Photo of Kwanele Mathebula

Do you know your hair type?

Here is a quick guide on four common hair textures and how to manage them.

4C Hair. This hair is kinky and dries easily because of its zig-zag curls. It has no movement and needs a lot of moisture. The curls don’t retain moisture well and shrinks under humidity and water.

Handling: Moisturise in the morning and evening, with weekly treatments and minimal combing. Wash every other day.

Styling: Do Bantu knots for a defined curl pattern, and twist outs to stretch it out. Structured cuts also work best for this type.

Product: Black Like Me Deep Cleanse Hydrate Shampoo R37.95

SEE ALSO: Homemade hair detangler

4B Hair

This is similar to the 4C type in terms of the zig-zag shaped curl. However, it is denser and shrinks less. This type is fragile and dries and knots easily.

Handling: Frequently condition and moisturise. You can also comb this type better than 4C type hair.

Styling: Frequently condition and moisturise. You can also comb this type better than 4C type hair.

Product:  Dark and Lovely Au Naturale Afro Moisturising Butter R80

4A Hair 

This hair is great, depending on how you handle it. It’s suitable for most hairstyles, but also prone to being dry and tangling. It has volume, but limited movement. The curl shape is spiralled in the form of a tight S.

Characteristics: This hair is great, depending on how you handle it. It’s suitable for most hairstyles, but also prone to being dry and tangling. It has volume, but limited movement. The curl shape is spiralled in the form of a tight S.

Handling: Detangle this hair with your fingers. Do this while it is wet, and saturated with conditioner and light oils that won’t weigh it down.

Styling: Styled in an up-do, or use curl defining products to make curls more noticeable.

Product:

Design Essentials Natural Almond & Avocado Detangling Leave-in Conditioner R194.95

SEE ALSO: 8 things all natural hair ladies need to stop doing

3C Hair This type has thick spirally curls that resemble a corkscrew pattern. The curl type is less likely to shrink compared with the 4C and B types. It frizzes easily.

Characteristics: Curl defining creams and sprays come in handy. Always use wide-tooth combs. It frizzes, tangles and dries out.

Handling: Curl defining creams and sprays come in handy. Always use wide-tooth combs. It frizzes, tangles and dries out.

Styling: It has movement and a lot of volume. The curls can be defined. Style it in buns, twists and cornrows.

Product:  ghd Detangling Comb R160

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