17 Best 4C Hairstyles for Natural Hair Beauties

If you have 4C hair, you know it’s full of beauty and personality. With its tight curls and abundant volume, 4C hair offers numerous styling options. Whether you want something easy, bold, or protective, there’s a style for every mood.

In this guide, we’ll share 17 awesome 4C hairstyles that will help you show off your natural curls in fun and stylish ways. Let’s get started!

What to Know About Short 4C Hairstyles?

4C hair has tight, bouncy curls that are often described as having a "Z" shape. These curls lack a clear pattern and can shrink by up to 75% of their length when dry.

4C hair is more prone to frizz and tangling, which makes it important to handle it carefully. Because of its curl pattern, 4C hair can be difficult to manage at times and requires extra care to maintain its shape and health.

17 Gorgeous 4C Hairstyles to Try

Here, we have a list of beautiful and easy hairstyles made just for 4C hair.

1. Space Buns

Space buns are a fun hairstyle where you make two buns on each side of your head. You can place them high or low, depending on the look you want. It’s a great way to keep your hair out of your face. This style works well with 4C hair and can be decorated with beads or scrunchies.

2. Sleek Low Bun

The sleek low bun is a smooth and tidy hairstyle that sits at the back of your neck. It's perfect for fancy events or school. It looks neat, stays in place with gel, and doesn’t need much styling every day.

3. Half Up, Half Down

This style pulls the top part of your hair back while the rest hangs down. It’s quick, easy, and great for casual days. It keeps hair out of your face and shows off your curls.

4. Half Up Half Down Space Buns

This fun style has two buns on top of your head and the rest of your hair down. It’s cute, playful, and great for parties or hanging out. It keeps hair away from your face and shows off your curls in the back.

5. Two-Strand Mini Twist

This hairstyle uses two small sections of hair twisted around each other to form neat, rope-like pieces. It’s great for keeping hair healthy and doesn’t need much daily care. With good care, the style can last for weeks. It also helps show off your natural curls while keeping your hair protected.

6. High Puff

The high puff is a big, round puff of hair gathered on top of your head. It's super quick to do and looks bold and fun. It's great for short 4c hair and helps keep your hair off your face and neck. This style is ideal if you want a cool look with minimal effort.

7. Rubber Band Hairstyle

This fun style uses colorful rubber bands to hold small parts of your hair in cool patterns like crisscross or squares. It’s a playful and creative look that keeps your hair neat and easy to manage. It’s great for trying something different and showing off your unique style.

8. Blowout Beauty

The blowout beauty style involves blow-drying 4C hair to create a smooth, voluminous look. It’s perfect if you want to show off your hair's length and fullness while keeping it sleek and controlled. This style works well for special events or whenever you want a change from your natural curls.

9. Bantu Knots

Bantu knots are small, twisted buns all over the head. This bold style is perfect for those who want a unique look. The twists hold the knots in place, creating a neat, fun, and eye-catching style.

10. Low Cut

A low cut is a very short hairstyle that is close to the scalp. It's easy to manage and gives a clean, modern look with no fuss. This style works well for any occasion and shows off the natural texture.

11. Pinned-up Fro-Hawk

The pinned-up fro-hawk has the sides of the hair pinned up, while the middle curls form a mohawk shape. It’s a fun, creative style that allows your natural curls to stand out boldly.

12. Short Curls

Short curls are a simple and defined hairstyle that shows off natural texture. It’s a low-maintenance, everyday look that keeps things easy while adding volume and shape.

13. Updo with Tapered Sides

An updo with tapered sides has short sides and a full, voluminous top. This style combines boldness with elegance, giving you a clean and modern look.

14. Finger Waves

Finger waves are smooth, S-shaped waves close to the scalp. They are a vintage and elegant style that holds well in 4C hair, creating a timeless and graceful look.

15. Cornrows

Cornrows are tight braids close to the scalp, arranged in neat, parallel rows. They are a great protective style, helping to prevent tangling and breakage. Cornrows last for a long time and are easy to maintain.

16. Finger Coils

Finger coils are created by wrapping small sections of hair around your fingers to form tight, defined curls. This style shows off your natural curl pattern and gives you a beautiful, bouncy look that lasts for days.

17. Short Afro

The short afro is a rounded shape that celebrates natural curls. It’s a bold, low-maintenance style that highlights the fullness and definition of your natural texture.

How to Care for 4C Hair?

4C hair is known for being delicate and dry, so it needs special care to stay healthy. Here are some simple steps you can follow to take care of your 4C hair:

1. Moisturize Your Hair

Use a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner to keep your hair soft and hydrated. After washing, apply a leave-in conditioner to lock in moisture and help detangle your hair.

2. Plop Your Hair

Instead of using a rough towel, wrap your hair in a cotton T-shirt to avoid frizz and breakage. Let your hair dry halfway, then air dry for defined curls.

3. Nourish and Style

Use moisturizing creams to add shine and hold without making your hair crunchy. Avoid using oils on wet hair as they can block moisture from entering.

4. Scalp Care

Take care of your scalp by using soothing products that help reduce dryness and breakage. This will keep your roots healthy and your hair looking good.

The Bottom Line!

With these 30 amazing 4C hairstyles, you now have plenty of options to try and experiment with your natural curls. If you are looking for the best products to take care of your curls, be sure to check out Hermosa Hair. Their products are made to help your hair stay healthy and gorgeous. Keep in touch for more helpful tips and hairstyle ideas to keep your curls looking their best.