40 Natural 4C Hairstyle Ideas (Easy & Gorgeous Styles) (2024)

4c hairstyles are all the rage right now, and for good reason! 4c hair is characterized by its tight, coiled texture and can be difficult to manage without the right products and techniques.

Fortunately, there are many 4c hairstyles that look great and provide ample versatility for those with 4c hair. From protective styles to wash-and-go looks, 4c hairstyles come in all shapes and sizes—there’s something for everyone!

With the right products and styling techniques, you can create beautiful 4c hairstyles that will make you look and feel amazing. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best ideas of hairstyles for 4c hair out there so you can start experimenting with your own look!

Best hairstyles for 4c hair

If you are new to the 4c hair type, styling your hair can seem daunting at first. Fortunately, there are a few beginner hairstyles for 4c hair that require minimal time and effort, but still look great!

Here are some of our favorite quick natural hairstyles 4c hair:

1. Wash-and-Go

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A Wash-and-Go is a popular hairstyle for those with 4c hair. For best results when doing a Wash-and-Go on 4c hair, start by washing with a sulfate-free shampoo and deep conditioning with a moisturizing conditioner.

Apply your favorite leave-in conditioner and styling product and let it air dry overnight or diffuse using low heat settings. Keeping your curls hydrated can really help maintain their elasticity and definition — use an oil or cream to seal in moisture after you’ve styled your curls.

With some patience, you’ll be sporting beautiful 4c curls in no time!

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2. 4c hair in ponytail

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A popular way to style 4c hair is in a ponytail, which allows you to keep the full volume of your curls while still keeping them out of your face.

Creating a ponytail with 4c hair requires some extra steps due to its unique texture, which tends to be more prone to tangles and breakage.

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Not only does it look great on its own but it can also be dressed up with accessories like ribbons or bows for more formal occasions too!

3. Bun 4c hair

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For those with 4c hair, the bun is an excellent option for quickly and stylishly taming their locks. The style is versatile and easy to create, making it a great choice for days when one needs their mane out of their face.

To achieve the perfect bun, start off by using an appropriate product for your hair type: a light oil or curl cream may be best for moisturizing the strands before styling.

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Then, prepare the hair by dividing it into sections. Once all sections have been detangled, secure them into a high ponytail and twist them around itself creating a bun shape. If needed, use bobby pins or grips to keep the hairstyle in place throughout the day.

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4. Twist hairstyle

It have become a go-to option for many women who want to add volume and texture to their look. The results of twist hairstyles vary depending on the type of twist used and what techniques are employed.

One popular type of twist is the two strand twist, which is achieved by taking two separate strands of hair and twisting them together in one direction until they form one thick rope-like strand.

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This method works best when done on damp hair so that the twists can be tightened properly and remain secure throughout the day. This method can be used to create larger twists, or multiple smaller ones depending on individual preference.

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5. Stretched Out Afro

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The Stretched Out Afro is a classic and timeless 4C hairstyle. This style is perfect for those who want to show off their natural texture in all its glory. If desired, use light oils on the ends of strands to keep them healthy and moisturized throughout the styling process.

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Make sure not to overdo it – too much product can weigh down your curls!

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6. Half up half down 4c hair

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Half-up, half-down 4c hairstyles are a great way to show off your beautiful curls while keeping them out of the way. This style is easy to do and looks stylish on any length of hair.

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For added flair, take some of those loose curls in front and pin them up for a cute half-up look that shows off your natural texture!

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7. High Puff

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The high puff is a versatile and stylish hairstyle for those with 4c hair types. It’s the perfect way to showcase the natural texture of this unique hair type without having to do much styling.

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You can use bobby pins or extra elastics to hold your style in place. With its simple yet effective design, the high puff is sure to turn heads wherever you go!

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8. Cornrows

The name derives from the appearance of the braids, which look similar to rows of corn kernels. Cornrows have been used for centuries as a way to style hair for both men and women, and they remain an important part of many African cultures today.

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The main advantage of cornrow styles is that they help keep 4c hair nourished and healthy by keeping it tucked away from outdoor elements like sun, wind, and dust which can damage it over time.

9. Bantu Knots

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This style is created by sectioning the hair into small buns and tightly wrapping them around each other in a knot shape. The result is an intricate, protective style that looks both stylish and chic.

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Once secure, Bantu Knots can last up to two weeks and provide great protection of the ends of one’s hair while it grows out – something that is especially useful for those with 4c textures who struggle with length retention.

When taking down this style, care should be taken to ensure that no strands are pulled out during the process, else breakage may occur.

10. Knotless Box Braid

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This type of braid is different from regular box braids in that the parting of the hair is done without using any knots. Instead, small strands of hair are taken and divided into two sections.

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Each section is then twisted together to form a braid, creating an intricate pattern throughout the head. This technique helps keep 4c hair tangle-free and less prone to breakage, making it perfect for those seeking long-lasting styles.

