- Family
- Type 4, coily
- Pattern
- Very tight zigzags with little visible pattern and the most shrinkage.
- Shrinkage
- The highest of all types. Often 70% or more.
What 4C hair looks like
4C is the most versatile texture for shape. It holds a crisp, even top, 360 waves, a sculpted afro, twists, and locs, and it takes a sharp line-up very cleanly.
4C vs 4B
4C has the same Z-shaped bends as 4B but smaller and tighter, with even more shrinkage and less visible pattern.
Both 4B and 4C can look similar when short; the difference shows when the hair is stretched or twisted.
Compare them: Type 4B hair.
Best taper and fade haircuts for 4C hair
These cuts keep the sides neat while working with the coily pattern on top.
- High taper fade with waves: Short 4C hair brushes into tight 360 waves that a high taper frames.
- Low taper fade with waves: A low taper keeps the wave pattern running down the sides.
- Mid taper fade with waves: A balanced blend for a wave pattern on top.
- Low taper fade for black men: A clean, even top with a sharp line-up suits 4C well.
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 4C hair with short sides
For waves, keep the top short, brush it daily in the direction of the pattern, and wear a durag to set it. For twists or a twist-out, moisturize well and twist small sections on damp hair.
For an afro, stretch the hair first by braiding or banding, then pick it out and shape it.
Care basics for 4C hair
- Wash every week or two, and moisturize the hair every few days.
- Detangle only with plenty of conditioner, in small sections, from the ends up.
- Seal moisture with an oil or butter.
- Always cover the hair at night to protect it and keep any wave or twist pattern.
What to tell your barber
Say how you'll wear it: waves need the top cut short and even, while an afro needs length left on. For waves, ask for the same guard on top that you usually wear, and for a line-up that follows your natural hairline.
Frequently asked questions
What does 4C hair look like?
Very tight zigzag coils packed closely together, with little visible pattern, a soft, dense, cotton-like texture, and the most shrinkage of any hair type.
Can 4C hair get 360 waves?
Yes. Short 4C hair brushed daily and set under a durag forms waves well. A low or high taper frames the pattern.
Is 4C hair the same as afro hair?
"Afro hair" is an everyday term for the coily range as a whole. 4C is the tightest pattern within that range on the hair typing chart.