If you’ve been blessed with Type 4 hair, chances are you’ve had the thought once or twice that the texture has caused you more harm than good. And while it may certainly feel like that from time to time, that doesn’t mean that it’s true. Although Type 4 hair can sometimes take a little effort to achieve your best coils, there are effective and easy ways to handle your natural tresses.

Here are six ways to do so:

Be sure that you are using the right regimen.

Handling and maintaining your lovely coils starts with your regimen. And while regimens can be different for every natural, there are general steps you can take. Once you’ve customized yours though, you’ll be able to maximize your hair’s potential.

As a general rule of thumb, you’ll want to ensure that you are using sulfate free and water-based products and follow the cleanse, condition, moisturize steps.

Cleansing – which is your first step – can be done by co-washing or using a shampoo. Aunt Jackie’s Oh So Clean Moisturizing & Softening Shampoo or the Purify Me Moisturizing Co-Wash Cleanser are great products to stop with.

Next, you’ll want to condition well with either leave-in, rinse out or deep conditioner.Consider using Aunt Jackie’s Quench, In Control or the Coco Repair for those needs.

Lastly, you’ll want to make sure you moisturize with an oil, butter or cream. Our Soft All Over Multi-Purpose Oil, Seal It Up Hydrating Sealing Butter, or the Butter Creme Intensive Moisture Sealant are great options for that.

Handle your hair with care and try low manipulation styles.

Type 4 hair is prone to breakage, so you’ll want to make sure that you handle your hair with grace and care. Another thing that you’ll want to remember about your coils is that it is easy to develop knots and tangles, so detangling is a very important step that cannot be missed. Using our Knot On My Watch Instant Detangling Therapy before you wash and before you style can be extremely helpful. Need some tips on detangling? We’ve created a guide to help you do it right.

By opting for low manipulation styles, such as twists, twist outs, bantu knots, puffs or even your afro, you’ll avoid tension on your hairline and in turn, avoid breakage. Low manipulation styles also help you to avoid touching or brushing your hair frequently, which can also cause damage to your mane.

Keep in mind that you are going to have more shrinkage than expected.

Type 4 hair is more susceptible to shrinkage than others, so keeping shrinkage in mind as you style and in general is a great rule of thumb. Shrinkage, though almost unavoidable, can be very frustrating and make you assume that your hair is not growing, so reminding yourself that it exists for your hair type is something that can save you a lot of aggravation in the long run.

Don’t forget to moisturize.

All textures and porosity levels need moisture, but Type 4 hair needs to retain moisture the most. Since Type 4 hair is coily, it has a tendency to dry out quicker than the others, so it is necessary to take the proper precautions to keep it moisturized and a way to seal in the moisture. Pack on the moisture with our Quench Leave-In and seal it in with one of our Natural Growth Oil Blends.

Take necessary precautions to combat serious breakage.

From getting regular trims to using the right products, there are plenty of ways you can combat breakage. And with your Type 4 hair being prone to easy breaking, you’ll want to do everything you can to keep it as healthy as possible. Check out our guide to beating breakage (insert hyperlink to breakage article) if you need some extra tips.

Whether you have 4A, 4B, or 4C hair, learn to love it.

Having Type 4 hair can definitely feel like a lot to handle, but despite what you may feel at times, your hair is as beautiful as you. Type 4 hair can be as versatile and appealing as you make, but only you can make the decision to love it.