4c natural hair journey
Starting your 4c natural hair journey can be a super exciting and empowering experience, especially if, like me, you have always felt confused about your own hair.
I mean you first have to even understand 4c hair. It’s no secret that 4c hair requires more work and knowledge than other hair types in the natural hair community.
As a black woman, it can feel intimidating and confusing to learn about kinky hair in its natural state because it is known for its tight and coily texture. Which often means it’s drier and more prone to breakage than other hair types.
However, over the past 3 years, I’ve learned that with the right natural hair regimen, it is possible to have healthy, thriving 4c hair.
4c natural hair journey tips
One of the first tips I have for your 4c natural hair journey is to avoid using heat styling tools and chemical hair treatments, as these can lead to damaged 4c hair.
While this may take some time to get used to, it is an important step in the process of caring for your natural hair and will help you embrace your natural texture.
Whether you decide to transition your hair or cut it all off at once. In order to start your natural hair journey, you need to actually go natural.
And I’m not going to lie when I did my first 4c hair big chop, I was nervous too. But I knew I needed to lay off relaxed hair if I wanted to see results.
Next, it is important to develop a natural hair care routine that works for your hair type and specific needs. For that, you want to figure out your hair density as well as your hair porosity.
Depending on the type of 4c hair you have, you can choose the right natural hair products for you.
This may include using sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners, deep conditioning your natural black hair at least bi-weekly, and using the LOC method to keep your hair moisturized.
Another important aspect of caring for 4C hair is to protect your hair at night.
You can do that by using a silk pillowcase or by covering your hair with a satin bonnet or silk scarf while you sleep. And trust me, it seems simple but it’s so underrated. I learned the hard way.
This will help to prevent tangles and breakage caused by friction from cotton fabrics and do wonders for your length retention.
The last natural hair journey tip is to take advantage of the different protective styles. For one, because having to style your hair daily can be very time-confusing and frustrating, especially with short hair.
And two, because your hair grows the most when it is in a protective hairstyle. Because it is tucked away and you don’t manipulate it too much, it is able to grow and retail length at the same time.
What is a good hair regimen for 4C hair?
One thing you quickly learn on your 4c natural hair journey is that having a good hair regimen is crucial for maintaining healthy and thriving natural hair.
The natural curl pattern of 4C hair is tight coils, which dry out much faster and therefore break easier, so it is important to care for it properly. A good hair regimen for 4C hair typically includes the following steps:
- Cleanse the hair weekly or bi-weekly: Wash your 4c hair with shampoo or co-wash once a week to remove dirt and product buildup. Make sure that it is a sulfate-free shampoo so that it does not strip your natural hair of its natural oils. Shampoos that contain sulfates, can be harsh and dry.
- Deep condition your hair at least every 2 weeks: Use a deep conditioner or hair mask to add moisture and nourishment to your 4c hair. This step is crucial for 4C hair because it gives your hair strands the moisture and strength it needs to grow.
- Use a leave-in conditioner: To add additional moisture and protect your hair from damage, use a leave-in conditioner. Look for products that contain natural ingredients, such as oils and botanical extracts. These can help to nourish and moisturize the hair.
- Seal the ends of your hair: Use an oil or butter to seal in the moisture from the water and leave-in conditioner. For that, you can use natural oils such as coconut oil, olive oil, and castor oil as well as shea butter. This will protect your hair ends from split or breakage, especially in the winter months.
- Use protective styling to give your hair a break: Style your hair in one of many beautiful natural hairstyles. From Bantu knots to full-on box braids. The beauty of the natural hair movement is its versatility. So take advantage of it and ask your hair stylist to hook you up.
By following this 4c hair regimen and using the right products, you’ll continue to see great results.
How long does 4C hair take to grow?
One very common question I used to have regarding my 4C hair was how long it will take for it to grow.
To be clear, there is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the rate of hair growth is also determined by your genetics. However, on average, hair grows about half an inch (1.25 cm) per month or about 6 inches (15 cm) per year.
Which if you ask me is not bad.
However, there are several factors that can affect your rate of hair growth, including your age, your hormone levels, your overall health, and of course, your hair care routine.
If you are worried about the rate of your hair growth, you might want to consult with a dermatologist or trichologist. They can evaluate your overall health and recommend any necessary changes to your hair care routine or lifestyle to help you promote healthy hair growth.
To sum it up, the length of time it takes for 4C hair to grow varies from person to person. However, following a healthy hair care routine and being patient can help promote healthy hair growth and achieve the long, healthy hair you desire.
What is the fastest way to grow 4C hair?
If you have 4C hair, you may be wondering what the fastest way is to grow it out. While there is no surefire way to make 4c hair grow faster, there are several things you can do to help promote healthy hair growth.
Eat a healthy diet:
Our hair is made up of a protein called keratin, so you must get enough protein in your diet to support healthy hair growth. Other nutrients important for hair health include iron, zinc, and vitamins A and C.
Avoid harsh hair care products:
Shampoos and conditioners that contain sulfate or parabens can damage your hair and slow down hair growth. So you want to avoid these.
Use deep conditioning and hot oil treatments:
Regular deep conditioning or a hot oil treatment once in a while can help to add moisture and nourishment to your natural hair, which can help to promote healthy hair growth.
Trim the ends of your hair:
Trimming the ends of your hair regularly can help to remove split ends, which can prevent breakage. You want to trim your 4c hair every 3–4 months to promote healthy natural hair growth.
What should you do to 4C hair every day?
As I mentioned at the very beginning, caring for your 4c hair on a daily basis can be frustrating and confusing at times. This is why you want to follow a daily hair care routine that works for you. Here is how I take care of my 4c hair daily (when it is not in a protective style):
Moisturize your 4c hair:
Mix a water-based moisturizer or leave-in conditioner with water in a spray bottle to add moisture to your hair. That helps to prevent dryness and breakage.
Avoid excessively manipulating the hair:
Try to minimize the amount of styling and manipulation that you do to the hair on a daily basis, as this can lead to breakage. Ideally, style your hair in a low-manipulation style like twist outs.
Avoid using harsh hair care products:
Avoid using products that contain alcohol, which can strip your hair of its natural oils and moisture. Instead, use curl creams or gels to define your hair.
These quick steps will help to keep your 4C hair healthy and moisturized on a daily basis.
Remember that it may take some time to find the right products and techniques that work for your hair, but with patience and persistence, you will find your holy grail products.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different products and techniques to find what works best for your hair, and remember to be patient and kind to your hair as it grows and changes.
Overall, starting your 4c natural hair journey can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience, and with the right hair care practices, it is possible to have healthy, thriving 4c hair.
Trust me; you won’t get it right away. It’s a learning process, but the more you know, the better your learning curve.
Drea
Friday 6th of January 2023
Thanks so much for enlightening us 4c crew on the ins and outs on how to take care of our hair.