Natural hair comes in many different textures, each with unique characteristics and care requirements. Using the hair typing system to understand curly hair has been very common in the natural hair community. Curly hair is so diverse that following a typing system has eased it’s understanding for many of us. The Andre Walker Hair Typing System is commonly used to classify natural hair textures, but it only goes up to Type 4C, leaving some of us wondering: what is 4D hair type?
What is 4D hair?
Based on the Andre Walker typing system 4D hair type does not exist. The Andre Walker Hair Typing System only goes up to Type 4C, which refers to tightly coiled hair with no visible curl pattern and the tightest coils of all Type 4 hair. Type 4 hair is further divided into subtypes, with Type 4A, and Type 4B.
It’s essential to understand the characteristics of Andre Walker Hair Typing System to define what 4D hair is.
What is 4A or 4B hair?
Here is a breakdown of the Type 4 hair subtypes:
Type 4A Hair: Tightly Coiled with an S Pattern
Type 4A hair is tightly coiled with an S pattern, often described as “springy” or “zig-zag.” It has more curl definition than Type 4B and can be prone to shrinkage. Type 4A hair requires gentle handling to prevent breakage and dryness, and frequent moisturizing to maintain its shape.
Type 4B Hair: Z-Shaped, Tightly Coiled with Less Definition
Type 4B hair is z-shaped, tightly coiled hair with less curl definition than Type 4A. 4B hair can have tendency for little stranded knots and tangles. Type 4B hair also supposedly needs frequent moisturizing to prevent dryness and breakage, as well as detangling with a wide-tooth comb or fingers.
Type 4C Hair: Tightly Coiled with No Visible Curl Pattern
Type 4C hair is tightly coiled with no visible curl pattern, making it the most delicate and fragile of all Type 4 hair subtypes. This hair type appreciates gentle handling and frequent moisturizing to prevent dryness and breakage. Type 4C hair can also benefit from protective styling to minimize manipulation and maintain moisture.
The above is all according to Andre’s Walker typing system. From our experience, all hair types can have a visible curl pattern if the right curl defining products are being used. It’s the tightness of the curls that varies.
As of late, 4D hair has been resurging online with some claiming they have 4D Hair.
What are the characteristics of 4D Hair?
Following our online research, 4D hair allegedly has a tighter curl pattern than 4c hair. It’s denser so it can also be more challenging to moisturize. Like 4C, 4D hair holds a lot of shrinkage, able to shrink all the way up to your scalp. To resume, 4D hair seems to have a thicker, denser, tighter curl pattern than 4C hair.
It’s essential to understand that no hair is the same and that the diversity of type 4 hair is probably wider than we think. The hair typing system is a mass generalization of curly hair that does not represent every density, thickness and porosity that curly hair possess. For example, a thicker, denser head of type 4C hair could seem like 4D to some. However, if we would take one strand of fine 4c hair and look at it side by side with what is called “4D” it might look the same. It’s the density that makes it different.
Some of us have fine hair and while some have thicker hair. On top of that, we can all have multiple hair types. It seems that 4D hair is assigned to the ones who have the thickest 4C hair. It’s important to not give too much importance to the hair typing system as your hair is unique. Learning your own hair characteristics and preferences is what will help you to build an effective hair care routine.
Is type 4 hair good?
What is defined to be “type 4 hair” is kinky, coily hair. This hair category holds the tightest curl pattern. Type 4 hair is one of the most common hair types amongst people in the African community. Type 4 hair has a beautiful curl pattern and is able to hold a wide range of hairstyles making it one of the most diverse hair type. Having what is called “type 4” hair is truly a gift! It’s shape and definition are the envy of ones who are not able to retain hairstyles longer than a few hours.
So, does 4D hair exist?
4D hair is not part of the hair typing system but is loosely used in the natural hair community. The Andre Walker Hair Typing System classifies natural hair textures up to Type 4C, which refers to tightly coiled hair. Understanding your natural hair type and its unique characteristics is the only thing that is essential to care for it properly and achieve healthy, beautiful hair.
