Looking to refresh your look this year? If you have 4a hair, you already know the beauty of your natural curls and their versatility. Whether you're into bold, statement styles or something more subtle, 2024 is the perfect time to experiment and find a new favorite. From classic looks like the high puff to more intricate styles like natural curly hair side-swept braids with beads, CURLSQUEEN have curated 10 trending 4a hair looks that will help you revamp your style and embrace your natural beauty with confidence.
Half-Up,Half-Down
Half-up, half-down styles are especially flattering for 4a hair because they highlight the natural curl pattern while keeping the hair out of the face, offering both style and practicality. This look is versatile, working beautifully with various hair lengths—from shorter curls to longer coils—by adding volume and shape or length to the overall appearance. The style is also easy to customize with extensions or different partings, making it a popular choice for both casual and formal events. Girls love it for its ability to showcase their natural texture while maintaining a polished look.
If your natural hair is not long enough or too thin for a curly half-up, half-down style, you can use clip-in extensions to add length and volume. Here's how:
Prepare the Hair: Section off the top half of your hair as usual and clip it away. Leave the bottom half down, where you'll add the extensions.
- Add the Clip-Ins: Starting from the nape of your neck, attach the clip-ins by sectioning small horizontal layers of your hair. Clip in the extensions, ensuring they blend seamlessly with your natural curls.
- Blend and Style: Once the clip-ins are secure, release the top section of your hair and style it into the half-up ponytail or bun. Make sure the extensions are well-covered and blended with your natural hair for a seamless look.
- Finishing Touches: Fluff and define the curls as needed, and smooth any flyaways or edges with gel or edge control. This will create a full, voluminous curly half-up, half-down style.
Hair used is CURLSQUEEN Clip ins, 3c4a water jerry curly texture,20 inches.
High Puff with Bangs
The high puff is my first a go-to hairstyle for girls with 4a hair, as it embraces the natural volume and curl pattern of this hair type. This quick and easy style keeps hair off the face while showcasing its texture, making it both practical and stylish. The high puff is also versatile, suitable for both casual and formal occasions, and can be easily accessorized for added flair. Its simplicity and ability to highlight the natural beauty of 4a curls contribute to its popularity.
- Start by gathering your hair into a high ponytail at the crown of your head, leaving out a section at the front for the bangs.
- Secure the ponytail with a hair tie, then fluff out the curls to create a voluminous puff. Style the front section into defined curls or leave them in their natural state to form soft bangs.
- Smooth your edges with gel or edge control for a polished finish.
Claw Clip Sleek Half-Up Ponytail
Triple Space Buns with Front Cornrows
This style is playful and trendy hairstyle features three space buns positioned symmetrically on top of the head, creating a fun and voluminous look. The buns are neatly secured and can be styled high or slightly relaxed depending on your preference.
The contrast between the smooth, rounded buns and the detailed front braids creates a chic and edgy appearance. Perfect for those looking to combine a bold, stylish statement with a practical, eye-catching look.
- To create the "Triple Space Buns with Front Cornrows" by parting the front of your hair into five sections: first, create three equal sections, and then divide each side into two parts.
- Begin by braiding each section into cornrows, starting from the hairline and going straight back. Secure the ends of each braid with small elastics.
- Next, divide the remaining hair into three sections—one at the top and two on the sides. Twist each section into a space bun and secure it with a hair tie.
- Fluff the buns to add volume and achieve a fuller, more playful look.
Hair used is CURLSQUEEN Clip ins, 3c4a water jerry curly texture,16 inches.
Clip in Locs
DIY clip-in locs with clip-in hair extensions can be a fun and creative way for Black girls to experiment with different styles without the commitment of traditional locs for long-term process of growing them out. Clip-in locs offer versatility, allowing you to switch up your style as often as you like. They’re also less damaging than traditional loc installation, as they don’t require any manipulation of your natural hair. However, it’s important to ensure that the clip-ins are made from quality materials that match your hair texture and color, and that they are installed carefully to avoid tension or breakage.
Tribal braids with voluminous curls
- To create Tribal Braids on super short 4a hair, start by moisturizing and detangling your hair, then section it into small parts.
- Braid each small section to the crown, leaving about 2 to 3 inches at the ends, and secure the ends with elastic bands.
- Apply the clip in hair extensions from the nape =to the crown of the head in layers.
- Blend the leave-out ends hair with strands of the 4a clip-in hair extensions by creating 2 or 3 braids and tying knots to achieve a naturally voluminous curly look.
Hair used is CURLSQUEEN Clip ins, 3c4a water jerry curly texture,22 inches.
Updo/Half Updo
Natural Curly Hair with Side-Swept Braids and Beads
Start with clean fresh hair,using the fishtail comb to create the side-swept braid. On one side of your head, section off a portion of your hair and create a braid, starting from the hairline and sweeping it towards the back. Braid it all the way down, adding braiding human hair if you desired a long length braid,keeping it close to the scalp for a neat look.
- Apply clip ins from the back to crown and sides around the braids.
- Add Beads: Once the braid is complete, thread beads onto the end of the braid for added decoration. Secure the beads in place with small elastics.
- Style the Rest of Your Hair: Allow the rest of your hair to flow naturally with its curls. You can add a light hair oil or serum to enhance shine and reduce frizz, completing the look with the braid adding a stylish side-swept detail.
- This creates a beautiful, natural curly look with an accent braid and beads, perfect for a casual yet chic style.
Half Zigzag cornrows with clip ins
Sleek back Ponytail with Clip ins
Curly Voluminous Down
Braid Out
Braid out your 4a hair is great option as it enhances curl definition and stretches your natural curls, giving the appearance of longer hair while reducing shrinkage. It's a low-manipulation style that helps minimize frizz and keeps your hair moisturized, promoting healthier, more manageable curls. Plus, it offers versatility, allowing you to switch up your look with ease.
(*If you are unsure about which texture to choose for blending, feel free to email our CSR ([email protected]) with photos of your natural hair. We will provide you with our recommendations:)