A Low Down on Type 4 Hair: What to Expect

Type 4 or kinky curls are back in fashion, and going natural is the best thing that you can do for your hair. Transitioning from relaxed to natural hair can be challenging, but one way to prepare is to know what to expect from your natural hair.

Here is a low down on what you can expect while transitioning or growing long your type 4 hair.

Common type 4 hair issues and resolution tips

• Individual strand knots – Curly hair, especially the gorgeous type 4 curly hair has the tendency to curl around itself, resulting in individual strand knots. The curls also have a tendency to increase in number as your hair grows longer. You can try stretching your hair from preventing these knots, but if you have many, it is best to eliminate them. A few of them are not going to get in the way of your hair growth and are a completely natural phenomenon. 

• Trimming – The ends of your hair are the oldest and the most fragile part of your hair. It is for this reason that they are more prone to breakage and damage. Try to keep the ends protected with protective hairstyles and make sure to go for trims as soon as you start noticing the development of split ends.

• More time and more products – You will need to start investing more time on washdays as your type 4 hair grows longer. Sometimes women can take up to an entire day to get around their hair. Most natural hair experts can manage their wash routines in a couple of hours. As far as the use of hair products goes, it is not necessary to burn a hole in your pocket to take good care of your type 4 hair. There are many natural ingredients that are not very expensive and last longer, and function effectively as hair stretchers, curl conditioners as well as definers, and more.  

• A bond – The more you accept your type 4 hair, the more it is going to reward you. Love and acceptance can alter your attitude towards your hair, making you more conscious about what is good for your hair. You will automatically start giving up on habits that may have a negative impact on your hair. 

Your kinky type 4 hair is a part of who you are, and kudos to all of you who are transitioning into this glorious as well as beautiful new world of natural hair.