You’ve probably heard of hair types before, but what are they, and why is knowing yours so important? Knowing your hair type is essential to being able to care for your tresses properly.

Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about the 4A hair type.

Understanding Hair Types

The most widely used hair typing system was developed by Andre Walker, which breaks hair down into four main categories:

• Type 1 is straight hair
• Type 2 is wavy hair
• Type 3 is curly hair
• Type 4 is kinky hair

Within these primary classifications are three subcategories that describe the texture of the hair.

• A hair types are fine or thin and soft
• B hair types are medium density and have a lot of body and volume
• C hair types are naturally thicker and drier

4A Hair Defined

If your hair type is 4A, then your hair is fine and soft but extremely kinky. The individual strands have a tightly-coiled ‘S’ shape. Each 4 hair type is similar to these characteristics, but certain qualities make them all unique.

Here are the traits that make 4A hair different:

• Maintains curl pattern and definition well when adequately moisturized
• Can experience a lot of shrinkage with individual styles
• More delicate than the other 4 hair types

Taking Care of the 4A Hair Type

The most important thing to remember with 4A hair is moisture, moisture, moisture! This type of hair is prone to dryness since the tight coils prevent the natural oils from the scalp from traveling down the strands.

Not only will hydration-packed products keep your kinky hair soft and manageable, but it will also cut down the frizz and make styles last longer.

Cleansers

Getting the right cleanser is the first step in your healthy 4A hair regimen. Be sure that you choose something free of harsh chemicals like sulfates and alcohols that strip away your hair’s moisture.