Curly hair is one hair type with more definition. However, despite how this hair texture is easily recognizable, understanding your curl type can be confusing.
For one, this hair type sits in between wavy and kinky hair. Most people classify both hair types as curly, too. And this begs the question: Since your hair isn’t straight, which curls do you fall under? Wavy, curly, kinky? Let’s find out together. I’ll also show you how to maintain your hair type with gorgeous hairstyles that’ll accentuate your beauty.
What is Curly Hair?
Also known as type 3 hair, this hair type has a springy, corkscrew texture. It looks like the letter ‘S’ or ‘Z’ and is drier than wavy hair because sebum (the scalp’s natural oils) struggles to get to the curls.
This hair type is sub-divided into three:
3A Hair
This hair type has big, loose spiral curls almost the size of sidewalk chalk. 3A curls may look wavy at the roots, while the mid-shaft to ends have loose coils. Also, 3A curls are soft and look more wavy than curly when wet.
3B Hair
This curly hair type has a fine to medium texture with tighter corkscrews and bouncy ringlets about the size of the index finger. Its strands are thick and thin with S-shaped curls that stay between loose waves and tight spirals. This hair tends to shrink from wet to dry and become frizzy when brushed or not moisturized properly.
3C Curly Hair
This ultra-curly hair has tight corkscrew curls or dense coils and a fine to medium texture. It looks shiny and maintains its S-shape curl, even when stretched. However, it’s prone to dryness, tangles, and lack of curl definition.
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Other Types of Curly Hair
Besides the subdivisions of type 3 hair above, you can also classify curl textures into 3 types:
- Wavy
- Curly
- Coily
Since we’ve already discussed type 3 hair, let’s look at the other two.
Wavy Hair
Otherwise known as type 2 hair, this hair type sits between straight and curly hair. It has loose loops and forms an ‘S’ shape along the lengths or at the ends with a slight loose curl pattern. Also, unlike other hair types, wavy hair sits flatter on the head and has less volume at the root. It has three subdivisions: 2A, 2B, and 2C.
Coily Hair
Also known as type 4 hair, afro-textured, or kinky hair, this one has very tight corkscrews or a ‘Z’ shaped pattern that starts from the root. It has a natural bounce and often shrinks or appears shorter than it actually is because of its tight curls. It’s dry, fragile, and has fewer cuticle layers than other hair types. Kinky hair is subdivided into 4a, 4b, and 4c.
What Causes Curly Hair?
The shape of the hair follicle causes curly hair. While a straight follicle produces straight hair, a curved follicle gives curly hair. However, this depends on your genes. You’re more likely to have curly hair if one of your parents or someone in your ancestry does. Also, hormonal changes caused by puberty, menopause, and pregnancy can turn straight hair into curly hair.
How to Determine Your Curl Type
According to Vernon François, a Los Angeles-based hairstylist, your curl type is determined by the follicle shape your hair grows out from. In her words:
“The flatter or more oval-shaped the follicle, the curlier your hair; the more circular the cross-section, the straighter your hair. Your curl pattern is also identified by the shape that the strands of hair make, whether they kink, curve, or wind around themselves into spirals.”
Vernon François
So, to determine your hair curl type, do the strand test. It works like this: Take a small section of your hair and wrap it around your finger. If it forms a spiral or coil, you likely have curly hair. But if it remains relatively straight, you may have a wavy or straight hair.
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How to Maintain Your Curly Hair
Whether your curls are natural or not, you’ll lose their bouncy feel and look if you don’t care for them. Use these tips to keep your tresses looking rich and healthy always:
Shampoo the Right Way
Washing your hair is crucial. It’s the number one step in any hair care routine. It helps remove product buildup, dust, excess oil, and dead skin cells on your scalp.
When washing, use a mild shampoo that doesn’t contain toxic chemicals or preservatives that can irritate your scalp. Some of them are sulfates, silicones, alcohols, and parabens. Instead of using them, check for moisturizing ingredients in your shampoo and conditioner. And don’t forget to condition your hair after washing to seal and protect its cuticle from environmental harm.
Furthermore, try not to shampoo too often. This is because curly hair tends to become dry easily. So excessive shampooing can rob your hair of its natural oils and moisture.
Don’t Brush Your Hair
Furthermore, try not to shampoo too often. This is because curly hair tends to become dry easily. So excessive shampooing can rob your hair of its natural oils and moisture.
Detangle with a Wide-Toothed Comb
As a sequel to the previous tip, use a wide-toothed comb to detangle your hair. Comb from tips to root to remove knots without breaking your hair. Your delicate curls must be handled gently; otherwise, they will break.
Use Styling Tools at Moderate Heat
When heat-styling your hair, use a heat protectant or keep the tool at moderate or low heat. The high temperature from heat styling tools can erase your natural curl texture, making them dull and dry. So, be careful how you use them.
Trim Your Curly Hair To Avoid Split Ends
Trim your hair every six to eight weeks to discard split ends and damaged hair. Trimming also ensures your hair grows at an even and healthy length.
Apply Natural Oils on Curly Hair
Natural oils extracted from coconut, almond, castor, etc., are excellent at maintaining healthy hair. Adopt them into your haircare regimen. They’ll keep your hair moisturized and seal in moisture.
Use the Pineapple Trick During Bedtime
The Pineapple hair is a technique that protects curly hair. It involves loosely gathering your hair at the highest point of your head, usually before sleep, and securing it with a hair tie or scrunchie to form a pineapple shape. Pineappling protects your curls and helps your hair maintain its natural volume. It also prevents your hair from getting messy while you sleep.
And when dawn comes, release your hair from the hair tie or scrunchie and shake it when you’re ready to wear it down.
Adopt a Safe Sleep Routine
When it’s time to sleep, sweep your hair into a bun or loose ponytail. This helps to reduce friction between your hair and the pillowcase. Also, sleep on satin or silk pillowcases or wear a silk bonnet to retain moisture while reducing friction.
Refresh Those Curls
Use a curl cream on your hair to add more definition to your curls. But don’t let the products be too much to avoid weighing down your hair. In addition, use a curling iron or heatless tools like rollers to maintain your curls. And don’t forget to use hair pins, hair sprays, or gels to keep your curly hairstyle in place.
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Other Curly Hair Tips
- Don’t wash your curly hair daily so you don’t rob it of its natural oils.
- Avoid heat styling, but if you must, keep it at low heat.
- Don’t always keep your hair in tight ponytails, as the pulling can cause pain around your scalp or edges.
- Don’t sleep on a cotton pillowcase to avoid creating friction between your strands.
- Only use products that suit your hair type.
Curly Hairstyles to Try
Just because your hair is curly doesn’t mean you can’t wear any coiffure. From updos to French braids, bobs, ponytails, etc., this versatile hair type accommodates any style. You can adorn it with hair accessories or try the fairy hairstyle for a glittery look.
Remember, your type 3 hair is a significant part of your identity. Embrace it by rocking gorgeous curly hairstyles. We curated a number of them to inspire your next hairdo. Scroll down to feast your eyes, and save your favorite to show your hairstylist.
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