How to Add Volume to Type 4 ( Kinky) Hair
Naturally, type 4 hair is voluminous because it grows upwards and outwards. However, due to shrinkage, it may lose its volume quickly. If you are looking to add more volume to your kinky hair, try the no-fail tips in this article.
What Is Type 4 Hair?
Type 4 hair is also known as afro hair that is generally kinky and stringy. Many black people have this hair type. There are three variations of type 4 hair:
-
Type 4a: When stretched, this hair has an obvious S-shaped or coiled curl pattern.
-
Type 4b: Hair with a zig-zag pattern.
-
Type 4c: Densely packed hair with minimal curl definition. It also has more shrinkage than any other type of natural hair.
For more information on Type 4 hair, check out our other blogs!
https://www.dailydoseme.com/blogs/hair-type-tips/how-to-manage-type-4-coily-kinky-hair
Adding Volume to Your Type 4 Hair
Type 4 hair is the most challenging hair type to style, being that it can shrink by up to 70% of the total hair length. Still, it’s possible to add more volume to this hair type, and the following sections will tell you exactly how to do it:
Tie Up Your Wet Hair
When you are done applying your hair products, try tying your hair up into a puff – this will help stretch your hair while it is drying. You can keep your hair in a puff until it is almost dry. This is a great no-heat method for stretching type 4 strands.
Blow Dry Your Hair
Blow drying is the most widely used method of adding volume to type 4 hair. As we already know, type 4 hair is susceptible to shrinkage. So, you’ll need to stretch it out to make it fuller. Just grab a blow dryer with a comb attachment, turn it on to a low heat setting, and begin passing it through your hair to stretch it out. Always use lower temperatures and a heat protectant, as type 4 hair is already very dry.
Always Part in Large Sections
Parting type 4 hair into small sections is a no-no if you want a voluminous result. This is because the curls are very tight, which may make the hair look flat. Instead, try parting your hair in larger sections, and your hair will appear more voluminous.
Use a Diffuser
There is a misconception about type 4 hair and diffusers. A lot of people believe that diffusers will flatten type 4 hair, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. You can use a diffuser, but you’ll need to be methodical. As you stretch out sections of hair by pulling them taut with one hand, press the diffuser against your roots and mid-lengths. A diffuser is best if you’re trying to stretch your hair while it’s in a wash n’ go style.
Use Hair Volumizing Products
There are various volumizing products out there, from creams to shampoos to sprays, that you can use on your hair. These products form a coating around your hair and make it shiny and plump. Try several to find out which is best at adding volume to your hair.
If you follow these tips, you can enjoy a juicy, luscious mane that demands attention. We hope that these tips help you to discover just how voluminous your hair can be.
Author: Andrea Reyes

Andrea is a mother, wife, writer, and natural hair enthusiast of 15 years. Currently on her natural hair journey, she’s been trying countless products and techniques to understand and embrace her natural hair. She is the creator of NaturallyTextured.com, a new website featuring informative articles that share tips, tricks, and techniques aimed to help others learn to love their hair through proper hair care. She writes with the hope of making hair care easier to understand and implement.
Leave a comment
Please note, comments must be approved before they are published