Best Hairstyles For Natural 4C Hair

Some of the misconceptions surrounding 4C hair are that it’s coarse, difficult to manage, and it comes with a lack of styling versatility, according to Dr. Kari Williams, a trichologist, cosmetologist, and member of DevaCurl’s Expert Curl Council. But in fact, almost the opposite is true.

Though 4C strands can be fragile—which means it’s important to reduce manipulating them—the hair’s coiled structure makes it no less manageable than other types, and actually make it one of the most versatile curl types out there.

If you can, try to avoid regular use of heat styling tools and, when you do use heat, apply a protectant. Styles that help to stretch the curls are preferred, like two-strand twists, Bantu knots, and braid outs.

As far as those products go, Dr. Williams recommends applying a daily moisturizer (like a leave-in) to the hair and after shampooing, applying oils and serums while the hair is still damp, to increase absorption and help maintain hair elasticity. She also suggests incorporating a protein treatment every six to eight weeks to add strength to the hair and using a moisturizing deep conditioner regularly. “The moisturizing conditioner should be used more often than your protein-based conditioner,” she notes.