4C Hair, What it means.

 Demystification

''4C Hair'', is the most used term in the natural hair community about tightly coiled hair. It is part of a classification system created by Andre Walker in the 1990s. The classification system groups hair into four major groups which have sub-categories. Instead of boring you with a long explanation of identifying each group, I believe a visual aid will be more suited. 

Image source

 To anyone, this scale moves from bone-straight hair to the most tightly coiled strands. While putting a name to a face or in this case to a hair type can be a source of comfort; life is never that simple.

From the image above 4c hair lies at the very end of the spectrum meaning coils and tangles are quite common and a characteristic of this hair type in its natural state. From a more relatable standpoint here are people that identify their hair types as being 4c.

https://images.app.goo.gl/Nm48LhnkJ8vCFArY6

https://images.app.goo.gl/TJb974xwMKyEnLxcA

I tried to be gender-sensitive but I cannot resist women who rock their natural crowns. With such images in mind, it is possible to wear our ''me too'' capes and feel that we are not so alone in this ship called 4c hair. One thing to be mindful of is that it is pretty normal to have different hair types on the same head of hair. This occurrence is quite common due to years of manipulation trying to tame our beautiful coils. It could also be just how our hair grows, wild and free without adhering to the hair typing system that tries to box it into one thing.

Whatever the case, finding out where you lie is the first step in learning to embrace your hair and finding out the best way to take care of it.

I do understand that as human beings we are more than our hair but we can't deny that it is a part of who we are. I am excited to dive into the vast world of understanding and caring for our beautiful coily hair.