Caring for Type 4 Hair

Type 4 hair has the tightest curl pattern of all the hair types. 4C hair is characterised by tight s-shaped or z-shaped coils. The A-C subcategories further define the tightness of the coil. Of course, all individuals will have varying hair densities, porosities and potentially a mixture of several hair types, also. So it’s important to remember that no two heads of hair are the same, even if they have a similar hair type.

 

 

Identifying Your Type 4 Hair

Type 4 kinky, coily hair is very fine with densely packaged together stands of hair. Type 4 hair is one of the most common hair types amongst black hair. For a more detailed breakdown the hair types 3-4, have a read of our Ultimate Guide to Finding Your Curl Pattern.

Type 4A hair

 4A hair contains tightly packed strands which take on an “S” shaped pattern when stretched. This type of hair can often be confused with 3C hair but can be discerned more easily by the tightness of the coils.

Type 4B hair 

4B hair has a slightly less defined curl pattern, and when stretched the pattern of the curl has a more “Z” like appearance with sharper and more angular features.

Type 4C

4C hair has the tightest curl pattern of all hair types. The hairs can form either “S” or “Z” shaped patterns. Due to the tightness of the coil, 4C hair can be prone to breakage as the hair dries out quicker than other hair types. Individuals with 4C hair can experience up to 75% shrinkage.

 

Starting your Haircare Journey

So, once you’ve identified your hair type(s), it’s time to learn how best to address the unique challenges having type 4 hair can sometimes bring. The first step is to curate a natural hair regimen that works for you and your hair. 

Purifying and Cleansing

Yes, it’s very important to keep your scalp and hair clean to prevent product build-up and remove dirt and oil. The problem arises when type 4 hair is washed to excess. Shampoos containing sulfates can strip the natural oils that keep your hair happy and healthy, so over-washing your hair will lead to dryness and potential breakage. Opt for milder shampoos with fewer sulfates to avoid this, or skip using sulfate-containing shampoos altogether and go for a co-wash, which will still remove the majority of dirt and oil from your hair without the harsher chemicals. Shampoo mindfully, and try not to shampoo more than your hair can tolerate, try to lengthen the time between washes to at least once every 2 weeks, and if you’re experiencing itchy scalp or product build-up perhaps opt for a co-wash or apple cider vinegar rinse, instead.

 

 Moisturising and Conditioning

Type 4 hair needs to be kept moisturised, even if you have low porosity hair the coils and kinks of 4C hair make the distribution of the natural oils throughout your hair more difficult. This means that type 4 hair dries out faster than other curl patterns and extra care must be taken to prevent this. A good moisturizer and sealant are essential for healthy type 4 hair. Oils such as jojoba oil, olive oil or shea butter are very effective at sealing in moisture.

A quick and convenient way to hydrate your hair is to mist your hair lightly with a few spritzes of water from a spray bottle and sealing with your favourite moisturising cream or oil. Try this daily and your hair will surely reward you with happier, healthier locks.

As well as this, we also recommend that those with type 4 hair deep condition once to twice a week for an additional layer of moisture. Type 4 hair thrives when properly moisturised and weekly deep conditioning treatments will help to keep hair nourished, shiny and healthy. Well-moisturised hair is less prone to snagging and tangling which if left untreated can result in breakage and hair loss.

Deep conditioning with a protein treatment every 4-8 weeks can work wonders for maintaining health or repairing damaged hair. The hydrolyzed protein will help to reinforce your hair, retain moisture and prevent breakage.

Styling

Don’t overlook the importance of styling when it comes to the health of your hair. Type 4 hair is more delicate and styles that require low manipulation will be better for your hair. Excessive styling can lead to breakage, and ideally, you’ll want to opt for styles that require less manipulation so as to give your hair a break, from time to time.

Type 4 hair is often renowned for its incredible shrinking ability but we know this shrinkage can be frustrating as it keeps you from seeing your hair growth and can make your hair more susceptible to tangling. Explore heat-free styles that stretch your hair out like twists, Bantu knots or protective styles such as braid outs and box braids. As we’ve mentioned before not all protective styles deserve the title! Try to avoid any protective styles that tug at your hairline or require frequent use of heat and lots of manipulation - such styles are bound to weaken your hair over time and cause breakage.

 

Check out our previous blog post for some inspiration if you’re looking for new protective styles to wear.

We know that type 4 hair can be challenging when learning to care for. Remember that your hair care journey is a marathon and not a sprint, and allow yourself some time to learn and adjust to your hair’s needs. Keep positive and persistent and before you know it you’ll have hit all your haircare goals!

Well-planned hair regimens help to take out some of the uncertainty and guesswork when it comes to achieving our hair goals .

