How Does Type 4 Hair Differ From Any Other Curl Pattern?

The biggest misconception about kinky/coily hair is that it can withstand rough treatment. Type 4 curl patterns are the most fragile curl pattern due to its spongy texture and it is naturally drier than other curl pattern. The tight, small curls can vary—some are fine and soft, while others are thick and coarse. Being that 4 curl patterns are drier they are more prone to breakage, which is why getting the proper moisture and protein balance is vital for this group. Being that coily hair has its own unique moisturizing challenges due to the circumference of coily hair (4a, 4b, and 4c) is smaller than that of curly hair, natural scalp sebum takes longer to travel down the hair shaft, leaving coils more prone to dryness and breakage. This curl pattern is infamous for shrinkage which results to single strand knots, and more times than not the hair strands are fine, so they need to be handled with care. Keeping your coils well hydrated does not have to be complicated. It is as simple as understanding your hair's porosity and being consistent with a hair regimen made just for you!