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Home • Coily • Curly • Growth • Hairstyles

The Benefits of Stretching Type 4 Hair

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The Benefits of Stretching Type 4 Hair
By Camille Wilson · Updated September 11, 2021
The Benefits of Stretching Type 4 Hair

Image:@halfricanbeaute

Type 4c hair, in all its glory and beauty, can admittedly present a bit of a learning curve to naturals who are still learning about their hair. It may take a while to fully understand what their hair needs to thrive, and how it may need a little extra love and care to keep it in its healthiest state. While stretching natural hair is a popular method of styling, it can be added to a regular 4c hair care regimen to make haircare easier and more efficient.

Why Do 4c’s Benefit From This Method?

Type 4c naturals have the most tightly coiled hair, and that combined with up to 70 percent shrinkage and difficulty retaining moisture can create the perfect recipe for damage and breakage. The tight curl pattern of the hair makes it difficult for oils and sebum to travel down from the scalp to moisturize the entire hair strand. To be clear, there is absolutely nothing wrong with living your best life and rocking a beautiful 4c wash and go. Shrinkage is a sign of healthy, thoroughly moisturized hair; but for those 4c’s who have difficulty controlling knots and tangles, wash and go’s are just not practical for an everyday regimen–that is where stretching comes in.

Stretched 4c hair is less likely to curl in on itself and makes it easier for those natural oils (and added moisturizing products”> to travel down the hair strands and retain the moisture, warding off some excessive breakage and dryness. Using heatless methods to stretch can also help you avoid frequent use of heat (and irreversible heat damage”> and retain as much length as possible.

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Shavonnie Scott Wilson, professional New Jersey hairstylist and fellow 4c natural, says that although she likes to wear wigs, she prefers to keep her 8-year-old daughter Cecelia’s 4c hair in cute stretched styles. “Specifically in the summertime, I don’t change her styles much, so it’s easier to maintain braided and twisted styles. And her hair is detangled and protected” she says. Her go-to methods of stretching are banding, braiding, and twist-outs.

Stretching Methods

Some popular methods to stretch natural curls, waves, and coils include:

Braid-outs/Twist-outs

The classic braid-out/twist out. On thoroughly moisturized and detangled hair (usually water, a styling cream, and an oil”>, simply section hair off in sections and twist or braid the hair. Then, take the twists/braids down when they are dry. Check out Halfrican Beaute’s simple tutorial for type 4 hair. Get the Flaxseed and Black Castor Oil Eco Styling Gel she uses here.

African Threading

African threading is done by sectioning the hair off and wrapping thread around each section. This method is good to keep the natural curl pattern while still elongating the hair.

Bantu Knots

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Bantu knots are accomplished by sectioning off hair as desired and twisting the hair while wrapping it into a small knot. Some people twirl the hair around their finger while others actually twist two pieces of hair together.

In addition to aiding in hair maintenance, the ability to stretch type 4 hair presents naturals with several different styling options to switch it up and keep things new and fresh. Type 4c coilies can easily transition between a soft, fluffy afro with maximum shrinkage to a super defined twist out or blown out style. If your coils seem to be dry and knotted regularly and you don’t wear stretched styles, give one of these methods a try.

Do you stretch your hair? If so, what’s your favorite method? Go ahead and comment down below. If you’d like to read more about hairstyles and products for Type 4 hair, check out this article.

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Home • Beauty

Beauty Tools Worth The Investment This Holiday Season

Get ready to splurge on these drool worthy beauty tools.
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Beauty Tools Worth The Investment This Holiday Season
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By Desiree Johnson · Updated December 18, 2024

When it comes to beauty tools, we can all agree they usually require a big financial investment. Some beauties go their entire lives without the assistance of tools, while others live and die by these hefty investments to help streamline and improve their beauty looks. And hey, who doesn’t love a little extra help? It can be very tricky to achieve glowing skin or super hydrated curls with just a few products. Creating a good beauty regimen is a series of trial and error as you mix and match products and tools and learn new techniques. Every year, there are new trends, viral routines, and more ways to reach your goals.

Whether you’re focusing on skincare, hair, or makeup, this assortment of beauty tools has been at the top of its game all year.

