Most people are familiar with type 4 hair in African-Americans since this hair type is common among persons of African origin.
Nevertheless, some curious minds and hair enthusiasts alike may question, “Can white people have type 4 hair?”
In this post, we will explore what it implies to have type 4 hair, can white people have this natural hair texture, and other necessary information about this topic. Let’s get started!
What Is Type 4 Hair?
There are 4 major hair typing categories (Type 1, 2, 3, and 4), each with three subcategories (a, b, and c).
- Type 1: Straight
- Type 2: Wavy
- Type 3: Curly
- Type 4: Kinky, Coily
Each subcategory denotes a more noticeable wave, curl, or texture. Type 1a hair, for instance, is pin-straight, whereas type 1c hair does have more bend and volume.
Type 4 hair is among the most misunderstood of all hair kinds. Type 4 hair has twists, kinks, and coils but does not create an “S” shape.
It could be “L” shaped, with bends instead of curves. It can form tight coils or “O” shapes that are tighter than Type 3 hair’s “ringlets.”
This hair type is drier than other types of hair since the bends and twists not only give more vulnerable spots but also make it difficult for the natural oil (sebum) produced by the scalp to reach the ends of the hair shaft.
Also, since the cuticles on Type 4 hair may not lay flat, the hair is less lustrous than types 1, 2, and 3, and people frequently mistake natural Black hair for being dull or dry.
Can White People Have Type 4 Hair?
Although most African-Americans have Type 4 hair, white people can also have type 4 hair because this curl pattern is not exclusive to one race.
Type 4 hair can be found on people who are considered white by some, such as those from Greece, France, Italy, and many other parts of the world. People of Jewish origin and people of mixed ethnicity may also have this sort of hair.
This form of hair is even found in some Asian countries, which most people believe is impossible.
Each of the 12 hair kinds listed below can be seen in anyone, regardless of ethnicity or race. In fact, it is amazing how people can be so different but so similar. Hair is one of those things that can both divide and unify people.
What Are the Distinctive Features of Type 4 Hair?
Below are some of the most outstanding characteristics of type 4 hair:
Low porosity
Type-4 hair is exceptionally tightly coiled and is poor in density and porosity. Furthermore, it is extremely brittle and easily broken.
Because this type of hair has an oval-shaped head, it is not entirely round like other curly hairstyles.
Patterns of curls
Type-4s possess up to five distinct curl patterns on their full head of hair. The most prevalent design is S-shaped, but there are also Z-shaped and U-shaped patterns.
The shape and size of every curl vary from person to person; nonetheless, most of them are little (1/4″). Type-4s typically have fine strands that may be challenging to handle due to their proclivity to tangle.
Thick at the roots
Because of shrinkage, coily hair has dense strands at the roots and thin strands at the ends.
If properly washed and styled, it also appears lustrous and has a lot of volume!
What Hair Type Does Most White People Have?
The most frequent hair types among white people are type 1 (straight) as well as type 2 (curly) (wavy).
Because of genetic effects, some hair kinds are more prevalent in specific races. Asians, for example, have straight type 1 hair that grows incredibly quickly. Their hair strands are cylindrical in shape and develop perpendicular to the scalp.
In contrast to Asian hair, African hair is often type 3 (curly) or type 4 (coily/kinky). The curled structure of hair follicles is what gives those tight curls the shape.
However, this is not to argue that there aren’t exceptions, as proven by hair type 4 in white people.
Can Straight-Haired White People Get Curls?
A white person having straight hair, or any person having type 1 hair, may make artificial curls or at least enhance their small curl pattern to make it more obvious in a few methods.
Although these suggestions will not result in a permanent hair makeover, they will benefit you if you are seeking a quick fix:
Get curls of type 4
Though achieving type 4 curls in people with type 1 hair may be difficult, the skewer or pencil set will do the work! It will provide you with tiny coils that look like genuine type 4 curls.
To get type 4 hair using this approach, follow these steps:
- Spray some heat protectant into your hair, as this approach will involve direct heat.
- Use your flat iron and set the temperature to medium. You may increase the heat later if necessary.
- Wrap little portions of clean, dry, clean, hydrated hair around a skewer or pencil.
- Attach your flat iron to the coiled hair to form it into a skewer or pencil shape.
- Remove the pencil or skewer.
Get curls of type 2 or 3
Because the shift is not as drastic, making type 2 or 3 curls on straight hair is simpler than achieving type 4 curls.
Below are a few techniques you can try:
- Texturizing spray or wave spray: Both are wonderful options for any straight-haired gal that needs a little more volume and texture. Styling tools like this aid in creating beachy waves characteristic of type 2 (wavy) hair.
- Heat styling tools: A heat styling tool can also be used to create curls on straight hair. Flat irons, curling irons, and curling wands may easily turn pin-straight hair into gorgeous bouncy ringlets.
Just remember to use them cautiously, as they can utterly damage your hair, causing greater brittleness, breakage, and frizziness over time.
How To Take Care Of Type 4 Hair?
Type 4 hair has the most delicate texture, requiring special care and attention. Furthermore, type 4 natural hair is distinguished by tight, densely packed coils, kinks, or curls that fall into three categories: 4A, 4B, and 4C natural.
