S
coily · type 4c
4c — Tightest Coils
The tightest coil pattern — no visible individual curl without stretching. Shrinkage often 75%+. The most specific routine requirements of any type.
Read the full 4c guideWhat 4c usually looks like
- No visible coil pattern without stretching
- Shrinks 75%+ wet-to-dry
- Densely packed, reads as texture from a distance
- Highest moisture requirements of any type
Daily routine
- Low-sulfate shampoo weekly; co-wash between.
- Deep condition with heat, 20–30 min, every wash.
- Wet-detangle in 4–6 sections with conditioner in.
- LOC: leave-in → oil → cream. Generous layering.
- Protective styling + satin bonnet at night.
What to look for
4c is the moisture layering type. Nothing about this routine is optional.
Water-based leave-in
Water/aloe first, humectants, no drying alcohols
Any 'light' or 'wavy' leave-in — won't do enough
Sealing oil + rich cream
Castor, shea, jojoba; rich cream with natural butters
Mineral oil as sole seal, drying alcohols in cream
Common 4c mistakes
- 01Trying to fight shrinkage with more product — shrinkage is structural, not solvable that way.
- 02Skipping heat deep conditioning — the biggest retention move.
- 03Dry detangling — guaranteed breakage.
A real 4c routine you can keep up with
Scrunchie combines 4c with your porosity, density, and goals into a routine that actually fits into your life. Scanner flags drying alcohols and heavy silicones.
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