by
Chinwe
My freshly washed, towel-blotted hair.
By Chinwe of Hair and Health
Does 4C natural hair mean limited styling? Or are naturals who think that way limited by their mindset?
In my opinion, natural hair – regardless of type – is versatile. The reality that we can rock one look one day and a completely different look another day is one thing I love about being natural. For example, one week I can wear beautiful twists that morph into what appear to be locs and another week I can wear a cute braid-out on stretched hair that morphs into a shrunken puff. I love that natural hair can transform almost magically. I love the ability to switch up styles drastically!
So, what exactly is “limiting” about styling 4C natural hair? I really am asking. Is it “limiting” that 4C (or even, 4B) naturals cannot rock a wash-n-go that has curls? Is it “limiting” that our shrinkage makes midback-length tresses transform into a small afro? Or are curls (as opposed to kinks) and long tresses (as opposed to small afros) reflections of what is within our mind as the epitome of beauty?
When I look at 4C natural hair, I see the almost endless styles that our hair can do. From aged braid-outs to fluffy roller sets to intricate updos. From twists to defined twist-outs to regal puffs. From afros to fro-hawks to stretched buns. The list goes on.
So if you are 4C and you feel that your hair type limits your styling (or even your beauty), I urge you to look within yourself. Is it your hair that needs to change or is it your mindset? In the meantime, check out this beautiful 4C natural, Jouelzy, eloquently discussing the versatility of our hair:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hGjDtht490g
Is your styling limited by your hair type?
107 Responses
I’m in graduate school and can’t handle the twisting right now, so i big chopped again after growing it out. To me it looks neat and manageable, i’ll grow out my hair when i have time to care for it and style it.
Hi. I came across this article very interested to read its’ content because I felt it would speak to me. I have been transitioning over the past year, and while I have yet to BC there is no doubt that I am 4C. So from my experience and hair struggles, this is how I would respond to your question. What exactly is “limiting” about styling 4C natural hair?
What I, and I imagine others, have learned about 4C hair is that it is pretty darn resistant to say the least lol. It is frustrating that styles like flat ironing, roller sets, flexi rods, curl formers, twist outs, braid outs, etc etc will not hold their form for what seems like 5 minutes after taking it down. The sleek smooth put together look that you are trying to achieve but can not attain, is in my view what makes your styling limited.
So I can agree with you as far as changing your mindset, to the mindset that you just have to learn to accept the fluff that it will be. I’ve seen so many youtubers go as far as bashing their 4C hair, telling us it can not do this or that and it has a mind of it’s own. I can see now those exact struggles with my own hair. While I can admit that this is very disappointing at times, I know that it’s all part of my journey. I can either grow to like my fluffy hair or I can call it quits.
For the meantime I have not given up. But I still keep that little ray of hope that some how some way I can achieve the desired styles of my choosing.
I have 4 type hair. But with various textures some straight,coily pattern and just there with out a pattern. It is densely packed on my head. I go into a salon and the hair dresser says I have great thick hair. And she has never seen a per son with so much.Drying time takes forever but I love it.
I have 4C hair and at first I thought it was limiting but now I love it, it takes some work but its honestly not that bad. I think we put too much emphasis on having hair like everyone else, embrace your hair love it! Do what works for it and you will be happy/content! For me personally shea butter (the real stuff not that amazon mess!), and flax gel work AHMAZINGLY well. My hair is soft, shiny, moist, and bouncy when I do a twist out with that. It also does really well when I shampoo it with heavily diluted shampoo 1 every 2 weeks, and deep condition 3 times a week. Don’t give up! And don’t compare yourself to anyone else!!! If you want a style thats one thing but don’t feel like your hair is horrible if it doesn’t turn out perfect, you’ll get there. Btw I dunno why everyone makes it seem like 4C can’t do wash an gos, I do it a lot it just looks different its no biggie.
@Misha’s comment really hit the nail on the head for me.I find hair typing to be quite limiting sometimes,not that its useless,but like the lady mentioned…everyones got different hair on their heads.Just try different things and combinations (without damaging your hair of course) until you find a combination that works for you.Resist the urge to try new fads or miracle creams,straightening potions and techniques etc. once youve discovered what works for you.Even if you use the same hair routine forever just stick to it if it works well.Its boring,and sometimes you want different or faster results but if its working for you and your hair is looking and feeling healthy why change that?Good luck!:)x
This the first time I’ve seen hair like mine on here! My hair goes past my shoulders but when wash is shrinks into an afro. I have no defined curls and my hair ALWAYS feels dry. I know people don’t like hair typing but it shouldn’t be looked at as separating us but should celebrate our differences. Anyway I wish there were more ladies shown with 4c or hair with no definite curl pattern, that would be great!
