It’s no secret that 4C hair is considered the most fragile and naturally dry hair type. So, if you have this hair type, it’s essential to have an effective post-wash hydration and styling routine set in place. Not sure where to start?
Don’t sweat it because we’ve got you covered! In this article, we will provide a step-by-step guide on what to do after washing 4C hair strands. We’ll explain how to ensure your hair stays healthy and beautiful.
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What to Do After Washing 4C Hair
After washing your 4C hair, gently dry it using a T-shirt or microfiber towel, avoiding rubbing to prevent frizz. Apply a hydrating leave-in conditioner, focusing on the ends and mid-lengths, and detangle with your fingers or a wide-tooth comb.
Next, seal in the moisture with a silicone serum, oil, or heavy cream to protect hair and enhance curl definition. Finally, dry and style your hair, opting for air-drying and low-manipulation hairstyles like braids, twists, or Bantu knots to encourage healthy hair growth.
If you use heat on your hair, always apply a heat protectant. Stretch your hair while it dries to prevent shrinkage, and keep it moisturized between washes with hydrating creams or serums. Adjust your moisturizing frequency based on your hair's needs. I'll discuss each of these steps in detail in the upcoming sections.
Ready for gorgeous, hydrated post-wash curls? Just follow the steps below.
Towel Dry Your Hair
The first thing you need to do after washing your 4C hair is towel dry it. For the best results, use a T-shirt or a microfiber towel to dry your hair rather than a regular towel.
While you dry, avoid rubbing your hair, as that may cause frizz and disrupt your curl pattern. So instead, gently pat and squeeze the excess water from your strands.
Keep pressing until your hair is no longer dripping wet. The goal isn't to dry your hair completely - it's just to get rid of the excess water. Your hair will be damp afterward.
Apply a Hydrating Leave-in
Once your hair is no longer dripping wet, apply your favorite leave-in conditioner and work it through your 4C strands. Like regular conditioners, leave-ins are packed with hydrating, nourishing, and strengthening ingredients.
Applying it right after a wash helps these ingredients penetrate your hair and locks in some of the leftover moisture.
Just be sure to focus on the ends and mid-lengths of your hair rather than your scalp. After applying the leave-in, use your fingers or a wide tooth comb to distribute the product evenly and detangle your curls.
Note: You can also incorporate deep conditioners (in addition to leave-in conditioners) into your wash day routine to seal moisture and reduce moisture depletion (i.e., prevent dryness).
Seal in the Moisture
Now that your 4C hair is hydrated, you’ll want to lock that moisture in with a sealant. Sealants, like silicone serums, oils, and heavy creams, sit on top of your strands.
They create a barrier between your hair and the outside environment, trapping moisture inside and preventing evaporation. The best thing about sealing your hair is that the benefits aren’t just hair health-related.
The more moisture you lock into your hair after a wash, the more bounciness and definition your curls will retain. It can also help your curls last longer, so you don’t have to refresh them as often.
Dry and Style Your Hair
The final step in a 4C post-wash hair routine is to dry and style your hair. If your priority is hair health, opt for air-drying and a low-manipulation hairstyle like braids, twists, or Bantu knots.
That way, you can prevent damage without sacrificing the health of your hair. Alternatively, you can go for a more elaborate hairdo like a silk press or blowout. Either way, make sure that you use a heat protectant before applying any heat to your hair.
How Do You Stretch 4C Hair After Washing It?
In its natural state, 4C hair can shrink by as much as 90% of its total length. To prevent this, you can loosen your curl pattern by stretching it while it dries.
The good news is that there are a few different options to choose from. In this section, we’ll break down a few of the best ways to stretch your 4C hair after washing it.
Banding Method
The banding method is a hair-stretching method that relies on tension. It’s incredibly simple, making it perfect for beginners. To start, gather your hair into one or more sleek ponytails.
Smooth each ponytail down and tie a second hair band around it about half an inch down from the first one. Continue adding hair ties until you’ve reached your ends. Allow your hair to dry overnight before removing the hair ties.
Create Bantu Knots
Bantu knots are small, neat mini-buns that stretch your hair out. The best thing about Bantu knots is that they are adorable, so you can go about your day in style while you stretch your hair.
To create Bantu knots, part your damp, freshly washed hair into small, even sections.
Twist each section into a knot and allow them to dry for one or two days. Once you're confident that your hair has fully dried, spread a little serum or oil onto your fingertips and carefully unravel the knots.
Use a Blow Dryer
Blow dryers are one of the quickest and most effective ways to stretch 4C hair. It can leave you with smoother, straighter strands that last for days. While there are a few different ways to blow dry 4C hair, it’s most effective when you create tension.
You can do this with a brush or comb or simply pull your hair as you blow dry it.
Just remember, hot tools can dry your curls or cause heat damage. So make sure you keep the temperature low and always apply a thermal protectant before using heat.
Do a Braid Out or Twist Out
Braid-outs and twist-outs are two of the most common and effective ways of stretching 4C hair. Both styles use tension to stretch out your curls so that they take on a looser state.
All you have to do is braid or twist damp, preferably freshly washed, hair. From cornrows and flat twists to box braids or two-strand twists, you can use whatever twist or braid you like!
But keep in mind that the smaller your braids are, the tighter and more stretched out your curls will turn out. Give your hair a day or two to dry before gently removing your braids.
How to Keep 4C Hair Moisturized Between Washes?
A few days after your wash, you may find that your hair becomes dry, frizzy, or unmanageable. The good news is that this is normal for 4C hair and rarely necessitates another wash day.
Instead, apply a hydrating cream or serum to your hair anytime it needs a moisture boost. Make sure that you focus on your ends and mid-lengths, as they are the oldest and driest parts of your hair.
If you aren’t concerned about shrinkage or reversion, you can also spritz your hair with water or a hydrating spray before applying the cream.
That will help hydrate your hair even more deeply and refresh your curls. Give the cream or lotion a few minutes to absorb, and then lock it in with a thin layer of serum or lightweight oil.
How Often Should You Moisturize 4C Hair?
Everyone’s hair is different, even among those with 4C hair. As a result, you may need to moisturize your hair more frequently than someone else with the same hair type. If your hair is dry, damaged, or chemically processed, try hydrating your hair every two to three days.
But if your hair is relatively healthy and hydrated, you might be able to stretch it out to once every seven days. While you’re trying to figure your hair out, pay attention to how it feels. Then, use that information to adjust your routine as needed.
- 4C Hair Care
- How to Grow 4C Hair Quickly
- Benefits of Co-Washing 4C Hair
- Why Does 4C Hair Shrink When Wet?
Washing your 4C hair is just the first step in a healthy hair care routine. What you do after cleansing is just as important in maintaining health and promoting growth.
But by following the steps we’ve gone over today and making them a part of your routine, you can ensure that your 4C curls stay strong, hydrated, and absolutely gorgeous!
That said, we hope that this article has helped answer all of your questions, and we wish you nothing but good luck on your healthy hair journey!