This only requires an element of planning beforehand, however, we suggest first writing down a list of attainable and tangible hair goals, it’s important not to make vague goals such as, “healthier and longer hair’. If you want longer hair, specify how much longer exactly and be realistic with the time frame that it will take to achieve these goals. For instance, if you have an average hair growth rate of ½ inch per month, setting a goal to achieve 4-6 inches of hair growth in a year is a feasible and practical goal. Setting a goal of 6 inches in 3 months is lofty, unrealistic and likely to lead to disappointment and demotivation.

Picture what your hair would look like in its healthiest state and break that down into separate categories with manageable steps.  Remember that nothing is set in stone and you can make adjustments as you go along, what's most important is establishing that initial routine and following through, consistently. 

If all this sounds overwhelming or you’re wondering where to begin, don’t worry! Keep on reading for our top tips on building a hair care regimen so your hair can thrive!

 

Hydrating and Moisturising

Effective moisturising always begins with hydration first and foremost. Hydrating the hair involves first saturating the hair with water long enough for water molecules to penetrate deep within the hair. We most commonly do this when we wash our hair. When you’re washing your hair you allow for water to permeate all areas of the scalp and hair. 

Moisturising is what we do to try and maintain the hydration for as long as possible. Keeping your hair moisturised is an important step in maintaining healthy hair. The tighter your curl pattern the easier it is for your hair to be prone to dryness. Kinks and coils can obstruct the distribution of the natural oils from the scalp, as it takes longer for the sebum to travel down the hair shaft, allowing your hair to dry out more quickly than straighter hair types. This means it's important to take extra precautions the tighter your curl pattern is when moisturising. It’s essential to find a good moisturiser to achieve optimal levels of moisture. Prolonged dryness will eventually lead to breakage and prevention is always the best cure. The most suitable moisturiser will predominantly be influenced by how porous your hair is, as this will determine how the product is absorbed. 

We recommend grabbing a spray bottle and your favourite oil or cream moisturiser, sectioning your hair into even parts, spraying/misting your hair with water, then following up with your desired moisturiser. This is a great method that leaves your hair both hydrated and moisturised.

Sealants – Lock in the moisture

 After hydrating and moisturising your hair you’ll want to make sure it retains the benefits of your hard work for as long as possible. This can be done with a sealant. Sealants are oils or creams that help to lock in the moisture of your hair. The difference between oils that seal and moisturise will be determined majorly by the size of the molecule. 

Oils with larger molecules like jojoba, olive oil or rice bran oil are less likely to penetrate beyond the outer hair cuticle layer, sealing in moisture and providing sheen. Oils such as coconut oil are composed of smaller molecules that are likely to penetrate more deeply into the hair shaft acting more as moisturisers than sealants. 

For more tips on how to create the perfect moisturising routine, check out our blog post about using the L.O.C (leave-in, oil, cream) method to revitalise your dry hair!

 

Cleansers and Clarifying Shampoos

If your hair is beginning to look dull, lacking in shine or extremely dry, it may be signs of too much product build up. Type 3 and 4 hair tends to be very low porosity which leaves it prone to product build up. Build up is a mixture of the remnants of left over product applications, grease, dirt and other impurities. It can contribute to dry hair, an itchy scalp and breakage if left untreated. 

To remedy this issue you’ll need to cleanse the hair with a gentle clarifying shampoo, ideally formulated for targeting build up. A clarifying shampoo will deeply cleanse the hair of dirt and impurities. Clarifying shampoo, although perfect for giving you a clean slate of fresh hair to work with, can also strip your hair of many of its natural oils. For this reason we recommend using clarifying shampoo no more than once a month or so, when you notice significant build up. In between this time we suggest sticking to co-washing, or more gentle cleansing shampoos. 

 

Protein Treatments

Hair consists largely of a protein called keratin. Through sun exposure, styling and manipulation, our hair can quickly become depleted of keratin, leaving it brittle and dull. If you find that despite your best efforts hydrating and moisturising your hair remains weak, dry and fragile, you may benefit from a protein treatment.

As just sun exposure can deplete your hair of protein, nearly everyone will benefit from a protein treatment now and then. Protein treatments are fundamentally strengthening treatments; they often contain ingredients such as keratin, hydrolysed protein and essential amino acids. These ingredients attach to the hair follicle and fill in any gaps or breakage, a good protein treatment will then allow these ingredients to harden, strengthening the cuticle layer and helping to repair damage and make the hair more resilient. 

Protein treatments should be applied sparingly, however. Applying protein treatments too often can lead to a protein overload, which may cause breakage throughout the hair. This can be avoided by applying treatments no more than every 4-6 weeks. 

 

Styling 

Next, you’ll want to determine what hairstyle is best suited for you. What hairstyle you rock will certainly change depending on the time of year and the level of maintenance you can commit too. Protective hairstyles aim to decrease the stress of environmental factors on natural hair by keeping the ends of hair tucked away in order to discourage damage from pulling, tugging or heat manipulation. Summer is officially here, and for women with kinky and coily hair this can be a bittersweet feeling. Along with the pool parties and beach trips, the summer season also brings with it intense heat and increased humidity. This can wreak havoc on hair if you’re not prepared. 