[img]https://bglh-marketplace.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/kourtneredlipstick.jpg[/img]
[img]https://bglh-marketplace.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/kourtneredlipstick.jpg[/img]
i also have 4c type but im still struggling with the dryness of my hair. i have fine hair and don’t even talk about volume =_=
Whatever i do they stay dry and stiff and crunches like cereals. I don’t know what to do anymore. I’ve been natural for a year and half now and i still can’t see any changes. i’ve been pre-pooing, co-washing, spraying water every 2 days and sealing,wearing protective styles. Whatever hairstyle i tried its flat and doesn’t make the part. I’m just thinking more and more about going bald o.O but every time i come on bglh i find the strength to continue.
@Cary you know sometimes the best solutions is the old school solution. Everyone is always talking about this and that will work great for your hair but what everyone forgets is that all heads of hair are not the same. Ive been natural for 2 years now and I had issues with my hair always being dry and stiff. I used and still use the oils (almond, shea, coconut and jojoba) as sealants and spritz water but what I found works best for my hair is good old fashioned hair grease. There are many natural hair greases out there that are great for natural hair. I use it to oil my scalp lightly and rub it into my hair and it works great for me. Don’t break the bank trying every new thing. Also I dont wash my hair every week I do it every 2 weeks. I found weekly washing took out too much of my natural oils. I wish you luck in finding what works for you
Cary: you must hang in. I like your comment regarding finding the strength from bglh. i find the same strength when the hair situation goes nuts. It may take some time, but find Your regime—Its just around the corner.
my friend you stop do that please your hair is very stressed by the water so back th old school wash you hair with a good shampoo and conditioner next put some oil in your wet hair and braid or twist after 2 or 3 days or a week put some hair grease of your choise and do your favorite style stpo mousture your hair after 2 days like u do stop do that seriously cos thats why taht ur hair is very dry and if u keep doing that he will fall
This the first time I’ve seen hair like mine on here! My hair goes past my shoulders but when wash is shrinks into an afro. I have no defined curls and my hair ALWAYS feels dry. I know people don’t like hair typing but it shouldn’t be looked at as separating us but should celebrate our differences. Anyway I wish there were more ladies shown with 4c or hair with no definite curl pattern, that would be great!
[img]https://bglh-marketplace.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/kourtneredlipstick.jpg[/img]
This website is very inspiring. I get excited to see people’s pictures, read their experiences, and this of new things to do with my hair- especially since I think I might have some 4d hair on my scalp (in the back,if 4d hair is possible). Anyway, good luck to all the lovely people here and thank y’all for your help and sharing! Many Blessings and balanced moisture retention! 😀
I’ve never heard this before. As a natural with wavy+curly hair (which fell out of my recent attempt at Senegalese braid extensions after a week), I find that kinkier hair textures have more styling options and- not only that- but can hold those styles for a really long time and it’ll look just as polished as it did Day 1! (A little jealous! hahaha)
A couple years ago, I paid to have my hair twisted by a co-worker who would rock hers for WEEKS! Day 2, mine were all unraveled and I had to wear it in a messy bun until I got around to removing them and washing them out. The only “limitation” for kinkier hair is that it doesn’t go as easily from curly to straight, but every hair type has its limitations when you try to make it the opposite of what it wants to be.
I have a mixture of 4B/4C hair and I’ve been trying to do twist in my hair and for some strange reason when I do a twist out, or braid out or just keep the twist in, it never looks right. When I try to shake my hair like in Natural85’s videos, my hair doesn’t budge! lol, so I’m going to be on my hair quest for a while.
Looool after shaking my head vigorously as a challenge from my little sister, one of my separated twist bits FLINCHED! That’s how I know my hair has grown since my bc lol.
I like to think that all hair types can achieve great styles, it just depends how creative you want to get. I’ve been natural for over 3 years and I’m still learning and experimenting with my hair. I take a lot of inspiration from the creative, natural hair bloggers & vloggers out there. And hey, if a style doesn’t work out a high bun is always a good plan b.
Great article. I have been natural for 3 years and still find it really difficult to style my type 4 hair. I have fine shoulder length hair and am unable to retain length. This website has helped me a lot but I still feel like I’m hair challenged. Most of the natural hair bloggers that I know of seem to have type 3 hair. Can anybody provide me links to bloggers with type 4 hair? I feel like it’s going to help me with better taking care of my hair and rocking fly styles. Thanks!
My hair is thick, kinky and the upkeep is expensive and time consuming. My biggest problem is which hair texture is acceptable in the social world . Weaves and wigs are the answer to alot of problems, which can lead to a social identity disorder, for example being black but looking white.
Omg…pls say this was a joke. Acceptable???? Smh.
