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3C vs. 4A Hair: Differences, Care Routines, and Product Picks

Tasha Nelly| Oct 02, 2025 | 6 mins read

If you’ve ever stood in the mirror like, “Okay, but what curl type is this?”—you’re definitely not alone. In this post, we’re breaking down exactly how 3C and 4A curls differ, what each texture needs to stay healthy, and which products will keep your coils juicy, defined, and full of life. Whether your curls spiral or zigzag, we’re helping you love and rock them just how they are.

3C vs. 4A Hair: Differences, Care Routines, and Product Picks

If you’ve ever stared into the mirror trying to figure out whether your curls are more spiraled ringlets or coily zigzags, you’re not alone. Many women with textured hair find themselves somewhere between 3C and 4A, two curl patterns that look similar but behave very differently when it comes to styling, shrinkage, and moisture needs. And let's face it, when you know your curl type, everything from wash day to protective styling is less stressful, more fun, and easier.

The curly hair world isn't one-size-fits-all. Both 3C and 4A hair textures are beautiful in their own way, but when you know which one you have, you can pick the right routine, sidestep the frustration, and rock your natural beauty in confidence.

In this blog, we’ll break down the key differences between 3C and 4A hair, give you tailored hair care routines to keep each curly type looking its best, and product picks (including some Indique favorites!) that will give your curls and coils the love they deserve

Understanding 3C Hair

Natural-looking lace frontal wig — Natural andvoluminous

3C hair features tight corkscrew curls that resemble small springs. The curls are closely packed, which provides the hair with a great deal of volume and bounce. The diameter of the curl is roughly the size of a pencil or straw, making this texture unique with defined ringlets that are still on the "curly" side of the scale.

Pattern: S-shaped curls with good definition.
Shrinkage: Moderate, typically up to 50%.
Texture: Coarse and thick, but soft to the hand.
Struggles: Subdued by frizz and dryness when not adequately moisturized.

For too many women, 3C hair looks great one day and then suddenly frizzes up the next, making a vigorous moisture regimen a complete necessity.

Understanding 4A Hair

4A hair takes coil play to the next level. Imagine tightly coiled spirals with a smaller circle than 3C curls. When you extend a strand, the structure is usually an obvious S-shape, but the curls are tightly wound, dense, and brittle.

Pattern: Well-defined coils, nearly spring-like.
Shrinkage: High—up to 75%.
Texture: Fine and delicate but extremely dense.
Challenges: Prone to breakage, tangling, and dryness.

Due to its shrinkage and tendency to break easily, 4A hair is a beneficiary of luxurious, protective care and products that keep every curl nourished from roots to ends.

Main Differences Between 3C and 4A Hair

FEATURE	3C HAIR	4A HAIR
Curl Pattern	Loose corkscrew curls (about pencil-width)	Tight coils with a clear S-shape
Shrinkage	Moderate (≈50%)	High (≈75%)
Density & Volume	Voluminous but slightly looser	Very dense, fuller appearance
Common Concerns	Frizz, dryness, loss of definition	Breakage, tangling, and moisture retention
Styling Needs	Lightweight hydration + frizz control	Rich creams, butters, and protective styles

3C Hair Care Routine

1. Cleansing

3C curls require balance, hydration is lovely, but they can also become overwhelmed by product buildup. Sulfate-free moisturizing shampoo every 1–2 weeks works best for 3C hair.

Tip: Co-wash your hair midweek if it gets dry.

2. Conditioning & Deep Conditioning

Condition after each wash, and deep condition once a week using moisturizing masks containing ingredients such as shea butter, aloe vera, and coconut oil. This maintains curls bouncy and frizz-free.

3. Detangling

Detangle using a wide-tooth comb or fingers when conditioning, gently teasing out tangles. Always begin at the ends and work your way up.

4. Styling

3C curls love light curl creams and gels that shape their hair without weighing it down. Use products containing humectants such as glycerin to draw in moisture.

