Delicate Micro Coily Hair

Coily hair styled in a protective updo near the coast
Photo: Graca Assane / Unsplash — Unsplash License

Delicate Micro Coily Hair (Type 4C)

Quick look

  • Type code: Type 4C — Delicate Micro Coily Hair.
  • Texture & porosity: Ultra-tight zigzags with minimal visible curl diameter, high porosity, and the greatest shrinkage of any pattern.1,2
  • Risk factors: Any slicing, aggressive combing, or high-tension styling snaps fibers and opens the cuticle.2,3
  • Tool pairing: Cut dry with the sharpest convex shears you own, isolate pea-sized coil groupings, and skip blending tools entirely.2

Why it matters

Type 4C coils are beautiful but extremely fragile. Precision dusting and micro weight release safeguard the curl integrity while keeping the silhouette even and compact.2

Technique map

  • Establish the outline curl-by-curl with zero tension, removing only what visibly extends past the target length.2
  • Pinch tiny coil clusters and glide the shear in short, controlled taps (“pinch and talk”) to ease density without disturbing the coil formation.2
  • For crowns that stack, open the shear slightly and channel from underneath, stopping well before the outer shell.2
  • Finish by air drying or diffusing on the lowest setting, then press in oil or butter to seal the cuticle and maintain elasticity.3

Usage notes

  1. Keep the hair hydrated throughout the service with a water-and-leave-in mist; this minimizes snagging and clarifies coil groupings.3
  2. Support each coil with your fingers while cutting—never allow the hair to dangle unsupported.2
  3. Confirm balance in the mirror with the client seated upright and relaxed shoulders; posture shifts can distort this compact pattern.2

Maintenance / Client Care

  • Recommend weekly deep-conditioning plus oil sealing to combat high porosity and retain moisture.3
  • Suggest protective styles between appointments and satin wraps at night to reduce friction.3
  • Book dustings every six to eight weeks so the shape stays even and fragile ends do not knot.2,3

Related Types & Sources

Related hair types: Tight Zigzag Coily Hair (Type 4B), Loose Spiral Curl Hair (Type 3A)

Sources

  1. Simultaneous hair cross-section and curvature analysis
  2. Weight Removal 101
  3. Hair Cosmetics: An Overview

Related Hair types