Talking 4a hair styles and opting to spell it “hair styles” just to bug folks. Anyway, my hair in its natural state is 4A. To be honest, the hair typing system has been the frustration of my last 15 years natural. It often feels like a complex puzzle that doesn’t fully capture the uniqueness of each individual curl pattern. I have opted to relax my hair, seeking a different look and ease of maintenance, but as I was looking through old pictures, I reflected on my 4A hairstyles – or at least the ones I liked.
I reminisced about the vibrant curls and the various ways I styled them; from twist-outs to braid-outs, each look showcased a different side of my personality.
My natural hair was not just a part of my identity.
It was a canvas for self-expression. It symbolized me embodying my journey and the confidence I felt at different stages of my life.
Looking back, I realize that even the frustration with the hair typing system couldn’t overshadow the beauty and versatility of my natural texture.
In this post, I want to the style that worked for my hair. Talk a little about 4a hairstyles, hair type identification, and care tips. All in random order.
If you don’t know the history of hair typing, check out this hodge-podge Andre Walker created.
Natural or relaxed – I embrace my 4a hair styles.
But this post is not about relaxed hair. It’s about the retrospective of my natural hair years.
My hair was natural throughout my forties, reflecting my desire to embrace my true self without the interference of chemical treatments or heated styling tools.
It wasn’t until life challenges, such as unexpected career changes and personal losses, prompted me to opt for a simpler approach that I changed my mind.
The weight of these experiences caused me to reevaluate many aspects of my life, including my relationship with my hair.
Experiencing several losses threw me for a loop, making me realize that in the midst of change, sometimes we must seek comfort in simplicity and ease.
People say natural hair is easy to care for.
Well, it was not for me.
What is easy is my wrap hairstyle, as it requires less maintenance.
I can focus my energy on healing and rediscovering joy during a tumultuous time.
My 4a Hairstyles
Simplicity is my jam.
Even as a natural, I opted for easy styles that required the least bit of manipulation.
Another thing: I usually wear my hair the same way. I like a side-part.
Each of my styles were often the end result of the day’s humidity, the products I used and what i did the night before.
My products of choice for my 4a hair styles:
Live Aid Curl Activator
Coconut oil
Some sort of leave-in conditioner.
Olive oil or Jojoba oil
Liquid leave-in conditioner – any would do.
What Does 4A Hair Type Look Like?
4A hair is known for its tightly coiled, corkscrew patterns that create a distinct, voluminous texture.
This hair type is often dense and can showcase a range of styles, from natural afros to braids and twists.
The coils tend to form in a zigzag shape, which may lead to more shrinkage compared to other types, giving the appearance of shorter hair than its actual length when dry.
Additionally, 4A hair can be prone to dryness, requiring consistent moisture and care to maintain health and shine.
It can also be quite versatile; with the right styling products, it can be defined for a more polished look or left loose for a wild, airy appearance.
The key to managing 4A hair lies in understanding its unique needs. This includes gentle cleansing, deep conditioning treatments, and the use of hydrating leave-in conditioners to nourish the strands effectively and combat frizz.
- Tight, coily curls with a defined S-shape pattern.
- Soft texture but prone to dryness if not properly moisturized.
- Naturally voluminous with well-defined, springy curls.
Is My Hair 3C or 4A?
For years, I struggled to determine whether my hair was 3C or 4A, often feeling confused by the varying definitions and characteristics associated with these hair types.
I would spend countless hours researching online, looking at pictures, and studying different textures in hopes of finding a definitive answer.
The more I learned, the more I realized that hair typing wasn’t just about the curl pattern but also involved factors like porosity and density.
This overwhelming journey made me appreciate the uniqueness of my hair. It took the pressure off.
After all, sure, there could be categories, but since God made us all so differently, there will not likely be any identical or truly “hair twins.”
Ultimately, I came to understand that it was less about fitting into a category and more about celebrating my individual hair journey.
If forced, this is what I would say is the difference between 3C and 4A hair
3C and 4A hair types are both part of the natural hair spectrum.
They exhibit distinct characteristics that affect how they are styled and cared for.
3C hair is known for its tightly coiled, spring-like curls that are densely packed together, providing volume and a lot of bounce.
My curls need a strong wind to shake my head hard enough for some bounce.
Anyway, these curls can range from medium to coarse in texture, often with a noticeable shine.
Now, for 4A hair styles and hair
On the other hand, 4A hair is characterized by its softer, more delicate curl pattern that forms tight, ‘S’ shaped curls or zigzag patterns.
While 4A hair may also have some volume, it is typically finer than 3C hair.
This influences the way moisture is retained, and styles are achieved.
Both types require specific hair care routines focused on hydration and protective styling. Some say 3C benefits from a mix of creamy products to enhance curl definition.
For my 4A hair, it needs lighter, gel-like products to maintain curl integrity without weighing the hair down.
Understanding these differences can greatly aid you in choosing the right products and styling methods to promote healthy, beautiful hair.
I wish I had known this earlier. I would pile so much product on my hair that I’m sure it showed on the scale as I weighed each week!
Here is what I found at a glace:
- 3C Hair: Tighter curls than 3B but looser than 4A, defined corkscrew curls with a fine or coarse texture.
- 4A Hair: Tighter, coiled curls with more shrinkage and a thicker, denser appearance.
One more kicker for 4a hairstyles
Several hair types are common among individuals, and it’s fascinating how diverse the textures can be.
For instance, you could be 4A at the back, characterized by its tight, springy coils, while having a contrasting 3C texture on top. This is so me!
This also affects the 4a hairstyles you choose. One area of your head may need to be treated completely differently from another.
Since 4a hair styles can be finer with looser curls, you will get more volume and bounce.
This variation in hair types can affect styling choices and product selection, as different textures may require specific care routines to maintain their health and appearance.
4a hair styles
4a hair styles
4a hair styles
4a hair styles
That’s it.
Thanks for reading! Check out my crochet styles and my newly relaxed hair – yeah. I did that.
Practical insights for living can be found in all sorts of places even the Oscar for sure.
Indeed. :)