4A Hair : How To Style And Take Care Of It

Many of us find it difficult to distinguish between the different types of textured  curly and coily hair. Also known as type 4 hair, textured hair has the curliest structure. Today, we will discuss 4A hair! There are three types of 4 hair – 4A, 4B, and 4C.

4A hair type has a perfectly-defined, loose spring curl structure
4B hair has a tighter zig-zag curl structure. The curls are a bit tightly wound but still fluffy.
And 4C hair is the coiliest hair type – the curls are tight and spring-like.
Let’s begin with 4A hair type. Keep reading to learn what 4A type hair is, how you can take care of it, and different hairstyles you can try! Keep reading to discover everything about 4A

What Is 4A Hair?
4A hair has an ‘S’ shape and is tightly coiled. These cylindrical coils are quite defined and are the width of a pencil. They are also stretchy. 4A hair has a cork-screw texture that retains moisture well but is still prone to dryness. It is tighter than 3C hair though the two get mixed up more often than not. This is because, sometimes, 4A opens and seems looser than it is, thus looking like 3C hair.

Caring for kinky hair takes time, and it is imperative to have a regular hair care regimen. 4A hair has a well-defined curl pattern, which is why most women choose a wash n’ go look. But you need to maintain your hair to be able to flaunt it. Here are a few tips to get the best out of your luscious curly locks.

“Healthy hair starts at the scalp,” says Meredith Boyd, a licensed cosmetologist. “Washing your hair every 7-10 days is optimal for coily locks. Try incorporating an exfoliating shampoo once a month to invigorate blood flow and wake up the hair follicles for a gentle deep cleansing that won’t strip the hair. Then, use a sulfate-free hydrating shampoo on the second wash to moisturize the hair. Gently rinse out with water. Make sure it is not too hot to reduce the risk of heat damage.”

Don’t wash your curly hair every day. Shampooing every day can strip your hair of its natural oils. Use a cleansing conditioner to cleanse your hair without stripping it of its moisture. Additionally, deep condition your hair. Your hair health depends on it.
Keep some clean water in a spray canister to spritz on your hair from time to time.

• Heat Protectant Your hair gets damaged easily from heat. So, use a heat protectant whenever you are heat styling your hair. Apply it just before you curl or straighten it. Also, let your hair air dry sometimes or blow dry your hair on a low setting. If you use a blow dryer, use a diffuser with it. It spreads the heat evenly through your hair and defines your curls. If you keep straightening your hair, over a period, you will lose the natural hair texture.
• Shampoo And Conditioner Use a cleansing shampoo. These shampoos make sure that your hair is clean without stripping it of moisture. You can also use sulfate-free shampoos. Use shampoos that are specially made for damaged hair as curly hair dries out fast. Limit the number of times you wash your hair in a week. Try not to wash it more than twice a week. Also, wash your hair with cold water as it locks in the moisture from the conditioner. Conditioning your hair is critical. Use a deep cleansing conditioner if you have too much build-up on your scalp and hair. Deep condition your hair. Curly hair gets dry faster than straight hair due to its coils. Deep conditioning your hair helps moisturize your hair. Apply conditioner to your hair just before you get into the shower and cover it with a shower cap. The steam produced from the hot water will help keep the moisture in your hair. Rinse afterwards with water.
• Combing Hair Comb your hair in sections – this prevents breakage and damage. Detangle your hair by running your fingers through it. If you want to comb your hair, use a wide-toothed comb to do so. Detangle your hair when it is wet as it’s easier. Brushing can lead to hair loss. Avoid hairstyles that add tension or pressure to the roots and scalp, like tight high ponytails. When using protective hairstyles like braids, make sure you don’t keep them on for too long as this can lead to hair loss.
• Leave-In Conditioner Leave-in conditioner is your savior that keeps your hair moisturized and fresh until the next time you wash your hair. Use a natural leave-in conditioner as it is good for your curls.
• Use Apple Cider Vinegar If you use extensions, dip them in apple cider vinegar and water. This will remove lye from the extensions that can make your scalp itch. The acetic acid in ACV removes the build-up of hair products from your hair and imparts shine to it. Use it after shampooing and before conditioning your hair. Mix equal parts of water and ACV and rinse your hair with it. ACV has antifungal and antibacterial qualities that can keep scalp infections and dandruff away.
• Twist-Out Hair This is one of the best ways to get 4A curls to look their best. Twist your black hair, cover it in a scarf, and keep it on overnight. Remove the twists in the morning, and you’ll have amazing curls.