Each of them has a unique way of being cared for. However, here are some general tried-and-true tips:
Cleaning tips
You had better shampoo infrequently, which means no more than once a week and no less than every 2-3 weeks if you have type 4 hair. Consider trying one of the “Best Dandruff Shampoos For African-American Hair” to address specific scalp needs while maintaining your hair care routine. Experiment with your regimen to determine what works best for you.
Keep in mind that damp hair is at its most vulnerable and susceptible to tangles, leading to damage. So, take good care of your hair!
See also:
Avoid sulfates and parabens
Parabens and sulfates are oil-stripping chemicals that will further dehydrate already parched strands.
For this reason, you should use a clarifying, sulfate-free shampoo to remove natural and product buildup on wash days. It is an excellent approach to treating itchy scalps and oily roots without over-drying your hair.
In addition, you may consider co-washing, often known as conditioner-only cleansing. This product, unlike a regular conditioner, is specially created with gentle cleansing chemicals to eliminate buildup while preserving the hair’s natural oils.
You may also use moisturizing hair mists to add extra nourishment to your hair. Then, proceed with the other of your hair care products, which should ideally be free of parabens and sulfates.
Deep conditioning
Don’t forget to deep condition the hair every 1-2 weeks to give hydration and nourishing elements to maintain it strong and free of harm.
You can use a protein conditioner to improve your hair follicles and avoid breakage if the hair seems weak or lacks flexibility.
In particular, type 4C hair requires weekly deep conditioning to soften, thicken, and moisturize the hair. We propose that you use natural oils, butter, and natural moisturizers.
Also, it is advisable to wrap the hair inside a silk hair wrap or sleep with a silk pillowcase. They will help keep your hair from brushing against cotton, decreasing bed head and knots, and assisting your hair in retaining the hydration you worked so hard to restore.
Precision detangling
While several people prefer fingers to combs for detangling, others frequently use their favorite wide-tooth comb. In any case, the key is to go slowly and steadily to prevent painful snags and further breaking.
To enhance volume, length retention, and growth, type 4 hair should be handled gently and dressed with as little manipulation as feasible.
If you want extra assistance, pre-shampoo (also known as pre-poo) the hair before detangling.
After using the shampoo, use your fingers or a wide tooth comb to rub through the coils to straighten out any tangles. Allow at least 30 minutes for the treatment to take effect.
After that, go on with the rest of your hair care process once you have cleaned and dried the hair.
Read more: How To Detangle Matted Hair Without Cutting?
Dry properly
When it comes to drying type 4 hair, less heat- and friction drying should be the way to go. Utilize a microfiber cloth to gently press out the extra water to expedite the process.
In a praying gesture, sandwich your hair and towel between your palms. Do not rub your locks to avoid knots, frizz, and breakage.
Besides, allow your coils to air-dry the remainder of the way after they are no longer soaking wet. Alternatively, consider the plopping technique to reduce frizz and improve curl definition.
If you must use a blow dryer, always apply a heat protectant first. To minimize thermal damage, utilize the lowest heat setting with an attached diffuser.
Read more: Can A White Person Use Black Hair Products?
If you want to get more tips on how to care for type 4 hair, this video is for you:
Frequently Asked Questions
Is type 4 hair common in Caucasians?
Type 4 hair can be found in Caucasians, but it is more prevalent in individuals of African descent.
Despite that, this does not imply that all Caucasians have straight hair. Hair color in Caucasians is quite varied. Several will have type 4 hair, whereas others may have wavy hair.
Hair develops diagonally from the scalp in most Caucasians, which is unusual because most people’s hair comes perpendicular to the scalp.
Another characteristic shared by Caucasians is that the majority of the hair strands get an oval shape. Also, compared to other nationalities, their hair seems to be the fullest.
How are curl types 4A, 4B, and 4C different from each other?
Curls in type 4A hair are medium-sized and lightly packed. The curls are approximately a crochet needle size and have a bouncy S shape.
If you look attentively at 4A curls, you will observe that they are not as interlaced as 4B or 4C curls. Each 4A strand twists or curls away from the adjoining strands on its own.
Type 4B hair features tighter, more tightly packed curls than type 4A. It seems like tight curls but not as tight as 4C curls. Moreover, 4B curls bend so that they form a zig-zag pattern. Curls in 4B are likewise smaller and less defined than in 4A.
The queen of bold, thick afros is 4C hair. From a distance, 4C hair appears to be a thick form, but upon closer inspection, you will see very tight, little coils or springs on each strand.
So if your curls appear inseparable and you have a lot of shrinkages, you most likely have lovely kinky 4C hair.
This is a fun fact: no single head can possess only one type of hair. You may have a combination or even all 3!
Can white people have dreadlocks?
White people may now have dreadlocks. In fact, your hair will dread on its own if it is not brushed or combed regularly.
Nowadays, wearing dreadlocks is a fashion statement, a religious declaration, or a lifestyle shift for some. It is becoming a popular hairstyle among celebrities and people from all walks of life.
Caucasian hair is more challenging to dread than African-American hair since African-American hair is curlier and has more texture, making locking easier and taking less time than straight hair.
Read more:
Bottom Line
Once again, it is essential to note that anyone, including white people, can have type 4 hair. Thus, do not be startled the next time you encounter a white person with coily hair. And now that you have learned a little more about it, do not hesitate to ask them about their hair!
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