If you have 3b or 3c hair type, you know just how bouncy and kinky your ringlets can be – and that they require lots of love and moisture to look their best. This article will help you understand your hair and what it needs to look its best. We have you covered with different types of curls and ideal products and styles!
Types of Curls
Type 3b hair features curly strands that are both bouncy and perfectly spiraled. Their size varies, from loose waves to tight corkscrew-like ringlets measuring roughly the circumference of a pencil. Type 3c hair is considered the densest and thickest subtype of curly hair, often called curly coily due to its high density and moisture levels.
To achieve gorgeous locks, you mustn’t shampoo more than once every week and always follow it up with a moisturizing conditioner. In addition, leave-in conditioners or hair mists may be beneficial in combating post-shower frizz and flyaways; to do this effectively, use leave-in conditioning products or mists that help defend against post-shower frizz and flyaways as well as avoid using towels to rub over your locks as this causes moisture loss and friction which leads to tangles!
Curl Patterns
Curly 3a hair category features well-defined large loose coils that range from bouncy ringlets to tight corkscrews, making for an easily distinguishable silhouette. If this were your hair type, your 3a curls would fit snuggly around sidewalk chalk, markers, or highlighters.
3b curly hair features tightly defined spirals resembling Sharpies rather than markers, each coil roughly the size of your index finger. Though the original hair typing system remains highly controversial, type 3B hair is typically characterized by tight curls resembling corkscrew coils rather than an S-shape. Like all curly textures, it can be susceptible to frizz and dryness as natural scalp oils have difficulty penetrating super twisted strands and providing nourishment. As such, extra moisture must be provided to stay moisturized and healthy.
Dryness
Dryness can be a crucial problem with 3b curly hair. This occurs because sebum produced on the scalp doesn’t travel directly down each strand due to ringlet obstruction, making distribution more difficult. Therefore, 3b curls must remain hydrated by regularly using hydrating shampoo and conditioner with humectants and emollients. In addition, using satin or silk pillowcases at night will protect them from being exposed to cotton fabric while helping retain moisture levels throughout the night, resulting in less frizz and dryness the following day. A good quality hydrating cream may also prove invaluable in maintaining their shape and keeping strands moist.
Breakage
3B curls can be susceptible to breakage and should be handled carefully to minimize breakage and damage. Utilizing appropriate products and styling methods will help reduce breakage and damage while moisturizing and protecting against the elements is vital for their health and maintenance; try using a microfiber towel as this may prevent friction and frizz from occurring.
3b hair is a hybrid between 3A and 3C curl patterns, featuring tighter coils than 3A with smaller diameters that range from springy corkscrews to bouncy ringlets. 3c locks are denser and thicker than 3b curls, giving you significant volume. Unfortunately, however, they’re more prone to dryness and lacking definition if neglected, so regular deep conditioning sessions will help your strands retain moisture and shine.
Styling
A haircare regimen tailored to 3b 3c curly hair should include sulfate-free shampoos and cleansing conditioners (co-washes) regularly and daily conditioning treatments that promote hydration, prevent dryness and frizz and aid the definition of curls. On non-wash days, spraying the locks with water or applying lightweight moisturizers like black seed oil can top up moisture levels and maintain their shape while helping tame frizzy tresses.
Type 3C hair features tight corkscrew-like coils approximately the size of a pencil, forming dense waves that make up its oily texture and density. Commonly known as “curly-coily,” 3C curls can be hard to manage without using the right products, often becoming frizzy and unruly in no time at all.