01
01 RevAir Reverse-Air Hair Dryer

This revolutionary hair dryer cuts your drying time in half while using less heat. The patented technology is designed to dry, stretch, smooth and lengthen your hair. RevAir suctions your hair in the natural direction of the hair cuticle to lock out frizz and seal in shine.

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02
02 Shani’s Signature Facial Kit

Who couldn’t use an at-home facial that gives salon-worthy results? Shani Darden is an expert esthetician whose results-oriented approach to skincare will give you a youthful glow. Her at-home facial kit includes a cleansing serum, facial sculpting wand, hydra prep gel, nourishing facial mask, intensive eye renewal serum, and moisture boost plumping serum.

Available at Shani Darden
399 Shop Now
03
03 Dyson Airwrap

Dyson has dominated the haircare industry for years because of their premium tools for curly and coily hair. Starting on 11.24-12.7, you can shop the famous Dyson Airwrap for $100 OFF!

Available at Amazon
499.00 Shop Now
04
04 Wavytalk Pro Steam Hair Straightener Brush

The Wavytalk brush has become a viral sensation! Utilizing the power of steam, this revolutionary product straightens, smooths, and hydrates hair in one step, it’s 20% OFF and a must-have item for your hair this season.

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05
05 YA-MAN Medi Lift Essential Box Set
Lean into the ultimate state of luxury with YA-MAN’s Medi Lift Essential Box set that uses electrical muscle stimulation to help tone and tighten your jawline and cheeks. Available at YA-MAN
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06
06 Curlsmith – Defrizzion Travel Hair Dryer
Curlsmith’s Defrizzion™ Travel Dryer is made for all textured hair types, allowing for effortless styling with minimal damage. You’ll be ready to jet set with the amazing six-inch diffuser and dual voltage for international travel. Available at Amazon
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07
07 Medicube Age-R Booster Pro
Glass skin was on the menu all year long, and now it’s easy to achieve at home. This viral glass glow device helps you to reduce pores, improve elasticity, and radiate healthy skin. Available at Amazon
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08
08 HigherDOSE Red Light Therapy Face Mask
HigherDOSE has dominated the skincare industry in 2024 thanks to its red light therapy face mask. Treat yourself to a product that will help you achieve a natural glow while rejuvenating and repairing your skin. Available at Amazon
279.20 Shop Now
09
09 Bounce Curl Define EdgeLift Brush
The brand’s most viral creation yet – this brush is designed to detangle hair while simultaneously separating curls into clumps to create a defined curly mane that is frizz-free. Available at Amazon
29.99 Shop Now
10
10 CHI Spin N Curl
It’s never been easier to create flawless curls and waves with just the push of a button. Hair is drawn into the curl chamber, which is heated and timed to create perfect curls and waves every time! Available at CHI
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11
11 FOREO LUNA 4 MEN Face Cleansing Brush
Tis’ the season to help your favorite guy achieve flawless skin. The firming massage face massager will help minimize breakouts and eliminate dead skin cells. Available at Amazon
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12
12 Wahl USA Stainless Steel Lithium Ion 2.0+ Beard Trimmer
There’s nothing like a close trim. This steel-lithium device from Wahl comes with 10 guide combos and four attachments for the ultimate all-in-one beard trimmer. Available at Amazon
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13
13 SOTRO DUO
SOTRO is launching with their patented flagship tool: the collapsible 2-in-1 hair steamer and dryer combo. This device is the first of its kind and will allow its customers to detangle, moisturize, condition, and style their natural hair all with one machine. Available at Get SOTRO
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14
14 TheraFace Depuffing Wand
It’s not always possible to control whenever you’re face is going to puff up, but you can invest in a tool to depuff your under-eyes and face. This cold and hot skincare treatment will give you glowing skin at any time of the day. Available at Therabody
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15
15 HIEEY Lighted Makeup Mirror
You’re face, skin, and hair will be glowing with this vanity mirror that includes 96 LED lights. Whether you’re a makeup maven or a beauty aficionado, you can choose from three luxurious colors to create a flawless look. Available at Amazon
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If you’re still looking for additional products to uplevel your beauty game? Check out Skincare Sets That Will Revolutionize Your 2025 Routine.

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