5. Protective Care

Sleep with a satin pillowcase or bonnet to prevent frizz and seal in moisture while sleeping.

4A Hair Care Routine

1. Cleansing

4A hair is delicate and dries out fast. Be consistent with gentle co-washing every other day and a clarifying shampoo no more than twice a month to strip away buildup.

2. Conditioning & Deep Conditioning

Deep conditioning is essential, rich butters and oils preserve 4A coils' softness and protect against breakage.

3. Detangling

Because 4A hair coils are more compact, detangling must be completed in small pieces with ample slip from a conditioner or leave-in. A detangling brush can be used, but always be gentle with coils.

4. Styling

4A coils love more robust creams and butters that seal in moisture. Twist-outs, braid-outs, and protective styles minimize shrinkage without losing definition.

5. Protective Care

Protective styles, such as braids, twists, and wigs, look great for 4A hair, decreasing manipulation and maintaining length.

Product Recommendations - Indique Product Favorites for 3C and 4A Hair

Indique's top-of-the-line extensions and wigs are ideal for adding both 3C and 4A textures, no matter whether you prefer increased length, volume, or a protective style. Listed below are some products that we think will go well with your natural 3C or 4A hair.

For 3C Hair

Bounce Coil Curl Hair Extensions

Ideal for adding volume and definition to 3C curls, these extensions provide a natural look. Lightweight and bouncy, they capture corkscrew curls perfectly.

Remix Organic Curl Clip-In Hair Extensions

Perfect for styling on the go without the long-term commitment, these clip-ins mix seamlessly with stretched 3C textures and provide immediate volume.

For 4A Hair

Bounce Organic Curl Hair Extensions

A great protective style for 4A textures, this wig provides a natural coily appearance without the daily fuss.

SEA Fiji Curl Closure Wig

Ideal if you desire the choice to silk-press your 4A coils on occasion while keeping your natural hair underneath safe.

Indique Blogs

Breaking the Myths Around 4a, 4b and 4c Hair

Hair Care Products From Indique Hair

When it comes to maintaining curls and coils in their full glory, the correct products are where it's at. Indique isn't just about selling high-quality hair extensions and wigs—you can also find curl-loving care products that keep hair healthy, defined, and looking its best.

Design Essentials Almond & Avocado Nourishing Co-Wash

Ideal for: Both 3C & 4A
Cleanses with care, removing dirt without stripping natural oils, leaving hair soft and moisturized.

Design Essentials Natural Almond & Avocado Curl Enhancing Mousse

Ideal for: 3C Hair
Lightweight mousse that defines curls and reduces frizz without weight.

Design Essentials Coconut & Monoi Curl Defining Gelée

Ideal for: 4A Hair
Rich, long-lasting definition and hold, ideal for tighter curls.

Indique Hair Care Essentials Moisturizing Shampoo with French Argan Oil

Ideal for: Both 3C & 4A
Moisturizing shampoo that cleanses buildup while maintaining curls' moisture and health.

Indique Hair Care Essentials Shine Spray

Ideal for: Both 3C & 4A
Delivers radiant shine and frizz control, perfect for setting off any curly look.

Combine these essentials with Indique's high-quality extensions and wigs, such as the Bounce Coil Curl or Pure Curly Collection, to craft stylish ensembles that treat your natural curls like royalty and offer you limitless styling possibilities.

Conclusion

Regardless of whether you prefer 3C corkscrew curls or 4A tightly coiled ones, both types of textures are a crown worthy of praise. Each has its own specific requirements, but with a proper care regimen and products, you can maintain your curls in tip-top condition, healthy, and gorgeous.

At Indique, we know the intricacies of texturized hair and create our extensions, wigs, and hair care products to make it easy for you to love your natural hair. With our curly clip-ins and coily wigs, our high-end collections match seamlessly with your hair but offer you the ultimate flexibility to style freely.

Up for giving your curls some TLC? Discover Indique's Curl Collection today and discover the ultimate match for your 3C or 4A hair!