Type 4C Coily Hair: Haircare, Identification, and Hairstyles

4C hair is characterized by extremely tight, coiled curls that spiral intricately to form a distinct curl pattern. Among the most common hair types found globally, 4C hair occurs frequently in individuals of African descent across different ethnicities, nationalities, genders and backgrounds. Its tightly wound coils resemble small corkscrews, creating captivating textures full of versatility and resilience when properly maintained.

Caring for 4C hair requires deep conditioning, gentle handling, and regular use of moisturizing products containing natural ingredients like shea butter and aloe vera. This helps nourish the curls and maintain vibrancy. 

When worn naturally, 4C hair allows for creative styling that honors cultural tradition worldwide. For example, its signature coil structure results in defined twist outs that add shape and volume. 

Despite its delicate coil texture, 4C hair displays beauty and appeal across many diverse communities through styles like faux locs, knotless braids, and stretched out afros that showcase the versatility of 4C curls when properly maintained.

What is Type 4C Hair?

Type 4C hair features the tightest curl pattern within the Type 4 hair category. Its structure consists of densely packed coils that twist and spiral to form intricate shapes resembling tiny corkscrews or spirals. The curls have a fine, delicate texture yet with defined curl formation.

Also referred to as "4C coils" or "coily curls", this hair type follows no distinct wave or curl pattern. Instead, the tight coils turn and curve giving a cloud-like volume when grown out. Individual strand thickness varies from fine to medium. With proper care, the strands showcase high density and remarkable resilience by retaining moisture well.

Type 4C Hair Pattern

The 4C hair pattern consists of tightly coiled ringlets that form intricate, well-defined corkscrews and spirals. Unlike wavy hair types, 4C strands lack a uniform curl pattern and instead each coil twists independently. This creates a cloud-shaped volume rather than smooth S-shaped curls.

The coil size is very tight, with some spirals smaller than a fingertip. Shape-wise, 4C hair forms cylindrical coils wrapping around themselves resembling springs. The coils may be elongated corkscrews or condensed zig-zagged crimps depending on curl size. This differs from looser curl patterns like 3C hair featuring waved S-shaped locks.

When wet, 4C hair pattern becomes elongated as water weighs down the coils temporarily. As it dries, the coils then condense and shrink upwards, reducing up to 75% of the stretched length. This shrinkage is greater than other curl types. Humidity also expands the coils making them frizzy until moisture is restored. Proper deep conditioning helps maintain springy coil integrity. 

Type 4C Hair Texture

Texture refers to attributes of individual strands like thickness, density, and overall feel. By contrast, pattern describes curl formation - the shape and dimensions of the coils and waves. For 4C hair, texture is characterized by fine, delicate strands with typical widths ranging from 0.02 mm to 0.06 mm per strand. Yet the overall density is high, forming a voluminous cloud of tightly packed coils.

Properly hydrated, 4C hair maintains notable elasticity for a highly coiled texture. When conditioning routines lapse, the delicate strands may feel dry and brittle losing definition. This moisture dependence further distinguishes the 4C texture from other curl types.

For example, Type 3 hair features flowing, smooth texture across wavier locks typically thicker than 0.06 mm per strand. The curls cascade down easily. By contrast, distinctive shrinkage and fragility define 4C hair's soft texture which transforms dramatically based on moisture levels. While the tight coil pattern shapes and bolsters curls, the fine, cottony feel requires specialized care to reach maximum fullness and elasticity.

What does 4C Hair Look Like?

Visually, 4C hair appears as a dense cloud of intricate, narrow coils wrapping tightly around themselves. The texture looks soft and fro-like rather than wiry when properly hydrated. Individual strand thickness ranges from fine to medium, with typical widths of 0.02-0.06mm per curl. This gives an airy yet defined texture.

The distinguishing coil pattern consists of spirals, zigzags, and wave-like corkscrews intertwining to form complex shapes. Curl pattern dimensions reduce significantly when dry, with wet to dry shrinkage of up to 75%. Coil sizes span a wide range from tiny fractal-like ringlets less than 0.5 inches long to springy S-spirals over 3 inches when stretched.

