The Best Tips for Type 4A, 4B, and 4C Curls

If you have Type 4 hair, you know that while it can be incredibly beautiful, it also comes with its own set of unique challenges. Whether your curls are soft and springy (4A), wiry and zigzagged (4B), or tightly coiled (4C), caring for them requires a thoughtful approach. At Livara, we’re passionate about empowering our community to embrace their natural hair texture with confidence. In this guide, we’ll share essential haircare tips that will help you keep your curls healthy, vibrant, and thriving.

Understanding Type 4 Curls

Type 4 hair is characterized by its tight coils and can range from soft and defined to wiry and dense. Each subtype has its distinct features:

• Type 4A: Soft, springy curls with a defined “S” pattern that are easily stretched.
• Type 4B: Wiry, zigzagged strands that are less defined and more prone to shrinkage.
• Type 4C: Tightly coiled, thick curls that are the most fragile and prone to shrinkage.

Understanding these differences is crucial for selecting the right products and techniques to keep your curls healthy and thriving.

1. Cleansing with Care

Frequency: For Type 4 hair, shampooing every 1-2 weeks is generally sufficient. Over-washing can strip your hair of its natural oils, leading to dryness and breakage.

Shampoo Selection: Choose a sulfate-free, moisturizing shampoo like the Livara Sapphire Shampoo that gently cleanses your scalp without stripping your hair. Avoid shampoos containing harsh detergents or alcohols, which can dry out your curls.

Technique: When washing, use lukewarm water to prevent moisture loss. Apply the shampoo to your scalp and gently massage it in, allowing the foam from the soap to cleanse the lengths of your hair as you rinse. Avoid scrubbing vigorously, as this can cause pain to your scalp. Also avoid scrubbing with your finger nails, as this can result in micro tears and possible scalp infections.

2. Deep Conditioning: A Must for Moisture

Deep conditioning is a game-changer for Type 4 hair. It helps replenish moisture, improve elasticity, and keep your curls looking their best.

How to Deep Condition:

• Choose the Right Product: Look for deep conditioners that are rich in moisturizing ingredients like shea butter, olive oil, avocado oil, or honey. These ingredients help nourish and hydrate your curls.
• Apply Generously: After shampooing, apply a generous amount of deep conditioner to your damp hair, focusing on the ends (tips), where dryness is most common.
• Use Heat for Better Absorption: For maximum effectiveness, cover your hair with a plastic cap and cover with a warm towel or sit under a hooded dryer with a gentle heat setting. This helps open the cuticles and allows the conditioner to penetrate deeply.
• Leave It On: Allow the deep conditioner to sit for at least 20-30 minutes. If your hair is particularly dry, you can leave it on longer.
• Rinse Thoroughly: Rinse your hair with cool water to close the cuticles and lock in moisture.

3. Keeping Your Hair Soft and Manageable

To make Type 4 hair feel softer and more manageable, focus on hydration and gentle handling.

1. Regular Moisturization: Incorporate a daily or every-other-day moisturizing routine. Use a lightweight leave-in conditioner or a moisturizing spray like the Tsavorite Moisturizer Spray to keep your hair hydrated.

2. Sealing in Moisture: After applying your leave-in, use a natural oil (like jojoba or argan oil) to seal in that moisture. This step is crucial for preventing dryness and enhancing softness.

3. Gentle Handling: Be gentle when styling and detangling your hair. Use a wide-tooth comb or your fingers to detangle when your hair is damp with water or coated with leave-in conditioner. This minimizes breakage and keeps your curls intact.

4. Hot Oil Treatments: Incorporate hot oil treatments into your routine to add extra moisture and softness. Warm your favorite oil (such as olive or coconut oil) and apply it to your hair, focusing on the ends. Cover with a plastic cap for at least 30 minutes before rinsing.

4. Embrace Protective Styles

Protective styles are a fantastic way to give your hair a break from daily manipulation while retaining length and moisture.