I think hair typing is a good way to identify with hair textures that are the same as yours. Giving the person a guide to what works for their hair. I can’t practice the same techniques as the wash and go loose curly hair girl, in other words the “3b type”. See how it works. You say 3b and automatically you can envision that hair texture and know if a product or technique is right for you. I think hair typing is a great idea!
In summary: FALL IN LOVE WITH YOUR HAIR. Regardless of how or what it is. Love it and love yourself. We are all blessed.
4c hair isn’t limiting! infact, I just finished a 31day hairstyle challenge.
http://themanecaptain.blogspot.ca/2013/08/31-natural-hairstyles-in-july-31-places.html
I Just checked it…YOU BETTER GO GIRL!!
[img]https://bglh-marketplace.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/image-12.jpg[/img]
I am not sure what hair type I am because my hair is different all around. However, you hair is what you make it. You have to research what type of products are good and test them out. I remember my friend telling me to use kinky curly and I kept telling her I don’t like the greasy look and my hair already looks like that. I love two strand twist because I can wear it for a week and use rollers to make it look one way or bobby pin it to look another way. I love blow drying it out to make my fro look huge as well. I will braid it sometimes to give it another look. Sometimes I wash and go. My hair is diverse. When I had a relaxer in 2007 I did not have any diversity. I would flat iron it, wrap it, flip it and it still was too flat for me. I cut my hair off so much that it was not point of me getting a relaxer anymore. I did the big chop in 2009 because my hair was so damaged from dying it blonde. I didn’t grow my hair out until fall of 2011 and have not had any desire to cut it or dye it since. I love my hair texture and would NOT trade it for any other texture in the world. Everyday someone tells me how much they love my hair and I totally feel them because I love my hair too!
more important than hair type is DENSITY! i would trade my 4a hair with 4c as long as its DENSE and THICK hair! i hate that a twist out, unless i fluff it out shows too much of my scalp. i hate if i put in two strand twists, i have to add hair to make it look full. i want some density, dammit!
Thank you density dose limit you when it come to styling if you have fine or thin hair stop you from doing puffs, braids, twist, wash n go’s. the stress of pulling your hair into a style plus the amount of scalp that visible can limit you & make you feel unhappy. if you have thick hair these thing don’t effect you. It’s hard to feel confident with your hair when you don’t know what to do. All the information is the same on blog hardly anyone talks about this issue.
I SOOOOO agree with you Helen – you said EXACTLY what I have been saying. Texture isn’t an issue – it’s all about the density. When you have thick, strong, dense hair – everything looks good!
The only limits we have on our hair/self is the one we place on it. #workitdoyoufeelgooddoingit
Moment of truth?? 4c hair is really and truly beautiful and versatile, regardless of what images the media and hair companies shove in our faces. Most people in the comments section do not doubt the endless styling possibilities of 4c hair or type 4 hair in general. I think when women talk about 4c hair being limiting, they are referring to how the highly textured hair is the most fragile and thus limits their styling options. 4c heads can do anything with their hair, but many (including my sister) worry about what styles might cause undue breakage and tangling that looser textures may not have to think twice about. My hair is looser in the front than in the back, and with some styles I tried early on, the front half of my head would be fine but the back would end up damaged and full of knots/tangles/split ends/breakage…As a type 4 sister, I don’t do wash n gos; it’s not because I don’t think it would look beautiful, but because I worry about how much tangling and knots I may potentially be opening myself up to (tried it once, never again). Throughout my journey, my database of protective styles has expanded greatly, and I’m happy that I’ve finally figured out what my hair likes and what it doesn’t. However, I do empathize with 4c women who are new to the game and a little overwhelmed by how prone to breakage they are with certain styles….All in all, I think the conversation is less about what styles “look good” on 4c hair and more about what styles “won’t damage” 4c hair. Just food for thought.
good point. and i think that to some extent one could extend that to type 3. coils/curls in general, really, come up against this threshold that goes along to the tune of- so i can pull off style A, style B and style C, but it’s really a question of which ones are going to ensure length retention? Style C might look really cute, but it’s not worth it because it takes a long time to put in and take out, it doesn’t last long, and on top of that, there’s a big risk of breakage to get said style in.
this is the kinda analytic process a lot of naturals go through if they discover that their strands can take only but so much manipulation. and if you have hair that seems to break no matter what you do to it, it’s very easy to become frustrated and chalk it up to your hair being limited. it has nothing to do with how many styles you can do, but rather whether those styles be in the best interests of your hair. if all styles seem like a hazard to your hair’s health, then that’s probably problematic. i couldn’t agree more with what you said.
the hair typing system seems to hav som benefits for som peop as mention already but i think its good not to b so rigid. who says u cant learn how to take care of your hair or b inspired hairstyle wise from people wit a different hair type. it is simply not true. i hav done my research and know that the same good care techniques cut across all hair types and u neva know what u can learn from others even those wit different hair. it is because i was pigeon hole as african, black, non mixed that has kept me bound in a relaxer thinkin that was the only way som 1 like me could hav beautiful hair. now im natural the compliments r endless because i went against the grain. when i first went natural the naturals i followed were all american wit curly hair. people told me that my hair couldnt b lik that because i was diffent, i refuse to listen and i hav experimented and discover myself. dont let the system define how u do ur hair and the hairstyles u experiments wit. b open to learning new things beyond the box.
love your hair…beautiful, I love the thickness!
