4C hair is one of the most beautiful and versatile hair types, known for its tight coils and incredible volume. However, it also requires a specific type of care to thrive. In this guide, we’ll answer key questions like "What is 4C hair?", how to take care of it, and which 4C hair products are best. Whether you’re looking for the best edge control for 4C hair, exploring 4C hairstyles, or just wondering how often you should wash 4C hair, we’ve got you covered.
What Is 4C Hair?
4C hair is the tightest curl pattern in the Andre Walker hair typing system. It’s characterized by densely packed, tight coils or zigzag strands with minimal natural definition without manipulation. While curl tightness and shrinkage are defining features, other traits like strand thickness, density, and porosity can vary widely among people with 4C hair.
Common traits of type 4C hair include:
- Extreme shrinkage (often 70%+)
- Tight coil or zigzag pattern, usually without a defined curl unless styled
- Prone to dryness, since natural oils struggle to travel down the coils
According to Dr. Ali N. Syed, Founder, CEO, and Chief Chemist of Avlon Industries, in Curly Hair: Structure, Properties, and Care (p. 41)
"Type 4 hair is also highly elliptical. This type of hair further exhibits a high degree of porosity. Type 4 hair has a high amount of body as compared to Types 1, 2, and 3 hair. This hair type is more prone to frizziness in comparison to Types 1, 2, and 3 hair."
Understanding your 4C hair type helps you build a routine with the right products for 4C hair to retain moisture, prevent breakage, and boost definition.
How to Take Care of 4C Hair
When it comes to understanding Type 4 hair, the curl pattern is shaped by the microscopic structure of the hair fiber itself.
As Dr. Ali Syed explains in Curly Hair: Structure, Properties, & Care (p. 49),
"Hair is made up of outer cuticle layers and inner cortical cells—two main types called paracortical and orthocortical cells. In coily hair types, there’s a higher number of orthocortical cells, arranged in a unique whorl-like pattern. This specific structure creates the tight, springy coils characteristic of Type 4 hair."
Furthermore,
"The position of these cells also plays a role—paracortical cells sit on the inside of each curve, while orthocortical cells sit on the outside—helping determine the hair’s curl shape and shrinkage level." (Syed, 2023, p. 49)
Because of this natural design, 4C hair thrives when it’s consistently hydrated, gently handled, and protected from breakage. That’s why caring for 4C hair means focusing on moisture, protection, and gentle handling from the start.
With this in mind, let’s look at how to care for 4C hair in a way that works with its structure and supports long-term health.
1. Wash and Deep Condition Weekly
Many wonder how often you should wash 4C hair. Once a week is ideal. Use the best shampoo for 4C hair that is sulfate-free and moisturizing, like the As I Am Jamaican Black Castor Oil Shampoo. Follow with a deep conditioner for 4C hair to restore hydration and elasticity. Alternate between shampoo with a gentle co-wash that hydrates and cleanses without stripping your strands.
Try: As I Am Coconut CoWash — a fan-favorite for 4C hair that softens and detangles while cleansing and conditioning. Follow with a deep conditioning treatment to restore strength, elasticity, and moisture.
Try: As I Am Bond Repair Mask — with advanced Bond Complex Technology to repair damage and reinforce coils from the inside out.
2. Detangle and Use a Leave-In Conditioner for 4C Hair
The 4C hair type is beautiful but tightly coiled, which means tangles and knots can form easily. After cleansing, always detangle gently using a wide-tooth comb or your fingers while your hair is wet and conditioned. Start from the ends and work your way up to avoid breakage.
Once detangled, apply a leave-in conditioner for 4C hair to lock in moisture, improve manageability, and prep for styling. A good leave-in conditioner supports softness and definition without weighing your curls down or causing buildup.
Try: As I Am Rosemary Leave-In Conditioner — infused with rosemary and biotin to nourish the scalp, reduce breakage, and support healthy growth, all while softening and hydrating 4C hair.
3. Moisturize and Seal Often
Moisturizer for 4C hair is key. First wet your hair, then apply a water-based 4C hair moisturizer, and finally seal with an oil like As I Am Rosemary Oil or the Bond Oil.
Try: As I Am Rosemary Water — a lightweight scalp and hair mist infused with rosemary and biotin to refresh, hydrate, and support healthy growth between wash days.
Try: As I Am Curling Crème — a rich, hydrating formula that defines curls and keeps moisture sealed in, ideal for high-porosity 4C hair.
4. Limit Heat Damage on 4C Hair
Frequent heat styling can weaken protein bonds and lead to breakage. Minimize damage by using heat tools on low settings, applying protectants, and spacing out styling sessions.
Try: As I Am Bond Water to visibly repair and prep hair post-heat styling, followed by the Bond Shampoo and Conditioner to gently cleanse and rebuild weakened strands.
5. Trim Regularly to Prevent Breakage
Split ends can travel up the hair shaft, leading to thinning and breakage, especially in 4C hair where strands are more fragile. Trimming every 8–12 weeks helps maintain length, curl definition, and scalp balance.
Try: The complete As I Am Bond Collection—cleanse and rebuild with the Bond Shampoo and Conditioner, hydrate and prep with Bond Water, seal and smooth with the Bond Leave-In Conditioner, and finish with the Bonding Oil for enhanced shine and damage protection.
4C Hairstyles to Try
Looking for 4C hairstyle ideas or inspiration for natural hair? Here are three staple looks tailored to both your texture and your styling needs:
1. Protective Style Prep Routine
Perfect for prepping your hair before twists, braids, or wigs. Start with a deep-conditioning treatment to strengthen and hydrate.
Try: Rosemary Oil for scalp care and Rosemary Water for daily hydration.
2. Blowout
Want a stretched look with maximum volume? A blowout lets you flaunt your length or prep for styles like twist-outs or braid-outs.
Try: As I Am Bond Water or Rosemary Water — both support stronger, healthier hair. Perfect for blowout prep and daily hydration.
3. Natural Updo
Whether it’s a sleek puff or a sculpted bun, an updo is a go-to for elegance and definition.
Try: As I Am Rosemary wax stick for soft, frizz-free hold and As I Am Edge Control for smooth, laid edges with long-lasting shine.
Final Thoughts
Caring for 4C natural hair means embracing its needs and celebrating its strength. With the right routine and the best hair products for 4C hair, you can grow long 4C hair, try new 4C hair styles, and enjoy the versatility that makes this texture so special.
Explore more 4C hair products and get personalized hair care at asiamnaturally.com.
If you’re interested in learning more about the science behind 4C hair, shop Dr. Ali Syed’s book Curly Hair: Structure, Properties, & Care