Top 10 Hairstyles for 4c Natural Hair

There is a misconception that 4c hair is extremely difficult to manage and can’t be styled. There are a ton of natural hair websites run by women with 4c hair who shed light on what it’s like living with type 4 hair. They provide tips for caring for your hair and also offer style suggestions. I’ve gathered the top 10 hairstyles for natural 4c hair.

“I feel that the kinks, curls, or tight coils in Afro hair is beautiful and unique. No other race on this planet has hair like ours – that makes me proud.”― Monica Millner

1. Wash-and-Go Achieving the perfect wash-and-go doesn’t have to be hard. Make sure you use a moisturizing leave-in conditioner as well as a styler or gel to set the style. This style is perfect for shorter and longer 4c hair. Check out @LimitlessBloom's Instagram for inspiration!

2. Twist Out

Mastering the perfect twist out is the dream of every natural. To start, gather all your materials. You’ll need a comb, hair clips, moisturizer, styling cream, and oil. Section your hair using hair clips and do two-strand twists. Ensure you apply your products as you go. Before taking your twists down, make certain your hair is dry. You can also keep your hair twisted and wear it as is. Keep in mind, the smaller your twists are, the more defined your curls will be. @_NellTexturs has seemed to crack the code on her twist outs. Check her out on Instagram!

3. Afro

Braid your hair at night for the ultimate stretch. When taking your hair down the next day, use a pick or wide-tooth comb and fluff out your hair for volume. @Harrietmhlanga has all the shine and volume!!!

4. High Puff

This is a go-to style for naturals. Use a stretchy hairband or shoestring to achieve your puff. Brush your hair upwards, put the hairband on, and fluff out puff. For a sleeker look, use gel. You can even Rock It Out with beads like @earthyends on Instagram!

5. Low Bun

This style is great for an elegant look. You can use gel for a slicked-back look. Leave the hair loose like @JanetiDavies on Instagram for tuck your hair under for a protective style.

6. Bantu Knots

To achieve Bantu knots, section your hair into four square sections and two-strand twist, then wrap twists into Bantu knots. You can keep your hair in this style or take the knots down and rock your hair in a Bantu-knot out. @Tay_NaturalHairJourney bantu knots are fly!!!

7. Fro-hawk

Twist or braid hair to achieve definition and volume. Once you take your twists down, fluff your hair and apply gel to the sides of your hair. Brush in an upward motion to form a “mohawk”. Use bobby pins to hold the style in place. @Curly_Corner has this style on lock!

8. Finger coils

Finger coils can be time-consuming but look great on short 4c hair. You can do them yourself or visit a stylist to install finger coils like @TasalaHQ on Instagram. If you decide to tackle the style.

9. Braid out

Braid outs are perfect for adding volume to hair and good for stretching the hair. To start, gather all your materials. You’ll need a comb, hair clips, moisturizer, styling cream, and oil. Section your hair using hair clips and do braids or plaits. Ensure you apply your products as you go. Before taking your braids or plaits down, make certain your hair is dry. Keep in mind, the smaller your braids or plaits are, the more defined your curls will be. Candacee-renee used Alikay Naturals - Shea Yogurt Hair Moisturizer to accomplish her beautiful braid out!

10. Protective styles

Another way to style 4c hair is by doing protective styles like box braids, faux locs, and wigs.

There are many ways you can style 4c hair and it doesn’t have to be difficult. When trying to achieve a new hairstyle, it can be helpful to watch tutorials. Take your time to ensure the style turns out the right way.