We Got You: How To Style Short 4C Hair For Work

We’ve all been there. You have short-medium 4C hair and are proud of how far it’s come, but how do you style this unholdable, unslickable hair?

Cue @chisomaimee, a TikTok influencer whose video has gone viral (over 10.4 million views and counting!).

In her video, Chisom shares her struggle with styling her short 4C hair for work. She tried everything—leave-in conditioner, detangling brush, styling gel—but nothing worked. Her frustration was palpable, almost bringing her to tears.

@chisomaimee style my short 4c hair with me ????????‍????✨ to work for the 1st time PRODUCTS @Shea Moisture UK @SheaMoisture manuka honey & yogurt leave in spray via @asos @ORS Haircare Europe smoothie styler @Tangle Teezer brush @ORS Hair Care ultra hold grip gel #creatorsearchinsights #4chair #naturalhair #styling4chair #naturalhairstyles #shorthair #grwm ♬ Chopin Nocturne No. 2 Piano Mono – moshimo sound design

I feel you, Chisoma. I really do. As someone who’s spent two years growing out my short 4C hair, I know how frustrating it can be. Despite all my efforts, my hair refuses to reach for the stars. Right now, it’s hiding in some not-so-great-looking cornrows because, one, I hate combing it; two, I work from home, so who cares; and three, it sheds every time I touch it. So, trust me, I get it.

But here’s the thing: styling 4C hair might be challenging but not impossible. With patience and much love, you can turn your hair into a work-ready masterpiece. Here are six easy and simple ways to style short 4C hair for work:

Half-Slicked, Half-Puffed Out

@adannamadueke You are perfect! ???? #naturalhair #blackgirlhack #fyp #foryoupage #naturalhairstyles #hairtutorial #4chair ♬ original sound – Tricia Thee Angel

This gorgeous style is inspired by a viral TikTok from @adannamadueke. It’s perfect for adding extra flair to your short 4C hair and is surprisingly easy to achieve!

Here’s what you’ll need:

•  Afro pick
• Rattail comb for sectioning
• Styling gel (Eco Styler, $9.60) or Edge Booster Strong Hold Styling Gel ($23.69)are popular options)
• Elastic rope or shoelace
• Hairspray (optional)
• Hair accessories (optional)

Step-by-step guide on how to make a puff:

1. Comb out your hair.
2. Section half of your hair. Slick the back down with your strong hold styling gel. Use an elastic rope or shoelace (instead of a scrunchie) to hold the back section in place.
3. Comb out the puff section.
4. Section the front part and twist it.
5. Slick down the edges with styling gel.
6. Put on a bonnet or favorite scarf to ensure the edges are slicked down.
7. Spritz with hairspray (optional).
8. Adorn the twisted parts with some hair accessories for that va-va-voom factor (optional).

Make it your own!

Slicked Back Puff

@lifeofnamz Replying to @Mildred Hubble ???? here’s another hair video! I’m loving doing more styles on my natural hair and learning what works for my texture. I wonder what i’ll try next!✨ 4c hairstyles 4c hair styling 4c hair how to do a puff on 4c hair hairstyles for short 4c hair products used: @Shinenjam @Cantu Beauty @got2b #naturalhair #4chair #4chairstyles #naturalhairstyles #afrohair #type4hair ♬ Notice Me – Guchi & Loud Behaviour

For those days when you want a sleek and polished look, consider the shoelace puff technique inspired by a viral TikTok from @lifeofnamz. This style is all about creating a high puff with the help of a trusty shoelace!

Or, you could just slick it back with your styling gel and then use a shoelace to hold it like Namwila did here.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• Afro pick
• Boar bristle brush
• Styling gel (Namwila uses Shine ‘n Jam Conditioning Gel Extra Hold ($14.48), but any strong hold gel will work)
• Black shoelace
• Holding spray (She used the Got2b Glued Blasting Freeze Hairspray ($12.94) is an option, but choose one that suits your needs)
• Scarf
• Patience (it’s a key ingredient for any hairstyle!)

