Dear curly-haired friends,
I’m often asked which products are best suited for which type of curls. So I’d like to use today’s blog post to provide a clear overview of the different types of curls and how they’re categorized. This will help you find the right care products for your curl type and give your curls the best possible support.
How do you determine your curl type?
Figuring out your own curl type takes time and attention. Despite the widespread belief that curls are simply curls, there are a wide variety of curl types, each with its own characteristics and traits. It’s easy to categorize hair as straight or curly, but that doesn’t capture the true beauty of those unique waves, kinks, and curls. So, how do you determine your own curl type? A little tip: It takes patience, time, and above all, love for your curls!
A Closer Look at Curl Types
Type 2a: a slight "S" wave in the hair that stays close to the head. Generally fine hair
.Type 2b: similar "S" shape to Type 2a but tends to frizz a bit more at the crown. Loses definition easily.
Type 2c: This hair has the coarsest wave pattern among wavy curls. It consists of some true curls, not “just” waves.
Type 3a: Curls form a distinct "S" pattern that is well-defined and usually bouncy. This type of curl has a diameter about the width of a piece of sidewalk chalk.
Type 3b: These curls have more volume and a smaller diameter than Type 3a—roughly the size of a lipstick
Type 3c: The curls resemble tight corkscrews and are about the thickness of a pencil or a straw. Type 3c hair tends to be coarser and thicker than Type 2 or 3 hair.
Type 4a: Tightly coiled hair with an "S"-shaped pattern. It contains more moisture than Type 4b and has a visible curl pattern. The diameter of the coils is similar to that of a crochet hook.
Type 4b:The curls have a "Z" shape and a less defined pattern of kinks. Instead of curling, the hair bends at sharp angles like the letter "Z." Type 4b hair is tightly coiled and can feel wiry to the touch. This is why it is also referred to as kinky hair, due to the kinks—the bends in the "Z" shape.
Type 4c: The hair consists of strands that are almost impossible to define without the use of styling products. Type 4c hair can range from fine, thin, and soft to coarse, with dense strands.
Curl Types by Texture
Another way to categorize hair is by texture. There is often some overlap between the different hair type groups, but hair texture makes it easy to distinguish between the various curl types:
Kinky: Kinky hair has a zigzag pattern rather than classic curls or waves. It tends to get tangled, especially at the ends, which is often a sign that it’s time for a trim.
Coily: Coily hair forms tight curls (or “coils”) that resemble spirals. It is very versatile, but also delicate—especially in the case of fine hair, which has only a very thin natural protective layer.
Curly: Curly hair forms spirals or loose curls. This texture needs plenty of moisture to achieve beautiful definition, and a little frizz can add character to the curls.
Wavy: Wavy hair has a natural wave pattern and no tight curls or spirals.
No matter what type of curls you have, all curls can be damaged by coloring, straightening, chemical treatments, or simply improper care, and therefore require a lot of love and attention. So you could say that “damaged” curls are a hair type all their own!
What does each type of curl need?
Caring for different types of curls varies just as much. So, what does each type of curl need?
Type 2:Be sure to use lighter products that won't weigh your hair down. Mousse, gel, and cream gels work well for soft waves.
Type 3a–3b: requires less moisture; use a styling cream, cream-gel, or styling milk for less frizz but more definition.
Type 3c:Use styling creams or mousses that provide moisture. Apply a deep conditioner at least once a week to maintain elasticity and moisture.
Type 4:Requires a creamy moisturizer to maximize protection and hydration. A curl-defining pudding or soufflé/smoothie can gently stretch the curls for twist-outs and braid-outs.
No matter what your hair type is, you should definitely use sulfate-free shampoos to preserve your hair’s natural moisture and protect it from drying out.
I also think that no one with curly hair can be pigeonholed into just one type of curl. It feels to me, at least, like I have three different types of curls all on my head.
If you’re not sure which products are best for you, send me a photo of your curls along with your “curly hair concerns,” and I’ll be happy to help you find the right products for your curls. Of course, I’d also love to hear from you—any feedback helps me make lockenkopf even better.
(I speak German, English, and Spanish)
Warm regards
Rosa Maria
