S
coily · type 4a
4a - Defined S-Coils
Tight, visible S-shaped coils about the width of a crochet needle. The loosest coily type, still needing significant moisture layering.
Read the full 4a guideWhat 4a usually looks like
- Visible S-shaped coil pattern
- Shrinks 50-75% from wet to dry
- Dense, often high volume
- Moisture-hungry - loses water fast
Daily routine
- Low-sulfate shampoo weekly; co-wash mid-week if needed.
- Deep condition every wash with heat, 20-30 minutes.
- Wet-detangle in sections with conditioner in.
- LOC or LCO: leave-in → oil → cream (or cream → oil).
- Protective style or satin bonnet overnight.
What to look for
4a is layered-product territory. A single styler rarely handles moisture and hold both.
Water-based leave-in
Water or aloe first, glycerin, humectants
Drying alcohols, silicone-first leave-ins
Sealing oil + rich cream
Shea butter, jojoba, castor; cream with natural butters
Mineral oil as a sole sealant, petroleum-based heavies
Common 4a mistakes
- 01Using 3c-targeted products - not enough moisture for 4a's tightness.
- 02Skipping deep conditioning with heat - the single biggest 4a retention move.
- 03Dry detangling - breaks the coil at the bend.
Now do it for real - your 4a routine, in the app
Scrunchie takes your 4a profile and turns it into a daily routine that adapts from photo analysis and check-ins. No more generic curly-hair advice.
Snap a photo
The app reads your hair from a daily picture: definition, frizz halo, dryness, volume.
Get a routine
Personalized to your curl type, porosity, and what the photo just showed. Wash days and refresh days.
Daily check-ins
Log how each step went. The routine adapts every day so it actually keeps up with your hair.
Get Scrunchie