How to Style 4c Hair in 5 Easy Steps for Beginners

Have you ever looked at your beautiful 4c hair and wondered why it seems so much harder to style than other hair types? You're not alone! Many people with 4c hair feel this way when they first start their hair journey. The tight coils and unique texture of 4c hair make it special, but also need special care. The good news is that styling 4c hair can be simple and fun once you know the right steps. In this guide, we'll walk through five easy steps that will help beginners learn to style their 4c hair with confidence. You'll discover that your 4c hair isn't difficult—it just needs the right approach!

Understanding 4c Hair

Before we jump into styling steps, let's talk about what makes 4c hair unique. 4c hair has the tightest curl pattern of all hair types. The curls are so tight that they might not always look like curls but rather like a fluffy cloud. This hair type is:

• Very coily and dense
• Prone to shrinkage (can shrink up to 75% of its actual length!)
• Often very dry because oils from the scalp have a hard time traveling down the tight coils
• Delicate and breaks easily if not handled with care
• Beautiful and versatile when properly moisturized

Knowing these facts about 4c hair will help you understand why certain styling methods work better than others. Now, let's dive into the five easy steps for styling your 4c hair!

Step 1: Prepare Your Hair with Proper Washing

Good styling starts with clean hair. Here's how to wash your 4c hair the right way:

1. Use warm (not hot) water to wet your hair completely. Hot water can dry out your already dry 4c hair.
2. Apply a sulfate-free shampoo mainly to your scalp. Gently massage with your fingertips, not your nails. Sulfate-free shampoos clean without stripping away the natural oils your 4c hair needs.
3. Wash in sections if your hair is long or thick. Divide your hair into 4-6 sections using large clips or soft hair ties. This makes it easier to clean thoroughly without tangling.
4. Rinse completely until the water runs clear. Any shampoo left behind can cause itching and dryness.
5. Follow with a moisturizing conditioner, focusing on the ends of your hair where it's driest. Leave the conditioner on for 3-5 minutes before rinsing.

Pro tip: Try washing your hair once a week or every two weeks. 4c hair doesn't need daily washing and doing so can make it too dry.

Step 2: Deep Condition for Maximum Moisture

4c hair thrives when it gets lots of moisture. Deep conditioning is like giving your hair a big drink of water!

1. After shampooing, apply a thick deep conditioner made for curly or coily hair. Use your fingers to work it through each section of hair.
2. Put on a shower cap to trap heat, which helps the conditioner work better. You can also use a warm towel wrapped around the shower cap.
3. Leave it on for 15-30 minutes. This gives the conditioner time to soak into each strand of your 4c hair.
4. Rinse with cool water to seal the hair cuticles and lock in moisture.

Deep conditioning once a week or every other week will make a huge difference in how your 4c hair looks and feels. When your hair has enough moisture, styling becomes much easier!

Step 3: Apply Leave-in Products Using the L.O.C Method

The L.O.C (Liquid, Oil, Cream) method is perfect for 4c hair because it locks in moisture in layers. Here's how to do it:

Liquid

1. Start with damp hair (not dripping wet, but not dry).
2. Spray a water-based leave-in conditioner or plain water mixed with a little conditioner all over your sections.
3. Make sure each part of your hair gets some moisture.

Oil

1. Apply a natural oil like olive oil, coconut oil, or jojoba oil to seal in the water.
2. Use about a dime-sized amount for each section of hair.
3. Warm the oil between your palms before applying.
4. Focus on the ends, which are the driest parts.

Cream

1. Finish with a thick cream or butter product made for textured hair.
2. Shea butter, curl creams, or thick hair lotions work well.
3. This final layer locks everything in and gives your style hold.

When using the L.O.C method, remember that a little goes a long way. Start with small amounts and add more if needed. Too much product can make your hair feel heavy and greasy.

Step 4: Choose a Simple Style for Beginners

Now that your 4c hair is clean and moisturized, it's time to style! Here are five beginner-friendly styles for 4c hair:

1. Two-Strand Twists

• Divide hair into small or medium sections.
• Take each section and split it into two strands.
• Wrap the strands around each other all the way to the end.
• Secure with a small hair tie if needed.
• Let dry completely before taking out for a beautiful twist-out.

2. Puffs

• Gather your moisturized hair toward the top of your head.
• Use a headband or hair tie to secure it.
• Fluff out the puff with your fingers or a pick.
• Add bobby pins or hair clips for extra style.