4C hair occurs in diverse colors and lengths. From warm black and shades of brown to blonde and red hues, the coil texture blends smoothly across the color spectrum. Length ranges from short crops to waist-length manes when weighted down pre-shrinkage. The versatility of 4C curls allows for poppable volume regardless of color or growth stage.

Type 4C Haircare Routine - How to Manage 4C Hair

Caring for 4C hair requires a gentle, hydrating regimen focused on moisture retention and curl protection. Key elements include:

Use heat protectant - Heat exposure can severely damage the fine 4C hair strands by stripping away moisture leading to extreme dryness and breakage over time. Heat protectant sprays and serums help reduce cuticle damage when using hot tools.

Detangle gently - Aggressive detangling stresses and pulls the springy coils risking extensive breakage. Finger detangling, wide tooth combs, and proper conditioning allow safe, gentle curl separation.

Comb hair with care - Wide-tooth combs with seamless tips are ideal for combing 4C hair when conditioned and wet. This minimizes mechanical damage to the fragile curl pattern that can occur when forcing a fine comb through dry, tangled hair.

Be gentle with your curls - Light, low-tension styling preserves the natural integrity of the springy coils protecting against distortion or loosening. 

Use Deep conditioning - Intense protein and moisture treatments revive brittle strands and hydrate 4C hair from within the cortex outwards. This restores elasticity combatting dryness, knots and shrinkage.

Moisturize regularly - Consistent hydration preserves suppleness and minimizes shriveling or tangling, protecting the delicate curl structure. 

Use a moisturizing shampoo - Cleansing too aggressively strips natural oils, so mild, moisturizing shampoos prevent depleting moisture. 

Avoid high manipulation hairstyles - Tight braids, weaves, twists and cornrows strain the delicate curl pattern. This constant tension damages the follicle and causes hair loss over time..

Cover your hair at night - Silk wraps, bonnets and pillowcases prevent friction and breakage overnight letting curls rest undisturbed.

Get regular trims - Trimming splits every 8-12 weeks promotes healthy hair growth by cutting damaged ends.

Use Hair Cleanser - Utilizing a clarifying or sulfate-free cleanser removes product buildup, keeping hair and scalp clean without stripping natural oils.

Use Hair Moisturizer - Applying a leave-in moisturizer between washes adds moisture without weighing down curls.

Keep Your Scalp Healthy - Maintaining a clean and healthy scalp through regular cleansing and massaging promotes optimal hair growth and reduces scalp issues.

Try Heavier Hair Products - Using products with richer formulations provides added moisture and manageability, reducing frizz and enhancing curl definition.

How Often Should 4C Hair Be Washed?

4C hair should be washed once every 7-14 days. Washing too frequently strips away vital oils and moisture leading to dryness. An extended wash routine of up to 2 weeks allows the delicate curls time to replenish nutrients between cleaning.

This less frequent cleansing approach helps maintain the right protein-moisture balance so crucial for retaining the springy coiled texture. It prevents the coils from drying out and getting brittle over time. Using a gentle moisturizing shampoo like Shea Moisture Restorative Conditioner cleanses buildup without parching strands. This keeps the 4C pattern nourished, defined and healthy.

How to Define 4C Curly Hair?

To define 4C curls, use a thick curl cream like Cantu Coconut Curling Cream or a styling custard like EcoStyler Argan Oil Gel. Apply to soaking wet hair section-by-section after shampooing and conditioning. Let the product soak in for 5 minutes before gently detangling with fingers or a wide-tooth comb. Allow hair to air dry or diffuse gently with medium heat.

These heavy moisturizers provide long-lasting curl definition by coating the fine 4C strands to lock in hydration. As coils shrink and condense, the product helps spring them back, separating each spiral while reducing frizz. This reveals the distinctive 4C pattern. Lighter gels get absorbed too fast into thirsty coils. Butters and custards better quench and shape the delicate curls all day. Their thicker consistency offers frizz protection too. This makes them uniquely effective for showcasing bouncy 4C texture.

How to Keep 4C Hair Moisturized?

