You found out that you have curl type 4! This curl type can be recognized by its often thick structure and needs a lot of moisture. The curls are tight and dense and have a strong S or Z pattern. The curls are very vulnerable and sensitive to hair breakage, the curls also shrink considerably in 'shrinkage'. Frizzy hair needs the most time and attention compared to wavy hair and curly hair. Make sure the hair gets enough moisture by using oil, steaming the hair, sealing it and using leave-in conditioner or curl cream. The types can be further divided into A, B and C.
Type 4A – Frizzy hair with loose curl
People with this curl type have a lot of volume and the curls are resilient and have a fine structure. They are fairly tight, spiral curls with an 'S' pattern but they are a bit looser than type 4B curls.
Type 4B – frizzy hair with dense curl
Type 4B is a bit more tightly curly than type 4A. 4B curls often have a sharp Z pattern. They are quite small and tight and sometimes lack definition.
Type 4C – Frizzy hair with very small curls
Type 4C has even smaller curls. These curls are often so dense that you can hardly distinguish them. Curl type 4C is also more prone to shrinking, which gives it a lot of volume.
HOW DO I TAKE CARE OF MY CURLS AND WHICH PRODUCTS DO I USE?
For curl type 4 it is very important to hydrate the hair well, by using masks and oils. This curl type can use heavy products. Try a lot to see what works for you, perhaps a light product will also work very well. Use a leave-in and/or curl cream for extra hydration and care. Use a custard or gel to hold the curls in place and prevent frizz. The LOC (Liquid-Oil-Cream) method is a method that is suitable for curl type 4 curls. This ensures that the hair remains well hydrated.
By: Merel Mulderij