Where can you locate all the types of hair?
Hi,4B here.Just want to state that the possibilties are endless with type 4’s. We have chamelion hair that can be manipulated in just about any style. Plus our hold is second to none. I think 4 has the MOST versatility of the hair types. The key is in the execution and modifying of techniques as needed. W-n-g’s are not the end all be all of hairstyles.
It’s so important that women with tighter curl texture know the versatility of their hair. But the ironic thing is I find is we think looser textures have more styling options when most people with looser curls or even straight hair don’t do much with their hair by way of styling. Unless they’ve got some sort of special event going on, they mostly wear their hair down or up in a ponytail or bun. Even if they do style, what is it? A side pony or a French braid or some heated curls? But look at all the styles Chinwe has shown for her beautiful hair. I feel I see such varying styles on type 4 hair than any other kind of hair in my everyday life. Even for myself, people at my job make comments on how my hair always looks different, when I’m sitting here feeling like I never have anything to do with my hair. Meanwhile, non of their hairstyles have changed since I started working there. Yet their hair is more versatile than mine? Uh, no.
Well said.
‘… they mostly wear their hair down or up in a ponytail or bun. Even if they do style, what is it? A side pony or a French braid or some heated curls?’
wow are we hating on “looser textured hairs” now? just talk about how versatile your hair is and encourage people to embrace it. but don’t make yours seem better than others. I doubt you want that to be said about your hair.
Please can you all stop this hair typing. The more people keep hair typing the more divided people going to get. I’m getting tired of this 3c, 4a, 4b, 4c or whatever because it’s starting to get out of control .Hair is hair. Just take care of your hair. Love yourself. Love your hair.
I fully understand, but we do have different types and they need to be cared for differently. It shouldn’t cause separation tho. I love that my hair is 4c. It allows my puff to be big and thick. Where as 4a hair may be curlier but some styles won’t look the same all in all its ok to be different. 🙂
I am soooooo glad the “HAIR TYPES” were clarified. My daughter has BEAUTiful 4c coil, tightly curled hair, that is NOT porous. It is a challenge to keep this hair type holding moisture. I was very educated about why her hair was not holding moisture and the difference between OILS and MOISTURIZERS… GREAT info because it is I who does her hair lovingly. WE do have different hair types, shades of skin, and skin types. Oily skin can not use the same soaps as that of a person with dry skin. It is these differences that make us the BEAUTIFUL “who we ares.” God gave us these differences not to be cancelled out (with don’t identify them) but witness the beauty in each “hair expression”(be it Curly or Kinky)but respect and embrace them.
Hi Charma,
Thank you for sharing. My hair is 4c and I LOVE it. I just wanted to ask what you use on your daughters hair. Do you mind sharing?
All the Best,
Tiffany
I use it as a very, very GENERAL method to reference circumference of curls or appearance of them. The problem is people project onto it and also try to apply it too narrowly leading to much confusion because our hair (curlier, kinkier hakr) is so very varied and Mr. Walker did not to take that into account.
I totally understand why you are saying what you are saying but the typing does help… I found (thank goodness – cuz I was reallllllly lost) that I have 4C hair and before now I had no idea how to handle it because I could not find anyone else with the kind of hair I have and in truth I can’t treat my hair the way someone with 3C or 4A or whatever hair treats their hair cuz it flat out does not work! Hair isn’t just hair its not the typing is necessary – tedious but necessary.
as long as blogs have the typing system we are not going to STOP talking about it
Hair typing is a useful tool. It lets us know that our hair is indeed different. Would I try to do the same style as a person with straight hair and expect it to look the same? No. There is just as much difference between 4c hair and 3c hair. People will continue to type their hair because it helps them find people with similar hair, and it helps them learn from those people. People with 4c benefit the MOST from knowing that there hair isn’t going to do loose curls, and so we don’t have to fight our hair to do styles that everyone else is doing.
I find the “typing” an excellent tool, bc I am tired of spending $50 or more at a beauty supply and returning products bc it says for “curly” hair… what works on Caucasian curly hair is different from ethnic curly hair. Now, their are different types of curl for ethnic hair. I go in the ethnic section and pick products for “curly” hair..again different. The products I use on my niece (for example) for her curly hair is very different than my products. I thank the person who recognized..we all have different textures of hair:) I feel whatever natural texture a sista is sporting..is beautiful!!!!