To keep 4C hair moisturized, focus on water-based hydration combined with sealing in moisture. After shampooing, apply a moisturizing hair mask like Shea Moisture Manuka Honey & Yogurt Hydrate + Repair Protein Power Treatment. Let it soak 5-10 minutes before rinsing. Next, layer on a leave-in conditioner like Kinky Curly Knot Today. Then seal everything in with an oil like Carol’s Daughter Black Vanilla Moisture & Shine Oil.

This hydration sandwich approach first deposits water-based moisture deep into strands. The leave-in conditioner then binds those water molecules within the hair cortex. Finally, the oil creates a protective seal minimizing moisture loss through evaporation. This keeps the 4C coils nourished longer. The proteins in the hair mask also reinforce elasticity to energize springy ringlets. Using all three products creates an optimal moisture reserve.

How to Grow 4C Hair Faster and Longer?

To grow 4C hair faster and longer focus on protective styling, low manipulation, and regular trims. Keeping strands tucked away Safely reduces snags and splits from friction and overhandling. Styles like sew-ins, wig caps, and silk wraps shield fragile curls. Finger detangling and loose braids also minimize breakage between wash days.

Getting a dusting every 8-12 weeks snip away ragged ends before they travel up the hair shaft. This enables healthier longer growth. Using rice water rinses and growth serums like The Mane Choice Green Tea & Carrot Oil Biotin Infused Scalp Stimulating Growth Serum provide an added boost. The nutrients penetrate the follicle encouraging thicker, faster growth so 4C hair can bloom to its full length potential.

How is 4C Hair Affected by Water?

Water causes temporary elongation in 4C hair. The moisture weighs down the lightweight coils stretching them out. This allows for easier detangling and styling when wet. However, as the water evaporates the curls shrink upwards again, constricting up to 75% of their wet length.

This extreme shrinkage can tighten coils to the point of tangling. Using a leave-in conditioner after shampooing ensures some moisture remains bound within the strands after drying. This maintains definition and softness. Drying hair gently with a microfiber towel instead of terrycloth also minimizes friction preserving elongated curls longer. Setting wet hair in twists, braids or flexi rod curls also helps establish shape combatting shrinkage.

How is 4C Hair Affected by Blow Drying? 

Blow drying causes extreme dryness and breakage in 4C hair. The concentrated direct heat frays the delicate strands, extracting moisture from the cortex outwards. This leads to parched, brittle coils prone to tangling and snapped ends.

To avoid blow dryer damage, always use a heat protectant beforehand like Tresemme Thermal Creations Heat Tamer Spray. Opt for gentler drying methods instead letting hair air dry or diffuse at medium speed to preserve elasticity. When heat styling is necessary, use the cool shot button to seal cuticles limiting dehydration. 

Also incorporate bonding treatments like Olaplex No. 3 Repairing Treatment to reinforce strands internally against thermal stress. Proper deep conditioning post-heat will help restore some suppleness

How is 4C Hair Affected by Diffusers?

Diffusers define and separate 4C curls beautifully thanks to the wide-tooth prongs and gentle, dispersed air flow. The attachment encapsulates all angles of coiled ringlets as it dries guiding coils into place rather than blasting them straight open.

Using low, medium heat settings prevents moisture loss while supporting curl formation. Cupping curls gently to root area first before hovering all around shapes definition and elongation with minimal frizz. The tension-free approach keeps springy coils from reverting too extremely.

To maximize results, apply a nickel-sized amount of curl cream before diffusing. This helps the coils hold their enhanced shape. Using a heat protectant is still advised to nourish strands, and incorporate a cool shot blast at the end to fortify cuticles.

Best Haircare Products for 4C Hair

The most essential haircare products for managing 4C curls include:

Moisturizing Shampoos and Conditioners - Cleansing routines require ultra-hydrating formulas like Camille Rose Sweet Ginger Cleanser and TGIN Miracle RepaiRx Curl Protein Reconstructing Conditioner. These restore moisture and reinforce curl structure.

Leave-In Conditioners - Lightweight, water-based hydrators like Kinky Curly Knot Today Leave-In Detangler provide interior moisture retention between washes.

Hair Butters and Creams - Thick curl definers like Cantu Shea Butter Leave-In Conditioning Cream form a protective seal preventing dryness. The emollient coats strands in fatty acids and vitamins.

