This one’s for the coils! The hair typing system originally created by stylist Andre Walker, categorizes hair into four types, each with its own subcategories. Today we’re going to hone in on troubleshooting Type 4, otherwise known as coily hair. Whether you’ve got springy coils or tight, zig-zag strands, read on for a deep dive on all things coily!

Type 4A

If you have a head-full of springy coils, you might just have Type 4A hair! Curls in this group feature a visible curvy S-pattern with a circumference that’s roughly the size of a crochet needle. Your coils are tightly wound, and spring right back into action whenever they’re pulled taut. Think Solange.

Type 4A coils are bouncy and don’t experience as much shrinkage as the other types in this group. Because your coils are larger and more defined, they can also appear to be the shiniest of the coilies. But it’s not all roses – like all Type 4 coilies, the biggest issue for Type 4A is breakage caused by lack of moisture. Luckily, a little TLC can go a long way in maintaining long, luscious coils.

Issue: Your length keeps breaking up with you

Solution: Mask it up!

The curlier your hair is, the harder it gets for moisture and your scalp’s natural oils to work their way down the length of your hair. That lack of proper hydration is the leading cause of breakage with Type 4A. A luxurious, deep conditioning hair mask is perfect for adding precious moisture back into your coils. Try incorporating our Chébiotic™ Hair Mask into your routine every 1-2 weeks.  

Type 4B

Do your coils have a well-defined Z-shape? You might just have Type 4B hair! People with this type of curl pattern have coils that are shaped like a tight zig-zag with the circumference of a ballpoint pen. Individual strands of hair have a sharp bend rather than a rounded one, making your coils look more like a letter Z than a letter S. Think Lauryn Hill.

This is the point in the hair typing system where hair starts growing up and away from the scalp, rather than down toward your shoulders. As a result, 4B coilies have tons of natural volume.  But, with great volume comes great responsibility! Your voluminous coils require tons of moisture, the lack of which can have your coils looking thirsty and fluffy - not always a vibe. So getting proper hydration at every stage of wash day is super important.  

Issue: Parched tresses

Solution: Hydrate those thirsty coils from Step One

Every step of your wash day routine should have an element of hydration. Try replacing your old shampoo with Salwa Petersen’s Chébé Hydrating Shampoo. This super nourishing shampoo is imbued with argan oil and fortifying Chébé seeds to properly moisturize and protect your hair. 

Issue: Lack of definition

Solution: Make those coils pop!

Now that we’re getting into Z territory, curls are starting to lack a clearly defined pattern. We think all hair is beautiful and you should rock any style that makes you feel good, but if your goal is to define your coils and make them really pop, we recommend using a moisture-packed styling product that’s made to enhance your glorious texture. Our Chébé Curls Gelée is a unique gel-cream hybrid that provides excellent definition while also giving your coils a healthy dose of hydration. Exactly what those beauties need!

Type 4C

Do you have densely packed strands without a clearly defined curl pattern? You just might have Type 4C hair! Like Type 4B, this group also has more of a Z-shaped or zig-zag curl pattern, but with even less definition. Think Issa Rae.

While dense with enviable volume (hello, Afro beauties), Type 4C coils can lack moisture and struggle with shrinkage more than other hair types. Just think about how long your hair looks when it’s soaking wet versus after it’s dry. The difference in length can be like night and day. But don’t worry– there are techniques you can use to enhance your natural length while also pumping up the definition.

Issue: Shrinkage

Solution: Stretch it out

While we love everything from a TWA (Teeny Weeny Afro) to a full Afro, there are days when you want to mix it up and play with your natural texture by stretching out your curl pattern to really emphasize your length. Type 4C is so versatile - you can easily rock any stretching technique like braid-outs, twist-outs or Bantu Knots. Your only limit is your imagination! Chébé Buttercream is a deeply nourishing curl styling product that provides the weightless definition and powerful hydration that will make any style you choose look its best.

With a little TLC and a steady dose of proper hydration, your coils will thrive! Show us how you care for your Type 4 hair by tagging #chebecircle on Instagram.