How to Get Defined Curls for Black Men with Short 4C Hair (Easy Routine)

Everything You’ll Need to Curl Short 4C Hair

Different Curling Methods for Short 4C Hair

Here are the three that have gotten me the best results from easy and quick to the hardest and most time consuming. See which one works for you.

Curling method #1 for short 4C hair (easy) — time: 10 minutes

Now this is the simplest method, you’ll just need a sponge, curl cream and leave-in, and a pick.

I’ve left some pictures to show you how it would look.

Here’s how to start:

1. Begin by soaking your hair in water, and towel dry immediately after. Use the pick in the shower to detangle the hair till it reaches your desired length.
2. Wait till your hair is dry, and now grab your leave-in conditioner and apply it to your head. Rub until the product is no longer visible.
   
3. Next, take your curl cream and apply it to your hair until the product is no longer visible.
   
4. Take your sponge or hands or towel and rub in a circular motion until curls start to form.
   
5. Once you’ve done this you should have a tight curl pattern that begins to form around your head.
   

These are the most basic form of curls for our hair type with as little effort as possible.

Quick and easy for the date night out or you just need your hair done for an important thing you have to do.

However, if you have a little bit of time + patience, this next routine may be a little more difficult, but will make your curls pop even more.

Curling method #2 for short 4C hair (medium) — time: 1–2 hours + dry time

This method is the twist-out method. If you’re looking to spend a little more time on your hair and effort, this is for you. Routine below.

Quick reference picture (results may vary)

Here’s the routine:

1. Start with damp hair. Use a spray bottle or wash your hair lightly so it’s easier to work with.
   
2. Apply leave-in conditioner to keep your hair soft and moisturized.
   
3. Rub curl cream into your hair from root to tip to help define your curls.
   
4. Part your hair using a comb and twist small sections using the two-strand method. You can use rubber bands to hold each twist if needed.
   
5. Let your hair dry completely, either overnight or during the day.
   
6. Gently unravel the twists once your hair is fully dry.
   
7. Use a pick to lift the roots and add volume, then shape your curls with a sponge tool (or your hands/towel if you don’t have one).

Curling method #3 for short 4C hair (hard) — time: 2+ hours + dry time

Lastly, this curling method is the hardest and requires the most amount of effort. It’s finger coiling.

Man, if you’ve got time to do this, you’re different. But here’s how it’ll look, and follow or screenshot the routine below.

Quick reference picture (results may vary)

1. Start with damp hair

2. Apply leave-in conditioner thoroughly

3. Add curl cream for definition and hold

4. Use a wide-tooth comb to detangle completely

5. Part hair into small sections

6. Take a small piece, twirl it tightly around your finger from root to tip to form a coil

7. Repeat until the whole head is coiled

8. Let it air dry fully or sit under a dryer

9. Use a pick at the roots to add volume if needed

10. Optional: lightly shape with a sponge if you want extra texture

Hey, brothers I hope you picked one that suits your time and effort comfortably. However, there are many mistakes one can make when curling up, so I just shared some below.

Mistakes to Avoid When Curling Short 4C Hair

Not keeping your hair moisturized

If you skip the leave-in or curl cream, your curls won’t hold. 4C hair needs moisture to stay soft and defined, dry hair just doesn’t curl right.

Styling on dry hair

Trying to twist or sponge dry hair is a no-go. It causes breakage and frizz. Always start with damp hair so your products can really do their job.

Taking the curls down too early

If your hair isn’t fully dry when you unravel the twists, the curls won’t set right. You’ll end up with frizz instead of definition. Be patient and let it dry all the way before picking it out.

Full Summary For curling 4C Hair

If you’ve read to the end or just scrolled all the way down, here’s a final table of all the curling methods for short 4C hair, and what you can do based on your commitment.