I agree! speak on it!
Hair is not hair. Everyone has different textures and what works for one person will not work for another. If you know your hair type, then you can see what other women with your hair type do to get ideas. How is this a bad thing?
Actually, I’m sick of people crying about NOT using the hair typing system. The texture of your hair is what it is, and if you can’t accept that, weather curly or super kinky; the hair typing system isn’t your issue. It can’t make you feel one way or the other about your hair because self esteem and beauty come from within. It is a useful tool, especially for newbees, to search out products and techniques that work best for their particular hair type…nothing more and nothing less. Ladies, if you have a problem with the system, maybe the real problem is with what you see in the mirror.
Why is it such a bad thing to say you feel limited by your hair type. I also have 4b/c hair and often find myself having hair envy. I especially frustrating try to explain to other naturals my hair woes. Let people have their moment.
Are you really saying that people should continuously wallow in their own self-pity over something they have full ability to change? Not their hair, but rather their attitude. Have your moment. But then get up and do something about it. A lot of this frustration comes from the fact that many people don’t even want to take the time to learn about their hair. How we have white people adopting black babies and taking care of their hair better than we can take care of our own? Get over the pity party and get to the place where you can be proud of what you were born with. You can’t change it to an exorbitant degree so you may as well learn to love it.
I agree with Fii. This article isn’t bashing people who dislike their hair either. It is actually celebrating 4c hair. When people complain about their 4c hair saying it isn’t “good” it is talking down on all 4c hair because the complaints are about the very nature of the hair (it shrinks, no curls, it’s always a fro, etc..). Why not lament that you don’t have good hair care practices and as a result, you cannot style your hair? Why blame your hair when you can almost certainly improve your own skills at styling it?
It’s so unfortunate that we all just can’t be satisfied with what we’ve got. I’ve got 4a/b hair and I love my curls but it tangles like nobody’s business. I mean the curls coil and knot among themselves? My sister has 4c hair and she gets frustrated with keeping it moisturized but she loves that it can hold a style forever. She can leave a twistout in for two weeks without having resetting it once. We trade styles and sometimes they work great and sometimes it’s a disaster for that hair type. At the end of the day though, we’re happy with what we have and we work with it, not against it.
I think we have to put in the time and price what our hair can and cannot do!
For years most black women have been told how ugly they are….all unturths and lies!
It is a mind-set! Just like going natural is. It’s NOT just 4C hair people that may wrongly think their style options are limited but most if you haven’t tried any other style yet…practice and patients go a looooooong way!
We have to stop with the self-hatred of self/hair.
We are beautiful people even if no one says it, tell yourself that…look cute for YOU inside and out!
I always wonder why many naturals, including myself, feel the need to put hair in a new “style” all the time. I notice that my peers are in awe over my weekly hair-dos. They complain that their hair can only law flat or do the same thing daily. My hair in curlformers, shrunken fro, stretched fro, braid-out, twist out, bantu-knot out, updo’s etc… all look different. And sometimes that is exactly what happens to my hair in two week’s time. Let’s face it, there are PLENTY of styling options for natural hair. I have 4c hair too, and I feel like it molds to so many styles like a play-doh. If your styles don’t come out perfectly the first time, just be patient. Styling hair is an actual practice and it just takes time to learn.
I don’t think it is any more limiting than other hair types. I think it is all in your mindset. If you are determined to do with your “4b” hair what a woman with “3a-b” hair does, then yes it might be limiting. But nobody’s hair is going to do *everything*, regardless of texture/type. I can’t do wash-n-go’s, but I always think “So what? I CAN do a multitude of other styles” If I was a type 3, I might not be able to do certain styles, too. So “limitations” aren’t a problem for me. Everything has its limit. Everything…
Well I love my 3c hair,it’s thick,full and can do those same hairstyles.
In all seriousness, bot hair types 3 and 4 have there limitations and advantages. I have a mix. 3b-c in the top and a full-fledged 4a in the back. I tried a wash n go, went out and had to come back in an hour because when it dried I had a reverse mullet. This was after tub of gel and shea moisture later. No Good! Who can afford the product. Then I tried the coily twists. The back of my hair was in perfect form. At that moment I wished my entire head was a 4. The front needless to say needed a ton of gel to keep it to stay twisted. I think the key is to find what works for your hair. Its hit or miss. right now I’m hitting with the two strand twists.
I am truly sorry everyone for my rude comments. I honestly was feeling at a very low point in my life at the moment and was feeling sorry for myself and wanted to vent. After speaking to my brother who is also my best friend i do feel better, but i do realize that i do have issues that i need to work on and its not gonna go away overnight. But i am gonna try and do the best i can to get better and be a healthier person mentally and not just physically.Once again, i am truly sorry for the rude and negative comments and i take full responsibility for my actions.
omg…I can’t….