Hair Gels and Custards - Denman Brush Natural Styling Custard defines curls with firm yet flexible hold to maintain coil formation as hair dries.

Oils and Serums - Natural oils like avocado, grapeseed, and jojoba nourishindividual strands keeping the delicate texture resilient. Argan oil-infused serums boost shine too.

The right formulations hydrate, nourish, define, and protect precisely tailored to 4C hair's thirsty density and porousness. This helps it reach its glorious natural potential.

Best Shampoo for 4C Hair

One of the best shampoos for 4C hair is SheaMoisture Manuka Honey & Yogurt Hydrate + Repair Protein Power Treatment. This ultra-hydrating cleanser is ideal for 4C curls because:

• It contains manuka honey, yogurt, and mafura oil to attract and seal in moisture while gently removing buildup. This prevents strands drying out.

• The formula includes baobab protein and amino acids to reinforce elasticity from within repairing any hydral fatigue. This maintains springy curl integrity.

• It cleanses hair and scalp thoroughly yet gently without sulfates that strip away natural oils. A balanced scalp and strand environment optimizes the health of fragile 4C coils.

The Manuka Honey shampoo's rich lather targets fragile, dehydration-prone curls with the precise blend of hydration, nourishment, and restoration this curl type requires. The ingredients replenish protein and moisture levels simultaneously for bouncy, defined curls.

Best Conditioner for 4C Hair

When it comes to finding the ideal conditioner for 4C hair, many experts recommend the SheaMoisture Manuka Honey & Yogurt Hydrate + Repair Conditioner. Here are a few reasons why it is considered the recommended product:

• This conditioner is formulated with manuka honey, yogurt, and mafura oil, providing intense hydration to 4C hair. These ingredients work together to attract and seal in moisture, preventing the strands from drying out and promoting overall hair health.

• The inclusion of baobab protein and amino acids helps reinforce elasticity from within. This is crucial for repairing any hydral fatigue in 4C curls, ensuring they maintain their springy curl integrity.

• The conditioner cleanses the hair and scalp thoroughly without the use of sulfates, which can strip away natural oils. This gentle cleansing approach helps maintain a balanced scalp and strand environment, optimizing the health of fragile 4C coils.

Best Leave-in Conditioner for 4C Hair

For 4C hair, a highly recommended leave-in conditioner is the Cantu Shea Butter Leave-In Conditioning Repair Cream. Here are several reasons why it stands out as a top choice:

• Cantu's Leave-In Conditioning Repair Cream is enriched with pure shea butter, which deeply moisturizes and nourishes 4C hair. This is essential for preventing dryness and promoting overall hair health, as shea butter is known for its excellent moisturizing properties.

• The formula includes ingredients like silk amino acids and natural oils, working together to strengthen and protect the hair. This is particularly beneficial for 4C curls, which can be prone to breakage. The leave-in conditioner helps fortify the hair shaft, reducing the risk of damage and promoting resilience.

• This leave-in conditioner not only provides moisture and strength but also softens the hair and adds a healthy shine. The combination of shea butter and other nourishing ingredients helps 4C hair become more manageable, making it easier to style while enhancing its natural luster.

Best Moisturizer for 4C Hair

When it comes to moisturizing 4C hair, the Shea Moisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen & Restore Leave-In Conditioner is highly recommended. Here are a few reasons why it's considered the ideal product:

• This leave-in conditioner is formulated with Jamaican Black Castor Oil, shea butter, and peppermint, providing intensive hydration to 4C hair. These ingredients work together to moisturize and nourish the hair, helping to combat dryness and promote overall hair health.

• The Jamaican Black Castor Oil in the formula is known for its strengthening properties. It helps fortify the hair strands, reducing breakage and promoting resilience. This is particularly beneficial for 4C hair, which can be prone to brittleness.

• In addition to castor oil, the conditioner contains other nourishing ingredients like shea butter and peppermint. Shea butter provides essential moisture, while peppermint stimulates the scalp, promoting a healthy environment for hair growth.

