Style your curly locks to express yourself! You can style it in numerous ways, from big afros to sleek-out styles and beyond. Curly hair is typically divided into three different categories:
Type 2: Wavy Hair
signifies wavy hair.
Type 3: Curly Locks
stands for curly locks.
Type 4: Kinky Locks
Represents kinky locks.
Your hair’s natural coil pattern can best be determined when wet, as black hair textures have long been considered an indicator of race identity and beauty.
Type 4A: Looser Coils
Type 4A hair’s looser coils make it easier to manage and style than other curl types, though it still may be susceptible to dryness. Hydration is crucial, and detangling should be performed using conditioner and either a wide-toothed comb or by hand in small sections. Being gentle when dealing with this curly hair is essential, as its delicate strands are easily damaged. Adding thicker natural emollients to your routine, sleeping on a satin pillowcase, and wearing a scarf or bonnet will help lock in moisture and reduce frizz and tangles. Washing hair less often will also help avoid dehydrating its strands.
Type 4B: Zigzag Bends
Type 4B strands often display sharp patterns of zigzag bends resembling letter Zs, making it difficult to reach the hair shaft. To keep this hair type healthy and moisturized, use a clarifying shampoo and deep moisturizing treatments high in proteins. Wearing a side ponytail with eye-catching volume is a great option to showcase the beautiful coils without losing their definition. Longer-term protective styles like braids, twists, knots, or dreadlocks can also promote growth and simplify hair care for this curl type.
Type 3C: Springy Corkscrew Coils
People with 3C hair curl types feature tight, springy corkscrew-shaped coils. To check if this type is yours, wrap a pencil around one of your coils – if it fits snugly, then you are indeed 3C! Moisture-rich shampoo, conditioner, and deep conditioning services will help maintain this type of hair. Tangles are more common in 3C curly hair due to its rougher strand texture and lack of moisture. Proper hydration and gentle handling prevent knots and maintain healthy curls.
Type 3A: Bouncy Ringlets
Type 3A hair can be recognized by its distinctive S-shaped spiral coils that resemble bouncy ringlets. These looser coils are more significant than their wavy or curly counterparts and have less frizz. Light-hold products and leave-in conditioners are essential for providing definition and moisture without weighing down curls. Hairstyles that encourage bounce and volume, like space buns or low ponytails, are recommended for maintaining the shape of 3A circles. Sleeping with a silk pillowcase can prevent dryness and frizz.
Type 2A: Loose Waves
Type 2A wavy hair is one of the loosest forms of wavy hair types and often features gently beachy waves. It is essential to avoid overwashing these waves to prevent dryness, frizziness, and breakage. Hydrating shampoo and towel drying with a microfiber cloth can help protect delicate strands. Volumizing and curl-enhancing styling creams are recommended to add volume without weighing down the hair.
