Hair Care Guide for 4c Hair Type

4c natural hair is one of the most overlooked natural hair texture. As a practicing licensed natural hairstylist for over 20 years, I’m going to break 4c natural hair care down to you ladies so that it will forever be broke.

4c natural hair type grows in the tightest of all-natural hair types. It’s so tight that shrinkage is about 70-80 percent depending on the density and texture of your hair. Caring for 4c hair type takes time and patience. In my salon, my clients always ask me questions about 4c hair. Are you suppose to wash your hair? How often do you wash your hair? So I’ve put together 5 hair care tips for 4c natural hair to help you maximize growth and length for your hair.

4c Hair Care Tip #1 Wash Day Routine for Growth

Shampoo your hair at least once a month. And always shampoo your hair with a moisturizing shampoo. This will allow you to cleanse your hair and scalp properly. This will help create an optimum environment for hair growth. By doing this you are eliminating dandruff, improving scalp conditions, and removing any product and environmental build-up on the hair. This will ensure your clean hair and scalp can receive the benefits of your conditioner and the rest of your hair care products you’re going to apply next.

4c Hair Care Tip #2 Deep Conditioning

When conditioning your hair ALWAYS gives your hair deep conditioning. You can do this by adding oil to your wet hair and scalp after you shampoo your hair. Then, sit under heat for 30 minutes with a plastic cap. Find your favorite book or CD and relax for 30 minutes. Adding this to your 4c hair care regimen will do wonders for your hair. I promise you by loving your hair it will love you back!

4c Hair Care Tip #3 Detangling for Growth

After giving your hair a deep conditioning rinse your hair with cool water. This will smooth your cuticle and calm your hair down making it easy to detangle. Detangle your hair with your fingers, a wide-tooth comb, and a ventilated paddle brush. YES, I said brush! Keep in mind that you haven’t been combing your hair for the last two weeks at least. The amount of hair that you’re supposed to lose is 60 to 100 strands a day. It’s possible that you haven’t shed those because you haven’t been touching or combing your hair. If your hair has been in its natural state for weeks when you go to shampoo + condition and detangle your hair you are expected to lose around 3000 strands.

I know that sounds scary. Remember we talked about hair and it’s natural shedding and growth cycle. If you haven’t read that article click here. It’s important that you detangle your hair first by using a wide-tooth comb. Then finger detangle the rest. Even then you still will not get all of the strands that need to shed. In order to remove the shedding hair, you need to use a paddle brush. A paddle brush will help detangle your hair properly. You want to make sure you’re not leaving tangles or shedding hair in between your hair. It’s important to do this before you style your hair. By paddle brushing your hair and scalp you are stimulating your hair and balancing the PH of your scalp at the same time. This is a great routine for growth. It’s a win-win!

4c Hair Care Tip #4 Leave-in Conditioner

Before styling your 4c hair always add a nourishing leave-in conditioner to your hair. I recommend Bye Bye Parabens Moisture Balance Leave-in Conditioner. I also recommend adding a moisturizing oil to your scalp and ends of your hair. This will help to prevent breakage and split ends. This will help your hair grow healthier which means fewer trims!

4c Hair Care Tip #5 Quality Styling Products

Lastly, It’s important to use quality natural hair care styling products that are alcohol-free. Also using products that have a lot of slip will be your 4c hairs best friend. For maximum stretch and minimum breakage blow out your hair once a month. Then add styling products like Flawless Foam or Curly U Curl Cream to do a twist out. You will find that your 4c hair will be less dry and your styles and length are more controlled.

I hope this information helps you with taking care of your beautiful 4c natural hair. If you have a question email me at [email protected]. 

Tracy Riggs

Natural Hair Expert & Founder
Bye Bye Parabens

Here are other articles you may find helpful:

How to care for natural hair.

Using cooking oil on your hair?

Guide to Transitioning