The Ultimate 4A Hair Type Guide for Healthy, Defined Curls

Among the many curl patterns available at hair systems, 4A hair strands consistently stand out for their unique, springy spirals and natural fullness. The hair texture is both versatile and beautiful, but with proper care and styling, it thrives even better. Thoroughly understanding these characteristics is the key to maintaining healthy and beautiful hair.

With the proper guidance and technique, you can easily maintain your hair's definition and moisture, allowing your curls to shine flawlessly. After doing the long and deep research, this guide will provide all the information that you need to keep your 4A curls healthy and defined.

If you have 4a hair, let's go:

What is 4A Hair?

4A hair is a coily hair texture characterised by close, compact curls whose width varies from that of a toothpick to that of a crochet needle. When stretched, the close coils lay in an "S" pattern. Due to the shape of the curls, 4A hair tends to be less shrinkage-prone than 4B and 4C hair when it dries.

Although the curl pattern is usually well-established, the texture can be different. Even a mix of curl patterns and textures in your own natural hair is possible.

4A Hair vs. 4B Hair

Although both 4A and 4B are curly hair textures, they are different in a few ways:

● Curl Pattern: usually 4A hairs look like 'S' shape, and 4B hairs are represented in a 'Z' shape

● Hair Texture: Usually, type 4B hair is softer than type 4A hair, although both hair textures are also different in volume and appearance.

● Shrinkage and breakage: if not cared for correctly, both are prone to dryness, but 4B hair breaks easily.

4A Hair vs. 3C Hair

Although 4A and 3C hair are different, with 3C being a subtype of curly hair and 4A coily, they are in the same line in the hair typing system. Here's how they compare:

● Curl Pattern: 3C hair usually has wider, bigger curls than 4A hair. However, 4A curls have more elasticity.

● Hair Texture: Both hair types have different volumes, but usually the 3C hair type is denser than the 4A.

● External Factors: Both 4A and 3C are easily prone to dryness, but in many scenarios, 4A dries more quickly. One disadvantage of 4A is that it requires more maintenance, such as deep conditioning, to stay soft and defined.

How to Determine Your Curl Type?

Knowing your curl type helps you to give the best care to your natural hair. Consider these factors to make your research faster.

● Wet Hair Analysis: Kinky-curly hair will appear to be wavy or curly when wet, and maintain its shape at least 25% after drying.

● Curl Family: In the curling family, there are many types of curl styles, such as loose waves, tightly wound curls, coils, or C, S, and Z shapes.

● Curl Shape (Type 4): for type 4 hair, one formula is used; the tighter the curl, the tighter the subtype.

How to Take Care of 4A Hair?

Personalise your 4A hair care routine using the tips below.

1. Wash Day Routine for 4A hair

As 4A hair is easily dry, breakable, and frizzy-prone, your wash day routine matters most.

2. Dry Detangle Before Washing

It's best to detangle your hair when they are dehydrated, as it helps to remove knots. Always detangle your hair with fingers before washing, as wet hair combined with products can lead to more knots or hair breakage.

3. Pre-Poo Your Hair

Struggling with natural hair problems and want to increase the lifespan of your natural hair? Use a high-quality hair product before washing your hair. Pre-pooing helps you to protect and hydrate your hair during cleaning and allows you to prevent product overlays.

4. Use Sulfate-Free or Clarifying Shampoo

Must use high-quality sulfate-free or clarifying shampoo before hair cleaning. Many times when we use hair products like leave-in conditioners or deep conditioning treatments, they produce a product buildup in our hair, so to remove that buildup, use a clarifying shampoo to reset your hair without over-drying it.

5. Condition from Roots to Ends

If your hair is in a condition where it tends to be dry or frizzy, a conditioner is essential. To solve that problem, use a conditioner that deeply hydrates the hair. Apply it gently from roots to ends.

