There are so many different hair types out there, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed. And this is especially true when you wade into the world of waves and curls. In particular, we're highlighting those Type 4 heads. Type 4 is one of four main hair types and is most closely associated with coily curls and the natural hair movement. 

As natural hair continues to grow in mainstream prominence, it only makes sense to take a deep dive into the curly world and learn more about one of the three subcategories for Type 4 hair—Type 4a.

Before we focus exclusively on Type 4a hair, let's take a step back and talk about hair typing. As we mentioned in the introduction, there are multiple hair textures. The three main textures are straight, wavy, and curly. And according to celebrity hairstylist Andre Walker, there are four primary hair types numbered 1 through 4.

Type 1 refers to straight hair and doesn't have any subcategories. But Types 2, 3, and 4 cover wavy, curly, and kinky-curly (or coily if you prefer) textures respectively. And each of these core types is further divided into three subtypes (i.e., 2a, 2b, and 2c).

Technically speaking, Andre Walker's typing system originally only allowed for two subtypes for Type 4 hair. But as the natural hair community grew, Type 4 has grown and even includes a 4d subtype. But Type 4a hair can be a bit tricky because depending on how you treat it or the products you use, 4a hair can look like a 3c or a 4b. 

Type 4a hair is formally defined as being densely packed coily hair. When fluffed out, it can look very full. And as with any other hair texture, people with 4a hair can have fine or thin strands or thick and coarse hair. As with other curly and coily hair types, 4a heads have to focus on moisture retention. 

This is where defining 4a hair can be difficult—even for pros! Type 4a hair can easily be miscategorized as either 3c or 4b if you only try to identify the hair after it's been styled. If you're not sure of your hair type, wait until you've freshly washed your hair and just jumped out of the shower to identify your curl pattern. 

Type 4a hair tends to have a clear "S" pattern, which creates miniature coils. The hair is referred to as dense, with springy coils. Again, your hair could be fine or thick. When fluffed out, you'll lose definition. But if you prefer wash 'n' go's or shingling, you'll be able to clearly see a defined curl pattern. 

As with any beauty routine, hair care is a personal thing. Even if you think you have the exact same hair type as your favorite natural hair guru on YouTube or Instagram, it doesn't mean that if you follow the same routines or use identical products, you'll achieve the same results. Your body chemistry, porosity (more on that in a bit), and even timing will all affect how your hair looks when you take down those twists, braids, or Bantu knots. 

Remember how we mentioned that porosity can affect the products you use? Well, a lot of people aren't familiar with the term or why it can affect their entire hair care regimen. Porosity references your hair's ability to retain moisture. 

It's no secret that curly hair can struggle with dryness, but depending on your porosity level, you might face more moisture hurdles than others. As Patricia G. Williams, the brand educator for Creme of Nature, explains, "Knowing the porosity of your hair is as important as knowing your texture in selecting products for your hair care and styling regimen. Low or high porosity affects what products work best on your texture."

Porosity is explained with three levels — high, medium, and low. If you have high porosity hair, moisture easily slips out of the hair shaft because the cuticles are fully open. Medium porosity hair will have regular aligned cuticles. This would be considered "normal" and means that your hair can easily retain moisture. 

Type 4 hair in general is known for being more fragile. But all those coily curls associated with 4a hair mean that you might struggle with tangling more frequently. Take your time and avoid ripping through your hair like you're in a rush. 

As a general rule, you should only detangle your hair when it's damp. Joyce Crawford, an apprentice at Gem House salon recommends that you "detangle once a week…on wet, conditioned hair. This removes all hair that's already shed and creates room for new growth."

One of the best things about being natural is that your hair offers more versatility. You can rock your natural coils today, switch it up to a straight and sleek style tomorrow, or blow out your hair to set it on Bantus or rollers for a big fluffy effect. 

But just remember that excessive exposure to heat can have drawbacks. While many people will tell you that you can heat train your hair so that it's more "manageable," if not done properly this can permanently damage your curl pattern. This means that the next time you wash your hair, it won't revert to your lovely curls—you'll have patches of straight hair mixed in. 

We can't stress enough that curly hair often suffers from dryness. And sometimes this can even be exacerbated by the weather. Seven Yu, the senior hairstylist, and chief beauty and creative officer of Glam Set Go, notes that "Maintaining moisture is key to 4a hair. Because of its curl pattern, 4a hair is usually quite dry. It is very hard for the hair's natural oil to absorb all the way through the ends of the hair, making it susceptible to breakage. Always wash with a mild shampoo (with little to no sulfates) to maintain as much natural moisture and oil as possible, and condition with a heavy or intense conditioner."

There's a persistent myth that trimming your hair means that you'll lose length and won't grow healthy hair. But hanging on to ends that have seen better days just means you're encouraging more damage. Meanwhile, when you trim the damage, you're boosting overall hair health by preventing those split ends from growing. 

As with all Type 4 hair, 4a hair tends to easily lose moisture in cooler weather when chilly temperatures can draw moisture out of your hair. Consider using protective headgear to keep your tresses covered. 

Type 4a hair, like other Type 4 textures offers a wide array of versatility. You can easily transition from your natural curls to straight hair and then go back again. If you're focused on bringing out the best in your natural curls, focus on heat-free styles that won't put your hair at risk of experiencing heat damage. 

For example, you can choose to wash 'n' go, set your hair on twists or braids, or even shingle your hair after it's freshly washed. As we mentioned earlier, it's not uncommon to have more than one hair type, so you might want to focus on styles that require setting such as twists and braids to create a more cohesive texture overall. 

If you love switching it up between your curls and straight hair, there's nothing like a good silk press to create that shiny, bouncy, blowout effect. Of course, always make sure to use a good heat protectant whether you're attempting heat styles at home or in a salon. And avoid applying too much heat to your hair. For example, if you want to simply straighten your hair, consider using a heatless stretching method like twists or banding so that you're only exposing your hair to one round of heat. 

Type 4a hair can easily be confused for 3c and 4b textures, but it's just as easy to care for as its neighbors on the typing system. Because this hair type is very curly, focusing on hydration and moisture retention are going to be the keys to bringing out the best in your tresses. If you're just starting your natural hair journey, consider booking a consultation with a licensed natural hairstylist who can share best practices and product recommendations that are for your hair.