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While not new, the infamous-yet-useful curl pattern jot down chart isnt without controversy.

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LaylaBird

Despite its roots, figuring out where your hair lies on the spectrumis a usefulconsumer tool.

Below, we explore the 4A hair category and all of its unique attributes.

What Is 4A hair?

Which leads us to the importance of nomenclature: Terms likecurly,coily, andkinkyare not interchangeable.

Curly can be anything from the 3AC categories.

you might easily decipher how fine or coarse hair is by how big individual strands are, explains OConnor.

But, a caveat.

its definitely possible (andverycommon) to have a mix of 4AC curls.

This makes it hard for people to figure out exactly where they fall on the chart, she explains.

Over-shampooing can be too stripping.

Products likeleave-in conditionersor curl revivers are a good way to get moisture in the hair.

Also, not waiting too long in between hair washing, adds OConnor.

Theporosity of your hairalso influences how your hair will respond to certain products.

[Often] people with textured hair need more moisture.

A lot of people dont realize the scalp is like the soil of your hair, explains OConnor.

The foundation must be healthy for things to grow.

There are a lot of products on the market that aid in the hydration of the scalp.

OConnor recommends theFood for Softcollection which has hyaluronic to help keep the scalps moisture levels balanced.

Also, for length retention double-check the ends of your hair are healthy and hydrated.

Protective styles with natural hair is always a plus though, she adds.

If you plan on heat styling your hair, check that to always use a heat protectant.

And, be extra careful with your tools parameters.