Hair with a 4D curl pattern can be super tricky to grow because:

  1. It’s naturally dry
  2. Prone to breakage
  3. Tangles easily
  4. Refuses to stay hydrated
  5. Is thick & hard to manipulate

So maybe when you’re first going natural, you might be excited to play with you hair and try a million different things, but the truth (and beauty) of 4d hair is that it really just wants to be left alone. Because it’s so tough and coarse, the best thing you can do is keep it clean, oiled and let it be. It will grow!

Here are some recommended hairstyles for leaving your type 4d curl pattern grow in peace:

2 strand twists are really popular for all hair types because it’s easy to do and easy to maintain.

Mini-twists are really cool because depending on how tiny you go, it can look like your hair is free-form. It does take a very long time to install, so definitely consider the time tradeoff vs how small makes sense for you.

Natural 2 strand twists

Sometimes, this style leads into micro/sister locs as well.

Micro twists for sisterlocs

Locs & dreads are also popular because it’s very versatile and gives a very unique look.

Faux locs come in several shapes & sizes; they’re popular with people that just don’t want the long-term committment of actual locs or dreads.

Faux natural locs: this style is very easy. You make 2 strand twists and simply leave them in for an extended period of time. After 1-2 washes, hair will already start to have the appearance of locs, however, because you’re washing them, they will never actually lock.

Faux loc extensions: this style requires a bit more work because you actually need to buy faux loc extensions and add them to your hair. But it’s a relatively easy way to get a neat, put together loc’ed look without needing to wait for your hair.

It’s also great for people with looser curls than 4d who might have a hard time quickly developing locs on their own.

Faux locs

Teeny weeny afros (TWA) are great for people who don’t want a lot of hair on their head or just want to look edgy. Cutting your hair short makes 4d hair very easy to manage since you can usually just wash, detangle, moisturize and be on your way.

Braids/cornrows are a great style for those that have the patience. Type 4d hair tends to be quite thick and voluminous, so braids are not always worth the investment since it could take 7+ hours to complete (depending on the size of the braids & speed of the braider)

Cornrows/braids with natural hair

Whichever style you choose, what’s important is that you leave it in for at least 3-4 weeks at a time. The goal is to minimize the number of days your picking your hair or messing with it. Leave it alone, and it will grow!