Curly Hair Types: How to Figure Out Your Curl Type

Understanding your curly hair type is crucial for developing the most effective care routine for your locks. While there are various ways to categorize curly hair, the most widely recognized classification divides it into three main types:

• Wavy
• Curly
• Coily

These three types can also be assigned numerical values, with higher numbers indicating a tighter curl pattern. Each main type can be further divided into subcategories labeled A, B, and C, which reflect the tightness of the curl’s diameter. Our comprehensive guide delves into the specifics of these hair types, outlining the unique characteristics and distinctions of each to help you better understand your hair and how to care for it effectively.

Different Types of Curly Hair

1. Type 2 (Wavy Hair)

Wavy hair, categorized as type 2, falls between straight and curly hair, featuring a natural “S” shape. Type 2 waves are versatile, ranging from fine to coarse, and form a distinct “S” shape that hugs the head. While this hair type can achieve curls, it generally requires more time and effort to fully form defined curls.

When choosing products for wavy hair, it’s important to use a lightweight conditioner that provides moisture without weighing your locks down!

Unlike other curly hair types, wavy hair tends to lie flatter against the scalp, with less volume at the roots. It can be further classified into three subtypes: 2a, 2b, and 2c, depending on how defined and tight the wave pattern is.

Type 2A

Type 2A hair features a fine, subtle wave that is easy to straighten. Due to its delicate texture, it’s important to avoid heavy styling products, as they can weigh down the hair, leaving it limp and lifeless. If you have this hair type, stylist Matais-Bernard suggests opting for lightweight products that offer plenty of hold.

One of his favorites is the Davines Curl Moisturizing Mousse, which he describes as providing “the perfect balance of hold and weightlessness.”

Type 2A waves often lack volume at the roots. For added fullness, hair expert Dickey recommends using a light, water-based mousse like Aveda Phomollient Styling Foam. This product can help boost volume at the base, giving your hair a fluffier and fuller appearance.

Type 2B Hair

Type 2B hair lies flatter at the crown, with more defined S-shaped waves starting from mid-length. The strands are thicker than those of Type 2A, making it slightly more challenging to straighten.

To enhance your natural, surfer-inspired waves, try a texturizing mist like the Ouai Wave Spray, which is enriched with rice protein. Another great choice is the Ceremonia Guava Beach Waves Hair Texturizing Spray, which moisturizes and boosts your natural waves without weighing them down.

“The challenge with Type 2 curls is maintaining volume throughout the day,” says Matais-Bernard. For longer-lasting waves, he recommends diffusing your hair for maximum volume and hold. A great tool for this is the Curlsmith Defrizzion Travel Hair Dryer & Diffuser, which effectively reduces frizz and is large enough to handle even the fullest curls.

Type 2C Hair

Type 2C waves are thicker, more defined, and begin at the roots. However, they are also more prone to frizz. To maintain moisture between washes, opt for a non-lathering, sulfate-free co-wash like Briogeo Curl Charisma Rice Amino + Shea Hydrating Co-Wash, which is designed to preserve essential moisture and works well on all curl types.

To enhance and lock in your natural wave pattern while adding hydration, Dickey suggests layering a leave-in conditioner with a mousse. We recommend the Verb Curl Leave-In Conditioner combined with the Design Essentials Natural Almond & Avocado Curl Enhancing Mousse for soft, defined, and frizz-free waves.

2. Type 3 Curly Hair

Type 3 hair, commonly referred to as curly hair, is defined by its springy, corkscrew-shaped curls. Unlike wavy hair, type 3 hair is typically drier because the scalp’s natural oils have difficulty traveling down the spiral structure of the curls.

Since curly hair is often drier, it’s advisable to wash it only two to three times a week. This allows your natural oils to coat the hair and maintain hydration. An essential product for curly hair is deep conditioner; once you learn how to use it effectively, you’ll be amazed at the benefits it can bring to your locks! Regular use of this treatment will keep your curls feeling soft and looking healthy.

Based on the tightness of the curl pattern, type 3 hair can be further categorized into 3A, 3B, and 3C. Each sub-type requires tailored care to maintain moisture and definition.

Type 3A

Type 3A curls are shiny, with large, loose spirals about the diameter of a piece of sidewalk chalk. To style this hair type, apply a curl-enhancing product like the award-winning SGX NYC Curl Power Nourishing Curl Cream to damp hair. “Rake the product through from roots to ends with your hands, then scrunch to remove excess water,” suggests Matais-Bernard. This method helps define the curls while keeping frizz at bay.

To maintain your bouncy curls, use a curl refresher like Carol’s Daughter Hair Milk Nourishing & Conditioning Refresher Spray. It’s lightweight, enhances curl definition, and smells fantastic!

Type 3B

Type 3B hair features springy ringlets with a circumference similar to that of a Sharpie marker. This texture can be prone to dryness, so it’s essential to choose curl gels that include humectants like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and aloe vera to help retain moisture.

For hydration, try Mielle Organics Honey & Ginger Styling Gel, which contains glycerin for added moisture. Another excellent option is Curls Goddess Botanical Gel, known for defining curls without causing dryness. A tip from Dickey: “Apply the gel when your hair is wet to achieve definition without frizz.”

Type 3C

Type 3C hair is characterized by tight corkscrew curls that vary in circumference from a straw to a pencil. The strands are densely packed, resulting in significant natural volume. Frizz is common with this hair type, so if you prefer to avoid it, opt for a sulfate-free, creamy cleanser like Oyin Handmade Ginger Mint Co-Wash, which won’t further dry out your hair.

