Coily - Type 4 curls

Type 4 Hair – Nourish, Strengthen & Celebrate Your Coils

Type 4 hair is bold, beautiful, and full of texture. From tight coils to fluffy kinks, it’s the most delicate of all curl types — and it deserves intentional, loving care. At Pretty Curly Girl, we see Type 4 hair for what it truly is: powerful, versatile, and worthy of products that work with it, not against it.

Whether you have tight coils (4A), kinky zig-zags (4B), or shrinkage-prone coils (4C) — this guide is for you.

What Is Type 4 Hair?

Type 4 hair forms tight curls or kinks, with textures ranging from soft to wiry. It’s naturally more fragile and prone to dryness due to its tight curl pattern, which makes it harder for natural oils to travel down the hair shaft. It also shrinks significantly — often appearing shorter than it is.

Type 4 hair can be:

• 4A: Dense, defined coils with visible “S” patterns

• 4B: Fluffy zig-zag curls with less definition

• 4C: Tight, densely packed coils that shrink the most and are highly prone to dryness

Common Challenges for Type 4 Hair

• Chronic dryness

• Breakage from manipulation or friction

• Extreme shrinkage

• Tangles and single-strand knots

• Difficulty maintaining definition

But with the right moisture-protein balance, gentle care, and consistent routine, Type 4 curls can thrive.

Pretty Curly Girl Routine for Type 4 Curls

1. Pre-Poo (Optional but Powerful)

If your hair is prone to breakage or feels dry before wash day, apply a pre-poo treatment with a lightweight oil or deep conditioner. Let it sit for 20–30 minutes before cleansing.

Try:

• Our Multi-use oil – to soften and protect before washing

2. Cleanse Gently, Always

Use a sulfate-free cleanser that won’t strip moisture. Type 4 hair needs gentle, hydrating cleansing. Avoid overwashing — 1x per week is enough for most.

Try:

• Peppermint Clean Shampoo – creamy and curl-friendly

Tip: Cleanse the scalp thoroughly while letting the product rinse gently through your ends.

3. Deep Condition Weekly

This is non-negotiable. Use a rich, CG-approved deep conditioner that hydrates, strengthens, and improves elasticity.

Try:

• 2in1 Protein Heavy Cream or 2in1 Heavy Cream Balance Conditioner 

Tip: Cover with a cap and apply gentle heat (hooded dryer or heat cap) for 20–30 minutes to help the product absorb.

4. Leave-In = Moisture Seal

After rinsing, apply a Leave-In Conditioner to lock in hydration. Type 4 curls love layering: Leave-in + Cream + Gel or Oil.

Try:

• Heavy creams 

5. Style for Hold & Hydration

Use a gel for definition and hold.

Try:– moisturizes while shaping

• 2in1 Heavy Cream

• Magical Flaxseed Gel 

• Strong Hold Gel – for longer-lasting twist-outs or wash ‘n go’s

Tip: Use the LOC method (Leave-in, Oil, Cream) or LCO method depending on your hair’s porosity.

6. Protective Styling & Night Care

Protective styles like twists, braids, and puffs help retain length and reduce breakage. At night, use a satin bonnet, silk pillowcase, or pineapple your curls to reduce friction.

Tip: Don’t forget to moisturize your hair mid-week

7. Refresh or Moisturize Mid-Week

Type 4 curls can get dry fast — even in protective styles. Mist with our Rose Water Refresh Spray  and seal in with a bit of oil or cream.

Try:

• 2in1 Heavy Cream 

• Multi-use oil 

Do Type 4 Curls Need Protein?

Yes — but balance is everything. Protein helps strengthen curls, reduce breakage, and support elasticity. If your hair feels too soft, mushy, or breaks easily, it’s time for protein.

Use a protein treatment every 2–4 weeks based on your hair’s needs.

Try: 2in1 Protein Heavy Cream and the Protein Rose Refresh Spray 

Best Pretty Curly Girl Products for Type 4 Hair

Here’s your ultimate Type 4 curl kit:

• Peppermint Clean Shampoo – gentle, sulfate-free

• Reset  Shampoo – monthly clarifying

• Peppermint Fresh-Co Wash 

• 2in1 Heavy Cream – ultra-hydration

• Magcial Flaxseed Gel – moisture and control 

• Multi-use oil – shine and nourishment

Your Coils Are Beautiful

Type 4 hair is often misunderstood — but we see its magic. It’s not about taming your curls. It’s about nourishing them, honoring them, and letting them shine.

At Pretty Curly Girl, we create products for every curl — without compromise. Clean, vegan, CG-approved, and formulated with love for real texture and real people.

 Own your coils. Be Pretty. Be Curly. Be You. 

Browse our full Type 4 curl collection now in the webshop.