About the Hair Type Classification System

Find Your Hair Type

Type 4 - Kinky Hair

Facts

• Type 4 is kinky, or very tightly curled, with a clearly visible curl pattern

• Circumference: Crochet needle or even smaller

• The hair is very wiry, very tightly coiled and very, very fragile

• Type 4 hair can range from fine/thin to wiry/coarse with lots and lots of strands densely packed together

• Type 4 hair has fewer cuticle layers than any other hair type, which means that it has less natural protection from the damage you inflict by combing, brushing, curling, blow-drying and straightening it

• Type 4 hair is known to shrink up to 75% of the actual hair length

• There are two Type 4 subtypes:

•4a: Tightly coiled hair that, when stretched, has an "S" pattern, much like curly hair. It tends to have more moisture than 4b; has a definite curl pattern

•4a celebrities: Macy Gray, Monique Coleman, Leela James

•4b: Has a "Z" pattern, less of a defined curl pattern. Instead of curling or coiling, the hair bends in sharp angles like the letter "Z"; has a cotton-like feel

•4b celebrities: Esperanza Spalding, Jill Scott, Erykah Badu

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Tips

• Use styling creams, butters and oils for type 4 hair

• This hair type needs extra moisture and tender-loving care because it can be fragile

• Detangle hair with a lot of conditioner in your hair and use a comb or detangling brush

• Let hair air dry or use a hood dryer

• Do not use a brush or comb on your dry curls

• Reduce tangles by sleeping on a satin pillowcase or wrap hair in a satin cap

• Check out CurlySuzy's Type 4 product recommendations to the right »