What is type 4 natural hair?
If you have ever seen hair described as 4A, 4B or 4C, you have run into the most common hair typing chart in use today.
Where the numbers come from
The Andre Walker Hair Typing System was created in the 1990s by Oprah Winfrey’s stylist Andre Walker. It sorts hair into four types: Type 1 (straight), Type 2 (wavy), Type 3 (curly) and Type 4 (kinky-coily).
The three Type 4 subtypes
- 4A: “Tightly coiled. Has a very defined O-shaped pattern.”
- 4B: “Tightly coiled. Little less defined kink pattern. Has more of a Z-shaped pattern.”
- 4C: “Tightly coiled. Almost no visible defined kink pattern, unless seen from up close.”
Caring for Type 4 hair
The American Academy of Dermatology’s tips for Black hair include washing your hair once a week or every other week, using conditioner every time you wash, and using a hot oil treatment twice a month to add moisture and elasticity.
Wear a cap without sacrificing your style
Type 4 hair has volume and shape that a snug cap can flatten. Our patented natural hair hat adapter, Capizzy®, turns any fitted or snapback cap into a cap your hair can come through, so locs, puffs, braids, buns and ponytails stay uncrushed. Nothing is cut, and the cap goes back to normal anytime.
Graduating soon? Our patented graduation cap headband, Cappa® Band, lifts the mortarboard off your forehead so it sits back at a flattering angle and frames your face in every photo, whatever your hairstyle.
