4c hair is considered to be the tightest type of hair out of all. They form tight coils and contain voluminous textures with sharp angles. The unique curl pattern in type 4c hair gives them a natural lift and a dense texture. 4c looks gorgeous, but maintaining them can be a very intimidating and exhausting task.
They are extremely resistant to change, which means people with this hair type find it hard to give wavy or straight hair texture. This applies to when the 4c hair is wet too. Even then, the hair does not lose its definition or shape. Most women turn to perm, relaxers, or other chemical treatments to change their hair texture to something looser. 4c hair type is more prone to damage, breakage, and dryness, especially when treated with chemicals and heat-based styling.
Experts warn against this, as African American and Black hair are more genetically fragile than other hair types. These treatments can cause permanent, long-term damage that requires years of repair. Moreover, it is important to have a customized hair routine that benefits your beautiful tresses, regardless of your hair type. Read on to learn more about tips on straightening your hair without damaging it.
Be Careful With Heat
Incorporating a nozzle or a blow-dryer in your hair routine is alright, but be extra careful about using heat on full blast, especially with 4c hair wet. This will dry out your hair follicles and make your hair more prone to heat damage.
Recent studies have shown that some hair types are more tolerant of heat than others. This is why 4c hair type should forgo heat-based styling on days you can completely get away with. Moreover, the technique with which heat has been applied is extremely significant. Diffused heat is much more amenable than extreme, high heat. You should also check the date on your blow-dryers and flat irons, as damaged heating tools lead to an ever-greater risk of hair damage.
Swear by Heat Protectants
Use a heat protectant to protect your 4c hair
So, what do you do before using 4c hair products? Use heat protectants! This is a no-brainer, but sadly, a very common mistake made by everyone. Experts recommend investing in a high-quality heat protectant before using heat-based styling tools. This is because heat protectants are usually silicone-based creams or sprays. You can use something without silicone in it too. These heat protectants contain hemisqualane, a plant sugar-derived alternative to silicone, which gives heat and color protection and significantly reduces frizzy hair.
Heat Setting
Lower your heat setting while you’re straightening your 4c hair. The intention is to keep the heat high enough to straighten 4c hair styles, but low enough to prevent any hair damage. You can use a smart flatiron if you’re worried about maintaining heat levels.
Holy Word Is Moisturize
Keep your 4c hair moisturized with a moisture balm
No amount of stress can explain the importance of moisturizing 4c hair type. Since they’re more prone to damage, breakage, and dryness, moisturizing them should be the key priority. This is because the natural oil produced on the scalp cannot coat the complete hair strand due to its texture and shape. This results in extreme dryness, intensified by using heat-based styling tools and environmental stresses. The search for the best moisturizer for 4c hair is something you need to spend some time on, but once you understand what your hair needs, it is a smooth sailing ride to a gorgeous mane.
Gently Shampoo
Use sulfate-free shampoo for 4c hair
First of all, do not wash your hair daily, as it causes your scalp to lose its natural oil. Whenever you do, use a sulfate-free gentle shampoo. After each wash, use a conditioner or a hair mask to deeply condition your hair. You can also look into hair products for damaged hair as they will be gentle, provide maximum hydration, and will meet other hair needs without being chemically invasive.
Moreover, you should invest in a microfiber towel to dry your hair, as wrapping damp or wet 4c hair in it reduces drying time and controls hair frizz. You can also use rice water for 4c hair growth to better the health of your scalp and hair follicles. Rice water is known to give excellent hair growth and repair results. This will additionally help in getting 4c hair straight and flat.
Conclusion
It is fun to experiment with different 4c hairstyles; however, it is equally important to follow these tips to maintain that straight 4c hair. The real work starts with incorporating the right steps in your hair care routine, and the rest is being diligent with your work. Indique offers a diverse range of haircare products for your natural hair. Their exclusive line of hair products is made especially for people with 4c hair types that offer a professional haircare experience. Getting straight and damage-free 4c hair is not hard with the right care and products.
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