Protective and low maintenance styles can really be a lifesaver for women with type 3 and 4 hair and can help you have peace of mind in months with more extreme weather. Protective styles aren’t all created equal - from box braids to natural hair clips ins, there’s a wide variety to choose from depending on your personal taste and personal hair needs. 

For some inspiration have a read of our blog post on the best protective styles for you to try this summer! 

 

Product Selection

Once you’ve got the structure of your hair regimen down, it’s time to put together your product list. Choosing natural hair products doesn't have to be difficult. Ultimately the two primary goals you need to keep in mind when selecting products are: (a) find hair products that work for your hair type and (b) use them in the way that best suits your hair.  

Remember, you don’t need to spend a fortune on a hundred different lotions and potions to get the results you want. 

We recommend keeping it simple with 5 main products for your hair care routine:  

• Shampoo/Clarifying Shampoo
• Conditioner 
• Moisturiser
• Sealant 
• Heat protector (if you use heat tools) 

Feel free to add or remove products as per required and remember that just because a product works well for another natural, doesn’t necessarily mean it will work well for you. If you feel something isn’t working well for your hair, feel free to discontinue its use and source something else. This is all about doing what works for you and your hair. 

 

Scheduling

Next you want to decide on the scheduling of your hair care regimen. This naturally varies greatly from person to person. Assess your day-to-day routine as a whole and your energy levels throughout the day. This way you can schedule tasks for the time of day when you perform your best. 

Some things you’ll want to consider are:

• What day/time is most convenient for you to do your regime?
• How much time will each task take to complete?
• How often do you want to wash your hair?
• How often do you want to deep condition?
• Will you style with heat tools? 

Only you can answer these questions, but we suggest once again keeping it simple and realistic. If you are not a morning person, endeavouring to commit to a 90 minute hair care regimen at 6am on Saturday, is perhaps not the best idea. It’s a good idea to schedule the lengthiest elements of your hair care routine for when you have the most energy. 

 

Evaluate Your Progress

Lastly, you want to periodically evaluate your progress, not only is this an important way to gauge the effectiveness of your routine, but it is also a great motivator. Oftentimes when we see ourselves every day it’s hard to notice our progress as the changes can be subtle. Taking pictures of your hair will give you a visual aid and means of tracking your improvement. 

We recommend taking weekly pictures of your hair so you have a collection of visual data to refer to when trying to make the best decisions for you and your hair.

 

Example hair regimen:

• Wash and deep condition - 1x week
• Moisturise and seal - every three days
• Protein treatment - every six weeks
• Clarify - 1x month
• Hairstyles –braids/mini twists and clip-in extensions on special occasions

 

Some of us have grown up with a lot of misinformation about natural kinky, coily hair. These stories often follow themes that natural hair is ‘unmanageable, unprofessional, or otherwise unattractive’. These notions are as far from the truth as it possibly gets! What is true is that many people lack the essential knowledge to look after type 3 and 4 hair. Kinky, coily hair is versatile, incredibly diverse and very easily managed once you’ve got the correct regimen and products in place. 

 

Love your natural kinks and curls, and celebrate your hair with pride!

Taking the leap away from relaxer and perm can be an exciting and fun experience, but also stressful and a little intimidating when you aren’t that familiar with how to look after your natural hair. The number one thing to remember about transitioning is that the process should be as comfortable for you as possible. There is no time limit, no “right way” or “wrong way”, all you need to do is find your way. For many women the transition to natural hair is an insightful experience, and can be an important step in their journey of self-discovery.

 

With that being said, we’ve put together 10 important tips to help you along in your hair transitioning journey. 

 

1. Choose Your Preference: Fast or Slow

 

Big Chop

 

This is totally down to personal preference, but it is something that you should consider at the beginning of your journey because it will determine the early stages of your transition.

 

The big chop entails cutting off most or all of your relaxed hair in one go. One of the pros of doing this is you can speed ahead the first few stops of your transitioning journey as you don’t have to deal with maintaining two different types of hair textures at once. The big chop allows you to start fresh, and experience all the stages of natural hair growth, it’s quick and can be quite liberating and exciting to immediately begin with a fresh start.

 

Slow Transition

 

The slower approach of the two is perfect for those that would prefer to adjust to their new hairdo over a slower period of time. It involves cutting relaxers and chemical strangers or perms out of your hair care routine. Although permed hair cannot return to its unprocessed state, slowly trimming your ends as your natural growth comes in allows you to retain your length whilst you’re transitioning.

 

To reiterate, there is no right choice, everyone’s hair is different; consider what your hair goals are, consider what you’re comfortable with and the relationship with your hair. Going short overnight may not be for you, and that’s OK! You may be ready to get rid of your relaxed hair, right now, and the thought of dealing with 2 different hair textures might seem like an unnecessary hassle, and that’s OK! Choose whatever makes you comfortable.

