Do you feel like your regular 2D hair isn’t cutting it and want to make a bigger statement with your look? 4D hair may be the right fit for you!
This revolutionary hair styling method uses human-like fibers that resemble natural human locks in texture and appearance.
It’s an eye-catching look that can turn any ordinary style into a showstopper and it’s like having an entire extension salon in one product!
In this article, we’ll discuss why 4D hair is quickly becoming one of the most popular styling trends ever.
Table of Contents
What is 4D hair?
4D hair is getting popular in terms of fashion, and people who have this hair naturally know the ways to handle it.
These types of hair are dehydrated and common among African-Americans people. It has a very tight coil and springy curl pattern, and the texture feels like cotton.
The other doctor is 4D has a “Z” shape, and you might have tight curls or a combo of both. It feels rough and coarse, leading to extreme shrinkage to shorten the length of your hair.
And without using straighteners and relaxers you won’t know how long your hair is.
In addition, these hair types need special care for their delicacy and cause of breaking.
The 4D hair densest requires a complete moisture regimen to strengthen, maintain, and prevent from breaking.
The best way to save your hair is always to use natural products to maintain its healthiness and texture.
This way, you keep your hair from breaking and tangling while looking stunning.
You may need many products to style 4D hair, as curl and density patterns is the secret of thick blowouts, twist-outs, luscious locks, and wash-and-go styles. There are some factors that you must run through to find out.
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Porosity
4D hair has less porosity, so you might need multiple products to moisturize them thoroughly. But first, you might run a test to check whether your hair lacks this substance.
You can check it at home, take a bowl full of water and soak your hair for a few minutes.
If your hair is floating, it is deficient in porosity, which means you might need higher-density moisturizers.
Density
The density of 4D hair is extreme as it is hard to trace the scalp due to thickness and tightness.
You can check the density at home by tying a ponytail and measuring circumferences.
Under 2-inch density is considered low, and 3 and above are medium density. However, the higher density is around 4 inches and further.
Texture
Zig-zag patterns or tight coil shapes are the clues to 4D hair. These hairs are very stubborn and spongy, with different textures.
Depending on the hair thickness, they might be soft, delicate, rough, or coarse.
Shrinkage
This hair seems shorter due to shrinkage and zig-zag pattern, but these hairs are much longer than you think.
The kinks and tighter coils are the main cause of shrinking, which leads to a short hair appearance.
How to Maintain 4D Hair?
You must know the best ways to take care of your 4D hair, or it might turn into a frizzy, dry, and rough texture.
Also, this hair type is at higher risk of breakage, so here I have mentioned some better ways to maintain 4D hair.
Shampooing
As per a report (CNN health), most hairdressers suggest washing your hair once a week as they are hard to handle.
That’s why most hair stylists recommend shampooing them after two to three weeks, but it depends on individual texture, porosity, and density, so feel free to choose what is best for you.
On the other hand, you must keep this in mind to choose the correct shampoo for your hair.
And avoiding shampoos with sulfates which can be harmful by eliminating the moisture from your scalp, leading to damage and dry hair.
Try to find all-natural ingredient shampoo for bouncy and healthy hair.
Use your fingertips to reach your scalp after applying moisturizer and shampoo, alternatively, you might use co-wash too.
Focus on massaging the scalp, and it will rinse the dirt from the hair efficiently. Your 4D hair needs a generous amount of shampoo to clean your hair and scalp, so don’t be shy and take as much as required.
See Also : 5D Hair | Guide About The Untold Hair Grading Type
Conditioning Regularly
We recommend that you use conditioner after shampooing and leave it for several minutes to absorb the nutrients.
It is best to apply cream-based conditioners for a better and long-lasting coating of your hair.
Ensure the conditioners contain essential oils and natural ingredients to coat your hair with balanced moisture.
You might need to apply it between the shampooing days as it will help maintain them easily.
Applying Moisturize
Conditioning once in 1 to 2 weeks with a deep conditioner must be a daily regimen to keep your 4D hair break-free.
To keep your stands down is impossible, as they are incredibly kinky.
Your scalp needs oils to lubricate the hair, so applying the correct moisturizer with hair nutrients can help you handle styling and maintenance.
Also, find the best moisturizer for your hair that suits your scalp and has all-natural ingredients.
After the leave-in moisturizer, apply hydrating oils and creams on hair follicles and ends of the hair for shiny and soft outcomes.
However, if you notice dryness while washing your hair, apply oils to prevent breakage.
These are the best oils for 4D hair:
- Olive oil
- Coconut oil
- Jojoba oil
Ways of Styling
If you think curly hair doesn’t give you much styling choice, then you are wrong! 4D hair has several incredible styles without taking much time.
But you must start by detangling your hair when damp and applying the cream or spray to avoid excessive pulling.
Don’t style on soaking wet hair, and avoid extreme pulling them as it can lead to weakening and damage.
Also, you may apply a little heat for styling but do not go overboard, as 4D hair is fragile and easy to break.
Use some hair gel or cream which are made to resolve 4D hair detangling problems.
In addition, to reduce the manipulation and extend the length, you can use protective hairstyles.
- Braids
- Wigs
- Weaves
Prevent Damage to 4D Hair
Remember, 4D hair is fragile and breaks often, so taking special care of it is vital. It is all about balance, as overdoing care can damage your hair too.
Let’s dig into how to maintain 4D hair without damaging it.
Methods for Better Hair
Always apply moisturizer to keep them hydrated, or they will break and damage often.
Don’t play safe if you want to look fabulous. You need to experiment for better results to find the best hair care routine and styles.
Use a wide-toothed comb to detangle your 4D hair side by side, and you can apply some leave-in conditioner or spray water.
Run fingers gently through your hair to untie the knots.
Applying conditioner is a must to keep your hair moist and healthy. Hairdressers suggest that deep conditioners for 4D hair work excellently if applied once every 1 to 2 weeks.
Keep your scalp and hair clean as it is prone to dirt buildup. Sweat and oils can clog the roots, so washing hair once a week rinses all the dirt.
You can use co-wash or apple cider vinegar as an alternative option to clean your 4D hair. Yet, experiment and then choose which one works better for you.
Things to Prevent
- Avoid washing your 4D hair daily, as this practice can lead to scalp and hair dryness.
- Always detangle your hair when damp enough, or it may weaken and break the hair follicles.
- Styling 4D hair requires multiple products, which can lead to dryness and scalp buildup. So avoiding over-styling your hair is better to prevent breakage, but you may go for alternative styles such as braids.
- Don’t apply chemicalized products for shampooing. You can use a scrub or press-poo to maintain a healthy scalp.
Who can have a 4d hair type?
In our research, we found that type 4 hair is often regaled as the most tightly coiled hair type and requires consistent moisture, a gentle touch, and patience.
People with 4D hair types have extremely coarse and tight curls that form a Z pattern or tight coils. It is the tightest curl pattern and is often referred to as “kinky” hair.
People with 4D hair type often experience extreme shrinkage, meaning that their hair appears much shorter than it is when it is not styled.
Although it’s commonly found in the African diaspora, anyone can have type 4 hair regardless of their ethnic heritage.
However, the texture and density of type 4 hair can vary depending on factors such as genetics, environment, and hair care practices.
Verdicts
So there you have it. 4D hair may have some unique challenges, but with a little extra care and attention, you can help your hair thrive.
From proper moisturizing to gentle detangling and protective styling, maintaining healthy 4D hair requires time and energy.
You can enjoy healthy and beautiful hair every day by following these above tips.