Best Curl Defining Gel for Type 4C Hair

A highly recommended curl defining gel for Type 4C hair is the Eco Styler Black Castor & Flaxseed Oil Gel. Here are several reasons why it is considered an excellent choice:

• The Eco Styler Gel provides a strong hold, which is crucial for defining and maintaining the shape of Type 4C curls. The gel helps to keep the curls in place without causing stiffness or flakiness, resulting in a long-lasting and defined curl pattern.

• Infused with black castor oil and flaxseed oil, this gel not only defines curls but also nourishes the hair. Black castor oil is known for its moisturizing and strengthening properties, while flaxseed oil helps promote overall hair health. The combination of these ingredients contributes to well-defined, hydrated, and healthy-looking curls.

• Frizz Control: Type 4C hair often experiences frizz, and the Eco Styler Gel is effective in controlling frizz and maintaining a sleek appearance. The gel helps to seal the hair cuticle, reducing moisture loss and preventing frizz, resulting in a polished and defined curl style.

Best Wash and Go Gel for Type 4C Hair

For achieving a defined and easy wash-and-go style on Type 4C hair, the Camille Rose Naturals Curl Maker stands out as a highly recommended product. Here are a few reasons why it's considered an excellent choice:

•  The Curl Maker is enriched with natural ingredients such as marshmallow and agave leaf extract, providing intense hydration to Type 4C hair. This hydration is crucial for defining curls and promoting a well-moisturized and bouncy wash-and-go style.

• This gel offers a flexible hold, allowing for natural movement of the curls. It helps define and shape the curls without leaving them stiff or crunchy, resulting in a more natural and comfortable feel.

• Type 4C hair is prone to frizz, especially in humid conditions. The Curl Maker helps control frizz, providing a smooth and sleek finish to the wash-and-go style. The formulation works to seal the hair cuticle, reducing moisture loss and minimizing frizz throughout the day.

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Best Strong Hold Gel for Wash and Go Hair

For Type 4C hair seeking a strong hold for wash-and-go styles, the Ouidad Advanced Climate Control Heat & Humidity Gel is a highly recommended product. Here are a few reasons why it stands out as an excellent choice:

• This gel is specifically designed to combat frizz in humid conditions. It creates a shield against moisture, preventing frizz and maintaining a sleek and defined look. For Type 4C hair, which can be prone to frizz, this is crucial for a long-lasting and polished style.

• The Advanced Climate Control Gel provides a strong and long-lasting hold, ensuring that the defined curls achieved during the wash-and-go process stay intact throughout the day. This is particularly beneficial for those who prefer styles with maximum hold and structure.

• Formulated with anti-humidity technology, the gel helps resist the adverse effects of heat and humidity on the hair. This makes it an excellent choice for individuals with Type 4C hair, as it ensures the style remains intact even in challenging weather conditions.

4C Hairstyles - How to Style 4C Hair

Here are some popular hairstyles and how to achieve them for 4C hair:

What and Go:

A what and go style is leaving 4C hair in its natural state after washing and conditioning. The hair is loosely picked out or finger-combed into a voluminous, undefined afro look. It allows the hair's natural texture to shine through.

Benefits: Quick and easy styling. Showcases natural volume and coils.

Drawbacks: Can lack definition or shape. Requires confident wearing of natural texture.

Twist Out:

Twist outs involve twisting 4C hair while damp and allowing to air dry or sit overnight before unraveling. This creates springy, defined curls and coils. The hair has lots of body and movement.

To do a twist out, apply your favorite curl cream or moisturizer to freshly washed and conditioned 4C hair. Twist sections of hair while still damp, making twists small for defined curls or larger for waves. Let air dry completely then unravel the twists, separating the curls with your fingers to maximize volume.

Benefits: Defined curls add shape and style. Bouncy and voluminous look.

Drawbacks: Can have some frizz. Maintaining definition requires twisting frequently.

Faux Locs:

Faux locs are a protective style where synthetic hair extensions are wrapped around the natural hair to create locs that resemble dreadlocks. This gives length, fullness and a carefree, Bohemian look.

Use a latch hook to pull your natural hair through the loop of a faux loc extension matched to your hair color. Wrap the extension hair around your natural hair to begin forming the loc. Repeat down sections, keeping parts tidy. Use holding spray to secure the extensions. Style as desired.