 

 

2. Deep Conditioning & Moisturising

 

The composition of permed hair differs from that of natural hair, and that means the hair products best suited to natural hair can differ also. Due to the tightly coiled nature of natural hair, it can take longer for the natural oil secreted by the scalp to make its way down to the ends of the hair. This makes natural hair with tighter curl patterns more prone to dryness than straighter textures. So, keeping it well moisturised is essential for preventing breakage, dryness and shrinking. It also allows the hair to be more malleable, making it easier when styling.

 

3. Get Your Wash Routine in Check

 

Perfecting your wash routine can be a lengthy process. How often you should wash your wash will vary greatly from person to person. You don’t want to overwash your hair which results in dry and brittle hair due to the stripping of natural oils from the scalp. You also want to avoid underwashing which results in a buildup of dirt and oil, leading to dandruff, tangling and potentially hair loss.

 

You’ll want to look for a gentle cleansing shampoo that also contains moisturising agents like shea butter, organic olive oil, or jojoba oil. These oils will add moisture to counteract the drying effects of the soap. Co-washing your hair is a great way to remove buildup whilst avoiding the harsh chemicals found in shampoo, because they are often less drying and gentler they can be used more frequently than shampoo without risk of drying out the scalp.

 

 

4. Verify Your Hair Potions

 

Try to get into the habit of checking the ingredients on your deep conditioners and moisturisers. Don’t simply take what the bottle says at face value, you’ll find a lot of products will spout that they are “suitable for all hair types” or “perfect for natural hair”, when they are nothing of the sort. Check for deep conditioners and moisturisers that use natural oils like, jojoba or olive oil as their primary ingredients. When it comes to conditioning natural hair you want oils that can deeply penetrate the hair shaft. Poorly selected conditioners will result in products simply coating the outer layer of your hair, weighing it down and making it oily. 

 

5. Experiment With Protective Styles

 

Protective styles can be great when you’re transitioning or simply want to give your hair a bit of a break. The great thing about them is that they are so versatile and convenient. They can help to protect your hair from abrasive weather and they reduce the need for heat styling. Protective styles can be kept in for several weeks and can be anything from clip ins to cornrows.

 

We have a great great blog post about protective styles that you can read here, if you want some inspiration!

 

 

 

6. Less Is More

 

With natural hair often times, less is more. It’s important to not bog your hair down with heaps of different products. Similarly you want to avoid using a product with a list of ingredients as long as your arm that you can’t pronounce, also. Apart from the negative impact on your hair, you’ll never be able to monitor what products are and aren’t working for you, because you’re using so many. Its super simple to make your own deep conditioners and moisturisers for your hair and in many ways can actually be the better option since you can have full control over what ingredients touch your precious tresses.

 

Getting quality products to keep your hair in tip top shape doesn’t have to break the bank, try this 2 ingredient deep conditioner for healthy, happy locks!

 

• 5 tbs of extra virgin coconut oil
• 2 tbs of pure honey

 

The deep penetrating oil will provide moisture from the inside out and the honey can act as a sealant helping to keep the moisture in.

 

7. Heat Protection

 

By now you know black natural hair can be prone to breakage and dryness and this rings even more true if you are applying heat. In an ideal world you would avoid heat to your hair as much as possible, but we know there are times when you’re short for time or wanting to achieve a certain style that may require some heat styling. Therefore it’s important to get a quality heat protection spray, serum or oil for your hair. Heat protectants will add a barrier between the heat emitted by the styling tool and your hair, helping to seal in moisture, detangle and de-frizz.

 

Many people forget and think heat application only includes heat styling tools, but remember you should be applying a heat protectant when blow drying your hair too!

 

8. Don’t Skip Your Trims

 

We understand the reluctance to get a trim sometimes, especially if you have hair length goals it can seem like a major setback, but regularly scheduled trims are essential for not only hair health but optimum hair growth. Trimming your hair removes dead and split ends and helps your hair grow faster and healthier. How much you trim off will vary, and again you should go with what’s most comfortable for you. The trick is to keep a close eye on your ends as they will be the best indicator for when you need a trim.

 

 

9. Give Yourself Time to Adjust

 

It’s important to embrace the fact that this is indeed a transition in every sense of the word. That means you have to allow yourself time to adjust. You’re going to have to configure a new hair care routine, experiment with new styles and products and all of that takes time. Try not to compare your hair with others, or even compare it with your old/pre-transition hair. If you can embrace this new learning experience and try to see it as a fun opportunity to know more about your natural hair, you will avoid a lot of disappointment down the road.

 

10. Don’t Compare - Love Yourself, Love Your Hair

 

The most important advice we have to offer. Love yourself, love your hair. This is an amazing journey to embark upon; learning more about your hair, is learning more about yourself. Steer clear of those who put you down about your choices or bring negativity into your life. Seek advice and help from others, too. Remember you’re not alone on this journey, surround yourself with those who encourage and inspire you, and you and your hair will be beautiful!

