Everything You Need to Know About 4B Hair (2024)

Contrary to popular belief, all hair textures are manageable. Many people tend to consider hair texture that falls within the 4 range (4A, 4B, 4C)as coarse and hard to maintain. While 4B hair texture has a coarse feeling, there are ways in which you should go about caring for and styling this hair type.

Some may notice that their 4B hair texture has a much tighter curl pattern, and most experience adrier hair texture.Everyone has a different situation, so it’s best to go by what your hair agrees with.

Care and Style Tips For Your Hair Texture

We rounded up some of the top favorite styles women with 4B curls love to wear, as well as some simple ways to care for this hair type. Read on:

Tips for Cleansing 4B Hair

One of the best cleansers you could use in your hair is a cleansing conditioner. While cleansing conditioners are gentle on your curls and do help with retaining moisture while washing, this doesn’t mean that you should rule out shampoo completely.

Whenever you feel like your hair needs a deep cleanse, grab a shampoo but go for something that is moisturizing, like SheaMoisture 100% Virgin Coconut Oil Daily Hydration Shampoo and Conditioner. This can be used when you feel like you have used a lot of different products in your hair and want it to be squeaky clean.

Retaining Moisture in 4B Hair

You know that feeling when wash day is complete and your hair is feeling moisturized, curls are on point and everything is alright in the world? How about that feeling mid-week when it seems like you haven’t put all your energy into making sure your hair feels moisturized at all, and all of a sudden, it’s dry? Try sealing your hair with a natural oil after re-moisturizing your hair at night.

For moisture, this can be from your styler or a leave-in conditioner, like Dove Amplified Textures Moistures Lock Leave-in Conditioner.

Proper Styling Tools for 4B Hair Types

Having the right combs and brushes in your hair care arsenal is key. Always use a wide-tooth comb when detangling your 4B curls. You can also use a detangling brush if you prefer that instead. When it comes to detangling your hair, it is better to do it while you have conditioner in your hair as it provides more slip. If you’re dry detangling, be gentle and work your way from your ends to your roots.

Styles We Love for 4B Hair

Check out these hairstyles we love for 4B hair:

1. The Hair Scarf Style

We love this look because it serves two purposes. For one, it’s an easy style to wear, especially when you’re short on time. Second, this is a great protective style idea if you’re focusing on the health of your hairline. Give your hairline a break from daily wear and tear.

2. The Hair Puff

Wondering what to do with your long 4B texture? You can’t go wrong with a simple and stylish updo like the puff. Use a large hair tie and place it over your forehead and slide it up onto your hair to create this look. Alternatively, you can just use hairpins to secure your hair in place but it may take longer depending on how much hair you’re working with.

3. The Pixie

Embrace your texture and length with a chic pixie cut. Play around with different styles and accessories to switch up the look from time to time.

4. The Matte Look

Not everyone wants their 4B texture to be shiny and glistening. Sound like you? Then the matte look is the style to try.

5. Headband Accessory

Getting tired of wearing the same Afro style every day? A simple accessory can change that in a second. Try a fun headband in a bright color to enhance your look.

6. Fluffy Curls

We’re letting you in on a little secret: The soft feeling of your curls has nothing to do with your hair type. Use the right styling products and you’ll have the pillow-soft curls you crave.

Our go-to? . The formula softens hair, reduces frizz, and adds a beautiful sheen.

7. Blonde 4B Hair

Thinking about adding color to your hair? That sounds like a great idea. The caveat: Color can dry your hair out even more.

Try using a color care system, like and Conditioner.

8. Picked-Out Afro

So many girls can’t wait until the day they can do this style with their 4B hair. If your hair is already at this length, it’s time to get your big Afro action on!

After washing your hair, use a leave-in conditioner, like Dove Amplified Textures Moisture LockLeave-In Conditioner, to soften, detangle and protect your hair against heat. Take your blow-dryer and blow-dry in the direction you want your hair to fall. After drying, pick it out with an Afro pick and you’re set.

9. Baby Afro

Looking for a way to style your afro?

Use a gel, like TRESemmé Flawless Curls Defining Gel,to define your curls. Use a diffuser and then separate with your fingers for volume.

10. Medium Length Afro

If you’re transitioning your 4B hair type from relaxed to natural, you can cut the process short and go for a big chopinstead. Don’t be afraid: You’ll be surprised how healthy your hair will grow with proper care.

Thinking about trying out one of these 4B hairstyles? Be sure to grab a picture of the results and tag us over @AllThingsHairUS!