- Family
- Type 4, coily
- Pattern
- Z-shaped bends with sharp angles and a soft, fluffy feel.
- Shrinkage
- High. Often 60% or more.
What 4B hair looks like
4B is very responsive to how it's styled: it can be worn as a soft, fluffy afro, shaped into twists or a twist-out, or brushed down for a short, even top.
4B vs 4A and 4C
Where 4A forms rounded coils, 4B bends in sharp zigzags with less visible curl definition.
4C has the same zigzag shape but tighter and smaller, with even more shrinkage and very little visible pattern.
Compare them: Type 4A hair · Type 4C hair.
Best taper and fade haircuts for 4B hair
These cuts keep the sides neat while working with the coily pattern on top.
- High taper fade with an afro: 4B's natural volume makes a full, rounded afro over a high taper.
- Mid taper fade for black men: A mid blend suits a short, brushed 4B top.
- Burst fade for black men: The burst frames a twisted or sponged top.
- Drop fade for black men: The drop follows the head's shape and suits a short, even top.
Not sure which height suits you? The taper quiz weighs your hair type along with your face shape and routine, and the taper height diagram shows where each one starts.
How to style 4B hair with short sides
Layer moisture: a water-based leave-in, a cream, and an oil to seal. For definition, use two-strand twists or a twist-out; for a short top, a curl sponge forms small coils.
For a rounded afro, stretch the hair a little first (braid it or band it overnight), then pick the roots.
Care basics for 4B hair
- Wash every week or two and keep the hair moisturized in between.
- Detangle gently in sections, with plenty of conditioner.
- Seal moisture with an oil or butter, especially on the ends.
- Cover the hair at night with a durag or bonnet.
What to tell your barber
Tell your barber whether you'll wear the top brushed, sponged, or picked out, since that changes how it's cut. Ask for the shape to be cut with the hair in its natural shrunken state.
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between 4A and 4B hair?
4A forms rounded, defined coils. 4B bends in sharper Z-shaped angles with less visible curl definition and a softer, fluffier feel.
Why does 4B hair shrink so much?
Sharp zigzag bends pack a lot of length into a short space. 4B can look less than half its stretched length when it dries.
What fade suits 4B hair?
Any height works. A high taper suits a full afro, and a mid or low taper suits a short brushed or sponged top. Pick by the top you want.