THANK YOU!!!!!!!! I DON’T KNOW IF I’M 4C AND I DON’T CARE. I KNOW I’M IN THE KINKY 4’S. I KNOW WHAT WORKS FOR ME. I KNOW THE BASICS TO MAINTAIN HEALTHY HAIR. I KNOW IT’S THICK AND HEALTHY. SICK AND TIRED OF THE 4C GIRLS ACTING LIKE THAT THEIR HAIR TYPE IS A DEATH SENTENCE. OR THAT IT WILL NEVER GROW. AND THAT IS WHY I HATE HAIR TYPING. THANK YOU FOR THIS ARTICLE. GLORY GLORY GLORY. STOP FOCUSING ON WHAT IT DOESN’T DO AND WHAT IT DOES DO. IT’S NO THE HAIR IT’S YOUR MENTALITY
If you don’t LOVE YOURSELF! HOW THE hell do you expect anyone to LOVE YOU?
that is so stupid , falling in love with someone does not depend on the other person loving themselves. its just something that just happens…
Get your miserable arse up off the internet. I can smell the stinch of your fingertips. There is nothing stupid about that statement and if it is prove me wrong; furthermore, I’m sick your misery whoah is me whine whine I have 4c hair poe me. take a sit and let grown folks do the thinking.
4C isn’t limited but I am completely style challenged. I’ve tried to learn but need to put in an amount of practice that I can’t commit to right now. I’d be flying if I could master corn rows, Bantus and flat twists. I think 4cs who feel limited are just very style challenged and therefore frustrated, it’s not about the hair for most.
I have 4c hair and to tell you the truth i KNOW that it limits my physical beauty. the individual strands are fine so if i place my hair in a pony puff it seems short and thin. I do take care of it and try my best but it grows slowly, i feel inferior as a woman to other races as well as other naturals with thick long and beautiful hair. I HATE my hair and frankly i wish i was mixed or smething or wished that somehow my slave great grandmother was raped by her white slave master so that i could have had nice hair, but sadly i am stuck with this hay , brillow pad crap for hair and to top it all off i am dark skinned how cursed can one get ?
Woah! Not sure if serious?
@anon
Ha! I laughed out loud reading that. Touche. The wretched, cursed self-loathing black woman seething with self pity trope is getting old indeed.
You, my sista, have some SERIOUS soul-searching to do…
Yes i am being serious, i do not know why anyone would deny that there are black women out there that feels this way about themselves. Just because some of you have had an easy time with your appearance and you are blessed with having nice hair and NEVER being mistreated for the way you look does not mean others have not. The media seems to agree with me cuz how many times do you actually see a black women with that dirrtttyyy , nappy , nasty looking african crap on tv ? smt
Noone’s denying that black women feel that way.
It’s just sad that you’ve accepted hook line and sinker the vitriol society wants you to believe about yourself. Don’t you think you are worth more than what society says you are? I hope you come to a place where you love yourself enough to free yourself or at least loosen the tangles society has placed you in.
You are in a mental prison regarding yourself worth and you hold the key to release yourself when you are ready. Noone else will do it for you and when you try to break free, others who are asleep and in line WILL FIGHT YOU but you will know YOU ARE WORTH IT.
It is not easy and it’s a constant battle because society really and truly wants to keep black women down but WE ARE WORTH IT!
Good luck on your journey and God bless.
what does smt mean?
the way i see it is, you’re being honest about how you feel. idk why the negative vote downs, just because you aren’t one of the millions that come on here to rave about how awesome their hair is, when to be honest, i think MOST women on this site have felt the way you do, to some extent if not entirely, about their hair. if that had NOT been the case, this site probably, just probably, wouldn’t even exist. a good number of black women do wish they were mixed, or had that hair type, and a lot of actually mixed women flat our wish their hair were straight. idk what straight-haired women wish for…volume, perhaps? but the point is, don’t be afraid to express yourself. if you admit how you feel, that’s the first step of many toward changing it for the better.
You wished your grandmother had been raped by a white man to get nice hair…?
I hope you are not trolling because this is some serious self-hatred here…
And by the way I am and look mixed. My mom is pale as hell and my grandmother has 3A hair. I still have 4C hair so being mixed doesn’t mean much to be honest with you.
OMG I AM SO WEAK RIGHT NOW THANKS FOR THE LAUGHS I REFUSE TO TAKE YOU SERIOUSLY
I don’t think it;s funny. There are many black women that feel exactly like what she expressed but would never say it out loud.
true, and i feel that her feelings, however contrary to what we are trying to promote as a community, ought to be validated. there’s smtg real there behind what she said, and i think, as you said, many women can relate to what she’s expressed but are just afraid to do so themselves for fear of ridicule.
