Coily (or kinky) hair is a variation of curly hair and women with coily hair can have a mix of “Z” and “S” shaped curls. Women with curly hair often opt to keep their hair short or have dreads, to make coily hair more manageable, but there are a variety of styles that look great. Like other textures of hair, coily hair has three types.
Type 4a coily hair has a fine texture and can often appear “wiry.” This type of coily hair appears thick due to the tightly coiled s-curls. While some women with Type 4a curls may be hesitant let their curls be as is, put away the hair straightener and let your curls do their natural thing.
Type 4b coils have more of a Z-shaped pattern (rather than the S-shape). While this type of coily hair is soft to the touch, it is also more fragile and varies in thickness.
Type 4c coily hair is very similar to 4b hair, but because there are more z-shaped curls the whole head of hair appears to have a shape (think of an afro). Sometimes, with coily hair, it’s best to embrace the natural shape of the curls rather than trying to tame or manipulate them.
Coily hair is usually defined by a 4a-4c hair type that is tightly coiled with a zig-zag pattern. It usually consists of a close-knit curl pattern and luxurious volume – coily curls wind up and out. Coily hair also typically struggles to absorb moisture, making it more prone to breakage.
Coily curls are more fragile than other hair textures and because of this, it requires special care and attention. All of Love Beauty and Planet special formulas are ultra-light and extra-rich. However, we would recommend trying some of the following products from our collections:
Any of our natural oil infusions are made for this hair type. Our personal favorite is the Sandalwood & Grapeseed Naturals Oil Infusion Hair Oil. This luscious natural oil with grapeseed oil visibly repairs and leaves you with healthy-looking hair.
Hair butter is rich in fatty acids and helps prevent breakage and build elasticity over time. We recommend our Murumuru Butter & Rose Shampoo and Murumuru Butter & Rose Conditioner, which moisturizes for a healthy-looking gloss.
Moisture is all our hair craves, and the best way to get moisture is from the water itself, so make sure you are wetting your hair at least once a week. However, water does not always mean shampooing. Those of us with coily hair should aim to only shampoo with sulfate-free shampoos like our Murumuru Butter & Rose Shampoo or our Turmeric & Tonka Essence Shampoo.
These are ingredients that end in 'one, 'xane, 'onol. While these may be useful in straightening products, they are not necessary for conditioners or moisturizers. Luckily, all Love Beauty and Planet hair products are silicone-free.
Mineral oils can be a disaster to those of us with naturally curly hair. Mineral oils actually cover the hair shaft and prevent moisture from entering, leaving strands of hair brittle and dry. Mineral oils also clog the scalp and prevent healthy hair growth.
Opt for a deep conditioning treatment once a week with a silicone-free conditioner such as our Argan Oil & Lavender Leave-In Smoothie Cream. Or, try a similar curling custard.
The best method for combing kinky hair and detangling it is when it’s wet or damp, and loaded with conditioner. And we always recommend letting it air dry.
Style your coily hair in a protective way. Coily hair typically thrives in twists, braids, buns, or any style that will keep the hair protected as it dries.
Oil does not equal moisture. You can only get moisture from water and those products high in water or humectants (such as glycerin or aloe). Oils and butter are great to lock in already existing moisture but do not provide new moisture to the hair follicle. Therefore, we recommend using a water-based moisturizer and then shea butter, murumuru butter, or extra virgin oil to lock in the moisture.
Sleep with a scarf or bonnet to keep your curls healthy and happy.
Try coily hair clip-ins, coily curly clips, hair extensions, or clip-ins extensions. These are great for girls with coily hair, as they help to prevent breakage and ensure the hair follicles are protected for longer periods of time.