Type 4 hair is what a lot of people call "kinky" or "coily" hair. It's tight. It's springy. It doesn’t lie flat.
And honestly? It’s beautiful, but it also needs care that makes sense for how it grows and behaves.
If you have hair that shrinks the second it sees water, forms tight coils or zig-zags, and tends to dry out fast, you probably have type 4 hair.
And no, not all type 4 hair is the same. Some curls clump. Some don’t. Some strands feel soft like cotton; others feel wiry.
We’ll cover the basics: what it is, the different subtypes (like 4A, 4B, and 4C), and how to take care of it. Think of this as the guide you wish had come with your wash day.
So, What Is Type 4 Hair?
Type 4 hair is also called coily or kinky hair. It’s the tightest curl pattern out there.
The strands don’t form smooth waves or loose spirals—they bend, zig-zag, coil, or puff up like a soft cloud.
It can look like tight ringlets, tiny corkscrews, or no defined curl at all. Some folks see a little shine when it’s stretched. Others? Matte all day. And shrinkage? It’s serious.
Type 4 hair can shrink up to 75% of its actual length.
That’s not a bad thing, by the way. It just means the hair coils back in on itself, like a spring. It’s one of the reasons it looks short when it’s really not.
How’s It Different From Type 2 and Type 3 Hair?
Type 2 (Wavy hair): Loose S-shaped waves. It might puff up in humidity, but usually doesn’t shrink much. You can comb through it easily when it’s wet. Moisture still matters, but it holds onto oils a bit better.
Type 3 (Curly hair): Think spiral curls. They’re more defined than waves but not as tight as coils. This type often looks shiny and springy, especially when wet. Some frizz, but less shrinkage than type 4.
Type 4 (Coily/Kinky hair): These curls are tight, small, and dense. You can’t always see the curl pattern unless the hair is wet or styled. It tends to be dry, fragile, and prone to breakage if not handled gently.
What Is Type 4A, 4B, and 4C Hair?
Not all type 4 hair looks or acts the same. Even on the same head, you might have a mix. But in general, here’s how the subtypes are different:
Type 4A:
4A hair forms small, tight coils you can actually see, like tiny spirals or springy ringlets. The strands are round in shape and usually soft to the touch.
This type tends to shrink, but not as much as the others. You’ll still need moisture, but it holds onto products better than 4B or 4C.
Type 4B:
4B hair doesn’t curl—it bends. The strands form sharp angles, almost like the letter Z. If you stretch it out, you’ll see it doesn’t loop like a curl. It just kinks.
This hair feels more cottony than silky. It’s not as shiny, and it’s more fragile than 4A. It also shrinks a lot, up to 70% or more.
Overall, the head of hair looks fluffy, full, and less defined than 4A.
Type 4C:
4C hair is the most delicate and owns the tightest texture of all. The strands coil so tightly that you may not see a visible curl pattern unless the hair is stretched or styled.
It shrinks the most, often 75% or more. It’s also more prone to breakage because the strands can be very fine and tightly packed.
4C hair soaks up moisture fast and needs regular deep conditioning and gentle handling.
| Type | Curl Pattern | Strand Feel | Shrinkage | Definition | Overall Look |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4A | Small, springy coils | Soft and round | Moderate | High | Curly and defined |
| 4B | Sharp zig-zags | Cottony, fluffy | High | Medium | Puffy with less curl |
| 4C | Tight, tiny coils | Fine or wiry | Very high | Low | Dense and voluminous |
Choosing Hair Extensions for Type 4 Hair
If you want hair extensions that blend well with your type 4 hair, the key is texture. You need hair that moves, feels, and looks like yours.
Here’s how to find a good match.
If You’re Into Braiding
Braids are great for protective styling, and they’re even better when the hair you add blends right in.
Afro Kinky Bulk: This is perfect for 4C hair. The texture is tight, natural-looking, and easy to work into twists, locs, or updos. It looks like your own hair, just longer or fuller.
Spring Twist Hair: This has a looser coil and more bounce. It’s best for 4A hair or anyone who wants a more defined twist-out look without much fuss.
4B Hair? You’ve got options.
You can go with either one depending on your look. Want more texture? Try the afro kinky bulk. Want it smoother or more styled-looking? Go with spring twists.
If You Want Instant Length Without Braiding
Not into sitting for hours? Or maybe you just want your fro longer—fast.
Clip-Ins for Type 4 Hair:
These are a game-changer. You can find afro-textured clip-ins that match your curl pattern.
Just section your hair, snap them in, fluff, and go. No tension, no commitment, no salon visit.
Some people like to stretch their hair before clipping it in so the blend is smoother. Others leave their roots out and let the volume take over. Either way, it’s quick and easy.
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