Type 4 Hair: Coily
Type 4 hair is coily: tightly textured hair that forms small coils, springs or zigzags with high shrinkage. 4A forms springy S-coils, 4B forms sharp Z-bends, and 4C is the tightest with the most shrinkage. Here is how the three compare and how to care for coily hair.
Type 4 hair is coily, forming very tight curls or a zigzag pattern close to the scalp. It is the most fragile type and shrinks the most, so its length often looks much shorter than it really is. It ranges from the defined coils of 4a to the tightly packed 4c.
How to Recognize Type 4 Hair
Look for tight coils or sharp zigzag bends rather than open loops, along with noticeable shrinkage when the hair dries. If your hair forms open spirals it is type 3, and if it forms tight coils or Z-shapes it is type 4.
The three Type 4 subtypes
- 4A hair typeSoft, dense coils with a defined springy pattern, roughly the width of a crochet needle. It holds moisture better than 4b and 4c.
- 4B hair typeA sharper Z-pattern with less definition, bending at angles rather than curving. It is fluffy and cottony in texture.
- 4C hair typeThe tightest, most densely packed coils with the least visible definition and the most shrinkage. It is the most fragile and needs the gentlest handling.
How to Care for Type 4 Hair
Type 4 hair needs maximum moisture and very gentle handling. Deep condition often, seal with leave-ins, creams, oils or butters, and detangle gently with fingers or a wide-tooth comb on wet, conditioned hair. Protective styles and low heat help preserve length and reduce breakage.
4a vs 4b vs 4c: how to tell them apart
The coily sub-types differ by definition and shrinkage. 4a has the most defined, springy coils, 4b bends in a less-defined Z-pattern, and 4c is the tightest with little visible definition and the most shrinkage. If your coils are springy and defined, you are likely 4a. If the pattern is a sharp zigzag or hard to see, you are closer to 4b or 4c.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is type 4 hair?
- Type 4 hair is coily hair: tightly textured hair forming small coils, springs or zigzags, with high shrinkage and a strong need for moisture. Subtypes run from 4A to 4C.
- How do I know my type 4 subtype?
- Look at the pattern: 4A makes visible springy coils, 4B makes sharp Z-shaped bends, and 4C is so tight the pattern is hard to see unstretched. Shrinkage rises from 4A to 4C.
- Why does type 4 hair shrink so much?
- The tight coils and zigzags fold the hair's true length up onto itself, so dry coily hair can look far shorter than it is. This shrinkage is a sign of healthy elasticity, not a problem.
4a vs 4b vs 4c: how to tell them apart FAQ
- What is the difference between 4a and 4b hair?
- 4a has soft, defined springy coils, while 4b bends in a sharper Z-pattern with less definition and a fluffier, cottony texture.
- Is my hair 4b or 4c?
- 4b has a visible Z-pattern with some definition, while 4c is the tightest and most densely packed with little visible curl definition and the most shrinkage.
- How do I know if I'm 4a, 4b or 4c?
- Check definition and shrinkage on clean hair: springy defined coils are 4a, a sharp zigzag is 4b, and very tight, densely packed coils with heavy shrinkage are 4c.