Hair types can be categorized into four sections. 1, straight. 2, wavy. 3, curly. 4, coily. The hair chart was created to tell the difference between curls and how to care for it. Black texture mainly consists of type 3 and 4, but there are subcategories to even that.
Keep reading to learn about the different types of Black hair.
Type 4A
Type 4A hair is coily, much like an “S” shape weaved through the hair. It is voluminous and and grows downward, opposed to the typical afro shape of growing upwards. Along with that, the 4A texture does not experience shrinkage as much as other types do. Shrinkage occurs when hair dries up after being wet, and it shrills down to a tighter and smaller curl. Although it might not be an ideal look, shrinkage represents healthy hair, because it shows it is holding moisture. Type 4A needs consistent moisturization in order to flourish and prevent dryness and cracking. Still, consistent doesn’t mean an excess amount of product. A little a day maintains type 4A.
Type 4B
4B curls are dense and tight, possessing a Z-shape or zigzag pattern. Due to it, that makes it easy to manipulate. To manipulate means it is able to handle multiple styles back to back. 4B texture is also dry, coarse, and prone to breakage. Breakage is when hair strands break or fall into split ends. The reason 4B texture has difficulty in holding moisture is because of its Z-shape. To maintain type 4B, adding oil on a daily basis retains moisture.
Type 4C
In type 4C, there is no distinct curl pattern. Unlike 4A with its coils, and 4B with its zigzag pattern, 4C is a mix of both. Type 4C has the tightest curls of all hair types, allowing for a dense afro look. The texture is also prone to the most shrinkage and dryness, meaning it needs to be hydrated constantly. Regular washing with deep conditioning and shampoo promotes healthy and moist curls, a need for type 4C.
Discovering a person’s proper curl pattern can be as simple as taking a look. Porosity, shape, and volume make up a hair type, and moisturizing to just the right extent allows for healthy Black hair.
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