10 Hairstyles That Give Your 4C Hair The Shine It Deserves
To be honest with you, I don't feel like my 4C Queens get as much shine as they deserve. Yes, the beauty industry has made more efforts to include all hair textures in campaigns, product launches, etc., but we still have a long way to go. Sadly, 4C hair is very underrepresented and that lack of inclusion doesn't properly represent the natural hair community as a whole. If we're talking natural hair, every hair type needs to be included. Natural hair is not a one-size-fits-all type of thing nor does it have one look. I can't stress this enough.
Representation is everything and by not having it, people are constantly excluded and it creates a false narrative of what beauty is. It can be hard for some naturals to imagine how a hairstyle may look on them, what the best style for that hair type is, or simply love their hair if it's constantly left out of conversations. With that being said, here are 10 hairstyles that not only show the beauty of 4C hair but also gives it the shine it deserves.
10 Ways To Style 4C Hair
1.3 Strand Twist With A Curly Bang
Not only is this a cute holiday style, it's a fun twist on the traditional twist-out. Typically three-strand twists give you hair way more definition than a two-strand twist. So if definition is something that you struggle with or want more of in your styles, three-strand twists are the way to go.
2.Loose Twists
I love how loose twists look on 4C hair. I love how much volume is in each twist and it's a simple enough hairstyle for anyone to do. This can also serve as a low-tension and low-manipulation style while keeping your hair protected and moisturized. This is definitely a style to consider as the weather gets cooler.
3.Afro Puff
You honestly can't go wrong with a simple afro puff. It's a simple and easy style that comes with so much versatility. You can style it with twists, braids, bangs, etc.
4.Stretched Finger Coil With Cornrows
Chev has a mixture of 4B/4C textures but this is still a very cute style for both textures. This is a spin on the half up half down style. Instead, she has cornrows in the front and finger coils in the back. Finger coils are another way to get the most definition out of your hair.
5.Braid Outs
Braid outs can give both definition and length depending on how you do it. When it comes to getting the most definition with your braid out, it's best to braid smaller.
6.High Bun
This is a beautiful twist on the high bun style, especially if your hair is short to medium length. It's a crossover between a high bun and an updo and can be worn for any occasion and makes a great protective style.
7.Flat Twist Updo
This is a great updo especially if you have shorter hair. It's a flat-twist in the front and a two-strand twist-out in the back.
8.Your Natural Fro’
When it comes to styles that show the beauty of your hair, your natural fro' is definitely number one on the list. You can wear a side, middle, or no part. Either way, this is the go-to style to show off your hair.
9. Perm/Flexi Rod Sets
Rods sets, especially flexi rods, are great on all textures and types of hair. It's an easy way to get a bomb switch up from your everyday styles. The flexi rods that you use, as well as how many, depend on your hair length and the volume and fullness you can achieve.
10. Wash n’ Go’s
Typically wash n' go's don't provide a lot of moisture for naturals with type 4 hair, especially 4C hair, since it's so prone to breakage. However, if done right, it can be beautiful and hella moisturized.
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Featured image via Giphy
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Freelance writer, content creator, and traveler. She enjoys the beauty of simplicity, a peaceful life, and a big curly fro. Connect with Krissy on social media @iamkrissylewis or check out her blog at www.krissylewis.com.
ItGirl 100 Honors Black Women Who Create Culture & Put On For Their Cities
As they say, create the change you want to see in this world, besties. That’s why xoNecole linked up with Hyundai for the inaugural ItGirl 100 List, a celebration of 100 Genzennial women who aren’t afraid to pull up their own seats to the table. Across regions and industries, these women embody the essence of discovering self-value through purpose, honey! They're fierce, they’re ultra-creative, and we know they make their cities proud.
VIEW THE FULL ITGIRL 100 LIST HERE.
Don’t forget to also check out the ItGirl Directory, featuring 50 Black-woman-owned marketing and branding agencies, photographers and videographers, publicists, and more.
THE ITGIRL MEMO
I. An ItGirl puts on for her city and masters her self-worth through purpose.
II. An ItGirl celebrates all the things that make her unique.
III. An ItGirl empowers others to become the best versions of themselves.
IV. An ItGirl leads by example, inspiring others through her actions and integrity.
V. An ItGirl paves the way for authenticity and diversity in all aspects of life.
VI. An ItGirl uses the power of her voice to advocate for positive change in the world.
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Chizi Duru Takes Us On Her Journey To Hair Repair With SheaMoisture Bond Repair Collection
This article is in partnership with Shea Moisture
Black women and their natural hair is often a shared experience with one another, and SheaMoisture knows all about it. That’s why they have launched the SheaMoisture Bond Repair Collection. You have your days when your hair is flourishing, and you have your days when the elements in the air are causing an annoying amount of frizz. You have your days when you want to wear a protective style, and you have your days when you want to press your hair. And while there’s nothing wrong with switching things up, all the hair manipulation can cause damage to your luscious locks. This is something that beauty and wellness influencer Chizi Duru can relate to.