Step-by-step guide:

1. Comb out your hair thoroughly with your afro pick.
2. Apply styling gel to both the front and back sections of your hair.
3. Use your boar bristle brush to smooth out the hair and ensure even product distribution.
4. Take your shoelace and position it at the base of where you want your puff to be. Tie the lace in the front, then gently pull it upwards to create volume in the puff. Continue pulling and tying the lace at the back until you achieve your desired puff size. Tuck in any loose hair at the sides.
5. Spritz your hairspray generously for a long-lasting hold.
6. Once the hair dries slightly, brush it out again for extra hold and definition.
7. Wrap the slicked-back hair with a scarf and let it sit for 15-30 minutes. This helps set the style in place.
8. Finally, comb out your puff with an afro pick, and voila! Your short 4c hair is styled and ready for work!

Styling Short 4C Hair: Bantu Knot Out

@hindirlane Replying to @zaza the easiest way i style my hair after big chop number 3 #short4chairstyles #styling4cnaturalhair #naturalhairstyles #naturalhairtiktok ♬ original sound – Chancè

Sometimes, a simple puff won’t do. That’s where the Bantu knot out comes in!

This technique is fantastic for achieving long-lasting definition and volume, especially for shorter 4c hair. We found a great tutorial by @hindirlane that showcases the power of Bantu knots.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• Afro pick
• Hydrating shampoo and conditioner for 4c hair (The video recommends Morrocanoil Hydrating Shampoo & Conditioner, $26, but choose products that work for your hair)
• Hair oil (Morrocanoil Treatment Hair Oil ($18) is an option, but explore brands that suit your needs)
• Rattail comb
• Bobby pins

Step-by-step guide:

1. Wash and condition your hair thoroughly to remove buildup and ensure proper hydration.
2. Apply your favorite hair oil to provide moisture and prevent frizz.
3. Section your hair into several small squares using clips to hold them in place.
4. Two-Strand Twists for Short Hair: To achieve cute Bantu knots for short 4c hair, we suggest using the two-strand twist method rather than the traditional twirling method. This helps minimize tangles and frizz.
5. Using your preferred hand, wrap a section of hair around two fingers to create a starting point for the twist.
6. With your other hand, take a small piece of hair from the new section you’re creating and incorporate it into the twist, continuing to twist down the hair strand.
7. Once the twist is complete, tuck the end under and secure it with a bobby pin.
8. Repeat steps 3 and 4 until all your hair is sectioned and twisted into Bantu knots.
9. Let your hair dry completely (ideally overnight), or use a hooded dryer on low heat.
10. In the morning, carefully unravel each Bantu knot one at a time. Use your hair oil to minimize frizz as you separate the strands.
11. Gently comb out the coils with a rattail comb for extra definition.
12. Style your Bantu knot out as desired! You can rock it loose and voluminous or add hair accessories for a touch of personality.

Pro Tip: Larger sections will result in looser waves, while smaller sections will create tighter coils. Experiment to find the perfect look for you!

A Cut Coif

For queens ready to take the plunge, consider a tapered cut! Like the one rocked by Spritz Studio CEO @sheilandida, a tapered cut can add tons of volume and body to your short 4c hair, making it perfect for work and everyday wear.

Ultimately, the goal is to embrace your beautiful 4c hair and express your unique style. With some creativity and these tips, you can rock a work-ready look that will leave everyone speechless!

Braided Crown

While TikTok is a treasure trove of hairstyling inspiration, there are countless other sources to explore! Take a look at Issa Rae’s character on the HBO series “Insecure.” She’s known for rocking some seriously gorgeous hairstyles on her natural 4c hair.

One of our favorites from the show is a simple yet stunning braided crown. It’s perfect for those days when you want an easy and creative updo that keeps your hair out of your face.

