Curly hair has a unique charm, so we must find products and techniques tailored to each curl type. The nine curl types provide a framework for identifying patterns within your strands and creating an effective care routine. Maintaining moisturized, detangled strands is of utmost importance. Avoid products containing sulfates that strip moisture from your locks, and turn to deep conditioners and volumizing hair creams instead.
Type 1 Curls
Type 1 is the most prevalent type of curly or wavy hair and typically features loose “S” waves when wet, with less density than other curl types. As such, it requires minimal styling efforts for best results; light sea salt spray works wonders for this style!
Type 2 Curls
Type 2A strands feature thicker waves than their Type 1 counterparts and appear more defined at the middle of your shaft. Unfortunately, they’re more prone to frizzing with too much product use or excessive brushing than others.
Type 3 Curls
Type 3 hair features tight, springy ringlets and corkscrews with elastic edges that criss-cross around its length, yet is hard to pinpoint due to its ever-shifting pattern size, from wide pinhead coils down to the tightest and densest 3C spirals that form thick coils around its perimeter. As this curl type experiences the most excellent shrinkage while being the driest, products containing humectants like our Flaxseed collection are best used to hydrate this type.
Type 4 Curls
Type 4 hair, commonly called “kinky,” features tight coils with frizzier ends that may appear curly and wiry. It is one of the most prevalent curly styles among black women. Wet, this texture resembles corkscrews, sometimes appearing dryer than other curl textures. Type 4 hair tends to be more complicated than 3c or 4b hair types to detangle, and can even shrink significantly when dried out if left alone without sufficient conditioning treatment. To minimize shrinkage when styling a type 4 mane, always add deep conditioner after you finish washing and styling your hair.
Even though the original hair typing system may only be somewhate for every insome individualsvides a practical starting point in understanding your curl type and finding tailored products. With this knowledge, it should become much easier to identify products tailored to your unique curl type – happy styling! Likewise, regularly wear protective styles like mini-twists, pompadours, or other protective styles to keep them moisturized and secure!