“The journey with our natural hair isn’t linear. Sometimes you fall in love, you fall out of love with your hair and I'm in a space where I want to love my hair in all stages. In an effort to revitalize these hair bonds, I'm trying out the new SheaMoisture Bond Repair Collection,” she says in the video. SheaMoisture Bond Repair Collection is a 4-step system powered by HydroPlex Technology and is scientifically proven to make hair 6x stronger with 84% less breakage by repairing and rebuilding broken hair bonds (compared to non-conditioning shampoo).
The collection’s formula is infused with Amla oil and AminoBlend, which are fortifying amino acids that strengthen the hair from root to tip and give you visibly healthy hair after just one use. Chizi shares her step-by-step process of using the collection and getting her hair health back on track. “Of course, we've got to remove any buildup, so I'm using the Bond Repair Shampoo, which smells incredible. I've had a sew-in for over two months. So yeah, we've got to get this scalp clean,” she says.
As a beauty content creator, Chizi is no stranger to giving the girls a lewk. From knotless braids to, more recently, a bouncy bob, she continues to showcase a variety of styles. Chizi highlights the ingredients used in the collection that were made to transform dry hair from heat damage, color in type 3 and 4 hair, and protective styles to soft, shiny hair. “So I've been playing around with heat, which, as you guys know, can damage the bonds in your hair,” she admits. “So I love that this line has natural and strengthening ingredients like amla oil and shea butter to help strengthen my hair. Then I'm gonna go in with the Bond Repair Conditioner, which helps strengthen and repair signs of damage in curly and coily hair.”
Last but not least is the SheaMoisture Bond Repair Masque. Using the hair masque will give hair the nourishment it needs as the last step to achieving ultimate healthy hair. “And for ultra moisture, I'm gonna use the Bond Repair Mask. One thing I forgot is the power of a good hair mask is gon’ revive what it needs to revive,” she says. “So join me on the journey of revitalizing my hair and enjoying every stage of it thanks to SheaMoisture Bond Repair Collection.”
Step One: Bond Repair Shampoo
Rejuvenate your hair with SheaMoisture Bond Repair Shampoo, your go-to solution for luscious locks. Packed with hella hydration power, this shampoo adds moisture by 60% while removing buildup without stripping your strands. This shampoo gently cleanses impurities while significantly enhancing shine, smoothness, and softness.
The Bond Repair Shampoo is the first step in the 4-step Bond Repair system, all of which are infused with the uniquely formulated AminoBlend, and HydroPlex technologies that rebuild hair bonds.
Step Two: Bond Repair Conditioner
Tailored to repair styling damage, this creamy conditioner locks in 12x more moisture than standard non-conditioning shampoos, boosting damaged hair strength by 1.5x with significantly less breakage. The creamy SheaMoisture Bond Repair Conditioner deeply hydrates, enhances manageability, and leaves your hair looking healthier and shinier.
Step Three: Bond Repair Masque
This UltraMoisturizing reparative masque is a moisture-rich game-changer for those dealing with the aftermath of hair damage caused by styling. The SheaMoisture Bond Repair Masque delivers 13 times more moisture compared to non-conditioning shampoos, ensuring your hair feels nourished and soft. Designed to repair and rejuvenate, this masque significantly strengthens damaged hair — making it twice as strong while reducing breakage.
Step Four: Bond Repair Leave-In Conditioner
Elevate your curl game with SheaMoisture’s Bond Repair Leave-In Conditioner. Lightweight and hydrating, the Bond Repair Leave-In Conditioner provides 12x more moisture than non-conditioning shampoos and tames frizz with 24-hour humidity control. Designed to define curls and coils, the leave-in conditioner enhances softness and shine, allowing you to detangle effortlessly.
Bonding Oil
The SheaMoisture Bonding Oil is a multitasking all-in-one formula that acts as a heat protectant and provides the hair with moisture, strength, shine, damage protection, and intense nourishment. This lightweight oil not only offers 24-hour frizz and humidity control but also fortifies your tresses, making them up to 5 times stronger with significantly less breakage.
Feature image @chiziduru/ Instagram