Type 4A curls are characterised by small, springy curls that are tightly coiled and have a distinct ‘S’ shape. They’re usually well-defined, tightly packed and versatile - but they can be prone to dryness and shrinkage .
Here’s how to make the most of your 4A curls, and ensure they stay looking their best all year round.
Type 4A Hair Care
- Keep your hair hydrated: Use a moisturising shampoo and conditioner specifically-formulated for curly hair, and start using deep conditioning treatments at least once a week to hydrate and provide curl definition
- Use gentle cleansers: Choose sulphate-free, hydrating cleansers to avoid stripping natural oils from your hair. Focus on massaging your scalp while shampooing, and allow the suds to flow down your hair shaft to prevent overwashing the ends of your hair
- Detangle with care: Use a wide-toothed comb or your fingers to detangle while your curls are still damp and saturated with conditioner. Start detangling from the ends and work your way up to minimise breakage and hair loss .
- Use protective hairstyles: Braids , twists, and updos can minimise pulling on your roots and reduce breakage. Make sure your hair’s hydrated before styling and avoid styles that pull too tightly on your hairline
- Protect your curls at night: Wrap your hair in a satin or silk bonnet or silk scarf, or start using a satin pillowcase. In the morning, refresh your curls using a water-based leave-in spray or mist
- Minimise heat styling: Use heatless styling methods whenever possible to prevent heat damage. If you have to use heat, apply a heat protectant and the lowest temperature setting to avoid excessive drying and breakage
Hairstyles for Type 4A Hair
Type 4A curls are wonderfully-versatile, with plenty of styling possibilities that allow you to showcase the beauty of your natural hair texture.
- Low Maintenance Natural Curls: Apply a leave-in conditioner or curl-enhancing product to wet hair, and allow it to air dry. The natural curl pattern of 4A hair makes it ideal for achieving defined, bouncy curls with minimal effort.
- Twist-Outs: Divide damp or moisturised hair into small sections and twist each section around itself from the roots to the ends. Once your hair’s dry, unravel the twists to reveal defined and elongated curls. Twist-outs can last for several days, and are gentle on your roots
- Braid-outs: Like twist-outs, braid-outs involve braiding damp or moisturised hair and unravelling the braids once dry. This style creates gorgeous waves and adds texture; they can also be worn as a protective style, preserving curls and minimising breakage
- Updos: Updo hairstyles such as buns, high puffs , or braids are perfect for special occasions or when you want to keep your curls off your face
- Afro Hair: This bold and iconic style exudes confidence and celebrates the natural texture of your hair. To maintain your afro, regularly moisturise and pickfluff your hair to preserve its shape and volume
- Half-up, Half-down: This versatile hairstyle allows you to showcase your curls while keeping some hair off your face. Simply gather the front section of your hair and secure it around the sides of your head with a hairband or pins, leaving the rest of your curls flowing freely
- Protective Styles: Box braids, Senegalese twists, and crochet braids are popular protective styles that give your hair a break from daily manipulation and promote hair growth
Hair Products for Type 4A Hair
Why we like it
This rich curl-defining cream for thick curly hair contains coconut oil and shea butter to help nourish and hydrate type 4A curls. Neem oil controls frizz and adds volume, and silk protein softens unruly locks.
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Why we like it
Beloved by curly girls for its deep moisturising properties and delicate scent, this leave-in conditioner helps to soften and detangle type 4A hair, as well as promote healthy hair growth.
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Why we like it
This super-hydrating gel is made with 100% pure olive oil to smooth the hair’s cuticle, lock in moisture and add shine. It provides superior staying power, and helps to prevent split ends and breakage.
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Why we like it
This iconic multitasker leaves hair soft, moisturised and with defined, frizz-free coils and curls. It also helps reduce shrinkage, and adds glossy, eye-catching shine.
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Why we like it
Designed to nourish and moisturise textured hair, this rich, creamy butter receives rave reviews for its ability to soften and hydrate. Its blend of shea and cocoa butter help to retain moisture and improve manageability.
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Best Shampoo for Type 4A Hair
Why we like it
Expertly-crafted with Jamaican black castor oil, shea butter and peppermint, this sulphate-free shampoo strengthens hair, effectively cleanses the scalp and moisturises dry curls.
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Why we like it
Restore moisture and shine to dull, lacklustre curls with this sweet-smelling colour-safe shampoo. Aloe, sweet clover and rose extract add softness, detangle, and add shine.
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Why we like it
Although it’s not a traditional shampoo, this co-wash cleansing conditioner is a popular choice for type 4 curls. It gently cleanses the hair and scalp without stripping natural oils, leaving curls moisturised and refreshed.
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Why we like it
This detangling and hydrating shampoo contains a blend of coconut oil, shea butter, and extra virgin olive oil to nourish and protect dry, curly hair. It’s sulphate-free, and made with no mineral oils or petrolatum.
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How Often Should I Wash Type 4A Hair?
There’s no hard and fast rule for how often to wash type 4A hair, but we’d recommend you shampoo it around once a week if it’s getting greasy, or every 8-10 days if it’s prone to dryness . Curly hair needs extra moisture as the natural sebum produced by your scalp isn’t able to move down curls as easily, and washing too frequently can strip away the oils your curls need.
Use a hydrating, sulphate-free formula that’s created with your hair type in mind, and focus on washing just your roots and scalp, letting the lather trickle down to cleanse the ends. This will help minimise tangling, ensure your ends aren’t overwashed, and help your hair to retain moisture.