What is 4a Hair Type?

Black hair comes in so many textures and structures. Black hair is categorized into three types, all of which are 4 hair types. If you’re a black-American, you either have type 4C, 4A, or 4B hair. So what is 4a hair type? In this post, we will discuss it.

Hair typing is a popular hair typing system used to categorize hair based on curl pattern and hair strands shape. This typing system uses letters and numbers to characterize hair curls’ tightness or shape.

What Is 4A Hair Type?

Andre Walker’s hair typing system describes 4A hair as tightly-coiled S-shaped hair. The coils are cylindrical and have small pencil-like widths. Type 4A coils are stretchy. Its cork-screw texture retains moisture a bit longer than type 4c. When compared to hair type 3C, 4A is tighter and opens up quickly.

The kinky well-designed curl pattern of this hair type makes it a bit hard to care for. Women with hair type prefer a wash and go style because it doesn’t affect their hair care regimen.

What is 4a Hair Type – Characteristics

People with type 4A hair have coiled curls characterized by spiral patterns. The strands have a miniature circumference that’s almost equal to that of a coffee stirrer. The texture of the curls is coarse or fine. Like most other curled hair types, 4A hair type is susceptible to tangles, dryness, and breakage.

What Is 4a Hair Type – The Best Products for Caring for it

Type 4A hair maintenance requires the use of specially suited conditioners, shampoos, oils, and stylers. To keep your hair always on top, looking attractive and stylish would need you to use any of these products.

Shampoos

Shampoos are available in many styles and types, which include different ingredients. Consider aloe Vera-infused shampoos to arouse growth of your 4A hair type while keeping it hydrated and smelling fresh. Aloe Vera adds moisture to your hair, minimizing issues with brittles or dryness.

Coconut oil-infused shampoos work to strengthen hair growth while protecting the looks and styling. Shampoos with coconut oil are the best for people who frequent the saloons to have their hair twisted or braided.

Consider shampoos containing Pro-vitamin B5 and Vitamin E if you want to leave your hair moisturized and detangled after cleansing. The best thing about these shampoos is that they don’t clean off the natural hair oils. They are the best for those who want to achieve bouncy and shiny hair free of flyaways.

Conditioners

If you’re looking to add moisture and luster to your hair, consider hair conditioners made of virgin coconut oils. Coconut oil is widely known for its amazing hydration properties, and so when used in curly hair, it helps seal lost moisture. When used together with heavier moisturizers, coconut hair conditioners would condition your hair and make it extra bouncy.

Consider hair conditioners made of honey hemp if you’re the kind that loves preconditioning their hairs. The honey in these conditioners works as sealants, sealing in moisture to give your hair the most desirable elegance and sleekness.

Hair oils

When it comes to oiling your hair, you’ve so many options to consider. Coconut oils pack a range of super ingredients, including iron, vitamin E, antioxidants, and vitamin K. These introduce nutrients and oxygen to your hair follicles, stimulating growth, and enhancing scalp circulation. 

Jojoba oils contain zinc, minerals, silicon, and copper, ideal for enhancing hair cell-reproduction and hair follicles growth. It also contains antifungal and antibacterial properties to protect your hair against dandruff.

Jamaican black castor oils are full of highly potent omega-6 and omega-9 fatty acids. Once applied, they ignite blood flow to your scalp to enhance growth rates, strengthen the roots, and nourish the hair. Avocado oils are also great additions to your 4A hair styling and maintenance regimen. Avocado contains oleic acid ideal for moisturizing your hair scalp and vitamin D perfect for stimulating growth. 

The last type of oil you can use in maintaining and caring for your hair is almond oil. Almond oil packs a range of superior ingredients, including magnesium, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin E, and phospholipids, all of which work to nourish and strengthen type 4A hair.

Protein masks

In maintaining and caring for your type 4A hair, you may want to use protein masks. Protein masks are ideal for softening and nourishing your hair. They do so by replenishing hair proteins and removing dead scalp cells.

Protein masks are the best types of hair maintenance and care products for those who want to add volume to their hair, giving it fuller, longer, and thicker looks. Type 4A hair is very prone to breakage. Protein masks help in strengthening your limp brittle hair strands, preventing split ends, and reducing breakage. In other words, if you want to keep your hair looking bouncy and full of life, you should consider using protein masks.

Heat protectant

If you’re going to style your 4A hair type, you’re likely going to heat it. Sadly, heating 4A hair types can end up damaging it. Heat protectants work to protect your hair against damage triggered by excessive heat. You need to apply your heat protectant before you straighten or curl your hair to keep it fully protected.

Ensure you dry your hair using a blow dryer set in low heat settings. Expert hairstylists recommend using a diffuser when blow-drying your hair to ensure heat spreads evenly throughout the hair and into the curls.

Also, here’s all you need to know about the 4c hair type.

What Is 4a Hair Type – Conclusion

Every hair type has its unique characteristics and care demands. Caring for type 4 hair types such as 4A has proven to be quite demanding. That’s because of the curled nature of these hair types.  If you’re going to keep your 4A type hair shining, moisturized, strong, and healthy, you must invest in the right care products.

To make the buying exercise easier, we have outlined the most crucial products you should add to your 4A hair care regimen. Besides your hair type, there are other things that should be considered when deciding which hair care product is perfect for you, and that’s why you may need to consult your hairstylist.