Tag: Hair

Type 4 Hair Essentials/Advice

The Best Hairstyles for 4C Hair (With Step-by-Step Tutorials, Tips & Tricks)

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Type 4C hair is known for its tight, beautiful coils and impressive shrinkage. It’s the most delicate of all hair types and thrives best with protective, low-manipulation styles. If you’ve got 4C hair, you’re rocking a crown of versatility—you can switch between sleek, structured looks and voluminous, textured styles with ease. But it’s also important to keep your hair moisturized, detangled, and protected.

Here’s a roundup of the best hairstyles for 4C hair, complete with step-by-step tutorials and essential tips for growth, protection, and style!

🌟 1. Afro Puff (High or Low)

Why It Works:

  • Quick, simple, and elegant
  • Keeps hair off your neck and face
  • Perfect for showcasing your volume

What You’ll Need:

  • Spray bottle with water
  • Leave-in conditioner or curl cream
  • Edge control or gel (optional)
  • Hair tie or elastic band
  • Soft bristle brush

Tutorial:

  1. Dampen your hair with water from your spray bottle.
  2. Apply leave-in conditioner or a curl cream.
  3. Use a soft brush to gather your hair up (for a high puff) or at the nape (for a low puff).
  4. Secure with a loose elastic band.
  5. Lay edges with gel if desired.

Tips:

  • Use a satin scarf to set the puff for 10–15 minutes for a sleeker finish.
  • Avoid pulling too tightly—protect those edges!

🌀 2. Two-Strand Twists

Why It Works:

  • Low manipulation
  • Great for setting twist-outs
  • Easy to moisturize and maintain

What You’ll Need:

  • Leave-in conditioner
  • Curling cream or butter
  • Light oil (for sealing)
  • Hair clips (for sectioning)

Tutorial:

  1. Start with damp or stretched hair.
  2. Part a small section and apply leave-in + cream.
  3. Divide into two strands and twist all the way down.
  4. Coil the ends with your finger to secure.

Tips:

  • Wear them as a style for a week, then unravel for a voluminous twist-out.
  • For longer-lasting results, twist on dry, stretched hair.

🌾 3. Flat Twists (Crown or Side)

Why It Works:

  • Protective and elegant
  • Suitable for all occasions
  • Great for retaining length

What You’ll Need:

  • Rat tail comb
  • Leave-in or twist cream
  • Hair pins or accessories

Tutorial:

  1. Part hair into the desired sections using a rat tail comb.
  2. Take a small section and split it into two.
  3. Begin twisting while adding hair to each strand as you go (like a braid but with two strands).
  4. Pin ends or secure with elastics.

Tips:

  • Mist lightly with water before twisting.
  • Sleep with a satin scarf to keep the style fresh.

💁🏾‍♀️ 4. Bantu Knots

Why It Works:

  • Doubles as a cute style and curl-set
  • Protects ends and promotes definition

What You’ll Need:

  • Moisturizer or curl cream
  • Wide-tooth comb
  • Hair elastics or bobby pins

Tutorial:

  1. Section hair into squares or triangles.
  2. Apply product to each section and twist the strand tightly.
  3. Wrap the twist around itself into a knot and secure.
  4. Leave in overnight or wear as a style.

Tips:

  • For a defined knot-out, make sure the knots are fully dry before unraveling.
  • Oil your hands before taking down to reduce frizz.

👑 5. Chunky Braids / Plaits

Why It Works:

  • Fast and functional
  • Great for stretching your hair
  • Perfect base for wigs and protective styling

What You’ll Need:

  • Leave-in conditioner
  • Oil or cream
  • Wide-tooth comb

Tutorial:

  1. Section clean, detangled hair.
  2. Moisturize and seal with oil.
  3. Braid loosely for stretch or tightly for long-lasting wear.
  4. Tuck the ends or pin them up for protection.

Tips:

  • Braid hair at night and take them out in the morning for heat-free stretch.
  • You can style braids into buns or updos for a quick polished look.

💡 Extra Tips & Tricks for 4C Hair:

  • Moisture is your best friend: LOC or LCO (Leave-in, Oil, Cream) method works wonders.
  • Stretch to prevent knots: Use twists, braids, or African threading to gently stretch your hair.
  • Sleep smart: Use a satin bonnet or pillowcase to prevent dryness and breakage.
  • Trim regularly: Dust your ends every 2–3 months to keep split ends at bay.
  • Protective styling = retention: Rotate between low-manipulation styles to keep your hair thriving.

Type 3 Hair Essentials/Advice

The Best Hairstyles for Type 3 Hair (With a Simple Step-by-Step Tutorial)

SummerLeave a comment

If you have Type 3 hair—whether 3A, 3B, or 3C—you already know the beauty and versatility of your natural curls. Type 3 hair features well-defined ringlets or spirals, and while it’s full of personality, it also comes with its own set of styling challenges like frizz, shrinkage, and dryness. But the right hairstyles not only embrace your curl pattern, they also make daily maintenance easier.

Best Hairstyles for Type 3 Hair

Here are some of the most flattering and functional hairstyles that showcase the natural beauty of Type 3 curls:

1. Wash-and-Go

  • Best for: All Type 3 patterns
  • Why it works: Enhances natural curl pattern with minimal manipulation.
  • Tip: Use curl-defining cream or gel with hold to reduce frizz and boost shine.

2. Pineapple Updo

  • Best for: 3B and 3C
  • Why it works: Perfect for preserving curls overnight or on hot days.
  • Tip: Use a scrunchie or satin scarf to avoid breakage.

3. Half-Up, Half-Down

  • Best for: 3A and 3B
  • Why it works: Keeps hair out of your face while still showing off your curls.
  • Tip: Add a small braid or twist in the top section for extra flair.

4. Twist-Out

  • Best for: 3B and 3C
  • Why it works: Defines curls and can stretch your hair to show more length.
  • Tip: Use a light oil when unraveling twists to reduce frizz.

5. Curly Frohawk

  • Best for: 3C
  • Why it works: Edgy and cool while keeping curls defined in the center.
  • Tip: Use bobby pins or side braids to shape and control volume.

DIY Twist-Out Tutorial for Type 3 Hair

The twist-out is one of the most beloved go-to styles because it’s simple and creates defined, bouncy curls with great volume. Here’s how to do it:

What You’ll Need:

  • Leave-in conditioner or moisturizing cream
  • Curl cream or styling butter
  • Wide-tooth comb
  • Light oil (like jojoba or argan)
  • Satin or silk bonnet (for overnight protection)

Step-by-Step Guide:

Step 1: Wash and Detangle
Start with freshly washed, damp hair. Apply your leave-in conditioner to help with moisture and slip, then detangle with a wide-tooth comb.

Step 2: Section Your Hair
Divide your hair into 4–8 sections depending on your hair’s thickness. Use clips to keep sections separated.

Step 3: Apply Product and Twist
Take one section, apply a curl cream or styling butter evenly, and divide that section into two. Twist the strands around each other tightly, from root to tip. Coil the end around your finger to seal.

Step 4: Air Dry or Use a Hooded Dryer
Let your twists dry completely—overnight is ideal. If you’re short on time, sit under a hooded dryer for 30–45 minutes.

Step 5: Unravel and Fluff
Apply a light oil to your fingertips and gently unravel the twists. Separate the curls for added volume, and fluff your roots with a pick if desired.

Final Tips

  • Moisture is key: Use water-based products and seal with oil to prevent dryness.
  • Trim regularly: Type 3 hair is prone to single-strand knots, so regular trims help maintain shape.
  • Sleep smart: Always protect your curls with a satin pillowcase or bonnet to reduce breakage.