Obviously trolling >.>
Anon’s comment is sad indeed.
She said it but tons of other women out there are thinking it. This “hair texture debate” goes much deeper than simply disliking what grows out of our heads. It’s time to get to the root of this problem.
That being said, I don’t mind having 4C hair as much as I hate having short hair. Long 4C hair is gorgeous to me…I’m patiently waiting for my turn to get it!
I soooo agree Maria V. I don’t mind the 4c hair so much, I just can’t wait for it to get longer so I can wear more than just one or two styles, but it’s getting there thank God.
you are not a black woman to make a statement like this, you can’t be…
Exactly. I bet it’s not even a black woman. Just a troll.
🙁 Anon – I see why many ‘thumbs-downed’ your post, but I didn’t because I can clearly see you are hurting and I have no right to bash you because of your pain. No one has walked in your shoes so they can’t tell you how you feel. But girl, don’t you know you are God’s masterpiece and fearfully and wonderfully made???!! (Psalm 139:14) You are of so much value and your hair, no matter how it looks does NOT define you! Time to log off these sites and discover who you are in Christ, love. And you are NOT cursed. You are loved and accepted by God and I am sure many others love and accept you as well. Praying for you sweetheart <3
so weird. I see women with looser curls (type 3’s) wearing nothing but wash n go’s blown up with diffusers but they aren’t talking about their hair being limited in styling.
There’s no hair type on earth that is limited in styling in some way. I consider wavy 2b/2c hair more limited than 4c honestly. How many of the styles above could that hairtype pull off really well? Most either just straighten their hair or wear it wavy. I’ve even seen many women with that hair type really complain about their hair too. The grass is always greener on the other side. I think we all just need to learn
our hair and take advantage of all the wealth of info available to us.
It’s not an easy, simple journey for anyone really trying to have healthy hair but it is valuable.
“There’s no hair type on earth that is limited in styling in some way”
I meant there’s no hair type on earth that ISN’T limited in styling….
I think that’s a given. 4C hair can’t do every style if you’re going for length/health. I can’t rock my hair in a big fro or any type of loose style because my strands will lock onto themselves and I’ll need an immediate trim. If a person wants their hair to look a certain way (i.e the big fluffy curls)and their technique is right but not their hair, I think that the definition of limited styling b/c of hair type.
And NO, because a person wants a different look does not mean they hate their hair, or if they can recognize there are certain things they can/can’t do doesn’t equal “self-hate.”
I’m a MBL thin-stranded,high density 4C natural and YES my hair type limits what I can/can’t do, and I wouldn’t have it any type of way.
True that, but I think what you are saying is leaning towards the “know thy self ” philosophy than styling options. With fine MBL length 4c hair you COULD wea your hair out but obviously you choose not to cause you ain’t trying to deal with the aftermath of tangles and possible trim. I get that. But to say all fine 4c naturals cant do A or B is where the issue is. These genealizations from some frustrated naturals are misguided because we all know that one size doest fit all. Someone else’s cant/ never do style could be someone with the exact same hair type favorite style of choice. I say stop boo hooing and have some fun with what ever you got. I would like to add that everyone should expect results to vary based on length, thickness and skills. I suck at corn rolling ng and flat twisting but that’s ok I can do some nice tuck n fold type styles until my skills improve. My twist outs look puffy when its humid out so I save them for the fall and winter. You gotta be flexible with 4c hair cause it
Edit to add cause it ain’t gonna be the other way around.
Say so Madie, say so!! I TOTALLY agree with you and as a fellow 4b/c, I get tired of the, “all 4c’s complain because they really want a looser curl pattern.” It would be REALLLY nice if we could stop generalizing as black people. We don’t know how every single one of us thinks, so we need to stop trying. Our styling options may not be limited, but heck yeah, 4c hair is definitely much harder to maintain and grow, for obvious reasons, breaks off easier because it’s coarser, drier, shrinkage, etc. This should be obvious, now I’m not saying that everyone whose a 2 or 3 hair type will have hair down to the floor and those of us with 4s will always have shorter hair, but let’s be honest, it takes A LOT for us to maintain our hair, much more than others, and sometimes we just get tired of having to do so much to our hair just so we can have it at a decent length. But you know what, like most things in life, I’ve learned that you gotta take the good with the bad, and be thankful to God that we even have hair, because there are many, for one reason or another that don’t, but nevertheless that still doesn’t mean that we aren’t entitled to get frustrated from time to time with our hair. Stepping off my soapbox now, 🙂
I completely agree. I am 4c and I have been natural for almost 4 years. It kinda sucks that every time I’m looking for cute styles everyone is telling me get twists outs, bantu knot outs, an afro, or afro puff (they are all the same, no matter how long it took to do it, they are still an afro). Look at the pic in the article, most of the styles are already in twists or stretched. I hate twists, they are boring and they take to much time to do. I just wear them to stretch my hair. I do not long for anyone’s hair but my own. I just wish it was more versatile to do something more than a fro. Even my twists won’t sit down, they stick up in the air. Most cute styles can’t be done unless the hair is stretched first. When someone displays something cute and new its something that really can’t be done with my own hair. I love my hair and NOBODY can tell me I don’t just because I feel styles are limited. I don’t hate myself and I plan to stay natural. These people are who we call “Natural Nazis” because APPARENTLY we are not allowed to get frustrated sometimes.
