Coily Hair (Type 4): Care & Styling

Coily hair (4a–4c) has the tightest pattern — defined S-coils at 4a, sharp Z-bends at 4b, and the densest, most shrinkage-prone coils at 4c. It is the most fragile type and the driest, because the tight bends make it hard for natural oil to coat the strand. The two rules are simple: maximum moisture and minimum manipulation.

Washing & moisture

• Co-wash (cleanse with conditioner) weekly, and deep-cleanse with a gentle sulfate-free shampoo about once a month.
• Deep condition weekly. For 4b–4c, a pre-poo (oil or conditioner before shampoo) protects against dryness.
• Detangle only when wet and full of conditioner, with fingers or a wide-tooth comb, from ends to roots — never dry.
• Seal moisture with the LOC method: Leave-in (liquid), then Oil, then Cream, on wet hair in sections.

Styling & protecting

• Define coils with twist-outs, sponge curls, or finger coils on damp, product-loaded hair worked in small sections.
• Keep heat low or skip it. If you want to stretch the coils, try banding or gentle low-heat blow-drying.
• Protect at night with a satin bonnet or a satin/silk pillowcase — cotton drinks your moisture.
• Avoid constantly tight styles that pull the edges — that's a leading cause of thinning at the hairline.

Pro tip

Shrinkage is a sign of healthy, elastic hair — not lost length. Your coils can shrink up to 70% and still be perfectly long when stretched. Lean into the LOC method and protective styling, and your hair stays moisturized and breaks far less.

At Taper Shop

Type 4 hair looks sharpest with a clean line-up and a careful taper or shape-up, plus defined coils or a sponge finish. Pair it with our deep treatment to keep moisture locked in between visits.