I’m learning to love my 4b natural hair and I feel like I’ve been missing out all these years!

If you’ve been following me you had seen me with straight hair for a while. Although I wore my hair straight, it was always pressed, never relaxed. Nearly a year ago I made the decision to big chop my 4b curls and it’s been a beautiful journey of rediscovery. Keep reading to learn more about how I love on and maintain my beautiful 4b hair type.

What is 4b Natural Hair?

So, in the beginning of my natural hair journey I made it my job to figure out where my hair type fit on the natural, textured hair spectrum. I knew about the number and letter naming convention but had no idea about what kind of hair I had. I did a bit of scouring on the internet to read all I could about 4b hair and it’s distinct differences between 4c and 4a hair.

How To Identify a 4b Natural Hair Type

I was easily able to confirm that I had 4b natural hair from the other natural hair types because:

4b hair has a Z-shaped pattern and’
The curls generally bend rather than “ring around” and;

What To Know About 4b Natural Hair Texture

Generally 4b curls can feel anywhere from fine to course. It varies and totally depends on the unique individual.

If you have 4b curls, no matter your texture, you likely have shrinkage. I definitely do! I find that my hair shrinks up to probably more than 50% of my total hair length once it is washed then fully dries. It’s amazing. I actually love that because of the versatility of my 4b hair! Though your hair may shrink there are ways you can actually stretch it out and still wear your 4b natural curls - we’ll get to that later!

How to Maintain 4b Hair

If you’re in love with your 4b hair strands and want them to love you back, develop a really good wash routine regimen.

Washing your hair well and having a good wash and moisture routine will keep your hair hydrated, well oiled, and stop breakage. Minimizing breakage when it comes to 4b curls is the key to retaining length.

My 4b natural hair routine consists of:

Shampooing (I alternate between moisturizing and conditioning as I see my hair needs)
Co-washing (as necessary)
Conditioning
Deep conditioning/protein treatments/ masques
Styling (I use the LOC method)

Shampooing and Co-Washing 4b Curls

I wash my hair every 2 to 3 weeks depending on oil build up. Everyone is different, but generally washing 4b hair types every week may be too often. Washing too often can cause your hair to dry, which like I said above, can lead to breakage.

When I do shampoo, I determine if I need to really cleanse or just moisturize and that determines which shampoo I’ll use. For cleansing I’ll use this shampoo; to moisturize I’ll use this.

Based on how I feel or what I think my hair needs, I may co-wash instead of shampooing to add extra moisture to my hair. I love using this to co-wash!

Conditioning 4B Hair

Depending on how I feel, I may condition my hair and also deep condition. It rests on what I feel my hair needs. For the most part I’ll hop straight into deep conditioning and/or using a mask. Either way, I always use this time to use a Denman brush and detangle my hair. 4b hair is best detangled when wet and moisturized with something like a condition to help remove tangles and smooth hair from shaft to root.

I also like to finger detangle after I’ve used my Denman brush; I leave my conditioner in for at least 10 minutes to make sure it penetrates nicely. Plus, it makes my hair super soft.

maintaining 4b natural hair curls by Deep Conditioning, protein treatments, and masks

I basically use a deep condition after every wash. My hair can always use the extra moisture. It keeps my hair healthy by allowing it to retain it’s length and structure, plus it keeps my hair super shiny. I love to use this deep conditioner on my hair! When deep conditioning, be sure to have some sort of heat source to lock in the moisture. Sitting under a dryer, a steamer, or even using a thermal cap helps.

Maintaining your hair will also require you to check in for protein treatments as needed; masques are also a nice addition to add to your 4b natural hair care routine.

How I Define My 4B Curls on the YouTube Channel!

How Do I Style My 4b Curls?

What I love about styling my 4b natural hair is that once I got the hang of it it became so easy, and actually a relaxing process. Once you get over the hurdle of figuring out which products work best for your curls you’re in there! When styling, I like to be sure my hair is still nicely damp, but not soaked. I use the LOC method (Leave In, Oil, Cream) for all my styles.

I use this leave-in, this oil, and I use a very slick gel that gives me a hold that is still very flexible but defines my coils like no other. I also like to use this gel to help stretch my hair when I want a bit more length. I prefer gels that are plant based that give flexible holds - I don’t like stiff hair.

A Few More Tips on How to Love on Your 4b Natural Hair

You’ll learn as you go when you begin taking care of your natural curly tresses, but there are few pointers I’ve come to find work for everyone every time.

If you’re able, don’t invert your hair to wash. Wash standing in the shower or in wash bowl. It keep your hair from tangling as much.
Wash your hair in small sections. This helps contain possible breakage.
Always detangle when hair is wet, and preferably with conditioner. Finger detangle too.
Wearing protective styles will help retain length.
Use the banding method to help stretch your hair over night.
Avoid things like sulfates, petroleum, silicones, and mineral oil
Don’t wash your hair every week
Be patient as you learn your hair and enjoy the process.