This article was reviewed by Addie Ganik, MD, FAAD
Ladies, let’s talk curls — whether you have a good handle on your voluminous mane or wake up each morning unsure what level of twirl you’ll face.
From loose, beachy waves that scream, “I woke up like this,” to tightly coiled spirals that defy gravity, curl types come in all shapes and attitudes.
Maybe you’re here to decode your own hair type mysteries or want to understand why your bestie hoards 10 bottles of a specific conditioner “just in case.” In any case, our guide to curl types has you covered.
Image Credit: jacoblund/Istockphoto.
What Makes Curly Hair Types Different?
Curly hair is like a snowflake — no two patterns are exactly the same. And figuring yours out might require a little forensic science.
What determines curl type? Like most things, there’s not just one factor involved. It’s a mix of DNA, the shape of your hair follicles (round follicles make straight hair, oval ones bring the party), and even how your strands twist as they grow.
Add in texture, porosity (your strands’ ability to absorb and hold onto moisture), hair density, and a healthy dash of humidity, and voilà — you’ve got your unique curl cocktail.
But here’s the thing: Each curl type has its own personality, and one-size-fits-all hair care won’t cut it. Just because a bottle of hair product says it’s “made for curly hair” doesn’t automatically mean it’s the right fit for your curly hair.
Whether your waves need extra volume or your coils demand moisture on tap, treating your curls right means learning their quirks and meeting them where they are.
The three main curl types include:
-
Type 2 (wavy)
-
Type 3 (curly)
-
Type 4 (coily/kinky)
Not sure what type of curly hair you’re rocking? We’re breaking down the three major types (each with their own curly subtypes) — plus recommendations for how to help them live their best lives.
Image Credit: PeopleImages/istockphoto.
Type 2: Wavy Hair
Wavy hair falls somewhere between straight and curly. It’s those soft, flowy textures that can look effortlessly chic or beautifully voluminous.
Each wavy subtype has distinct traits, and understanding them can help you care for your waves like a goddess.
Image Credit: Prostock-Studio/Istockphoto.
2A: Loose, Barely-There Waves
Type 2A hair features loose, gentle waves that give just enough texture for people to ask whether they’re natural.
This type of hair is typically fine and doesn’t hold a ton of volume. The hair tends to lay flat near the roots, with a subtle wave pattern starting mid-length and continuing toward the ends.
How to Care for Type 2A Hair
Since 2A hair is finer, it can be prone to oiliness and falling more limp. To optimize the natural shape and prevent weighing it down, use light, volumizing shampoos and avoid heavy or greasy styling products.
For example, a sea salt spray or a light mousse can enhance your natural wave pattern without overloading it. Allow your hair to air-dry after washing, or use a diffuser to maintain the soft wave texture.
Between washes, try a dry shampoo to keep your roots fresh.
Image Credit: PavelIvanov/Istockphoto.
2B: Defined S-Shaped Waves
Type 2B hair levels up the wave game with a more defined S shape. These wave patterns have more texture than 2A, but the hair itself is still prone to being flatter at the roots.
While 2B hair isn’t as prone to frizz as 2C, it may still become frizzy, especially if you live in or travel to humid areas.
How to Care for Type 2B Hair
Frizz control is important for 2B, so a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner are a must. Add a leave-in conditioner or anti-frizz serum to your hair care routine for smoother waves and more control.
When styling 2B waves, use a curl cream or gel to define the pattern and reduce flyaways. Let your hair air-dry or scrunch it with a microfiber towel for a gentle finish. To help increase volume, consider flipping your hair upside down while diffusing.
Image Credit: Viorel Kurnosov /Istockphoto.
2C: Thick, Well-Defined Waves
2C waves are on the cusp of full curls. They’re thick and well-defined, starting at the roots and continuing throughout the length of the hair. These waves have more body and volume than other type 2 patterns, but they’re also more susceptible to dryness and frizz.
How to Care for Type 2C Hair
Since 2C hair has more texture and is prone to frizz, it also needs more moisture. Use sulfate-free moisturizing shampoos and weekly deep conditioners or hair masks to lock in hydration.
Apply a curl-enhancing cream or gel while your hair is damp to maintain its definition. Diffusing is great for adding bounce. But avoid running a brush through your dry hair, as this can disrupt your wave pattern.
Image Credit: Maryviolet/Istockphoto.
Type 3: Curly Hair
Curly hair is bold, beautiful, and full of sass. Each subtype within type 3 curls brings its own flair, from soft spirals and bouncy ringlets to tight corkscrews. With the right care, your curls can shine as brightly as you do.
Image Credit: PeopleImages / iStock.
3A: Large, Loose, Spiral-Shaped Curls
Type 3A hair curls are big, loose spirals that are usually shiny and well-defined. 3A curly hair has a springy quality and often a softer appearance than tighter curl types.
This type of curl starts closer to the roots and continues in a consistent pattern down the length of the hair.
How to Care for Type 3A Hair
Hydration is key to maintaining 3A curls, as dryness can dull their definition and shine. Your best bet is to use a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner.
Lightweight curl creams or gels work well to define these spirals without weighing them down. Air-dry or diffuse your hair with a blow dryer to optimize its bounce, and scrunch it with your hands to avoid frizz.
Image Credit: m-imagephotography/Istockphoto.
3B: Medium, Tighter Curls With Bounce
3B curls are tighter than 3A, forming ringlets with a lively bounce. They have more volume and texture and may feel slightly coarser to the touch. The pattern is usually uniform and well-defined but tends to expand outward, giving a fuller appearance.
