4C Hair
Protective Hairstyles for Short Natural 4C Hair
There are many different ways to style short natural 4C hair. This is especially so when it comes to protective styling option, even though the style seems like a one-hit-wonder.
You can try out these styles with or without braiding hair and extensions, depending on the length of your hair. I mean, how short is short anyway? You might also want to consider your hair texture to know which would be the best possible protective hairstyle for your short natural 4C hair.
Protective Hairstyles for Short Natural 4C Hair
We scoured the internet for some of the best protective hairstyles for short natural 4C hair. Some of these styles can be done at home or with the help of a professional stylist. Either way, we got you covered.
Here are some protective hairstyles for short natural 4C hair you need to try:
1. Twisted Updo
Twist outs are quite common when it comes to protective hairstyles for natural hair. Even better, they are versatile. You can use the LOC method – leave-in, oil and cream to keep your hair well moisturized and hydrated. This way, you will lock in essential nutrients.
2. Bantu Knots
Bantu knots will show off your facial features while protecting your natural texture. For best results, use a light gel to get a flexible and soft hold.
3. Face Framing Pop of Color
Braided Bob is one of the most common protective hairstyle for short natural 4C hair. Use a colored braiding hair to add a pop of color. However, ensure the hair color of your choice complements your skin tone and undertones.
4. Juicy Twists
Most naturals prefer twists when it comes to protective styling options. Twists work well on almost any hair length. Moreover, they require very little to no maintenance and prevent breakage.
By the way, this is one of the best short 4C hairstyles for work.
5. Braided Bob
Braided bob is one of the best protective hairstyles for short natural 4C hair. You can give your braided bob some texture with subtle loose ends to make it look more beautiful.
6. Ombre Mini Twists
You can try hair color wax for this protective hairstyle. The color wax allows you to experiment with different colors without damaging your hair since it rinses out quite easily. The best thing about ombre mini twists is that you can change the color without necessarily taking them off.
7. Mini Braids
If you are looking for a fun and easy way to protect your short natural 4C hair, mini braids are the way to go. These braids will keep your hair moisturized and enhance growth.
8. Fanned-Out Braids
Fanned-out braids is a regal protective braided styling option for short natural 4C hair. Ensure the braids are closely set to the head at the top as it evolves into a typical statement bob with loose ends.
9. Short Jumbo Braids
Short jumbo braids are one of the most notable protective hairstyles for short natural 4C hair. You can add rubber bands at the end to prevent them from unraveling.
10. Beaded Braids
Yara Shahidi’s braids take me back to my childhood, but she makes the look, well, Grown-ish with muted regal colors and soft glam makeup.
11. Pink Braided Bob
No matter the season, this pastel pink bob will protect your curls and turn heads. You may have to get your stylist to custom-make this color for you, but it will be worth the wait.
12. Bob-Length Locs
Faux locs can be heavy, especially when they’re long. Try a bob length so you can still rock the style without the extra weight.
13. Gold Embellished Twists
Gold-adorned mini twists are a stylish way to minimize manipulation that can cause breakage. If you find your ends getting dry, wet them and apply a little olive oil.
14. Loc’d Updo
This beautiful updo can work for locs and minis. Be sure to keep your hair and scalp moisturized along the way. To do this, I fill a continuous spray bottle with water and aloe, spritzing it liberally when my hair feels dry.
15. Flat Twist Bantu Knots
Feeling like switching up your short natural hair? Try out some mini Bantu knots with a twist (literally). Adding flat twists to the style will elevate it even more. Make sure you have a good pomade on hand to keep everything in place.
16. Box-Braid Bob
Loving the bob look? Go for a chin-length box braid bob for a simple yet sleek style.
17. Classic Cornrows
Cornrows are a classic protective style, and once you learn how to do them on your own, you’ll wonder why you didn’t start sooner.
18. An Angled, Twisted Bob
An angled twisted bob is a unique take on the traditional bob. Keep the ends sealed to prevent unraveling.
19. Beaded Cornrows
For a fancy and protective style, try out beaded cornrows like Issa Rae’s. This style works best with short to medium hair and adds a statement to your look with bold beading.
20. The Headwrap
Headwraps are a go-to protective style that keeps your hair and scalp protected. Remember to wrap your hair in a silk or satin scarf before applying the headwrap.
4C Hair
How to Do Finger Waves on 4C Natural Hair
Finger waves are a natural hairstyle that involves using hair holding products and styling tools to create waves in your hair. You can use a rat tail comb, mousse or strong holding gel and your fingers to make S-shaped wave. The whole idea is to create a gorgeous pattern set close to the scalp with a uniform, wet wavy look alternating horizontally throughout the hair.
In case you are wondering, fingers waves work so well on short hair. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s not doable on long hair.
How to Do Finger Waves on 4C Natural Hair
Finger waves work on every texture and 4C natural hair is no exception. This style is easy to achieve, even though it looks a bit complicated. What’s more, once created, it’s a masterpiece and can be easily achieved on hair of any length. You can create finger waves on both long and short hair. However, you might need to use more gel on the latter for proper hold and increased pliability.
Here’s a step by step procedure on how to do finger waves on 4C natural hair:
Step 1
Wash and condition your natural 4C hair using a dehydrating shampoo and conditioner of your choice. The hair will have more elasticity and flexibility when properly hydrated, which is a perfect foundation for creating finger waves.
After washing your hair, use a dry hair towel to drain off excess water and then create a side part. Make the side part as dramatic as possible for best results.
Step 2
Apply a generous amount of gel or mousse throughout the hair and use a wide tooth comb to detangle it.
Mix some hair oil and gel together and emulsify on your hands before applying on the hair. The gel and oil combination helps prevent the styling gel from flaking and gives your natural 4C hair more flexibility.
Step 3
Comb down your hair on both sides of the part. Once you are done, hold the comb horizontally against your head with the teeth touching your scalp to create the waves and place a finger on the part while dragging the comb downwards while moving towards the forehead. At this point, you will start seeing a ridge form which is a step in the right direction.
Step 4
Move the comb in the opposite direction while sliding your finger right below the ridge you just created to make another one facing the other way. Follow the pattern down and around the hair to create a finger wave.
Step 5
Use a blow dryer to dry the hair and diffuser to keep the finger waves securely in place. Alternatively, use a hooded hair dryer to dry out your hair to avoid blowing out the waves.
Step 6
At this point, you are done creating the waves on your natural 4C hair and it’s dry. Use a fragrant spray to mist the hair to give it a silky finish with a shiny and vibrant look.
Now that you know how to do finger waves on 4C natural hair, check these other guides on finger waves:
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