With so many hair terms, it can be difficult to know what coily hair is and how to maintain it properly.
You may have hair that wants to frizz at your crown but is well defined at your temples. You may even have looser curls at the back and tighter coils in the front.
It can get really confusing trying to determine which hair type you have. But luckily for you, we’re here to help.
In this article, you’d find in detail what coily hair really means and products that are suitable for it.
Let’s get started!
What is Coily Hair?
Coily hair is a type of curly hair that has a very large volume. It is often referred to as Type 4 hair, and its strands form tight curls in a zig-zag pattern from the scalp. And yes, some people also call it “kinky hair”.
This type of natural hair has a very dry and spongy texture. Moreso, it has three other subcategories that are based on the size of the hair pattern.
Here’s how to determine the type of coily hair you have;
If your strands form S-shape coils that are super small, dense, and springy, then you have 4A coily hair.
If your strands are in a “Z” shape, bending at sharp angles, and your mane is densely packed, then you have 4B coily hair.
You have 4C coily hair if your hair has a similar texture to type 4B but has tighter coils that are more fragile.
READ MORE: What is Texturized Hair? How to Take Care of Texturized Hair
What is the difference between coily hair and curly hair?
As we mentioned earlier, coily hair is a type of curly hair. They are of different types and subtypes, so the difference isn’t so distinct.
You can say, curly hair is the umbrella word, while coily hair falls under it.
The Best Hair Care Products For Coily Hair
When it comes to selecting the best hair care products for coily hair, you should select products that help your hair stay hydrated.
It’s all about finding a hair care line that is specially formulated for coily hair to ensure your hair gets all the moisture it needs.
So, here are the best hair care products you can use for your coily hair.
#1. L’Oréal Paris EverCurl HydraCharge Sculpt & Hold Cream-Gel
This hair treatment will condition and shape your curls without weighing them down. Your coils will be smooth, hydrated, and defined.
#2. Mielle Pomegranate & Honey Leave-In Conditioner
Maintaining your coily hair is all about ensuring its adequately hydrated. The Mielle Pomegranate & Honey Leave-In Conditioner is a moisturizing and detangling cream that was made specifically for thicker coils.
To achieve the best results, start at the end and work your way to the top of your hair.
#3. Ouidad Advanced Climate Control Heat & Humidity Gel Stronger Hold
Warm weather may feel amazing on your skin, but it has adverse effects on your coily hair. Using the Ouidad Advanced Climate Control Heat & Humidity Gel Stronger Hold helps to keep frizz to a minimum and seals the curls cuticle.
This product is stronger than its formulation, making it the ideal product for coily hair. When applying, ensure you remove as much moisture as you can because the product cannot function fully with too much water.
READ MORE: How to Detangle Matted Hair to Avoid Cutting
#4. L’Oréal Paris Elvive Extraordinary Oil Curls Re-Nourish Mask
To complete your coily hair care routine, you’ll need a hair mask. This mask rehydrates, restores, and reinfuses bounce into your curls.
#5. Tangle Teezer – Ultimate Detangler
With this product, you don’t need to put in so much work to break tough knots tangles. The user-friendly Tangle Tezer Ultimate Detangler has a handle and tug-free teeth that allow you to easily separate and smooth out curls with minimal effort.
Depending on your hair texture, it may be easier to dampen your hair first by using a little mixture of conditioner and water.
Afterward, divide your hair into four sections and carefully brush it out.
#6. Wow Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo
After you’ve applied lots of products to your coily hair, and you need to thoroughly wash it, the Wow Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo is your best option.
Wow Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo is mineral oil and sulfate-free and infused with argan and almond oil to prevent your hair from drying out completely.
This product is also anti-inflammatory, which is a natural way to prevent infection and fungus.
READ MORE: How to Choose the Right Hair Extension for Short Hair
#7. Creme of Nature Argan Oil Perfect Edges Extra Hold
The “Extra Hold” isn’t a joke. Your edges will literally be held in place with this beauty-winning styling product.
So, whether you want a clean swoop for your edges or to put your flyaways in check, the Creme of Nature Argan Oil Perfect Edges Extra Hold is the only thing you need.
#8. Rucker Roots Anti-Frizz Silkening Growth Serum
Rucker Roots Anti-Frizz Silkening Growth Serum tops the chart due to its turnip, carrot, and ginger root oils.
These ingredients help stimulate hair growth and protect it from breaking and shedding. That’s not all. The true shea butter and argan oils add shine and smooth frizz on both curls.
#9. Camille Rose Naturals Almond Jai Twisting Butter
Camille Rose Naturals Almond Jai Twisting Butter is the product to use if you don’t want your coily hair to look hard and stiff.
For the best results, apply this product section by section on your twists or braids carefully. When you’re done styling, you’ll have a hair full of silky smooth, and super defined strands.
READ MORE: 15 Style Tips to Achieve More Volume With a Flat Hair
#10. Vanity Planet Groove: Rejuvenating Scalp Massager
Scalp massagers are a good way to stimulate hair growth and soothe your scalp when it’s irritated.
The cute, battery-operated Rejuvenating Scalp Massager from Vanity Planet has a calming vibration that feels like you’re getting a professional head massage.
The head is made from soft plastic so you don’t have to worry about it tugging at your hair.
How to Style Coily Hair Based on its Length
Whether you have short or long coily hair, there are several tips that you can apply to style your coily hair.
#1. For short coily hair, try finger coils
Finger coils for short coily hair involve twirling or coiling small strands of hair (with lots of product applied) around your finger to create lasting coils along your mane.
This hairstyle can last a few days with the right care. Wear a satin bonnet to bed to keep them in shape.
#2. For medium coily hair, try flat-twist outs
Flat twist-outs are similar to cornrows and involve flat twisting sections to create defined coils.
This method can also be used on long hair and can last for a few days with proper care. Like finger coils, wear a satin bonnet to sleep to keep them in place.
READ MORE: Does Hair Dye Kill Head Lice?
#3. For long coily hair, try braiding
Braiding as you know involves taking small sections of your hair and braiding them, adding more hair as you go. In the morning, you can remove the braids and show off your coily hair.
How to Care for Coily Hair
Coily hair is more fragile than other hair textures. So, to properly care for them, here are a few tips to help you;
- Use oils
- Apply hair butter
- Go for deep conditioning treatment at least once a week.
- Don’t comb your hair dry.
- Oil is not the same as moisture. Ensure your hair is well hydrated
- Don’t use hair products with silicone
READ MORE: 15 Best Shampoo for Damaged Hair in 2022
Bottom Line
With all of this, I bet you’re ready to slay with your coily hair. Go ahead, babe! I’m rooting for you.
If you have any questions or suggestions, kindly let me know.