 

Hopefully these helps have helped you to feel more confident, no matter where you are in your natural hair journey! If you have any tips to share with us, let us know in the comments below and help spread the word!

Ok, some of you may be thinking ‘what’s the L.O.C method?’ Well, you’re in luck because in this blog post we’ll break down the origins of the L.O.C method, what it means and how you can use it to revitalise your dry hair.

If you are a frequent visitor of natural hair blogs you probably would have heard of the L.O.C method. However, many do not know this technique was coined by the female entrepreneur, CEO and co-founder of Alikay Naturals, Rochelle Graham-Campbell. Before her product line Alikay Naturals became the success it is today, Rochelle documented her hair journey on her YouTube channel, Blackonyx77. It was on there where she shared the L.O.C method which was quickly adopted by many women as a way to moisturise and seal their natural hair.

Now, what does L.O.C. mean?

L.O.C is an acronym for:

L - Leave-in (or liquid)

O – Oil

C – Cream

It refers to the specific order you apply a moisturiser, oil and cream to your hair. Many women with curly and afro hair moisturise and seal their hair with a daily moisturiser/leave-in and oil but the L.O.C method aims to follow up with a creamy moisturiser or butter to acts as a second sealant. This helps by adding an extra barrier to maximise moisture retention which helps to slow down the rate moisture escapes from your hair. This is why the L.O.C method is popular to use during winter as the colder weather can have a harsh effect on our hair causing it to be drier than usual.

If you are interested in trying out this technique here are the steps to use it.

How to do the L.O.C method

• Step 1: Begin with your normal wash routine, whether that is cleansing your hair with a shampoo or conditioner. Although it is ideal to do the L.O.C method on clean hair, you can do it on dry hair.

• Step 2: Once your hair has been washed, using a moisturiser of your choice, apply it to your damp or dry hair. This can be your typical daily moisturiser, leave-in or your mixture of water and aloe Vera juice. CURLS Blueberry Bliss Reparative Leave In Conditioner, As I Am Leave-In Conditioner, and Cantu Shea Butter Leave-in Conditioning Repair Cream are also good products to use as your liquid.

• Step 3: Apply your hair with your oil, of choice, which will act as your first sealant. Examples of typical oils are Coconut Oil, Jojoba Oil, Sweet Almond oil and Grapeseed oil.

• Step 4: Apply your creamy moisturiser or butter. Butters like Shea and Mango Seed are great choices as well as styling and curl defining products such as Aunt Jackie's Curls & Coils Flaxseed Recipes Seal It Up Hydrating Sealing Butter, Soultanicals Can't Believe It's Knot Butta, and Curls Dynasty Icing On a Curl Whipped Hair Butter.

Who can benefit from the L.O.C method?

The L.O.C method is commonly mentioned in the natural hair community as natural hair tends to be drier and has difficulty retaining moisture, especially in the colder seasons. To see this method in action watch how Shanique uses this layering effect on her natural hair.

If you have chemically treated or relaxed hair there are also advantages to adopting this moisturising technique as Charisse demonstrates in the video below. 

Alternatives to the L.O.C method

If you have tried the L.O.C. method but feel you want to use a different combination you can change the order by applying a Liquid, Cream and Oil (e.g. L.C.O).

You can experiment with different oils and creams as different combinations may retain moisture better for your hair. Also, if you have fine or thin hair you’ll want to use lighter oils and creams instead of butters to prevent product build-up.  

If you are suffering from dry hair, give this method a try and watch it revitalise!

If you live somewhere that has distinctive seasons, you’ve probably noticed the different effects that dry, cold and humid air can have on your hair. It’s well known that prolonged exposure to harsh cold begins to sap our hair’s moisture, leaving it prone to breakage, flakiness and dryness. The effects of which can become more pronounced the tighter your curl pattern is. Our modern lives also exacerbate these issues with the constant transition from harsh winter weather into our central heated homes and back again.

 

So what are you to do about this troubling news, you ask? Fear not, for we’ve put together 7 essential winter hair care tips so you can stop winter from wrecking your perfect hair game this season.

 

1. Protective styling

Protective styles can be a great aid when trying to optimise your winter hair routine. Protective styles can be anything from clip-in extensions to box braids and are styles that can be kept in for several weeks. They help shield your hair from the elements and minimise the need for manipulation with heat.

 

If you’re looking for some hairspiration we’ve got a great blog post on protective styles that you can read here!

 

2. Moisturise and seal

Although colder conditions are known to have an adverse effect on hair, it’s actually the frequent transition between the cold and indoor heating that hurts our hair the most. You needn’t go to extremes and cut off your energy supply just yet though, this can be combated with a good moisturising product like a leave-in conditioner and daily moisturiser. You will also want a quality oil that can seal in the hair moisturiser. We’re big fans of jojoba, argan and sweet almond oil, but you can use any oil that works for you. If you what to level-up your moisture game check out our blog post on the L.O.C method, which is perfect for dry hair. 

