When I decided to start my natural hair journey I would look at endless youtube videos trying to recreate those looks. I didn’t realize that I would never get my hair to look EXACTLY like the videos. I also didn’t realize that there is such a thing as curl pattern. I remember the first time I tried finger coils I was so sad that mine didn’t turn into ringlets. I tried to twist my hair in all kinds of ways to get the same curl definition that I was seeing on my computer screen. I later found out that the girl I was watching had type 3 curls and I have type 4. NO amount of gel was going to turn my hair into those ringlets.
I also remember some of the discouraging myths I heard about type 4 natural hair when I first started out. Myths like these:
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It should always be in a protective style since it’s so fragile
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There is no chance of it growing long
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Maintenance is the most difficult
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A wash n go won’t work for type 4 hair
Thankfully, I ignored the negativity and found inspiration from women who had curls like mine. When you are natural, no matter what hair type, you have to look for inspiration for your hair. In order to get an idea of how your hair will turn out, it is helpful to look at fellow beauties with similar hair texture when looking for styles. Below are a few 4c naturalists that you can draw some inspiration from.
Maria Antoinette / IG: TheMariaAntoinette
When it comes to any and all kinds of styles Maria is the GO TO! She will inspire you with her braids, twist, twist outs, bold colors and faux locs.
Flamelle / IG: flamellehair
She is a Nigerian blogger who shows us that 4c hair doesn’t have to be difficult. It can grow long & healthy. It also doesn’t have to break the bank.
Laila-Jean / IG: neffyfrofro
When you are looking for DOPE styles that are easy and effortless look n further than Laila. She has been great inspiration for me on my natural hair journey and I know she will be the same for you.
Helecia / IG: iknowleee
This Houston native shows that a tapered cut is FABULOUS on type 4 hair. She also shows us that it’s okay to experiment with wigs and how to have fun with them.
Whitney / IG: naptural85
You want to rock a bangin’ wash n go…Whitney is your girl! she has perfected the wash n go for all of us with type 4 hair. Follow her steps and that definition will be poppin’!
Kakess / IG: krissykakess
This FRO right HERE!! I love when type 4 hair has “no definition” and we just rock it out in a fro, so carefree and beautiful. Kakess is fly while showing off her fro.
Charyjay / IG: charyjay
My girl Charyjay holding down the 313 (That is Detroit for those who don’t live or come from Michigan) She big chopped for the 2nd time last December and is a great person to follow if you are starting your journey again or for the first time.
Mommy of Shanillia and Janelle / IG: shanillia26
I love when a family slays together. This trio is sure to give mommy and daughters inspiration for their hair. I love that these young ones are confident in their beauty at such a young age. Something we all can learn from no matter what age we are.
Tabitha / IG: cravingyellow
When I saw how long Tabitha’s hair was and saw she was a 4c hair type, I was so encouraged and inspired. She showed that it didn’t matter what your hair type was, you can grow healthy long hair.
Amber / IG: floridanatural83
I big chopped again 4 years ago. Now that I am almost 6 years into my natural hair journey; I hope to be an inspiration for those with type 4 hair. You can rock any style you want! Don’t let what anyway has to say hold you back.
Through the years I learned to love my type 4 curls and how to style it in a way that was flattering for me. My finger coils may not look like a type 3 curl, but I can still rock a cute coil out. The beauty of our curls is that no one curl is the same. So no matter what type of style you rock it will always look different.
No matter what style you want to rock, do it confidently.
What are some of the styles that have inspired you? Write them in the comment section below. Also, follow along with my IG to find some great hairstyles for the mom on the go.
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