, use products that contain moisturizing ingredients such as shea butter, and argan oil, and humectants such as aloe vera, and panthenol. Products that contain humectants are easy to penetrate the hair shaft, which helps to retain moisture. Occasionally deep conditioning, wearing protective styles, and regularly moisturizing can also help to keep 4b hair moisturized. To fully enjoy the benefits of moisturizing products on 4b hair, ensure you use hair butter or light oil as a sealant.
How to Grow 4B Hair Faster and Longer?
You can grow 4b hair faster and longer by eating healthy, handling it gently, moisturizing regularly, taking care of the scalp and getting regular trims. Doing these ensures that the hair is healthy and creates room for healthy growth. Using products that contain herbal ingredients like rosemary, fenugreek, biotin etc, can also help to grow and strengthen 4b hair.
How is 4B Hair Affected by Water?
Water provides hydration to 4b hair, and also causes 4b hair to shrink when it is wet. For people with high porosity 4b hair, water is absorbed easily. While for people with low porosity 4b hair, water doesn't penetrate easily but rather sits on the surface. It is better to use water at a warm temperature for 4b hair, so it can open the hair cuticles to absorb moisture better. Shrinkage is also inevitable when water is poured on 4b hair and it is not a bad thing.
How is 4B Hair Affected by Blow Drying?
Blow drying on low heat can help to stretch 4b hair and this helps it be more manageable and easy to style. Blow drying 4b hair can also help to speed up the drying process after washing. Blow drying 4b hair on high heat can lead to damage and breakage of the hair. To avoid heat damage, ensure you apply a heat protectant to your 4b hair and use the blow dryer on low heat.
How is 4B Hair Affected by Diffusers?
Using a diffuser on 4b hair can help circulate air flow while reducing the amount of direct heat applied on the hair. A diffuser allows you to have more control while drying 4b hair. To avoid frizz and damage, focus on the roots and avoid leaving the diffuser on one part for too long. It is also important to ensure minimal to no manipulation (avoid too much touching and let the diffuser do its work) while using a diffuser on 4b hair.
Best Haircare Products for 4B Hair
The best hair care essentials for 4b hair are:
- Pre-poo: Pre-poo stands for pre- shampoo. It is a treatment product used to nourish and care for 4b hair, before washing.
- Shampoo: is a product used to cleanse the scalp and remove dirt and build up. It is essential to use shampoos that contain hydrating ingredients, for 4b hair.
- Conditioner: is a co wash, used after a shampoo to detangle 4b hair and make it softer.
- Leave in conditioner: is a moisturizing product used to detangle, soften and make 4b hair easier to style. As opposed to washing off a regular conditioner, a leave-in conditioner is left to stay and be absorbed in 4b hair.
- Moisturizers: are products used to hydrate 4b hair, such as: hair butters and creams.
- Sealants: are products like light oils, used to lock in moisture in 4b hair.
- Silk scarf/ bonnet: is used to protect 4b hair at night and keep it away from frizz and breakage.
Best Shampoo for 4B Hair
The best shampoos for 4b hair include:
- Olaplex shampoo: is a clarifying shampoo that deeply cleanses and removes build up, without stripping moisture from the hair.
- Camille rose sweet ginger shampoo: is a shampoo that cleanses the hair while leaving it hydrated and soft to touch. It is infused with sweet ginger and lemon peel, which have antiseptic properties that help to properly clean the scalp.
- Shea moisture strengthen and restore shampoo: is an affordable shampoo that contains moisturizing ingredients like shea butter, that nourishes 4b hair.
- Carol’s daughter fortifying shampoo: is a sulfate and paraben free shampoo that cleanses and strengthens 4b hair.
Best Conditioner for 4B Hair
The best conditioners for 4b hair include:
- Shea moisture strengthen and restore conditioner: is a great conditioner for 4b hair because it contains ingredients like shea butter and castor oil, that provide maximum moisture and leave the hair soft.
- The mane choice conditioner: simplifies the detangling process and helps to hydrate and restore moisture in 4b hair.
- Monday moisture conditioner: is a richly formulated conditioner that glides through 4b hair easily and makes it easy to detangle.
Best Leave-in Conditioner for 4B Hair
The best leave-in conditioners for 4b hair include:
- As I am leave-in conditioner: is an affordable and lightweight leave-in conditioner that nourishes 4b hair and helps to define its curls. It is sulfate and paraben free and contains rich ingredients like shea butter and green tea extract that have great benefits on 4b hair.