Dickey also recommends layering a mousse, such as the Best of Beauty-winning Rucker Roots Texture Styling Mousse, over a styling cream like Eden BodyWorks Coconut Shea Curl Defining Crème while your hair is soaking wet. This technique allows the curls to clump together and form more quickly. “Your co-wash reveals your curl pattern, while your styling product captures it,” explains Dickey.

3. Type 4 (Coily Hair)

Coily hair, often referred to as afro or kinky hair, is classified as type 4. This hair type features very tight corkscrews or a ‘Z’ shape pattern that originates right at the root. Due to the tightness of the curls, coily hair often appears shorter than its actual length, a phenomenon known as shrinkage. As the driest and most fragile hair type, coily hair struggles to allow natural scalp oils to travel down the strands, making it essential to wash it only once or twice a week.

To care for coily hair, focus on hydration. We recommend using a deep conditioner with every wash and incorporating leave-in conditioners throughout the week to provide this hair type with an extra moisture boost!

Type 4A

Individuals with Type 4A hair have dense, springy coils that form an S-pattern and are roughly the same circumference as a crochet needle. If this sounds familiar, you can look to Yara Shahidi and Megan Thee Stallion for reference. Wash-and-go styles are a convenient way to showcase 4A curls. When styling, Matais-Bernard suggests keeping a detangling brush and sectioning clips nearby for added convenience. This method should be performed regularly to maintain softness and flexibility in this coily texture.

For daily wash-and-go styling, using a curl cream combined with a leave-in moisturizer is essential for enhancing moisture. Dickey recommends the Hair Rules Kinky Curling Cream paired with the Hair Rules Nourishment Leave-In Moisturizer for optimal results. This combination will define your curls without creating a hard or crunchy feel. For added fluff and volume, use a diffuser to dry your curls.

Type 4B

Strands with a 4B pattern are densely packed and can bend sharply, resembling the letter Z. “I love that it can be styled in various ways,” says François. “One of my go-to products for all types of kinks, coils, curls, and waves is my Mist Nourishing Water, which serves as an excellent primer before styling. It’s a non-aerosol spray, and a little goes a long way to instantly hydrate the hair.”

Dickey prefers using styling creams for this hair type, such as the Crème of Nature Coconut Milk Curl Hydrating Curling Cream. Creams are thicker and ideal for techniques like palm-rolling or shingling, both of which help to stretch out coils and clump them together for better texture definition and elongation.

Type 4C

Textures with 4C curls are akin to 4B strands, but the tightly coiled hair is more fragile and features a very tight zigzag pattern that can often be hard to see. This hair type experiences the most significant shrinkage—about 75% or more—compared to other textures. If you have 4C curls, take style inspiration from Kiki Layne. “I love how versatile this texture is,” says François.

Given that shrinkage and dryness are primary concerns for this type, Matais-Bernard suggests using a hair mask, such as the Mizani Moroccan Clay Steam Mask, to “help soften and detangle while providing intense hydration to thirsty curls.”

After washing, apply a generous amount of leave-in moisturizer, like the Bread Beauty Hair Cream, to boost moisture levels. Additionally, castor oil is an excellent hydrator and sealant for this very dry texture; we recommend the SheaMoisture 100% Pure Jamaican Black Castor Oil.

Can You Have Only One Curly Hair Type?

Not at all; in fact, quite the opposite is often true. Most people will have a mix of curl types throughout their hair, as the top layers tend to be curlier while the layers underneath may be looser. Curl types aren’t an exact science; rather, they serve as a guideline to help you compare your hair with others and find a suitable care routine.

Regardless of whether your hair is curly, wavy, or coily, it also has its unique porosity, which can be categorized into three types:

• High Porosity: With cuticles that are widely open, moisture can easily enter high porosity hair, but it can escape just as quickly. This type is particularly susceptible to dryness.
• Medium Porosity: The cuticles in medium porosity hair are more open, allowing moisture to be absorbed without losing it too rapidly, making this hair type relatively easy to manage.
• Low Porosity: The cuticles in low porosity hair are tightly closed, making it challenging for moisture to penetrate, but once moisture is in, it is retained easily.

Each porosity type has its specific needs, making it crucial to identify which category your hair falls into.

Why It’s Important to Know Your Curl Type

While you might think your curl type necessitates a change in your hair care routine, curl types have a limited impact on the products you should use. Our experience suggests that many products can work across all curl types, from 2A to 4C; however, the technique of application is what ultimately influences the results.

Understanding your curl type can help you identify the most effective methods for applying products. This knowledge allows you to determine how often to wash your hair, the best styling techniques, how to refresh your curls, and how to maintain your style between washes. Whether your hair is wavy, curly, or coily, we have specialized guides to help you make the most of your beautiful hair texture.

If you’re looking to purchase any type of wigs or hair extensions, look no further than Hazuhair! We offer an extensive selection of styles to suit every preference, including straight, wavy, curly, and kinky textures.

Whether you’re aiming for a sleek, polished look or playful, voluminous curls, we have something for everyone. Our products come in a variety of stunning colors, ranging from classic shades like black and blonde to vibrant hues like red and unique mixed colors that allow you to express your individuality.

At Hazuhair, we understand that hair is not just an accessory; it’s an essential part of your identity and self-expression. That’s why we prioritize quality, ensuring that all our hair extensions and wigs are made from the finest materials for a natural look and feel.

Plus, our dedicated team is here to assist you in finding the perfect match for your style and needs. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us for any inquiries or to explore our fabulous range of products.

Contact HazuHair – Raw Vietnamese Hair Supplier

• Hair Factory: Tan Son 2 Village, Tan Dinh, Lang Giang, Bac Giang Province, Vietnam
• Hotline: +849 4949 3883
• Whatsapp Mrs ThanhLam: https://wa.me/84949493883
• Website: https://hazuhair.com