Type 4 Hair: What Do the A, B, and C Grading Mean?

Type 4 Hair: What Do the A, B, and C Grading Mean?

Mikey Moran

It’s time we brought you into the world of kinky curly hair so that you can really do your thing without ever feeling lost.

Hair grades can be a little confusing the first time you see them. Who knows what does type 4 hair mean?

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But our job is to guide you through everything you need to know to be the queen who really does have it all. 👸🏿

Let’s start with a few simple definitions to get you moving in the right direction. 

Black 4C Hair Bundle Texture

What Is Type 4 Hair?

Any hair that you would describe as kinky curly to afro kinky is type 4 hair.

We’re talking about those small, tight, neat little curls that give us girls the natural volume we’re looking for.

What we’re not talking about are those wavy, casual, dreamy, body wave curls that flow.

Jerry curl, kinky curly, afro kinky hair is what type 4 hair is all about, and we need to remember that not all kinky curls are created equal. 

4B Hair bundles texture close-up

What Do the Grading Letters Mean?

Lace wigs and extensions businesses like us here at Private Label work in hair types and curl grading letters.

Type 4 means kinky curly, and the letter that follows tells you just how tightly wound those adorable little kinky curls are. Why?

Because you need to be able to see at a glance exactly how much afro style and volume you’re adding.

Otherwise, you’re always trying to guess from pictures, and that’s just not enough when you want to be the queen who really does have it all.

Here’s a quick rundown of what the three common grading letters mean:

  • 4A hair features tightly wound kinky curls and is often known as jerry curl hair. The curls have an iconic s-shape that you will recognize the moment you see it.
  • 4B hair has a slightly different curl pattern that is more of a zig-zag, giving it a little extra volume and finesse. This sets it apart from 4A hair, which is slightly more dreamy and relaxed closer to the kinky curly hair concept.
  • 4C hair is quite different from 4A hair and is often referred to as afro kinky curly hair because the curls are much more tightly wound. The result is some puffed-out afro volume that you can only get with this type and grade of hair.

The beauty of the grading system is it allows you to pick out 4A hair with ease so that you can create the look you have always wanted.

And if you fancy something a little different, remember that there really are no right or wrong options here — everything is about personal choice when you come to Private Label because we don’t think you should ever have to settle for anything less. 

Private Label Female Model Wearing 4A Hair Headband Wig

Caring for Your Type 4 Hair

The following care tips apply to all type 4 hair, but we’re going to keep the focus on 4A hair for now.

Just like all-natural extensions and lace closures, 4A hair needs to be able to breathe and feel at peace on your crown if you’re going to get the most out of it.

The only way to do this is by taking a haircare journey that will lock in moisture. 

We’re talking about getting rid of the sulfates from your shampoo and conditioner and opting for something that is natural.

You can think of it as a way to empower each strand of your new black 4B kinky curly wig or 4A jerry curl wig in a way that allows it to come to the fore in its own signature way.

Once you see the difference, we know that you will never look back, especially when you consider that you could add a year or more to the lifetime of your type 4 hair extensions with this one little switch. 

Another thing you will want to consider is how you dry your type 4 hair extensions.

It’s always tempting to try and hurry things along with a blow dry, especially if you want to check how much shrinkage you’re going to have to contend with.

The problem here is that the more heat you apply — and the longer you apply it for — the more breakages you get and the more your new crown will start to dry out.

The good news is that you really don’t need to hurry things along in the name of shrinkage because there just won’t be all that much of it.

It is ideal when you want to be able to sleep easily, knowing that your makeover is going to be smooth in the morning. 

4B Hair Closure Wig Private Label Model Smiling

Coloring Your New Type 4 Hair Extensions

Got a rich burgundy shade in mind?

Love the look of jet black? Hold those thoughts for a minute and slow right down. We get it.

You want to vary your vibes with a fresh color on your crown, but is dye really the right way to go about it? 

What you’ll find is that manmade hair dyes can quickly strip the outer layer of your type 4 hair, causing it to become brittle and lose its natural shine.

You don’t want that, so why not do things like a boss instead?

We’re talking, of course, about exploring the full range of Private Label full-length type 4 hair wigs and type 4 hair bundles with the click of a button.

Sit back, do your thing, and then choose the color and curl you want to bring to the party.

The beauty of this approach is that you will be able to set the tone in a way that is sure to make you smile every time you spy on yourself in the mirror. 

Black 4C Hair Female Model Holding Lip Gloss

Final Thoughts on Type 4 Hair

Give yourself plenty of leeway to experiment with different colors and lengths, and you will enjoy some newfound freedom.

The way in which you decide to go says a lot about you, and that’s why we want you to take your time and enjoy the full range of type 4 hair wigs we have here at Private Label. 🔥

Think of us as the helping hand that will bring your boutique look to life, and you will never look back.

Now, learn how to apply Money Piece Hair Trend!

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