How To Wash Type 4 Hair

[Hair_Goddess]

Hi everyone! I'm on day 3 with my natural hair. On Saturday, I took my weave out after wearing one for 2 1/2 years and I got a press and curl (which I love by the way). After reading several threads here on LHC, it seems like I will be maintaining my natural hair myself until I can find a really good (and reasonable) hair stylist here in NYC who can do a nice press and curl on a weekly basis.

Sooo, in preparation for my first wash this weekend, I would like to know if you know of any videos or have any good tips on how to wash my Type 4 hair (honestly, I'm not sure if my hair is Type 4 or Type 3. I just know that it's very thick, soft, with small "curly curls"). I know I'm supposed to keep it straight when washing so that it doesn't tangle but that's all I know. I've never washed my natural hair before.

Also, any helpful tips on which shampoos and conditioners to use to keep my hair soft and strong would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

 

[melissa-bee]

A lot of naturals wash in sections. Just part your hair in to 4 or 6 braid it. Then you can either undo the braid wash then re-braid then move on to the next section or just wash your hair whilst still in the braids whilst concetrating on the scalp. These methods reduce tanges

 

[southerncitygirl]

if you wanna go with natural products try:
aubrey organics
giovanni
jane carter solution
mill creek
afroveda
karen's body beautiful (on internet and in Brooklyn)

All of these are at Fairway, Whole Foods, or on the internet


Bumping........

 

[lana]

I am a 4a/b and I got the same results as a press n curl with using a blow dryer and flat iron (with LESS breakage and more length retention). So please consider finding a stylist that likes to flat iron natural hair, if you are going to wear it straightened.

Products I wish I knew about when natural: Redken Smooth Down Shampoo, Conditioner and Leave In.

Simply amazing how these products will help you keep your hair in a manageable flat ironed state and they make detangling amazingly simple.

As a deep conditioner: Keracare Humecto (WONDERFUL!)

I'm texlaxed now and I love how LHCF has helped me to attain healthy hair. I hope this helps and best wishes on your hair journey!

 

[darlingdiva]

I'm a 4a/4b natural, and I wash my hair in six sections. For advice about how to wash your hair in sections, visit this thread:
http://www.longhaircareforum.com/showthread.php?t=426116

In terms of actual products, it's really going to be a matter of what your hair likes and dislikes: Watery vs. creamy products, more natural-based vs. products that aren't very natural-based, maybe your hair likes certain ingredients more than others, etc.

In terms of shampoos and conditioners, I use the following:

Shampoos
Earthly Delight Herbal Shampoo (regular shampoo)
V05 Kiwi Lime Squeeze Clarifying Shampoo (for clarifying)

Conditioners
Karen's Body Beautiful Deep Conditioner (regular moisturizing conditioner after protein treatment)
Aphogee 2-min (light protein treatment)
Aubrey's GPB (light protein treatment that I'm going to start using as a moisturizing conditioner b/c it is beginning to act like a moisturizing conditioner on my hair anyway)

 

[Hair_Goddess]

I am a 4a/b and I got the same results as a press n curl with using a blow dryer and flat iron (with LESS breakage and more length retention). So please consider finding a stylist that likes to flat iron natural hair, if you are going to wear it straightened.

Products I wish I knew about when natural: Redken Smooth Down Shampoo, Conditioner and Leave In.

Simply amazing how these products will help you keep your hair in a manageable flat ironed state and they make detangling amazingly simple.

As a deep conditioner: Keracare Humecto (WONDERFUL!)

I'm texlaxed now and I love how LHCF has helped me to attain healthy hair. I hope this helps and best wishes on your hair journey!

Thanks Lana! Right now, my strategy is to find a "natural hair stylist" who can do a good press and curl for a reasonable price. I figure a natural hair stylist will already be comfortable working with my natural hair state. Hopefully this stylist will also be very knowledgeable about pressing my Type 4 hair and keeping it healthy.

Where can I find Redken and Keracare products? At Sally's Beauty Supply?