For many ladies with type 4 hair, growing a long mane seems impossible. But it’s achievable once you learn a few tricks. Don’t believe it? Just check out Tabitha (@cravingyellow), Juliet (@igbocurls) and Miss Wood (@westafricanbaby) on Instagram and see for yourself. If interested in embarking on a healthy hair journey,below are some of our helpful tips:
Useful products
There are thousands upon thousands of products, and choosing the right ones as a beginner can be intimidating. We recommend starting with basic staples then building your stash over time. Some of them are:
Cowash
Sulfate-free shampoo
Leave-in conditioner
Natural oils e.g Olive & Coconut Oil
Shea butter
Remember, products work differently for everyone. Try out a variety of them until you find those that agree best with your hair.
Washday Regimen
This is a day that’s dreaded by many new naturals because it can be overwhelming for those who have yet to find their footing. But it’s one of the most important steps in a healthy hair journey. On washday, your type 4 hair receives much-needed moisture and nutrients that promote growth.
Begin with detangling (separating strands and removing knots). Do this in sections using coconut oil and conditioner to minimize breakage. Then wash with warm (not hot) water, also doing this in sections. This is an incredible hack that saves you lots of time! For this step, use either cowash or shampoo. For type 4 hair it’s recommended to cowash once a week and shampoo once monthly.
Squeeze out the water gently using a leso or old cotton t-shirt, then apply your deep
conditioner. Cover your hair with a plastic bag for at least 30 min to enable the DC penetrate the strands. Wash out the DC, using cold water for the final rinse to close the hair cuticles and preserve moisture. Let the hair air-dry before styling.
Daily Regimen
For your daily regimen, hydration is key. An oil/ water spritz followed by shea butter or an oil to the ends of the strands seals in moisture. Keeping your ends tucked away protects them from breaking and is a great length retention trick. At bedtime, use a satin scarf to retain moisture and prevent friction with bedding. A satin pillowcase is a plus since scarves tend to slip off at night, leaving your hairline exposed to dryness.
