Type 4 Hair Guide to Identify Your Curl Type and Treat It Right (2025)

Understand your curl pattern and give your hair what it needs.

Caring for type 4 hair begins with learning about it and understanding how it is textured. With the right products and techniques, you can avoid the frustration of dryness, breakage, and shrinkage. This guide helps you to define your curl type and build a great hair care routine to keep your strands hydrated, defined, and healthy without any unnecessary trial and error.

What Is Type 4 Hair?

You might have heard this hair type being referred to as kinky or coily hair. The curls are tight, ranging from very soft, springy texture to very dense, zigzag-shaped coils. It’s naturally dry – because of the curvy shape of these curls, the oils from the scalp do not flow freely down the coils. Translating from the curl language, “Moisturizing is a top priority.”

This hair type has three subcategories: 4A, 4B, and 4C. What’s the difference between 4A, 4B, and 4C curl types? 4A shows defined S-shaped coils; 4B forms tighter, less uniform bends; and 4C is characterized by the tightest curl pattern and has minimal definition.

Most people have a combination of these textures on one head. The goal is to figure out the type of hair you mainly have so you can care for it properly. Knowing your type helps you to choose the right products and hair regimen to give your coils the TLC they deserve.

4A Hair Type

Do your curls form tight, S-shaped coils? Is the curl pattern defined without needing a lot of product? Is your hair soft to the touch and easy to detangle when wet? Chances are your hair type is 4A.

These curls are small, but they are well-defined and trap moisture better than 4B or 4C curls. Still, extra moisture is needed to keep the hair from drying out. Generally, this type of hair feels smooth, has a fine to medium density, and is quite easy to style. But because the coils are tight, they tend to shrink and tangle if not taken care of.

4A Hair Care Tips

Keeping 4A hair healthy means balancing moisture, definition, and protection. Since the curl pattern naturally holds some hydration, the goal is to maintain it rather than constantly replenish what’s lost. A good routine includes gentle cleansing, deep conditioning, and styling methods that reduce breakage.

Wash Gently

Use a sulfate-free shampoo or co-wash to clean without stripping moisture. Washing every 7-10 days maintains hydration and keeps buildup under control.

Deep Condition Regularly

A rich, penetrating conditioner with shea butter or avocado oil can give your strands the sought-after softness and flexibility. Leave it on for 20–30 minutes with mild heat (think a warm towel) for maximum result.

Detangle with Care

Finger detangling or using a wide-tooth comb with a slippery conditioner prevents unnecessary breakage. Start from the ends and work your way up to avoid tugging at knots.

Lock In Moisture

The LOC method (liquid, oil, cream) helps to retain moisture. Lightweight leave-ins work wonders, but if hair tends to get dry, then a heavier cream will do the trick.

Low-Manipulation Styles

Twisting out, braiding, and wash-and-go styles enhance the curl pattern without excessive pulling. Protective styles like buns and braids keep the ends tucked away, reducing damage.

Trim Regularly

Snipping the ends every few months prevents split ends from traveling up the shaft, keeping the coils bouncy and strong.

On the Plus Side

• Naturally defined curl pattern makes styling easier
• Holds moisture better than other type 4 subtypes
• Works well with a variety of styles, from wash-and-gos to twists.

On the Flip Side

• Can become weighed down if heavy products are used
• Might not hold protective styles as effectively as other type 4 subtypes.

4B Hair Type

Do your curls form tight, zigzag patterns with sharp angles? Does your hair shrink significantly, up to 70% of its actual length? Is your hair densely packed with strands, making it appear thick and full? Then you’re most probably type 4B.

The strands of this hair type bend at sharp angles, resulting in a fluffy, voluminous appearance. While 4B hair is very thick and full, it tends to be very fragile. Thus moisture and gentle handling are necessary in keeping it healthy.

4B Hair Care Tips

Since 4B hair is prone to dryness and breakage, hydration and low-manipulation styling should be the focus. A good routine revolves around moisture retention, gentle detangling, and protective techniques to keep strands strong.

Wash Less Often

This hair type doesn’t get oily as quickly as other hair types. Washing either weekly or biweekly keeps buildup at bay without drying the curls out. Overwashing will just strip your hair of natural oils and lead to breakage.

Pre-Poo

Pre-pooing is a way to prep your hair before you cleanse. Apply an oil or conditioner before shampooing and let it sit for about half an hour to stop shampoo from drying your hair out too much.

Use a Moisturizing Cleanser

Look for moisturizing cleansers specially formulated for curly hair. They typically have low-foam, creamy formulas that provide a lot of slip.

Wash in Sections

To keep your hair from tangling and make washing more manageable, try washing it in sections. This way, each part gets a good clean without all the mess of knots and tangles.

Deep Condition Often

Thick, creamy conditioners with ingredients like aloe vera or grapeseed oil add much-needed moisture. Using a dryer, steamer, or thermal cap can really make a difference.

Go for Stretched Styles

Twist-outs, braid-outs, and banding minimize shrinkage and tangling. Heat-free stretching techniques make styling much easier and less prone to breakage.

On the Plus Side

• Naturally full and voluminous, even without extra styling
• Holds protective styles well and stays in place longer
• Shrinkage allows for a variety of looks, from short to elongated styles.

On the Flip Side

• More prone to dryness and breakage than 4A
• Tangles easily, making detangling time-consuming
• Shrinkage can make it difficult to see the true length without stretching.