How to Care for Type 3B Hair
To keep your 3B curls healthy with minimal frizz, opt for sulfate-free shampoos to avoid stripping natural oils, and use deep-conditioning treatments regularly to lock in moisture. A leave-in conditioner is a go-to, while curl gels can help with definition.
Avoid over-manipulating your curls — finger-coiling or using a wide-tooth comb while your hair is wet is perfect for enhancing definition while minimizing breakage.
A satin or silk pillowcase or sleep bonnet is a great investment to preserve curls overnight and reduce styling time in the morning.
Image Credit: dima_sidelnikov / iStock.
3C: Tight, Corkscrew Curls With Volume
3C hair curls are densely packed corkscrews. These curls are tighter and smaller than 3B curls, creating an eye-catching, high-volume look. The texture can range from soft to coarse, and the curls hold their shape well.
How to Care for Type 3C Hair
3C curls thrive on moisture, so use hydrating shampoos and conditioners. Incorporate a leave-in conditioner and a heavier curl butter or cream to keep them nourished. Layer products like gels or styling custards for long-lasting definition and sleekness.
To minimize shrinkage and enhance definition, try the “shingling method” (applying product in sections to coat the curls thoroughly). Use a diffuser to dry your curls without disrupting their natural pattern, and avoid excessive heat styling, as this can damage hair.
Image Credit: PeopleImages/istockphoto.
Type 4: Coily/Kinky Hair
Type 4 hair is characterized by tight, densely packed curls that offer incredible texture, volume, and resilience. These beautiful, tight curls require extra moisture and gentle care to thrive. Whether your coils form springs, fluffy zig-zags, or crowns, embracing your natural texture can unlock more unique styling possibilities.
Image Credit: JLco – Julia Amaral/istockphoto.
4A: Tight, Well-Defined Coils
4A hair is characterized by tight, spring-like coils that are well-defined and uniform in pattern. These coils resemble small corkscrews and have a distinct curl pattern. They’re typically soft and fine, with a natural sheen.
How to Care for Type 4A Hair
4A hair loves moisture, so focus on hydrating shampoos and rich conditioners to keep your coils soft and manageable. Use a leave-in conditioner or curl cream to enhance the definition. Seal in moisture with natural oils or shea butter to protect against dryness and frizz.
When detangling, a wide-tooth comb or your fingers are best to prevent breakage. Avoid over-styling with heat. Instead, air-dry or use a hooded dryer to help keep the structure of your curls.
Image Credit: Kiuikson/Istockphoto.
4B: Z-Shaped Coils With Fluffy Texture
4B hair forms a unique zig-zag or Z-shaped coil pattern. The fluffier texture tends to be drier and less defined than 4A, with individual strands that are finer but densely packed. This creates a full-bodied look with lots of styling options.
How to Care for Type 4B Hair
Moisture retention is critical, so use sulfate-free, hydrating products. Incorporate a deep-conditioning treatment weekly to maintain elasticity and softness. Styling creams are also good investments for 4B girlies.
To stretch the curl pattern and reduce shrinkage, try protective styles like twists, braids, or Bantu knots — where hair is sectioned, twisted, and wrapped around itself to create spiraled knots.
When detangling, always work with damp or conditioned hair to avoid breakage.
Image Credit: Ridofranz / istockphoto.
4C: Very Tight, Densely Packed Coils
The 4C hair type features the tightest coils, often without a visible curl pattern. The texture is densely packed, creating impressive volume and significant shrinkage — up to 75 percent of the hair’s actual length. As a result, this hair type has a cloud-like appearance.
It’s also the most delicate hair type, requiring gentle care to maintain its health and strength.
How to Care for Type 4C Hair
4C hair needs to be handled with moisture and kindness. Use ultra-hydrating, sulfate-free shampoo followed by a creamy conditioner. Layer products like leave-in conditioner, curl cream, and hair butter to enhance softness.
Protective styles, like braids or twists, can reduce how much you have to touch your hair. To detangle it, use a generous amount of conditioner and a wide-tooth comb (or your fingers).
Silky bonnets and pillowcases are essential for minimizing friction and maintaining moisture overnight.
Image Credit: Dima Berlin/Istockphoto.
Hair Curl Types: Key Takeaways
Curly hair is as dynamic as the women who wear it, and understanding the types of curly hair is the first step in unleashing its full potential. Better care = more confidence, and we’re here for it.
Here are a few things to remember about curl types as you embark on your curly hair discovery process:
-
There are three main curl types. In a nutshell, type 2 hair is wavy, type 3 hair is curly, and type 4 hair is coily, and the A, B, and C subtypes are wide, medium, and small in diameter, respectively. Visual aids like hair type charts, curl pattern charts, and hair texture charts can help you identify your specific curl type.
-
Moisture is key. Curly hair is naturally more prone to dryness compared to straight hair, which tends to be more oily. This is because the natural oils from the scalp have a harder time traveling down the hair shaft in curlier textures. Therefore, curly-haired folks should prioritize nourishing, hydrating products and routines tailored to their specific curl type.
-
Each curl type requires unique care. To enhance and maintain your natural curls, it’s vital to understand the specific needs of your hair and curl type. Tailoring routines to your unique pattern can help maintain curl integrity and prevent common issues like dryness, frizz, or breakage.
If you experience sudden changes in hair texture, density, or thickness, we recommend consulting a healthcare provider to rule out any underlying health issues and determine the root cause.
Similarly, if you’re concerned that you may be losing hair or are noticing thinning patches within your curls, see a healthcare provider to determine the underlying cause and address it.
- Related: Dry Skin: A Complete Care Guide
- Related: Understanding Hair Types: Your Expert-Led Guide to Better Hair Days
This article originally appeared on Forhers.com and was syndicated by MediaFeed.org
Image Credit: shurkin_son / iStock.
