The following is information to help you to determine what products may work for your hair and skin. It's important to remember that a good diet, exercise, stress reduction, and drinking plenty of water are all essential to healthy skin and hair. (Please note that this information is not intended to treat or diagnose any disease or disorder. Be sure to read all ingredient information.)

Type 4 hair is characterized as textured hair which is tightly curled. It can be wiry and very fragile and also tends to be drier than other hair types. Type 4a's hair strand has an "S" shape like spirals. Type 4b has the characteristics of Type 4a, but the hair strand has a zig zag shape like a"Z". This pattern makes it the most fragile type of hair.

Cleansing - Conditioning- Treatment - Styling

Cleansing
This hair can become extremely dry. Retaining the proper moisture balance is critical to health of this hair type. It is important to avoid stripping the hair of moisture when cleansing. When shampooing, a gentle shampoo should be used. Many people like to do a conditioning wash and shampoo periodically to remove buildup and cleanse the scalp.

Product Suggestions:

Blended Beauty Curl Cleansing Conditioner

Blended Beauty Soy Cream Shampoo

Curls Curlicious Curl Cleansing Cream

Naani Moisturizing Shampoo - No Sulfates or Castille

Nubian Heritage Shampoo - Raw Shea Butter

Organikah Herbal Moisturizing Shampoo

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Conditioning
It's important to condition after shampooing hair. Shampooing raises the cuticle of the hair and conditioning smooths it back down, reducing tangles and breakage. If using the cleansing conditioners you may be able to get by without using conditioner, but you still want to make sure you condition regularly, be it for shorter amounts of time more often or for deep conditioning less often. For deep conditioning you should use a plastic bag and let conditioner sit for at least 15-30 minutes. Heat may also be used. Be careful that you don't condition hair too much as this may cause it to become weak and break easily.

Daily conditioners: (these may also be used as deep conditioners)

Blended Beauty Curl Quenching Conditioner

Curls Coconut Sublime Moisture Max Conditioner

Curls Ecstasy Asian Hair Tea Conditioner

Naani S-Factor Conditioner

Nubian Heritage Conditioner - Coconut and Papaya

Organikah Shea Butter Hair Conditioner

Shea Moisture Leave-in Conditioner

Deep conditioners/Conditioning treatments:

Blended Beauty Curl Quenching Conditioner

Blended Beauty Herbal Reconditioning Treatment (Hair Mask)

Curls Ecstasy Asian Hair Tea Conditioner

Organikah Shea Butter Hair Conditioner

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Treatment
When hair is especially dry, breaking, or just needs an extra boost, these products can be used. Used weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly depending on how much treatment hair needs, they help hair to retain its moisture.

Baka Natural-Laxer Plus

Blended Beauty Herbal Reconditioning Treatment (Hair Mask)

Blended Beauty Volcanic Clean Mask

Blended Beauty Natural Hair Oil

Burt's Bees Pre-Shampoo Avocado Hair Mask

Curls Euphoria Elixir

Long Lovely Locks Natures Essential Oil

Kynk Hair Honey

Naani Walk in the Clouds Hair and Scalp Butter

Organikah Herbal Hair Oil

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Styling
There are several different styling products for this hair type. This hair is best combed when wet. This can either be done with water (use bottled water if water is hard in your area) or a conditioning spritz. Many people find they need to layer products in order to get the right combination of curl definition and moisture they desire. Please refer to the Blended Beauty and Curls charts for more styling information.

For heat styling/protection:

Blended Beauty Straight Pearl

Blended Beauty Straightening Glaze

Blended Beauty Light Styling Lotion

For style refreshing:

Blended Beauty Kick for Curls

Curls Curl Quenched Moisturizer

For light hold and defrizzing:

Blended Beauty Light Styling Lotion

Curls Spiral Curls Cream

For stronger hold:

Blended Beauty Curly Frizz Pudding

Curls Goddess Glaze

For moisture/hold:

Blended Beauty Happy Nappy Styles

Blended Beauty Styling Butter Cream

Blended Beauty Styling Lotion

Curls Whipped Cream

For moisture:

Blended Cutie Butter Me Up!

Curls Curl Milk Shake

Organikah Whipped Hair Butter

Shea Moisture Leave-in Conditioner

For shine:

Blended Beauty Natural Hair Oil

Curls Euphoria Elixir

Naani Hair and Body Mist

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