 

If you’re only experiencing a little dryness or are looking for a preventative measure, simply apply a few drops of oil to the ends of your hair each day. This will help revitalise your hair and prevent breakage, as well as leaving it soft and shiny.

 

If you’re suffering from more severe dandruff or flakiness we suggest applying a heavier oil treatment to your hair and scalp, allowing it to absorb for 20-30 minutes before continuing your wash as usual. This will nourish your hair, and is a quick fix for any flakiness you’re experiencing.

 

 3. Limit heat

We know you’ve heard it before, but it rings even more true when the temperature begins to drop. It’s important to try to limit your use of tools like hair dryers, straighteners and curling tongs, because the heat can dry out your hair and scalp, increasing the risk of damage and breakage. We recommend experimenting with heat-free styling methods as much as possible.

 

A braid out is a great way to add some curl definition to your hair that doesn’t require heat, and banding, the method of dividing the hair into sections and wrapping hair ties throughout, can prevent shrinkage and lengthen the hair, heat-free. (Although both methods are best done overnight, as it can take several hours for hair to adapt to its new mould.)

 

If you’re still having trouble putting away your straighter, read on for some tips on protective styles that might be a perfect solution for you whilst your waiting for the weather to warm up.

 

4. Watch your wash routine

 

If you’re guilty of overwashing your hair this is your final warning that winter will be even less forgiving of this sin! Over washing strips your hair of natural oils that help to keep it healthy and moisturised, which is even more essential during the harsher winter months.

How often you should wash your hair is a very personal thing and does require some trial and error. If you feel you’re experiencing dryness washing 3 times a week, try to extend the time between your washes and go for 2, or maybe 1. There are a lot of great dry shampoos for natural hair available that can help you between washes if you’re struggling. 

 5. Co-washing

If you’re finding your shampoo regime is drying out your hair, consider giving it a rest and co-washing for a few weeks. A co-wash is a specially formulated cream cleanser that helps to remove buildup without the harsh parabens and sulfates commonly found in shampoos. A co-wash is much milder than shampoo and because of this and can often be used more frequently without risk of drying out the scalp. The conditioning properties help to add moisture to the hair, while the mild cleansing agents remove dirt and grease.

 

6. Get silky

There’s a reason why most hair bonnets are made up of satin or silk, and that’s because wool, cotton and other coarser materials can increase breakage with the friction that’s created when rubbing against the hair. Consider replacing all fabrics that often come into contact with your hair with silk or satin. This includes hair bonnets and pillowcases, as well as any frequently worn hats, bandanas or headscarves.

 

Photo via naptural85 on YouTube

Replacing your fabrics with ones that will be kinder to your hair doesn’t need to break the bank. If you’re willing to do a bit of DIY, find an old satin scarf or head down to your local fabric store, and with a little measuring tape and thread you can sew the fabric into the lining of any hat or pillowcase. Check out Ayesha video (aka Healthy Hair Junkie) on how to make your own affordable satin-lined hat.

7. Keep hydrated

Last but certainly not least - stay hydrated. Hydration starts from the inside out, and if you’re dehydrated you can’t expect to have well-nourished and moisturized locks. Believe it or not, water accounts for almost 25% of the weight of just a single strand of hair. When our skin is looking dull and tired, we are quick to make the correlation with being dehydrated but due to our hair taking a little longer to show the effects, we often forget that our hair acts very similarly to our skin. Staying hydrated can prevent dandruff, dryness and itchiness as well as help to stimulate hair growth. To get these benefits you’ll want to be drinking at least 2 litres of water everyday.

 

Winter hair care can seem complicated but it really does revolve around one thing, moisture, moisture, moisture! Finding ways to ensure your hair remains well-nourished and moisturised is the key to healthy, happy hair in any season.

We hope these tips help you create a killer winter regimen of your own! Any tips to share with us? Let us know in the comments below!

No two curl patterns are exactly alike and figuring out your hair type and curl pattern is one of the most essential steps in tailoring a great hair care routine that works for you. With the correct information you’ll be able to make product selections most suited to your hair, as well know how best to handle, moisturise and protect your hair from damage. We know determining your curl pattern can be a difficult and confusing process; many women are overwhelmed with the amount of information and are simply at a loss with where to begin.

So without further ado: Curly & Wild’s Ultimate Guide to Finding Your Curl Pattern. We hope this guide will give you the help and tools you need to fully embrace the beauty of your natural hair.

Why It’s Important to Know Your Hair Type

Knowing your hair type and curl pattern is the key to understanding your hair’s unique characteristics and administering the correct care which will help you maintain strong, healthy and well-nourished hair.