Benefits: Low maintenance, lasts 6-8 weeks. Protects natural hair. Fun, versatile style.

Drawbacks: Handling the extensions can damage natural hair if not done properly. Can be heavy.

Knotless Box Braid Bun:

Knotless braids are installed into a high, voluminous bun shape at the crown of the head. This style is elegant, polished and mimics the look of a bun but with added fullness and texture.

Use extensions without knots or bulk at the roots. Braid down sections using the underhand method. Dip ends in hot water to seal, then gather braids into a voluminous updo and secure with pins. Can also wear braids loose or half-up.

Benefits: Chic, put-together look. Protective style maintains moisture.

Drawbacks: Time and cost of installation. Can feel tight on scalp.

Stretched Out Afro:

This involves blowing out or stretching the 4C hair while damp to elongate the curls for a voluminous, rounded afro shape stretched to its max length.

Apply a heat protectant then blow dry hair in sections, stretching curls downwards gently. Use a round brush to smooth and further elongate. Shape into a rounded afro silhouette.

Benefits: Allows length to be seen by stretching shrinkage. Body and volume.

Drawbacks: Takes regular heat styling. Can cause breakage if overstretched.

4C vs 4B Hair Types

How Are They Different?

• Coil Pattern:
• 4B Hair: Characterized by a "Z" pattern, 4B hair has a tighter curl pattern compared to 4C. The curls may form a sharp angle like the letter "Z," creating a less defined curl pattern.
• 4C Hair: 4C hair has a more intricate and tightly coiled pattern with minimal definition. The curls may appear more compact and densely packed, resembling a tighter coil.
• Curl Definition:
• 4B Hair: 4B hair often forms looser curls that may be more visible when stretched, resulting in a more defined pattern compared to 4C.
• 4C Hair: 4C hair tends to have a high shrinkage factor, and the curls may appear less defined in their natural state, requiring specific styling techniques for enhanced definition.
• Texture and Strand Size:
• 4B Hair: Generally characterized by a medium to fine texture, 4B hair strands may have a zigzag pattern and a softer feel.
• 4C Hair: 4C hair can have a finer or coarser texture, and the strands may zigzag or curl tightly, giving a unique feel and appearance.
• Versatility in Styling:
• 4B Hair: 4B hair is known for its versatility, allowing for various styling options, including defined curls, twist outs, and braided styles.
• 4C Hair: While also versatile, 4C hair may require more care and specific techniques for styling due to its tightly coiled nature.

How Are They Similar?

• Tight Curl Patterns:
• Both 4B and 4C hair types share the characteristic of tight curl patterns, showcasing the beauty of natural curls.
• Shrinkage:
• Both hair types experience significant shrinkage. When wet, the hair may appear longer, but as it dries, it shrinks, giving the appearance of shorter hair.
• Natural Volume:
• Both 4B and 4C hair types exhibit natural volume, providing a full and voluminous appearance.
• Moisture Retention Challenges:
• Both hair types may face challenges in retaining moisture due to the nature of their tightly coiled patterns. Proper moisture and hydration are essential for maintaining healthy hair.
• Prone to Breakage:
• The tight curl patterns make both 4B and 4C hair types more prone to breakage, emphasizing the importance of gentle handling and proper care.

4C vs 3C Hair Types

How Are They Different?

• Curl Pattern:
• 4C Hair: Characterized by a tight and densely packed coil pattern, 4C hair has the smallest and tightest curls among all hair types. The curls may appear more compact and less defined.
• 3C Hair: 3C hair has a looser curl pattern with well-defined curls that range from spiral to ringlet shapes. The curls are larger and more visible compared to the tight coils of 4C hair.
• Texture and Thickness:
• 4C Hair: 4C hair can have a finer or coarser texture and may vary in thickness. The strands often have a zigzag or tightly coiled pattern, contributing to a unique texture.
• 3C Hair: 3C hair typically has a finer texture with well-defined curls. The strands are more uniform in thickness compared to the varied texture of 4C hair.
• Shrinkage:
• 4C Hair: 4C hair experiences significant shrinkage, and the curls may appear much shorter in their natural state than when stretched.
• 3C Hair: While 3C hair also experiences shrinkage, it may not be as pronounced as in 4C hair, allowing for more visible length in its natural state.
• Styling Versatility:
• 4C Hair: Styling 4C hair often requires specific techniques to enhance curl definition. Styles like twist outs, braids, or protective styles are common.
• 3C Hair: 3C hair is more versatile in terms of styling options, as the well-defined curls allow for various looks, including wash and go styles, twist outs, and braid-outs.