6. Deep Condition for Extra Moisture

For extra moisture, use a deep conditioning section by section from roots to tips. Cover your hair with a cap or bonnet and sit under a steamer for a minimum of 20 minutes before rinsing it out.

In addition, consider your hair porosity when buying hair products. If you have high porosity, use heavy products; if you have low porosity, use light products.

How to Grow 4A Hair?

4A hair easily gets knotted and tangled, causing tension on the scalp, and many times, you also face hair loss issues. Yet, if you treat it well, you can get the desired length and style. Here are some tips:

● Be gentle when combing.

Overcoming hair or using a comb that is not designed for it can lead to breakage. Opt for high-quality, wide-tooth combs or hair tools specifically designed for your hair.

● Use products tailored to your hair type.

Choose the products that fully fit your hair needs and are in your budget, such as a hair moisturiser. They maintain your hair health.

● Be patient with growth.

Remember, new hairs take time to grow, so if you feel they are growing more slowly, don't get discouraged. The best thing is to do proper care while growing, and your adequate care will promote healthy hair.

● Wear protective styles correctly.

After taking care actions, use protective styles that can reduce breakage and dryness. They define your curls in a reasonable manner and make your hair easier to manage.

After following all consistent care tips and using all care products, you will now feel progress, and your hair can thrive.

Hairstyles for 4A Hair

When you use the right hair products and know how to take care of your hair, then the possibilities for your voluminous coils are endless. After conducting research, we have identified three favourite hairstyles that will inspire your next look and keep things fresh.

1. Free-Flowing Coils

Let your coils glow with a relaxed, effortless look that embraces your beauty. This style works very effectively in the first several days of your wash cycle when your curls are defined and moisturised. Over time, curls tend to lose some definition, so take advantage when your hair is still in the best state.

2. Dramatic Updos

Type 4A always works well with bold updos like high buns or ponytails. To achieve it, you need a few steps: gather your curls at the crown and secure them with a bun, or you can also let them free in a ponytail. You can also generate a sleek look; for that, use a gel and brush to make your hair back smooth, and also highlight your baby hairs to produce extra flair.

3. Protective Twists or Braids

Want a long-lasting yet low-maintenance hairstyle? Go for protective hairstyles braids or twists. To achieve this, first divide your hair into sections and twist each one by focusing on creating a strong and secure base near the scalp. The style not only protects your hair but also minimizes your daily maintenance time.

Best Products for 4A Hair

These products are specially designed for 4A hair:

1. Sulfate-Free Shampoos and Clarifying Rinses

Sulfate-free shampoo not only cleans your hair but also protects your natural oils. On the other hand, clarifying treatments remove all product buildups and excess oil. One thing is common in both: they minimise the dryness and maintain proper hydration.

2. Deep Conditioning Masks, Butters, and Creams

Select thicker conditioners for drier or more knotty curls. Some deep conditioners also contain protein treatments, which may break fragile or broken hair by penetrating the hair shaft and rebuilding protein bonds.

3. Hair Oils

Hair oils constantly refresh your curls, between washings, boost moisture, or while gaining shine. Heavier oils like coconut or olive are best for thick and high-density hair, while many light oils also work great for hair strands.

4. Moisturizing Styling Products and Leave-In Conditioners

Effective styling products, "moisturising or leave-in conditioner," always expertly define your curls, and they don't leave any residue, making your natural hair textures more beautiful.

How Often Should You Wash 4A Hair?

We recommend washing 4A hair weekly, but there is no one rule. Your washing schedule is based on your lifestyle, surroundings (e.g., warmer weather equals sweatier scalp), and personal preference. What is suitable for one individual with 4A hair may not be good for another.

In a Nutshell

4A hair is perhaps the most delicate hair texture among all the textures, and that's why it also requires to be treated separately. So, handle your 4A hairs gently and avoid excessive styling. The best thing to do is always keep your hair moisturized to support hair growth, thickness, and length. Although the advice above can also guide your 4A hair into good hands, visit a stylist for an even more personalized strategy.