Figuring out your hair type is essential in caring for it properly. Understanding its unique kinks and coils will allow you to choose appropriate styles and products.
4c hair has tightly coiled waves with dense coils, known as the nappy or kinky curl pattern. Celebrities such as Viola Davis and Lauryn Hill possess this hair texture.
Color
Finding the appropriate hair color can make or break an African-American woman’s appearance. To achieve optimal results, select one that complements both your skin tone and personality and style preferences.
Selecting a hairstyle that complements your unique hair texture is also crucial, and African Americans have many options, such as weaves and braids, to choose from. These hairstyles can serve both style and function; some even function as protective styles when worn with scarf wraps or bandanas around their heads.
African American hair is a dynamic texture with many unique curl patterns and textures, all telling its tale. The three most prevalent surfaces are 4a, 4b, and 4c, with 4c hair typically being the tightest and kinkiest of the three textures; commonly referred to as nappy hair, it lacks any definitive pattern and is often seen on celebrities such as Lauryn Hill and Viola Davis.
Co-washing
African-American hair stands out from its straight counterpart in its unique texture and curl pattern, featuring a distinct zigzag shape in its strands, giving it a unique appearance. From soft, loose curls (type 4a) to tight coils (4c), African-American women often co-wash their locks, using cleansing conditioner instead of shampoo, as these formulations remove impurities without stripping natural oils from the braids. Some people choose to co-wash multiple times per week, while others find they work better washing every other day or once weekly.
Understanding your hair type is an integral step on the journey toward self-love and acceptance of your texture. Black women with textured hair often face prejudice through stereotypes, racism, and discriminatory practices that negatively impact them; to combat such problems, they must recognize these issues and learn more about different kinds of Black hair and its variations. This can be achieved through education on all types of Black hair.
Deep conditioners
4C hair can often be drier than other types, requiring extensive deep conditioning treatments to strengthen and soften its strands while locking in moisture longer. Deep conditioners made with natural ingredients will be especially beneficial in keeping 4C locks hydrated.
Mielle Organics’ Babassu