Other Cute & Everyday Hairstyles For Short 4C Hair

The world of 4c hairstyling is vast and ever-evolving! Here are some additional options to spark your creativity:

Variations Of The Puffs: @styles.by.m shows us a fun twist on the classic puff

@styles.by.m Stay tuned for more thank you for 30k????❤️ #fypシ #fyp #4chair #4chairclub #4chairtutorials #4chairtiktok #4chairdaily #4chairstyle #hairtok #naturalhair #blackgirlmagic #blackgirltok #explore #fypage #girls #hairtok#4chairstruggles#blackgirlhair #blackgirl #foryou #fyppppppppppppppppppppppp #viral #goviral #trending #trend #shorthair #hairtutorial #prettym333 ♬ Boy’s a liar Pt. 2 – PinkPantheress & Ice Spice

Cute Back-To-School Look: isn’t she adorable?

@styles.by.m Welcome to Back to school hairstyles EPISODE 2 Stay tuned for more!???? #fypシ #fypシ゚viral #fyp #4chair #4chairclub #4chairtutorials #4chairtiktok #4chairdaily #4chairstyle #hairtok #naturalhair #blackgirlmagic #blackgirltok #explore #fypage #girls #hairtok#4chairstruggles#blackgirlhair #blackgirl #foryou #fyppppppppppppppppppppppp #viral #goviral #trending #trend #shorthair #hairtutorial #prettym333 #backtoschool #tiktoksouthafrica ♬ Goodness – Sandra Mbuyi

Simple and Chic: For a no-fuss short 4c hairstyle, explore the video by @edwinmunangati.

@edwigmunangati #4chair #4chairgrowth #4chairtutorials #shortnaturalhair #blackgirls #fyp #calgary ♬ Redbone (feat. The Notorious B.I.G. & 2Pac) – $TURCK

Post-Big Chop Care: If you’re rocking a fresh big chop, @hindirlane has a video on styling short 4c hair after the big chop, which is a great resource for new beginnings.

@hindirlane Replying to @sallydominiquez here is a quick tutorial of how i style my short 4c hair after the big shop #4chairstyles #bigchop #shorthairstyles ♬ Barbie World (with Aqua) [From Barbie The Album] – Nicki Minaj & Ice Spice & Aqua

Fingerwaves with a Twist: Fingerwaves are a classic style, and @_gabriellaelena shows how to achieve them on short 4C hair. Be prepared for some extra patience, but the results will be stunning!

@_gabriellaelena Style my short natural hair with me???? I get so many questions about my hair so heres a quick updated video for you LINK IN BIO TO SHOP PRODUCTS ????#naturalhair #howtostyletwa #shortcurlyhair #naturalpixiecut #curlycut #shortcut #twa ♬ Aesthetic – Tollan Kim

TWA Power: For those rocking a TWA (teeny weeny afro), @aishasarchive has a cute and powerful TWA hair styling routine that will leave you feeling confident.

@aishasarchive Replying to @Celia Heres a quick tutorial on how I style my twa! The first gel I use for mositure is the Coconut & Monoi Curl Defining Gelée by Design Essentials. 2nd gel is the Argan Oil perfect edges by Creme of Nature ☺️???? #twahairstyles #cremeofnature #naturalhair #4chair #fyp #fypシ #naturalhairstyles #shortafrohair #designessentials #hairtutorial #washandgo ♬ Sossaup (feat. Amaarae) – KAYTRAMINÉ & Aminé & KAYTRANADA & Amaarae

Low Bun with Flair: Let’s not forget Chisoma (@chisomaimee)! Her low bun with bobby pins is a perfect example of how to elevate a simple style. You did great, Chisoma! Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.

@chisomaimee style my short 4c hair with me ????????‍????✨ to work for the 1st time PRODUCTS @Shea Moisture UK @SheaMoisture manuka honey & yogurt leave in spray via @asos @ORS Haircare Europe smoothie styler @Tangle Teezer brush @ORS Hair Care ultra hold grip gel #creatorsearchinsights #4chair #naturalhair #styling4chair #naturalhairstyles #shorthair #grwm ♬ Chopin Nocturne No. 2 Piano Mono – moshimo sound design

Wash and Go Magic: Don’t underestimate the power of a simple wash and go! Keep it easy and stylish with some argan, coconut, olive oil, an afro pick, and a radiant smile (like yours!).

Remember, this is just a starting point! With so many talented creators, the possibilities for styling short 4c hair are endless. Be bold, experiment with different looks, and most importantly, have fun!