- Pattern beauty leave in conditioner: is a rich and creamy leave in conditioner that helps to soften 4b hair and provide intense moisture for it.
- Aunt Jackie’s curls and coils leave in conditioner: is a great leave-in conditioner that moisturizes 4b hair without leaving it greasy. It is an intensive treatment that leaves the hair moisturized for an extended period of time.
Best Moisturizer for 4B Hair
The best moisturizers for 4b hair include:
- Whipped Shea butter: the most affordable moisturizer for 4b hair is whipped shea butter, because you can find it close to you and make it yourself. Whipped shea butter is great for 4b hair because it keeps the hair moisturized but not weighed down. It also reduces hair breakage and increases elasticity.
- Camille Rose curl love moisture milk: is a great moisturizer for 4b hair because it contains ingredients like rice milk, and avocado oil, that help to provide moisture and soften the hair. It also has a mild floral scent that’s refreshing.
- Mielle hawaiian ginger moisturizing hair butter: is a hydrating moisturizer that locks in moisture on 4b hair.
4B Hairstyles - How to Style 4B Hair
Some common 4b hairstyles include: ponytails, wash and go, afro puffs, and braids. Most 4b hairstyles are usually versatile, low maintenance and show the beautiful texture of 4c coils.
Side Ponytail
A side ponytail is a hairstyle where the hair is gathered into a side position on the head, and secured into a ponytail. The ponytail can also either be braided or have a weave attached to it. braidedA side ponytail is very easy to do and very convenient to wear. Getting a side ponytail is a great way to switch up a regular ponytail without doing too much. The disadvantages of a side ponytail is that it may get uncomfortable due to its position and it may not be suitable for people with shorter 4b hair.
The image below shows a side ponytail hairstyle.
@ange_liah/Instagram
Wash and Go
A wash and go is a hairstyle that involves applying styling products to your hair after washing and leaving the hair as it is without further manipulation. A wash and go is a great hairstyle that allows for you to show off your natural hair effortlessly. A major set back of wearing a wash and go is that it may not last long, especially when products without strong hold are used.
The image below shows a wash and go hairstyle.
@hermanthaa.I/Instagram
Messy Pineapple
A messy pineapple refers to a hairstyle that involves loosely gathering the hair to a top position, and allowing the curls to fall loosely forward to form a pineapple shape. A messy pineapple is an easy and effort hairstyle for people with 4b hair to try with their hair.To enhance the messy look, you can drop some curl strands either at the sides or back of the head. Getting a messy pineapple hairstyle on type 4b hair does not really have any drawbacks as it is a fun and relaxed hairstyle.
The image below shows a messy pineapple hairstyle.
@cedesecrets/instagram
Pan-African Style
A pan-African hairstyle is any hairstyle that has patterns and designs, inspired by the african culture. Pan-African hairstyles usually have unique and extraordinary designs that show off the beautiful texture of kinky hair. Braids, cornrows and afros are usually incorporated into Pan-African hairstyles. Pan-African styles do not really have drawbacks but some things to consider are: they may require experienced professionals and can take time to achieve.
The image below shows a Pan-African hairstyle.
@slayedinbrsids/instagram
Afro Puffs
Afro puffs involve creating two or more sections on the hair and gathering each section into puffs. The afro puffs can be positioned on any side of the head. Afro puffs are very easy to do and a beautiful way to wear 4b afro hair. Afro puffs can cause tension and and damage 4b hair, if the puffs are secured too tightly.
The image below shows afro puffs.
@_iamlenn/instagram
4B vs 4C Hair Types
4b and 4c hair have tight coil patterns but 4c hair type has a tighter coil pattern than 4b hair. 4c hair also has a higher density and is more prone to shrinkage compared to 4b hair. Both 4b hair and 4c hair types have a kinky and coarse texture.
For more info, see our full guide on Type 4B Hair.
4B vs 4A Hair Types
4b hair is less defined and goes at a sharper angle than 4a hair type. 4b hair is also more tightly packed and has a smaller diameter compared to 4a hair. 4b hair type has a z shape like coil pattern while 4a has a looser s shaped pattern. On the hand, 4b and 4a hair are both voluminous and have a natural curl pattern.
For more info, see our full guide on Type 4A Hair.
Can you Change 4B to 4A Hair?
4b cannot be changed to 4a hair type. Both 4b and 4a hair types have different curl patterns that are shaped differently. Although, it is possible to have a combination of both coil patterns on your head.