Understanding the Hair Type Chart

The hair type system was modeled after famous celebrity stylist Andre Walker’s definition of hair types; the chart ranges from 1 – 4, with subgroup classifications from A – C. 1 is straight, 2 is wavy, 3 is curly and 4 is coily. The subcategories A-C are based upon the density and depth of the hair pattern. A is fine/thin hair, B is medium/thick and C is dense/very thick.

However, it’s important to note that many women do not fit perfectly into just one category, and it’s common for most ladies, particularly with textured hair, to have a combination of multiple hair types on their head.

The curly and coily hair types begin at 3a and range all the way up until 4c. These tend to be the hair types most common amongst black women. They are the hair types that are described to have the most defined curl and coil patterns.

Type 3a

3a marks the first of the classified ‘curly’ hair types and is recognised by the lightweight appearance of its well-defined and loose curls.  The curls have a wide “S” shaped pattern and tend to be smooth with a fine to medium texture. The ringlets are compact with a shiny appearance and lots of body and buoyancy. The curls are on the wider side with a circumference that’s about the size of a piece of chalk. Due to the looser curl pattern, type 3 hair doesn’t suffer from as much dryness as type 4 hair. However, 3a hair can still be quite prone to dryness, as well as fizziness and lack of volume.  

Characteristics: Well-defined loose spiral curls, fine to medium texture, lots of body and buoyancy

Type 3b

3b hair is distinguishable by its loose “S” waves with a spiral to corkscrew-like appearance and has a diverse curl pattern that ranges from loose corkscrew curls to tight waves. The curls are well-defined, with a circumference similar to that of a large marker or sharpie and have a fine to medium texture.  Similar to type 3a, this hair type benefits from lots of body and buoyancy and is also prone to frizzing and dryness.

Characteristics: Spiral bouncy curls, loose curl pattern, fine to medium texture

 

Type 3c

3c hair is made up of defined, tight corkscrew curls, and is the tightest of type 3 curls. The circumference of the curls wrap snugly around a pen or pencil and the hair strands are densely packed together. Just like 3a and 3b, it has an “S” pattern when stretched. Unlike the previous types though, 3c curls are unique in that they can grow outwards instead of down, meaning that it grows in the same direction the hair shaft points to. This means when 3c hair is grown out longer it tends to form a “curly fro”. 3c hair generally has a medium texture and can be prone to dryness, tangling and a lack of curl definition.

Characteristics: Tight curls, dense, medium to thick texture

 Common Concerns of Type 3 Hair: Tangling, frizziness, dryness

 

Type 4a

Type 4a hair marks the beginning of the ‘coily’ hair types and is full of tight coils. Like 3c hair, it often takes on an “S” pattern when stretched out, which makes it easy to identify in comparison to the other type 4s. The hair has a visible curl pattern with spirals and a circumference close to that of a knitting needle. The texture is often fine or wiry, but its high density can make the hair appear thicker and darker. 4a hair has fewer cuticle layers than the other hair types thus far, making it quite fragile and prone to breaking.  

Characteristics: “S” pattern when stretched, thick appearance, visible curl pattern, dense, fine or wiry texture, shrinkage

 

Type 4b

4b hair is the second coily hair type, to determine whether you have 4b hair you should observe the pattern of your coils. 4b coils take on an angular “Z” shape, are usually as wide as a pencil or pen but are not very well defined. The texture of 4b hair is diverse, ranging from thin and wiry to rough and coarse. This hair type is prone to shrinkage, meaning that the coils can become quite tightly packed together. This can be frustrating for many women, as it means the hair length looks much shorter than it actually is. Like all type 4 hair, 4b hair also has a propensity to drying out and breakage.

Characteristics: “Z” coil pattern, undefined coils, dense and tightly packed, thin to coarse texture, shrinkage

Type 4c

Type 4c is made up of fluffy strands with a similar “Z” shaped curl pattern to type 4b hair, but it has tighter coils. The coils can range from defined to not very defined and are very densely packed together. 4c hair requires lots of moisture due to the tightness of the coils and is the most susceptible to shrinkage. It is not uncommon for 10-inch 4c hair to shrink down to 3-inches or less after washing. 4c texture can vary from fine and soft to thick and coarse, meaning the appearance of 4c hair can be quite diverse. It is considered to be the most delicate of hair types due to its tightly coiled curl pattern and succumbs easily to breakage when dry.

Characteristics: Fluffy strands, “Z” coil pattern, tight coils, dense, thin to coarse texture, shrinkage

Common Concerns of Type 4 Hair: Fragile, dryness, breakage.

 

🔥HOT TIP 🔥 If you are still having difficultly identifying your hair type a good trick is to see what your hair looks like after it has been freshly washed as there is no product in it allowing you to see your hair in its natural state.

We hope with guide you’ve been able to correctly identify your hair type and are now armed with the knowledge you need to confidently embrace and take care of the natural beauty of your hair. It’s no secret that natural hair can sometimes require a lot of maintenance but with a better understanding of your hair type, you’ll be more equipped to find the products, treatments, and styles best suited to your unique hair type and curl pattern. Taking a break with a protective style also becomes easier once you’ve determined your hair type and can correctly identify your hair’s texture.