Types of Protective Styles:

• Box Braids: Individual braids that are parted into small square sections, providing long-lasting protection and versatility in styling.
• Twists: Two strands of hair twisted together, either with your natural hair or using extensions. They can be done in various sizes and lengths.
• Cornrows: Braids that are tightly woven close to the scalp in straight or curved patterns, often worn in intricate designs.
• Bantu Knots: Small sections of hair twisted and wrapped into tight, coiled knots, which can be worn as a style or undone for defined curls.
• Wigs: Full or partial coverings made of synthetic or human hair that completely protect your natural hair while allowing for various looks. To prevent damage to your hairline, avoid using damaging glue to hold down your wig, opt for glue-less wigs.
• Sew-Ins: Hair extensions that are sewn onto braids or a hair net, providing length and fullness while keeping your natural hair tucked away.
• Crochet Styles: A method where hair extensions are looped through cornrows using a crochet hook, allowing for various styles like braids, twists, or curls with minimal manipulation of your natural hair.
• Locs: A style where hair is allowed to mat and lock together over time. They can be started with twists, braids, or by allowing hair to naturally coil. Locs provide long-term protection and require low maintenance once established.

Giving Your Hair a Break:

• Rotate Your Styles: Avoid wearing the same protective style for too long—ideally, keep it in for around 4-6 weeks to prevent stress on your hair. Give your hair a break from the extensions with styles like natural twists between protective hairstyles.
• Keep Your Scalp Healthy: While in a protective style, ensure your scalp remains clean and moisturized. Use a light water-based moisturizer coupled with a natural oil regularly to keep it nourished. Apply the oil in moderation to avoid excessive buildup.

5. Caring for Hair in Protective Styles

Even when your hair is in a protective style, it still needs care and attention.

• Moisturize Regularly: Use a spray bottle filled with water and a few drops of your favorite oil to mist your hair and scalp regularly. This helps keep your hair hydrated and prevents dryness. Alternatively, use a water-based moisturizer like the Tsavorite Moisturizer Spray to keep your scalp and hair in check.
• Avoid Excessive Manipulation: Try not to constantly pull your protective style into styles that are taxing on your edges. This can weaken your hair and cause breakage along the hairline.
• Protect at Night: Use a silk or satin scarf or bonnet to protect your hair while you sleep. This reduces friction and helps maintain moisture.

6. Nighttime Routine

Protective Styles: Wear your hair in loose braids (threes) or twists at night to minimize friction and prevent knots when combing in the morning. Avoid sleeping with your hair out, as this can lead to tangles and breakage.

Silk or Satin: Use a silk or satin pillowcase or wear a silk scarf to reduce friction and maintain moisture. Cotton pillowcases can absorb moisture from your hair, leading to dryness and frizz.

Refreshing: If your style starts to look dull or frizzy, spritz it with a mixture of water and leave-in conditioner to revive your curls.

7. Regular Trims

Schedule Trims When Necessary: Schedule trims to remove split ends and maintain the health of your hair. You can know if you have split ends if your ends have become very tangled and give you a hard time detangling, or if you can physically see the ends of your hair fraying into two or three parts.

Use sharp scissors and carefully snip off just the damaged portion, avoiding cutting too much length.

8. Additional Tips for Healthy Type 4 Hair

• Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to support the health of your hair and scalp.
• Listen to Your Hair: Pay attention to how your hair responds to different products and routines. What works for one person may not work for you, so don’t hesitate to experiment until you find your perfect regimen.

Final Thoughts

Caring for Type 4A, 4B, and 4C curls may require a bit of patience and experimentation, but the results are worth it. Embrace your unique curl pattern and remember that consistency is key. With the right care, your curls can thrive beautifully.

At Livara, we’re here to support you on your hair journey. Celebrate your natural hair and enjoy the process of discovering what makes your curls shine! Remember, you are a GEM.

Sources
Types of Hair: How to Style and Care for Your Hair Type
Your Guide to Caring for 4A Hair
How To Soften Your 4c Hair Without Using Chemicals Or Heat| (4 ways)