Um THANK YOU StephanieB gon’ head and keep it real!! I agree with your post VERBATIM!
This article is very interesting! I am in the 3 family and have always felt 4’s have more styling optionand they all look so cute!
We would all have limited styling if our hair was left in its natural state with no products,stretching,chemical treatment and no water etc 4c hair would just be the most limited.
Hmm…if we lived in a bizarre world without any water, tools and products to do our hair, what would make 4C hair more limited than other hair types? Wouldn’t everyone just look unkempt? Or are you saying that the default state of 4C hair is more difficult to deal with than other hair?
Well 4c is already the driest hair type,but more than likely natural hair on the whole would break off and stay short.
omg Layla, really?
I think those 4C ladies who complain about limited styling options usually attempt ONE coveted look: the loose curly look. If they can’t achieve THAT look then ‘styling options are limited’ and the world ends.
What may be true about 4C hair is that it is more difficult to take care of than looser textures. If that’s the case then take it in stride, educate yourself and become an expert on your hair.
The melancholy that hangs over 4C hair is so depressing! It’s such a beautiful hair type, please rock it and celebrate it!
Thanks for this article Chinwe.
Thanks also to Jouelzy who brings this hair type in a positive limelight.
So well said! Thank you.
I adore this comment. 4c hair can do the best sets because there is less competition from the hair’s natural curl pattern but some folks get stuck on the lack of a natural curl pattern. 4c hair is the perfect type with which to “create” a pattern through twists, braids, rollers, etc.
“The melancholy that hangs over 4C hair is so depressing! It’s such a beautiful hair type, please rock it and celebrate it!”
Yes! It’s ridiculous!
I’m really, really happy to see 4C hair being discussed more because it means more support and encouragement for it. I really do think it’s been a little too conveniently left out of natural hair discourse for the past couple of years.
I couldn’t agree more and frankly I’m tired of hearing about what a tragedy having 4c hair is. Tragic compared to WHAT? That’s the real question folks need to be asking. Check your assumptions!
Except for the fact that I have a very small coil pattern that I only just learned how to define two years ago after being natural for 16 years, I treat and have treated my hair like 4c hair: Right now I tend to do as little to it as I can get away with. And somehow with my so-called “bad” hair I’ve managed to get along in life! (Okay, black men tend to look askance at it, but (gasp) they’re not the only men on this planet…)
The good hair/bad hair dichotomy makes itself very prominent in these types of discussions and sadly it’s not surprising because that mentality has lasted a lot longer than this current natural hair “movement.” I’ve always found it interesting and more than a little sad how the language we use to describe our hair telegraphs how little worth we see in ourselves and how much worth we see in others who aren’t like us. And what’s so crazy about this is that it’s all CULTURAL PROGRAMMING!
The only reason people think this hair type is a curse is because they were TAUGHT (directly and, far more often, indirectly) that it was. The fact that this hair type can’t be combed through from root to tip without pain and breakage isn’t a signal there’s something wrong with the HAIR…it’s a signal there’s something wrong with the hair care TECHNIQUE. That’s all!
People who are incapable of deprogramming themselves may be saving themselves time and energy by simply going back to the perm…but they should at least be honest and say they did it because of their mindset and not their hair.
If you are feeling pain when you comb your hair, then you are doing something wrong!
I’m pretty sure she meant with one pass (not gradually) and without the use of any detangling aid e.g. Conditioner, oil…. 🙂
Chinwe thank you for this post, so positive, 4C naturals DO NEED to realize their hair texture is different and beautiful..
I know I can do a lot with my 4C hair. I keep my hairstyles and regimen simple. I would love to be more creative with other styling options but it takes me a long time to achieve. So for now, protective styles work best for me.
Girl, me too. I try different styles, but by the end of the day, it’s a afro puff. I put so much time and effort in it and still get the same result. Protective styles works best for me too!
I admit being guilty about thinking my 4C hair limited my styling options. But this piece and the accompanying pics and video have inspired me. Thank you!