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11. Faux Locs

They are a type of protective style, meaning they can help protect your hair from damage, as well as provide a low-maintenance alternative for days when you don’t have time to style your hair.

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Faux Locs are achieved by braiding natural or synthetic hair around one’s own hair, either with a latch hook technique or crochet method. This allows the wearer to achieve dreadlock-like looks without having to commit to permanent locs.

12. Natural 4c hairstyles with decoration

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This type of hair texture can be difficult to style, but it can also be quite versatile when it comes to styling. One way to make 4c hairstyles stand out is by adding elements such as beads and other decorative accessories.

Beads have been used for centuries in traditional African styles, and they remain popular today for 4c hairstyles. Beads come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, making them the perfect accessory for adding unique flair to any look.

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They can be added to braids, twists, or locs, or simply weaved into existing strands of hair for extra detail. When incorporating beads and other decorative items into your 4c hairstyle, bear in mind that less is more; overdoing these elements can take away from the natural beauty of your hair’s texture and curl pattern.

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That’s it for 12 trendy easy hairstyles for 4c hair that you can try! Each of these looks is easy to maintain and will help keep your unique hair texture looking beautiful.

With a little practice and creativity, you’ll be able to come up with plenty of new styles to try out. So go ahead, show off your natural texture with one of these trendy 4c hairstyles!

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How to take care of 4c hair

  • Choose a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner that are designed for 4C hair: Make sure to choose sulfate-free products that are specifically designed for high-porosity, highly textured curls.
  • Avoid excessive heat: Excessive heating can cause your hair to become dry and brittle, leading to breakage and split ends. Whenever possible, try to air-dry your 4C hair or use a blow dryer on the lowest setting if you need it done in a hurry.
  • Use protective styling methods: Protective styles such as box braids and wigs can help protect your natural hair from damage caused by daily styling and manipulation.

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  • Deep condition regularly: Deep conditioning helps to restore moisture and strength to your hair. Use a deep conditioner at least once or twice a month to keep your locks healthy and strong.
  • Overnight treatments: An overnight treatment with an oil like coconut or olive oil can help deeply hydrate 4C hair and improve its texture over time. Simply apply the oil to the ends of your hair before going to bed, wrap it up in a protective bonnet, and rinse out in the morning for best results.
  • Trim regularly: Regular trims help keep split ends at bay which will make your 4C hair look fuller and healthier for longer periods of time. Aim for trimming every 6-8 weeks for best results.

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  • Use a wide-tooth comb: Wide-toothed combs help to evenly distribute product throughout your hair and makes detangling much easier. This helps prevent breakage and keeps your curls looking their best.
  • Regular protein treatments: Protein treatments are essential for 4C hair as they help to strengthen the strands and keep them from becoming too dry or brittle. Aim for a protein treatment every 6-8 weeks depending on the severity of damage present in your hair.
  • Avoid over-shampooing: Over-shampooing can strip 4C hair of its natural oils, leaving it dry and prone to breakage. Stick with washing your hair no more than once or twice per week to maintain its health.
  • Protect your hair when swimming: Chlorine and salt water can strip away natural oils from 4C hair, leaving it brittle and dry over time. Always wear a swim cap or a protective style when going for a swim to help protect your hair.

https://youtu.be/T9GUpuFfp_w

Following these tips and tricks can help you maintain healthy, vibrant 4C hair that looks its best. With regular care and maintenance, your curls will be sure to shine!

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Hairstyles for 4C Hair – FAQ

Should you style 4C hair wet or dry?

Styling wet 4C hair can be tricky and hard to control. To make sure your curls are springy and full, wait until they’re only damp before you dry them – not dripping wet!

This way the strands have more of a chance to absorb moisture which gives you perfect braids or twists without any unintended results.

Is 4C hair thick or thin?

4c curls are the tightest type of curl and appear to be very close together. Depending on your hair texture, some 4c curls can look more defined than others – they might range from coarse and thick to fine and thin.

Regardless of what kind you have though, there are a few tips for managing them that will help retain their health! Check out our advice above for strategies that could work with your lovely locks.

Hairstyles for 4C Hair – Summary

There are a variety of trendy and easy natural hairstyles for 4c hair that can be used to show off the natural texture and curl pattern. This article is a guide to twelve trendy and easy hairstyles suitable for 4c hair.

These styles, which range from high puffs to cornrows to faux locs, are all designed with the unique texture of 4c hair in mind. They help keep hair nourished, tangle-free and low-maintenance, as well as providing protection from damaging outdoor elements like sun and wind.

Additional decorative elements such as beads can also be incorporated into these hairstyles for an extra bit of flair. With a little practice and creativity you can create beautiful hairstyling looks that will keep your unique 4c hair looking fabulous!

