Understanding Your Coily Hair Type (Type 4)Updated 3 days ago

Type 4 Coily hair forms tight coils, zig-zag patterns, or densely packed curl structures. It is the most structurally complex hair type and often appears voluminous while experiencing significant shrinkage. Coily hair is naturally delicate because of the many bends and twists along the fiber.

Structure: Highly elliptical follicle, pronounced asymmetrical keratin distribution, tightly coiled fiber architecture

Biology: The highly elliptical follicle creates a tightly coiled strand with multiple points of curvature. These bends make it difficult for natural oils to travel down the hair shaft, while also creating areas where the cuticle may be more vulnerable to moisture loss and mechanical stress.

Hair Behavior:

• Experiences dryness more easily due to limited oil distribution
• More susceptible to breakage from friction and mechanical manipulation
• Can shrink significantly compared to its stretched length
• Benefits from consistent moisture, gentle handling, and routines that support strength and elasticity