4C Hair Type

Do your curls form very tight, small coils with a zigzag pattern? Does your hair shrink up to 80% or more of its actual length? A lot of volume but minimal curl definition without styling products? Welcome to the 4C hair club!

This subtype carries the most tightly packed curl pattern among all type 4 textures. Often, the coils may totally lack any attempted curl formation, as they bend in tight angles, giving you a fluffy, cotton-like appearance.

This type of hair is highly susceptible to dryness because natural oils find it difficult to coat the strands. While most view 4C hair as delicate, it actually offers more versatility when treated properly, including styles holding longer than looser textures.

4C Hair Care Tips

Because 4C hair is fragile and prone to dryness, it benefits from moisture-based care and low-manipulating styling. Gentle handling is critical to reduce breakage and retain length.

Cleanse Sparringly

4C hair never needs frequent shampooing, as it only strips it of all its natural oils. A wash with a moisturizing and sulfate-free shampoo could be done every 2-3 weeks.

Deep Condition Religiously

Thick, nutrient-rich conditioners with ingredients like coconut oil or Jamaican black castor oil are essential. Use heat during deep conditioning processes for effective moisture absorption into the hair shaft.

Be Patient in Detangling

Finger detangling is often the best approach, as combs can cause unnecessary breakage. If using a tool, a wide-tooth comb with a slippery conditioner minimizes stress on the strands.

Protective Styling

Low-manipulation hairstyles such as twists, braids, or Bantu knots help to decrease friction and promote retention of length. Long-term protective styles, like box braids, should be installed carefully to avoid tension on the scalp.

Shrinkage Control

Stretching methods such as African threading, twist-outs, and banding control shrinkage and keep your hair soft and manageable.

Protect at Night

While not exclusive to 4C hair only, sleeping with a satin scarf or bonnet will do your hair a lot of good. It prevents friction, moisture loss, and tangles. Pineappling or loose braids also help to maintain styles and reduce morning detangling.

On the Plus Side

• Holds protective styles exceptionally well
• Naturally voluminous and can create striking looks
• Can carry both tightly coiled and stretched styles.

On the Flip Side

• Prone to dryness and breakage if not properly moisturized
• Significant shrinkage makes it hard to see the actual length
• Can be time-consuming to detangle and style.

Hair Products for Type 4 Hair

Products that provide deep hydration, prevent breakage, and define curls without weighing them down are a must for type 4 hair. Perfect formulations include natural butters, oils, and humectants like shea butter, coconut oil, aloe vera, glycerin, and honey. These ingredients lock in moisture and strengthen fragile strands.

Say goodbye to products that have sulfates, drying alcohols, or heavy silicones. They can strip moisture or cause buildup over time. Here’s a breakdown of must-have products and some solid picks to keep your coils thriving.

Shampoo and Conditioner

It sounds like a mission impossible but cleansing should remove buildup without stripping the hair of its natural oils. A sulfate-free shampoo or a moisturizing co-wash works best. Conditioners should be thick, creamy, and packed with nourishing ingredients to keep strands soft and manageable.

Best Picks:

• Mielle Organics Babassu Conditioning Shampoo. A gentle sulfate-free cleanser with rich moisturizing agents.
• SheaMoisture Manuka Honey & Mafura Oil Conditioner. Intensive hydration rinse-out conditioner packed with restorative oils.
• As I Am Coconut CoWash. A cleansing conditioner with a no-suds formula that preserves the natural balance.

Moisturizer

Because type 4 hair loses moisture quickly, a good leave-in moisturizer is essential. The best options have water as the first ingredient, followed by humectants like glycerin and aloe vera, plus natural oils for sealing hydration.

Best Picks:

• Camille Rose Curl Love Moisture Milk. A softening leave-in conditioner that caters to every curl type.
• TGIN Butter Cream Daily Moisturizer. A moisturizing cream that improves manageability, fights frizz and boosts shine. Can be used as a setting cream for twist-outs and two-strand twists.

Mousse

Mousse helps to define curls without the crunch, adding volume and hold without making your hair stiff. A good mousse for type 4 curls should contain hydrating ingredients and provide a flexible hold to keep styles bouncy.

Best Picks:

• The Doux Mousse Def Texture Foam. Texture foam with no flakes and no crunch. Contains aloe, silk proteins, and natural humectants.
• Nairobi Wrapp-It Shine Foaming Lotion. Fast-drying foaming lotion that adds body to hair.

Curl Cream

A curl cream enhances definition and keeps curls soft without making them greasy or heavy. Look for formulas with shea butter, coconut oil, or castor oil for extra nourishment.

Best Picks:

• Kinky-Curly Curling Custard. A natural styling gel that promises to bring out the natural curl or wave pattern you never knew you had. It reduces bulk and elongates your curls.
• Cantu Coconut Curling Cream. A curling cream formulated with shea butter, coconut, and seven essential oils to define and strengthen your curls.

Edge Control

A strong yet non-drying edge control keeps baby hairs sleek without flaking or leaving buildup. The best formulas contain nourishing ingredients like castor oil and aloe vera for hold without stiffness.

Best Picks:

• Style Factor Edge Booster. This rich pomade comes in different scents and size options to suit your styling needs.
• Ebin 24-Hour Edge Tamer. Choose between holding sprays, gel, or stick formulas. Humidity-resistant and residue-free.

Figuring out your curl type makes hair care way easier because it takes some of the hassle out of the process. Once you know what your hair needs, styling, and upkeep become a breeze. With the right routine, your curls stay happy, hydrated, and healthy, letting you embrace your natural texture instead of fighting it.