Here at Curly&Wild, we have a diverse range of 100% virgin human hair extensions uniquely tailored for type 3 and 4 natural hair. With the help of this guide, you’ll now be able to confidently select the clip-ins that best match your hair texture for a flawless and seamless look.

Always remember, be it curls, kinks or coils, rock your locks with pride!

*If you are still not sure what your curl pattern is take our quiz here to help you decide*

 

The New Year always signifies a time of great excitement with new opportunities for a better year. For people that do make New Year’s resolutions, there is at least one goal that focuses on either improving health, fitness or losing weight. This is evident by the increase in gym memberships every year in January as people rush to the gym with the renewed motivation to create a healthier and fitter version of themselves (source).

However, according to research conducted by the University of Scranton, only 8% commit and complete their New Year goals (source). As the weeks and months continue, people begin to lose momentum and the excuses start to roll in, and soon that health and fitness goal has fallen by the wayside, only to be retrieved again in the upcoming New Year. Health and fitness should not be a goal, but a normal part of our lifestyles. It should be something you do subconsciously, like brushing your teeth or moisturising your hair ;-) To encourage you to see health and fitness as a way of life, we have put together some tips on how to look after your hair when you working out. At Curly & Wild, we understand how our hair can become an excuse to not take care of our health, so hopefully, these tips will help.

The annoying fact about sweat is that it dries out your hair, can make it frizzy and limp. Nevertheless, the best way to deal with sweat is to have a hair regimen that takes into consideration one’s workout regimen so you can best protect your hair in the most effective way.

Below we give 5 hair care tips to practice in conjunction with your workouts.  Keep an eye out for the bonus tip below!

1: Air-drying

People may think they should wash their hair after every workout session. However, this is not ideal as too much washing will remove the hair’s natural oils, which can lead to dryness and breakage from continuous manipulation. Rather than washing your hair after every workout opt for air-drying instead. Once it is dry you can refresh your hair by lightly spritzing it with water and styling as usual. Spritzing your hair is also a good way to add extra hydration between wash days.

2: Shampoo your hair 1-2 times a week

When you have a consistent workout program it’s best to shampoo your hair no more than 1-2 times a week. How many times you do this depends on the number of times you workout, the intensity of each workout and how often you want to shampoo your hair. If you are doing gentle exercises and don’t generate much sweat, you may feel it’s not necessary to shampoo your hair twice a week. However, if you are doing HIIT workouts (High-Intensity Interval Training) 5-6 times a week, then you may want to shampoo your hair more frequently. If you do a combination of moderate to intense workouts, perhaps reserving your shampoo days for the times you sweat the most is easiest. Regardless of how many times you shampoo your hair, it is about devising the best wash day schedule that fits around you and your workouts. In any case, if you are working out 3+ times a week, shampooing your hair once a week should be sufficient for most.

3 Remember to co-wash, clarify and use protein treatments

If you decide to wash your hair at least twice a week, make sure you utilise co-washing to help replenish moisture to your hair. Using a clarifying shampoo once a month can remove the build-up caused by excessive sweat. This can also be a good way to reboot the scalp for the next month of workouts. If you are undertaking a rigorous workout schedule that is causing your hair to be continuously damp, your hair may become limp and mushy due to the extra moisture. To counteract this, incorporate protein treatments to maintain your hair’s moisture/protein balance.

4:  Protective styling

When working out it’s always best to keep your hair off your face. Braid-outs, twist-outs, buns, ponytails and pineapples are great ways to protect and maintain your hair while working out. These styles are low-maintenance and practical because they do not require a great deal of styling after your workouts. You can also choose to leave them in until you are ready to wash and restyle your hair.

5: Use silk scarfs and headbands

You can use a silk scarf to flatten your hair to reduce frizz and maintain your edges and hairstyle. Headbands are also a great way to absorb excess sweat and protect the hair. In addition, you can try using hair grips to help pin down and flatten your hair before you put on your silk scarf or headband. This will also assist in maintaining your hairstyle.

This may sound like a lot to consider but in practice, it’s very straightforward and once incorporated into your lifestyle, it will be second nature. There are so many great benefits to working out; one of them includes hair growth because your heart rate increases the blood circulation around your body, which stimulates the scalp.

Let us end this post by promising to make 2019 the year health and fitness becomes a natural and enjoyable part of our lives, rather than an unattainable goal that has to be attained every New Year.

BONUS TIP:

Because sweat by nature is drying to your hair you can incorporate more moisture into your hair routine during your week. Deep conditioning your hair once a week is an easy way to do this. Another way is by mixing water and your favourite leave-in conditioner into a spray bottle and misting your hair until it is damp before working out to protect your hair. If you go to a gym with a sauna you can also let the leave-in conditioner sit in your hair for 15-20 minutes as an extra treatment.