The Best Hair Care Routine for Type 4 Hair

Afro-textured hair, also known as type 4 hair, is the most sensitive and delicate hair texture of them all.  Afro kinky-coily hair requires consistent moisture and does best with minimal manipulation. But type 4 hair doesn’t have to be a chore and a hassle to manage and maintain. The key is having the right technique, using the right products, and being consistent with your haircare regimen to achieve well hydrated, bouncy, and defined curls.

In addition to using a hair extension for your hair type, follow this hair care routine for type 4 hair to achieve beautiful curls and coils that are healthy and easily maintained.

SHOP CURLY CLIP IN HAIR EXTENSIONS

Must-Have Products for Type 4 Hair

First things first, it’s important to have the right products on hand to support and moisturize your type 4a, 4b, and 4c hair. Here are the top products to always have on hand for your curly, kinky, and coily hair:

• Hydrating sulfate-free shampoo: Be sure to use a shampoo free from sulfates since those can dry hair and cause it to become damaged and feel brittle.
• Hydrating conditioner: A conditioner is a must-do after shampooing.
• Leave-in conditioner: Following a shampoo with a leave-in conditioner can keep your locks hydrated.
• Natural oil: Type 4 hair requires daily moisturization and using a few drops of an oil like almond oil or apricot seed oil on your dry strands every day can go a long way to keep your hair hydrated.
• Ultra-nourishing hair mask: It’s smart to use a hair mask once a week to give your hair a highly nourishing treatment to replenish your locks. Look for products that have ingredients like shea butter, cocoa butter, and almond oil and black castor oil.

This article lists the top products for type 4 hair that can help keep your hair happy!

Step 1: Pre-Poo

“Pre-poo” is the step before shampooing, to prep the hair for washing with suds. It helps to prevent your hair from becoming tangled or dried out when shampooing.

To pre-poo your type 4 hair, saturate your strands with water and once the water has absorbed into your hair, part your hair into 4-6 sections. Apply a detangling product or a type of natural oil to each section and use your fingers to detangle your hair from the ends to the root.

Step 2: Shampoo

It is best to avoid washing type 4 hair more often than once a week, to once every two weeks. The frequency of washing will depend on your lifestyle and the types of products you’ve used during the week.

Washing type 4 hair: While your hair is still in the sections, apply a moisturizing or clarifying shampoo to your scalp. Focus mainly on cleaning your scalp and massaging the skin to support hair growth. Work your way from the roots down, bringing the suds from the scalp downward. Be sure to look for a sulfate-free shampoo to prevent it from drying out your hair.

Step 3: Condition

The conditioner is possibly the most important step to your washing regimen, since hydration is key for supporting the health and growth of type 4 hair. Conditioners are already made with moisturizing ingredients, but you can look for one that is made for natural hair that is extra hydrating and nourishing.

During the washing process, remove the sections in your hair and give your locks a final rinse to remove all shampoo. Apply a conditioner to the length of your hair, keeping an inch or so away from the scalp. Use a wide-tooth comb to detangle your hair while the conditioner is still on. Rinse the conditioner out and repeat this step if you feel your hair is especially dry and needs extra hydration.

Step 4: Deep Condition

A deep conditioner is used once you’re out of the shower and should be applied every time you shampoo your hair. Look for deep conditioning products that have nourishing ingredients like natural oils and butters, in addition to protein to strengthen your strands.

Focus on applying the deep conditioner to the mid-shaft and ends of your hair and avoiding the scalp. Leave the deep conditioning treatment on for 20-30 minutes before rinsing out with water.

Step 5: Lock in Hydration

Once your entire washing and conditioning regimen is done, you still need to lock in moisture to your type 4 hair!

Part your hair into 4-6 sections like you did for shampooing, and apply a leave-in conditioner from your root to your ends. If your hair is feeling dry throughout the week, spritz your hair with a bit of water, or a combination of water and oil.

Step 6: Styling

Style your hair after a fresh wash and be sure to use a heat protectant product if you plan on using any hot styling tools. The smartest style you can achieve with type 4 hair is one that is protective of your tresses and maintains the integrity of your hair. It’s best to avoid unnecessary manipulation and only styling it occasionally. Find a style that works well for your lifestyle and that is easy to maintain until your next shampoo. Braids, twists, cornrows, wigs, and hair extensions are great styles to help you support the health of your hair while giving you an easy and beautiful style to play with.

We carry a variety of 100% human hair extensions for type 4 hair at AmazingBeauty Hair to allow you to find just the right set for your hair and preferred style. Our human Remy hair extensions act and look like your natural hair and require similar maintenance. By using hair extensions you can avoid putting excess tension, product and heat on your own hair and avoid damaging it by letting the extensions do all the beauty work.

Browse our online shop to find the right type 4 hair extension for you. If you need any help, reach out to our team for expert guidance.