Quick Tip
You can twist your hair in bantu knots and wrap them overnight. In the morning you can remove the knots to get perfectly coily hair. Remember to apply a curl-defining cream before knotting your hair.

• Oil Your Hair Apply cream or oil that not only helps moisturize your hair but also seals the moisture in your roots. You can also use moisture hair gel, edge control cream, and mousse, but they are mainly used to style your hair. The best oils for 4A hair are coconut, jojoba, Jamaican black castor, avocado, and almond oils as they contain tons of nutrients that afro-textured hair or kinky hair requires.
• Coconut Oil Massaging coconut oil on your hair can help boost scalp circulation. More oxygen and nutrients are sent to hair follicles which, in turn, helps stimulate growth. Coconut oil has natural antioxidants and nutrients, such as vitamin E, vitamin K, and iron.
• Jojoba Oil Jojoba oil moisturizes your hair follicles without leaving behind any residue. It also helps the hair cells reproduce and is a great hair conditioner. It contains vitamins B and E and minerals such as silicon, copper, and zinc. It is antibacterial and antifungal, which keep dandruff at bay.
• Jamaican Black Castor Oil Castor oil contains omega-9 and omega-6 fatty acids that improve blood circulation to the scalp and encourage hair growth. They also strengthen roots and nourish thinning hair.

• Avocado Oil Avocado oil improves hair growth. It contains oleic acid that moisturizes the scalp and vitamin D that is crucial for new hair follicles. It also provides deep moisturization and fights dandruff – thanks to the monounsaturated acids.

• Almond Oil Almond oil contains omega-3 fatty acids, phospholipids, vitamin E, and magnesium. It nourishes and strengthens your hair and is optimal for treating hair loss and damaged hair. It also imparts silkiness and shine to your hair. While applying any oil on your hair, massage your roots as this will stimulate growth in the follicles.
• Protein Masks Protein masks contain high levels of nutrients and proteins that help to strengthen and restore curls. You can get protein hair masks at a pharmacy or a local beauty store.

• Drying Your Hair Allow your hair to air dry rather than using heating tools. When using a towel, pat your hair dry instead of rubbing it vigorously. This prevents hair breakage.

• Care At Night Make sure you cover your hair with a scarf at night to protect it from damage. Use a silk or satin bonnet or pillowcase. This prevents frizz and lengthens the lifespan of braids.

Now that you know how to give your 4A hair the care it needs, here are some great ways to style it.

7 Tips For 4A Hair Care
Super coiled spring-like 4A hair can be difficult to manage. Additionally, using wrong styling techniques and not knowing how to take care of your 4A locks can worsen their condition. But fret not! We have compiled a quick list of tips that can help you get shinier, softer, and healthy hair. Scroll down to the infographic below to know more!

The 4a hair type has a cork-screw structure with well-defined curls. Although this thick hair type retains moisture better than 4b and 4c curl types, it is hardly sufficient and warrants care. So, keep your hair moisturized and do not wash it every day. Also, use cleansing shampoos and conditioners to get rid of dirt without stripping away the moisture from the strands. Go for deep conditioning whenever necessary and apply oil regularly. Comb your hair in sections to prevent the strands from getting tangled and use a silk pillowcase to reduce friction while sleeping. Include the suggestions discussed above in your hair care routine and see the results for yourself!