3. Flat Twists

• Part your hair where you want the flat twists to go.
• Take a small section at the front of the part.
• Begin a two-strand twist, but add more hair as you go (like a cornrow).
• Continue to the end and secure.
• Can be worn as is or taken out when dry for a defined style.

4. Bantu Knots

• Divide hair into sections (4-12 depending on how big you want the knots).
• Twist each section tightly.
• Wrap the twisted hair around itself to form a small bun.
• Secure with a bobby pin.
• Can be worn as knots or taken out when dry for a curly look.

5. Wash and Go

• Apply generous leave-in conditioner and styling gel to very wet hair.
• Use your fingers to separate and define your coils.
• Let air dry or use a diffuser on low heat.
• Fluff out when completely dry.

For beginners, two-strand twists are often the easiest to start with. They don't require special tools, and they create a protective style that can last several days. Plus, when you take them out, you get a beautiful twist-out style!

Step 5: Protect Your Style Day and Night

The final step is making sure your hard work lasts. Here's how to protect your 4c hair style:

Daytime Protection

1. Use a satin scarf or bonnet when going outside in harsh weather.
2. Avoid touching your hair too much during the day. The oils from your fingers can make your style frizzy.
3. Carry a small spray bottle with water and a bit of leave-in conditioner to refresh your style if it starts to feel dry.
4. Protect your hair from cotton fabrics like hoodies or collars that can catch on your hair and cause breakage.

Nighttime Protection

1. Sleep on a satin or silk pillowcase, which doesn't absorb moisture from your hair like cotton does.
2. Wear a satin bonnet or wrap your hair in a satin scarf before bed.
3. For longer hairstyles, pineapple your hair by loosely gathering it on top of your head with a soft scrunchie.
4. Re-twist or re-braid larger sections if needed to keep the style fresh.

Following these protection steps can make your 4c hairstyles last 3-7 days, saving you time and keeping your hair healthier.

Conclusion

Styling 4c hair doesn't have to be hard! By following these five simple steps—proper washing, deep conditioning, using the L.O.C method, choosing beginner-friendly styles, and protecting your hair day and night—you can create beautiful looks that showcase your natural hair.

Remember that your 4c hair is unique and beautiful. It might take some practice to find the exact products and styles that work best for you, but don't give up! With a little patience and the right care, your 4c hair will thrive. Start with these basics, and as you get more comfortable, you can try more complex styles.

Your hair journey is just that—a journey. Enjoy the process of learning about your 4c hair and discovering all the amazing styles you can create. Your crown deserves the best care, and now you know exactly how to give it!

FAQs About Styling 4c Hair

How often should I wash my 4c hair?

Most people with 4c hair find that washing once every 7-14 days works best. Washing too often can strip your hair of natural oils, while waiting too long can cause product buildup. Find what works for your hair and lifestyle.

Why is my 4c hair always dry even after moisturizing?

You might need to use the L.O.C method consistently or check your products. Some products contain drying alcohols or ingredients that don't work well for 4c hair. Also, make sure you're deep conditioning regularly and drinking enough water!

How can I grow my 4c hair longer?

Focus on retention rather than growth. Most people's hair grows about 1/2 inch per month, but 4c hair breaks easily if not cared for properly. Follow the steps in this guide, minimize heat styling, get regular trims to prevent split ends, and be gentle when handling your hair.

Is heat styling bad for 4c hair?

Heat styling isn't automatically bad, but 4c hair is more prone to heat damage. If you use heat, always apply a heat protectant first, use the lowest effective temperature, and limit heat styling to once a month or less. Air-drying is always safer for your hair health.

What products are best for 4c hair?

Look for products that are:

• Alcohol-free
• Rich in natural oils and butters
• Free of silicones (which can build up)
• Made for curly or coily hair types Every person's 4c hair is unique, so you might need to try different brands to find what works best for you.

Can I swim with 4c hair?

Yes, but protect it first! Wet your hair with clean water before swimming (so it absorbs less chlorine or salt water), apply conditioner, and wear a swim cap. After swimming, wash your hair thoroughly and deep condition to replace any lost moisture.

How do I deal with shrinkage in my 4c hair?

Shrinkage is actually a sign of healthy hair! It shows your curls have elasticity. If you want to show more length, try stretching techniques like banding (using soft hair ties along sections of hair), gentle blow-drying on cool, or two-strand twists on damp hair that are allowed to dry completely before taking down.