CURL CARE

2a: soft waves with a light bend
2b: beach waves with a loose s-shape and little root lift
2c: strong, defined s-waves or curls with volume

WAVE RITUAL: Cleanse with a hydrating shampoo. Condition weekly for moisture and detangling. Prep with a lightweight priming lotion for frizz control. Style with a mousse, gloss, or light cream to enhance wave pattern while maintaining movement. Finish with a humidity-resistant spray for longevity.

PRO TIPS: To revive looser curls between wash days, refresh with water and a little curl cream or mousse, working in sections to ensure even product distribution, better definition, and less breakage. Avoid heavy oils or butters that can flatten waves. Use a microfiber towel or t-shirt to blot excess water gently. Protect nightly with a satin pillowcase to reduce frizz and maintain wave shape.

3a: loose spirals roughly the diameter of a thumb
3b: springy ringlets roughly the diameter of an index finger
3c: tight cork screw curls closer to the diameter of a pinky finger

CURL RITUAL: Cleanse with a hydrating shampoo. Condition generously for slip and detangling. Prep with a lightweight priming lotion. Style with a curl cream or cream/gel layering to enhance your pattern. Finish with a humidity-resistant styler for longevity.

PRO TIPS: Apply stylers on soaking wet hair for the best definition. Work product in small sections for even distribution then wrap hair around finger for more defined curls. Use a microfiber towel or t-shirt to blot excess water without disturbing curls. Protect nightly with a satin bonnet, scarf, or pillowcase.

4a: smooth loops with spring and bounce, diameter smaller than a pinky finger
4b: bends in a zig zag formation, diameter smaller than a pinky finger
4c: zig zig curl pattern with variations of coils slightly undefined, diameter smaller than a pinky finger

COIL RITUAL: Cleanse weekly, or co-wash if needed. Condition and detangle with a rich, moisturizing formula with mega slip. Layer moisture, starting with a leave‑in priming lotion, followed by a curl cream, and finishing with a gel for extra hold. Wash and go, twist, or braid with a wet setting styling technique for long-lasting definition. Seal ends with a humidity-resistant oil for softness and shine.

PRO TIPS: Stretch hair with twists or braids to reduce tangles while maintaining curl integrity. Don’t skip the leave-in—Type 4 hair thrives with moisture layering. Diffuse on low heat with low air flow or sit under a hooded dryer to minimize frizz. Protect nightly with a satin bonnet, scarf, or pillowcase.

COMMON EXAMPLES: cornrows, box braids, twists, stitch braids, faux locs, sew-ins or weaves, wigs (with the natural hair braided underneath), crochet braids, updos or tucked styles. Even styles you wear for just a few days—like a flat twist set or a low bun—can function as protective styles when done intentionally.

KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Ends are tucked and protected, tension is controlled, hair is prepped properly, scalp is accessible for care, maintenance is intentional and takedown is gentle.