1. “What’s a simple weekly and monthly routine for 4A, 4B, and 4C coils?”

Short answer:
Keep moisture high, reduce friction, use layered stylers, and follow a consistent conditioning schedule.

Weekly baseline (all Type 4)

Wash: 1× per week (optional 2× for 4A with lighter products)
Use gentle, sulfate-free cleansers or co-washes depending on dryness.

Condition: Every wash day, mid-lengths to ends
4B/4C can leave a bit on the ends for extra slip.

Style: After EVERY wash:

• Leave-in conditioner

• Curl cream or butter cream (amount varies by density)

• Gel or twist/braid cream (for definition + frizz control)

Monthly add-ons:

Clarifying wash (1× / month)
Helps remove heavy buildup from creams, oils, gels, and butters.
Always follow with a deep-conditioning treatment.

Deep conditioning (every 1–2 weeks):

• 4A: moisture mask, 15–20 min

• 4B: moisture/strength mask, 20–30 min

• 4C: rich, emollient mask, 30 min (heat optional for absorption)

Tiny variations by subtype:

4A – springy S-pattern coils

• Medium moisture level

• Lighter creams or rich leave-ins work well

• Gel helps maintain definition for wash-and-go’s

4B – Z-pattern coils

• Needs more moisture + slip

• Butters or richer creams help reduce breakage

• Twist-outs and braid-outs give best stretch + definition

4C – tightest coils, max shrinkage

• Needs the most moisture + protection

• Leave-ins + creams + oils (LOC or LCO) can help with softness

• Frequent deep conditioning strengthens, softens, and reduces tangles

2. “How much product should I use so my coils stay moisturized—not greasy or weighed down?”

Rule of thumb:
Start small, add water for slip, then build gradually based on thickness and dryness.
Type 4 coils thrive with water + product and layered moisture.

For shoulder-length, average-density coils:

Leave-in conditioner

• 4A: nickel–quarter size

• 4B: quarter size

• 4C: quarter–half dollar size (especially for dense coils)

Apply from mid-lengths ↓ ends. Avoid roots unless extremely dry.

Curl cream / butter

• 4A: nickel size

• 4B: quarter size

• 4C: quarter–half dollar size for high-density coils

Creams should glide — if hair feels coated, use less or dilute with water.

Gel or styling custard

• 4A: nickel–quarter size

• 4B: quarter size

• 4C: quarter–half dollar size depending on thickness

Spread across palms → scrunch or smooth/shingle into soaking-wet coils.

Simple test:

• If coils feel greasy, sticky, or dull → too much cream or butter.

• If coils frizz fast or shrink tightly → add a bit more gel or apply on wetter hair.

3. “What’s the best way to layer leave-ins, creams, gels, and butters (with and without diffusing)?”

Think: hydration → moisture → definition → hold/protection.

A. Light, hydrated routine (4A / some 4B)

Great for softer wash-and-go’s.

On soaking-wet hair:

• Leave-in: light amount

• Cream: small amount, rake or smooth

• Gel: scrunch or shingle over top

Drying:
Air dry or diffuse on low heat/low airflow.
Do not touch until fully dry.

B. Moisture + definition routine (4B / 4C)

For long-lasting twists, braids, and defined wash-and-go’s.

• Leave-in

• Cream or butter cream (slightly more for 4C)

• Gel or twist/braid cream layered on top

Drying options:

• Plop: 5–15 minutes to reduce dripping

• Diffuse: low/medium heat, medium airflow
  Dry to 80–90% for stretch + volume.

Stretch option: banding or twist-outs reduce shrinkage.

4. “How do I fix stringy coils, flat roots, or halo frizz?”

A. Stringy coils

Common causes:

• Not enough water during product application

• Not distributing cream/gel evenly

• Using too light a product for your coil type

• Shingling without enough slip

Fixes:

• Style on soaking-wet hair

• Work in small sections

• Add water+cream before defining

• Scrunch or shingle with gel or custard for better clumping

Once dry, scrunch lightly with oil to soften cast.

B. Flat roots

Common causes:

• Heavy products at the scalp

• No stretching or lifting during drying

• Product buildup from butters/oils

Fixes:

• Start products mid-length down

• Use root clips or diffuse upside down

• Clarify monthly

• For volume: fluff gently at roots with an afro pick once dry

C. Halo frizz (outer-layer frizz)

Common causes:

• Lack of moisture on the canopy

• Rough towel drying

• Cotton pillowcases

• Sleeping with coils loose

Fixes:

• Use microfiber towel or t-shirt

• Smooth a bit of leave-in or gel with praying-hands motion

• Sleep on satin pillowcase or use bonnet/pineapple

• Refresh days: mist with water + light cream or gel to revive top layer