Also read:

  • Low Taper Haircut for Black Man
  • Best Co Wash for Natural Hair
  • Best Co-Wash Conditioners For Relaxed Hair
  • High Taper Fade Haircuts For Black Men
  • Tapered Pixie Cuts for Black Hair
  • Short 4C Hairstyles
  • Passion Twist Hairstyles
  • Cornrow Braids For Kids

Table of Contents

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25 Easy Short 4C Hairstyles

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Allyson Carter

Ally is a professional hairstylist with more than 6 years of experience, but hair has been her passion since early childhood. Here, at Hair Spies, she blogs about all things hairdressing, hair tools, and everyday hair care. Read more about Allyson here.

40 Natural 4C Hairstyle Ideas (Easy & Gorgeous Styles) (2024)

FAQs

What should 4C hair look like? ›

Those with a 4C hair type will typically have a mix of waves, coils, curls, and zigzags throughout their strands. However, there is one thing most people with 4C hair have in common: Their strands are typically in desperate need of moisture.

How do I wear my 4C hair? ›

BEST STYLES FOR TYPE 4C HAIR
  1. The natural look. Enjoy your beautiful natural corkscrews by letting nature take over. ...
  2. Updos. Space buns. ...
  3. Bantu knots. Like buns, Bantu knots are a fun way to tame your coils. ...
  4. Short hairstyles. Wash and go. ...
  5. Mohawk. ...
  6. Long hairstyles. ...
  7. Simple high puff ponytail.

What styles help 4C hair grow? ›

To get you started, here are some natural hairstyles you can try out,
  • Two strand twists. This is like the holy grail of hairstyles for most naturals. ...
  • Bantu knots. Bantu knots are another great way of styling 4C hair. ...
  • High puff. This is one of the easiest ways to style your 4C hair. ...
  • Space buns. ...
  • Sleek ponytail.

What makes 4C hair soft and silky? ›

By deep conditioning, co-washing, using the right products, detangling, using a diffuser, protective styling, air drying, low manipulation, sealing in moisture and trimming your ends regularly, you can help to keep your hair healthy and manageable.

How to take care of 4C hair female? ›

4C hair doesn't need to be washed daily, but it does need constant moisture. After wash day or when you're ready to refresh your protective style, use the curly and coily hair-approved LOC method or LCO method.

What are the do's and don'ts of 4C hair? ›

What are some tips for keeping 4C hair healthy?
  • Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize. To no surprise, 4c hair, like all curly hair types, is naturally dry. ...
  • Be gentle. 4c hair is the most fragile hair type. ...
  • Take advantage of protective styling. ...
  • Don't neglect scalp care. ...
  • Give your ends a little TLC. ...
  • Trim regularly.
Apr 27, 2022

Is 4C hair curly or straight? ›

4c hair type has the tightest curl pattern of all the curly hair types. Strands are formed in tight, springy, ringlets. 4c hair tends to clump more at the ends and is even more prone to shrinkage than 4b hair.

What's the best hairstyle for 4C hair? ›

Jumbo Box Braids
  • Two Strand Twist. If braiding is a bit too difficult for you, try this simple twisted look. ...
  • Flat Twist. Flat twists are similar to two-strand twists; they're just styled flat against your head instead of hanging down your back.
  • Stitch Braids. ...
  • Space Buns. ...
  • Bantu Knots. ...
  • Bantu Knot Out. ...
  • Wash N Go. ...
  • Braid Out.
Apr 23, 2024

What can I put in my 4C hair everyday? ›

Honey Infused Hair Oil is the ideal daily moisturizer for all hair types, including those with 4C hair, and there are several ways to use it. We've already mentioned applying it after washing, but you can also use it in between washing to smooth away flyaways and add extra shine.

What really works on 4C hair? ›

Use a leave-in conditioner & detangle regularly

Using a leave-in conditioner and detangling can be a game-changer for keeping 4C hair moisturized and preventing breakage. A leave-in conditioner can provide an extra layer of moisture and protection to the hair, while detangling can help to remove any knots and tangles.

What braids are best for 4C hair? ›

Halo Braids

They are a great protective style for 4C hair because they keep the hair off the face and protect the ends from damage.

How to make your hair soft in 5 minutes? ›

Try hot oil treatments. Warm any of the oils like coconut oil, olive oil, or castor oil, and gently massage it into your hair for a few minutes. Tie the hair and cover them with a shower cap. Above this, wrap a towel dipped in hot water.

How do you know if your 4C hair is healthy? ›

If you have healthy 4c hair, you'll notice that you have few to no split ends. You can help prevent split ends by keeping your hair moisturized, minimizing heat styling, and trimming your hair tips every 6 months.

How is 4C hair supposed to feel? ›

To no surprise, 4c hair, like all curly hair types, is naturally dry. In fact, 4c curls tend to be even drier. And when 4c hair isn't properly moisturized, it becomes brittle, weak and can easily break, snap and feel like straw. That's why having a consistent moisturizing hair routine is key.

How do I know my 4C hair type? ›

4c hair type has the tightest curl pattern of all the curly hair types. Strands are formed in tight, springy, ringlets. 4c hair tends to clump more at the ends and is even more prone to shrinkage than 4b hair. According to CURLS, 4c hair can shrink up to 75% of its length!

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