What is the difference between 3c and 4a hair? This is the biggest question at the back of your mind if you aren't sure whether your hair is type 3c or 4a. The 3c and 4a hair textures are different, and each has its care routine. Knowing what type of hair you have greatly affects how you care for, clean, and style your it for optimal results.

Determining your hair type is a starting point to finding the right products and styles for your hair. The hair classification system recognizes four types of hair: Type 1, Type 2, Type 3, and Type 4. Each of these hair types is further classified from a to c. The classifications from a to c are usually based on the width and diameter of the hair wave and its curl and coil pattern.

3c 4a hair texture

What is 3c hair? 3c hair is curly hair made up of tight coils with lots of strands packed together. It was created and added to the hair chart when it was discovered that there was a missing hair type between type 3B and 4A. 3c is always defined as the forgotten hair type as most systems don't usually recognize it.

What is type 4a hair? Type 4a hair is coily or tightly curled hair that looks coarse on the outset but is very soft and delicate when touched. This hair type has a lot of tight coils and forms an "s" pattern when stretched.

Difference between 3c and 4a hair

So, what is the difference between types 3c and 4a? Hair shapes and textures are best decoded when the hair is soaked wet. To identify if your hair is type 3c, your hair will have a persisting s or z shape even after being stretched out. This hair type retains a definite curl pattern, and its texture isn't a frizzy coil.

What does type 4a hair look like? Type 4a is often described as kinky or coily hair. Its mostly possessed by black women. This hair type is often prone to dehydration and damage due to its texture. Lack of basic knowledge on how to care for 4a hair often leads to hair damage as it is easily dehydrated.

3c hair care routine

While 3c hair is soft to touch, it is usually prone to frizz, dryness, and breakage. Here is a step by step guide on how to effectively care for your 3c hair:

• Wash and condition your hair thoroughly. Choose a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner that removes oils and grease without interfering with your hair's nutrition.
• Deep condition your hair even after using a regular conditioner. Good conditioning won't weigh down your strands.
• Choose a curl cream that moisturizes ringlets while retaining their bounce and shape. A good curl cream leaves your hair shiny.

• Apply a curl refresher instead of washing your hair daily. People with curly or natural textured hair are advised not to wash their hair daily. A good curl refresher revives the ringlets leaving the hair feeling smooth.
• A leave-in conditioner also helps keep your hair moisturized. To effectively achieve the deep condition state, apply a leave-in conditioner onto ringlets before they dry. it will help keep a consistent level of moisture in your curls.

4a hair care routine

4a hair type tends to be dry because of its tight coil shape. When properly cared for, type 4a often results in a head full of soft, well defined, and bouncy curls that will leave you rocking the whole day. To maintain healthy natural hair, follow this care routine:

• Shampooing your hair: 4A hair is prone to dryness when not properly moisturized. So make sure you get a cleansing shampoo that will penetrate each hair strand so that you can remove all the oil and dirt without interfering with the nutrition of your hair. Gently detangle your hair and focus on your scalp and roots to prevent hair breakage.
• Conditioning: Always condition your hair after shampooing to replenish the moisture that your hair needs. Conditioners will help maintain your curls and prevent a possible frizz.
• Daily moisturizing: 4a hair care can never be complete without moisturizing. Coconut oil is the recommended product for adding moisture to the hair curls. Coconut oil penetrates the hair shaft. You can also add serums for natural hair if you need a bit of moisture to refresh your curls.
• Pre-sleep care: Pre-sleep care is essential for maintaining your 4a hair type as it prevents frizz and breakage. To avoid hair damage, sleep with your hair in a silk scarf, or use a silk pillowcase. Using cotton is not recommended as it can pull and tug on the curls leading to frizz. Silk and satin are preferred as they do not produce much friction.

Which hair products for 3c and 4a hair should you use?

Getting the best products for your hair is the key to protecting your hair from damage. Keeping your hair well hydrated is the basic care routine for all hair types. So, what is the best hair products for 3c 4a hair?

• Shea Moisture Coconut and Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie: The curl enhancing smoothie is a moisturizing styling cream. It is the best styling product for curly hair as it makes the curls super defined and shiny.
• Shea Moisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen and Restore Styling Lotion: This is a precious oil-based lotion that protects the hair while restoring moisture and lustrous shine to dull, damaged, or chemically processed hair.
• Eco Styler Olive Oil Gel: The Eco Gel is a must-have product if your hair type is 3c or 4a. This gel is locally available in most stores and is very affordable. There are so many brands to choose from, and the olive version is just one of them.
• Entwine Couture Indulgently Luxe Exotique Buttercreme Hydrator: This is an indie natural hair care brand that leaves your hair moisturized the whole day. It has a whipped butter consistency that glides into your hair, coating each strand perfectly.
• Entwine Couture Manipulator Crème Jelle Styler: This curl defining product will help you achieve a wash and go style. It makes your hair super curly, thicker, and kinkier and is ideal for type 4 hair.

Now you know the difference between 3c and 4a hair types. Knowing your hair type will help you know how to care for it effectively. It will also guide you on the choice of products that are best suited for your hair type. Follow the correct 3c/4a hair routine, and you'll never have a bad hair day. With proper care, you can wash and go 3c 4a hair and rock all day long.

Tuko.co.ke published an article on the list of black hair types and how to identify them in pictures. The list of black hair types with pictures is a must-have tool if you want to decode your hair type. In addition to the obvious categories like curly, straight, or wavy, there are also several other factors to consider in decoding your unique black hair type.

Before you use any hair product, it's advisable to know your hair type. Black women generally have type 4 hair. Type 4 natural hair is generally known as kinky hair that has three hair texture types: 4a, 4b, and 4c.

Source: TUKO.co.ke

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