How Are They Similar?

• Natural Curl Patterns:
• Both 4C and 3C hair types share the characteristic of having natural curls. While the tightness and size of the curls differ, they both showcase the beauty of natural curl patterns.
• Volume:
• Both hair types exhibit natural volume. The curls contribute to a full and voluminous appearance, adding dimension to the hair.
• Texture Variability:
• Both 4C and 3C hair types can exhibit variability in texture. While 4C hair may have a mix of finer and coarser strands, 3C hair can have variations in curl size within its defined pattern.
• Moisture Retention Challenges:
• Both hair types may face challenges in retaining moisture due to the nature of their curly patterns. Adequate moisture and hydration are crucial for maintaining healthy hair.

4C vs 4A Hair Types

How Are They Different?

• Curl Pattern:
• 4C Hair: Characterized by a tight and densely packed coil pattern, 4C hair has the smallest and tightest curls among all hair types. The curls are often more zigzag-shaped and less defined.
• 4A Hair: 4A hair has a defined curl pattern with well-formed curls that are larger and looser compared to 4C hair. The curls are more visible and have a consistent S-shaped pattern.
• Texture and Thickness:
• 4C Hair: 4C hair can have a finer or coarser texture and may vary in thickness. The strands often have a zigzag or tightly coiled pattern, contributing to a unique texture.
• 4A Hair: 4A hair typically has a fine to medium texture with curls that are more uniform in size. The strands are less tightly coiled compared to 4C hair.
• Shrinkage:
• 4C Hair: Experiences significant shrinkage, and the curls may appear much shorter in their natural state than when stretched.
• 4A Hair: Also experiences shrinkage, but it may not be as pronounced as in 4C hair, allowing for more visible length in its natural state.
• Styling Versatility:
• 4C Hair: Styling 4C hair often requires specific techniques to enhance curl definition. Styles like twist outs, braids, or protective styles are common.
• 4A Hair: 4A hair is versatile and can be styled in various ways, including wash and go styles, twist outs, and braid-outs. The more defined curls provide flexibility in styling.

How Are They Similar?

• Natural Curl Patterns:
• Both 4C and 4A hair types share the characteristic of having natural curls. While the tightness and size of the curls differ, they both showcase the beauty of natural curl patterns.
• Volume:
• Both hair types exhibit natural volume. The curls contribute to a full and voluminous appearance, adding dimension to the hair.
• Texture Variability:
• Both 4C and 4A hair types can exhibit variability in texture. While 4C hair may have a mix of finer and coarser strands, 4A hair can have variations in curl size within its defined pattern.
• Moisture Retention Challenges:
• Both hair types may face challenges in retaining moisture due to the nature of their curly patterns. Adequate moisture and hydration are crucial for maintaining healthy hair.

For more info, see our full guide on Type 4A Hair.

Can you Change 4C to 4A Hair?

It is not really possible to permanently change your natural hair texture from 4C to 4A. Hair type is genetically determined by the shape of the hair follicle, and this cannot be altered. However, certain styles and products can help 4C hair appear with looser curl patterns temporarily.

Pros of trying to achieve a 4A look:

• Using specific techniques like twist outs or braid outs on 4C hair can help the coils clump together in a more elongated, defined curl pattern reminiscent of 4A hair.
• Some chemical processing like relaxers or texturizers can loosen the tight 4C coil pattern to mimic a looser curl temporarily.
• Stretching the coils elongation with blow drying can reveal a bit more curl clump than the shrinkage of 4C hair allows.

Cons:

• Chemically altering texture contains risks like damage or breakage. It is temporary and will grow out.
• Heat styling too frequently to elongate the 4C coils can cause damage over time.
• You may lose the benefits and versatility of your natural 4C texture.
• Styling efforts to mimic 4A hair require very frequent upkeep.