20 Awkward Length 4c Women Hairstyles That Can Actually Look Amazing
Growing out 4c hair can feel tricky when it reaches that in-between length.
Many people find this stage challenging as their natural coils and curls may not cooperate with their usual styling methods.
The right techniques and inspiration can help you create beautiful, wearable styles during this transition phase.
These hairstyles work for all settings – from casual weekend looks to professional office styles that protect and showcase your natural texture.
1: Twist Outs
Twist outs give your 4c hair amazing texture and definition when it’s at that in-between length. You can create this style by dividing your hair into sections and twisting each part.
Start with freshly washed and moisturized hair. Apply a curling custard or soft gel to each section before twisting to help hold the style.
Let your twists dry completely before unraveling them. This step is key for getting defined, frizz-free results that can last several days.
2: Bantu Knots
Bantu knots are a perfect protective style for your awkward length 4c hair. This style keeps your hair ends tucked away and protected from damage.
You can create small or large sections based on your hair length. The style works well for both shorter and medium-length 4c hair.
Your knots will help lock in moisture and promote hair growth. The look is easy to achieve at home and requires minimal daily maintenance.
3: Textured Bun
A textured bun works great for 4c hair during the awkward length phase. You can gather your hair at the crown of your head and twist it into a loose, natural-looking bun.
Add texture by leaving some coils and curls visible instead of smoothing everything down. Pin the bun in place with bobby pins to keep it secure all day.
4: Wash and Go
You can create a stunning wash and go style even with 4C hair at an awkward length. Apply your styling products to wet hair in small sections for the best results.
Add two cornrows on the side to make your wash and go more interesting. This keeps your hair neat while showing off your natural texture.
5: Mini Twists
Mini twists are a great protective style for your awkward-length 4c hair. These small, two-strand twists keep your hair protected while allowing versatile styling options.
You can create mini twists by dividing clean, moisturized hair into tiny sections and twisting two strands together.
Apply a leave-in conditioner or twisting cream before styling for better hold and definition.
6: Braided Updo
Your 4c hair looks amazing in a braided updo style. Start with clean, moisturized hair and create cornrows that lead up toward the crown of your head.
Pin the ends of your braids into a neat bun at the top. Add some decorative hair pins or accessories to make the style more special.
Leave a few small braids loose near your face to soften the look. This protective style can last for several days when you wrap it with a silk scarf at night.
7: Flat Twists
Flat twists work great for awkward length 4c hair. You can create neat rows by twisting your hair flat against your scalp from front to back.
This protective style keeps your hair secure while adding a polished look. You can wear flat twists alone or combine them with a ponytail at the ends.
The style typically lasts 1-2 weeks with proper care and helps prevent breakage during the growing-out phase.
8: Fulani Braids
Fulani braids work great for awkward-length 4c hair. This protective style features thin cornrows with beads that frame your face and head.
You can customize your Fulani braids with different bead colors and patterns. The style keeps your natural hair protected while it grows through that tricky in-between length.
This traditional African hairstyle takes about 4-6 hours to complete and lasts 2-3 weeks with proper care.
9: Pineapple Updo
The pineapple updo works great for awkward length 4C hair. Gather your curls at the very top of your head and secure them with a hair tie to create a high puff.
Your curls will cascade down naturally, creating a pineapple-like shape. This style protects your hair at night and looks cute enough to wear during the day.
10: Shaggy Lob with Bangs
A shaggy lob with bangs works great for 4c hair when cut to shoulder length. You can add soft layers around your face to create movement and texture.
Your stylist can customize the bangs to frame your features while keeping the overall style low-maintenance. The choppy layers help reduce bulk and add definition to your natural curls.
11: Side Parted Afro
A side-parted afro adds structure and style to your natural 4c hair during the awkward length phase. You can create a clean part on one side of your head using a rat-tail comb.
Keep your parted afro looking fresh by applying leave-in conditioner and using a wide-tooth comb to maintain definition.
12: Headband Curls
A colorful headband can transform your awkward-length 4c hair into a stylish look. Place the headband around your head and let your natural curls flow freely around it.
Your curls will frame your face while the headband keeps your hair neat and controlled. Choose a vibrant or patterned headband to add extra flair to this simple style.
13: Cornrows
Cornrows work perfectly for awkward length 4c hair. You can style them straight back or add side patterns for extra flair.
Add a modern touch to your cornrows by keeping them neat near your hairline and letting them merge into twists at the back.
14: Tapered Cut
A tapered cut keeps your sides short while leaving more length on top. This style works great for awkward-length 4c hair.
You can style the longer top section in different ways, like a small afro or defined curls. The short sides create a clean, modern look.
Adding clip-in extensions to the longer top section gives you more styling options while your hair grows out.
15: High Puff
The high puff is a quick and easy style for awkward length 4c hair. You can create this look by gathering your hair at the crown of your head.
Use a leave-in conditioner first to add moisture. Secure your hair with a hair tie to form a puff shape at the top of your head.
This style works great for both casual and professional settings. Your natural curls will create a beautiful, full puff that frames your face nicely.
16: Finger Coils
Finger coils work great for awkward-length 4C hair and create a defined, polished look. This style helps you manage your growing hair while keeping it neat.
You can create finger coils by twisting small sections of damp hair around your finger. Add a curl-defining gel to each section for better hold and shine.
This versatile style suits any face shape and can last up to two weeks with proper care. Just wrap your hair at night to keep the coils intact.
17: Twisted Crown
The twisted crown hairstyle creates a beautiful circular braid around your head using your 4c hair.
You can style this protective look by dividing your hair into two sections and twisting each part toward the back.
Secure the twisted strands with bobby pins as you work your way around. Your awkward length 4c hair will look elegant and stay neatly tucked away all day.
18: Halo Braid
A halo braid creates a crown-like circle around your head. This style works great for 4c hair at an awkward length because it keeps all your hair neatly tucked away.
You can achieve this look by braiding your natural hair or adding extensions for extra fullness. The style is protective and elegant enough for both casual and formal occasions.
19: Mohawk Style
You can transform your awkward length 4c hair into a striking mohawk without shaving the sides.
Pin or braid the sides of your hair flat against your head. Then let your natural curls stand tall in the middle.
Adding some gold hair accessories can make your mohawk more eye-catching. This style works well for medium-length 4c hair and helps showcase your natural curl pattern.
