The 4B hair type is springy, juicy and full of beauty and bounce. These curls are so stunning that they often draw attention and envy. But like all hair types, 4B curls also need love and care to keep looking their best. While it can be one of the trickiest types to style and care for, it does not have to be that hard.
If you have 4B coily hair, you may have noticed that your hair does not get enough appreciation and needs extra moisture and a bit of definition. It means all you need to do is master these two things to get 4B curls that thrive.
Guess what? This blog will help you learn all you need to know about 4B hair type, including tips on how to care for 4B hair. With these 4B hair care tips, you will be on your way to having great hair days!
What is 4B hair type?
The 4B hair type features very tight and ‘Z’-shaped coils that are fluffy and coarse. While 4B curls have a sharp zigzag pattern, they can lack definition and shrink a lot when wet. Here are some features of 4B hair:
- Tightly packed strands
- Sharp bends and edges
- Z-pattern curls
- Varied texture, from slender spirals to tight curls
- Cloud-like volume
Do you know what’s the best thing about type 4B hair? You can style them in many ways. However, 4B curls tend to be very dry because of their shape. It makes them more susceptible to breakage, damage and frizz. A gentle and hydrating hair care routine and the best 4B hair products can help you keep your hair soft and healthy.
Also Read: 3A Hair: What is it and How to Care for it
How to care for the 4B hair type?
4B curls tend to shrink a lot- between 50% to 75%- and are often dry, which can lead to breakage. This happens because the tight zigzag pattern makes it hard for your scalp’s natural oils to reach the ends of your hair.
You can combat this by keeping your curls moisturized, using less heat and choosing the right products and techniques. Below are some important 4B hair tips:
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Hydrate hydrate hydrate
Curly and coily hair needs lots of moisture. That is why you should choose a cleansing conditioner like the Curl Nourish (Moroccan Argan Oil) Hair Conditioner. It is sulfate-free and packed with hydrating ingredients like Olive Oil and Cacao Butter. Not only does it strengthen damaged hair but also helps prevent future breakage.
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Use the right cleansing method
Shampooing frequently can strip your hair of natural oils. Try co-washing (using a cleansing conditioner) and look for sulfate-free options that nourish and hydrate, like Keratin Onion Hair Conditioner. This method helps maintain moisture while gently cleansing your scalp and curls.
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Deep condition weekly
Deep conditioning treatments are essential for keeping 4B hair strong and manageable. Hence, try to deep condition your hair once a week with a product rich in moisture and proteins. Best Life’s Deep Conditioning Strength & Repair Hair Mask infuses hair with a powerful dose of moisture and nutrients.
This makes it best to use on your 4B hair. After shampooing, apply the mask and massage it into your hair to help the product absorb deeply. Leave it in for 2 minutes before rinsing.
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Protective styles
Consider wearing protective styles to reduce breakage and promote hair growth. Styles like braids, buns or twists can protect your hair from damage and limit how much you have to handle it.
Remember to keep your scalp moisturized when wearing protective styles, Avoid styles that pull hair tightly, as they can lead to tension and damage.
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Minimize heat usage
Heat can be damaging to 4B hair and can make the hair dry and brittle. Therefore, you should try to opt for air drying whenever possible instead of using heat tools.
Even if you are using heat styling tools, do not forget to apply a heat protectant to shield your hair from damage. Styles like twist-outs or braid-outs can help define your curls without heat, ultimately giving you beautiful results while also keeping your hair healthy.
You can follow these 4B hair tips to nurture your hair and keep it looking vibrant and full of life. Your hair can thrive beautifully with a little care and the right products!
Suggested Read: Unlock the Secrets of 3C Hair Type: How to Identify and Care for Your Curl Type
Conclusion
You must know how to make the most of the natural texture of your hair, as it can help you maintain gorgeous and bouncy curls all day long. Caring for the 4B hair type means following a gentle hair care routine that keeps your scalp’s natural oils to make your curls softer and more moisturized.
If you are looking for the best curly hair products, do not look elsewhere and choose Best Life. Our high-quality products can help you elevate your hair game. Do not believe us? Shop from us today and witness the amazing results yourself!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)
Q1- How can you identify the 4B hair type?
Ans. 4B hair is the second tightest curl pattern, just after 4C. It is a type of coily hair that is usually very thick and dense. If you have 4B hair, your curls will form a zigzag or Z-shaped pattern. This hair type tends to be quite porous and dry and can break easily.
To find out your curly hair type, start with wet hair. 4B hair will still look coily when it is wet but often shrinks when it dries.
Q2- What styles to try with 4B hair?
Ans. Here are some styles you can try to show off your 4B curls:
- Wash and go: Keep it natural and easy. Only use moisturizing, curl-enhancing and frizz-fighting curly hair products to keep your coils looking great all day.
- Pixie cut: A coily pixie cut looks really cool.
- Box braids: These are cute and protective.
- Highlights: Add some extra dimension to your coils with highlights.
Q3- How often should you wash your 4B hair?
Ans. Wash 4B hair once a week or every other week to prevent dryness. Use a gentle and sulfate-free shampoo like Curl Nourish (Moroccan Argan Oil) Hair Shampoo with ingredients like Organic Moroccan Argan Oil, Organic Aloe Vera and Silver Linden/ Tilia Tomentosa extract.
After washing, follow up with a deep conditioner like Biotin ACV Hair Conditioner for extra moisture.