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Corkscrew curls: Everything you need to know about the 4c hair type

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There are numerous types of hair and understanding your hair type is a great way to look after it the right way. 4c hair is a type of curly hair that is delicate and fragile, but it's also super stylish.

In this article, we explain this hair type in detail and reveal some handy maintenance tips and style options to make the most of your 4c hair this year.

What is 4c hair type?

The 4c hair type is characterized by delicate curls. It's often regarded as the "curliest" of curly hair types and needs special care and attention to keep it hydrated, fresh, and looking great.

People with 4c hair can identify with delicate hair that often frizzes and becomes tangled, particularly during washing and drying.

One of the key features of the 4c hair type is that the curls (or coils) are extremely springy. In many instances, the curls are so springy that they can shrink to up to 75% of their actual length.

If you have 4c hair, you need to make sure you look after it well with some simple maintenance tips, as we explore below.

How to look after 4c hair type for the best results

As with all hair types, you need to look after your 4c hair, following maintenance and care tips that help your curls thrive. Here are some simple steps you can take to improve the look and feel of your 4c hair:

Use the right hair products for 4c hair type

Heavy, oil-based products aren't good for 4c hair, so avoid using them. The shampoo and conditioner you use are crucial. Opt for a hydrating or moisturizing product, as 4c hair is typically quite dry, so you need products that lock in your hair's moisture.

Reduce the amount you wash your hair

The frequency at which you wash 4c hair is crucial to think about. We advise you to use shampoo once a week so you don't strip the natural oils out of your hair. Make sure you use sulfate-free shampoo for the best results.

Invest in the best blow dryer for 4c hair type

4c hair is particularly susceptible to frizz. Therefore, you need to choose the best hair dryer for your 4c hair. The Laifen Swift Special is an ionic dryer with adjustable heat settings.

It is your best defense against frizz and helps to dry your hair, without it becoming overly dry or brittle. You can easily switch between heat settings, too, ensuring an even and thorough dry of your hair without overheating your locks.

Protect your hair at night

If you don't cover your hair during the night, you risk breaking and damaging your curls when you sleep. A simple solution is to sleep on a silk or satin pillow to reduce friction. You can also wrap your hair in a scarf before going to bed to protect it.

Follow a nutrient-rich diet

The food you eat has a big difference to the health of your 4c hair. Ensure you follow a nutrient-rich diet and eat whole, plant-based foods where possible. You can also take a multivitamin or similar supplement to help your hair thrive.

Different types of 4c hair: 5 styling options to consider

Though delicate and needs proper care and maintenance, 4c hair can be styled in numerous ways. Here are some trending styles to opt for this year:
Twists

Opting for a protective style like twists is a great way to wear your 4c hair in 2024. They can also be unraveled to reveal stunning corkscrew curls, which capture attention for all the right reasons.

Space bun

Wearing your curls in an updo is another way to protect them, and a space bun is one of our favorite looks for this flattering hair type. You can braid your curls before tying them into a space bun for a stylish and chic look this year.

Bantu knots

Bantu knots are a great way to tame your curls. Separate your hair into small sections, before twisting the curls to form knots. If you don't like knots, opt for knotless braids, which are another good way to protect your curls.

The natural look

Given the beauty of 4c hair, you can opt for a natural look if you prefer. Let your hair down and show off its natural corkscrews for an enviable look.

High ponytail

A low-maintenance hairstyle for people with 4c hair is the high ponytail. This will keep your hair off your face and you can choose a colorful scrunchie to spice things up a little as you step out.

How do you change your hair type from 4c to 3c?

As much as you might want to change your hair type, it's genetic, so you can't change it naturally. That being said, you can style your hair slightly differently to mimic a hair type that you admire.

The 3c hair style, for instance, is a defined curl that holds a tight S-shaped pattern, making it slightly different to the 4c. You can alter your style to achieve bigger curls and using a curling iron and a sea salt spray can also help you achieve your desired style.

Conclusion

The 4c hair type is stylish and impresses due to its natural corkscrew curls. However, 4c hair is very delicate and needs to be cared for, to prevent it from breaking or drying out.

You can use the above maintenance tips and styling options to show off your stylish, curly hair this year.

Be sure to check out our range of ionic hairdryers to find the perfect blow dryer for your 4c hair, which will prevent frizz and reduce the likelihood of your curls drying out.

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