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.
What 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.
A 4a routine that retains length
Scrunchie uses 4a plus your porosity to build a moisture-first routine. Deep conditioning reminders, protective style prompts, scanner flags.
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