A Guide to 3A and 3B Curly Hair Care: From Frizz to Fabulous

Introduction

Every curl is beautiful but 3A and 3B curly hair are one of the best curls. They are unique and their characteristics helps them to be defined properly. From loose waves to tighter coils 3A and 3B curls comes with natural volume and bounciness.

It’s time we embrace our natural curls and let them flow in their natural state. Let’s understand a little more about these type 3 curls and their characteristics-

3A curls-

• They are loose, well-defined curls with S shape.
• Diameter ranges from large to medium size.
• This curl type is known for volume and bounce.

3B curls-

• These curls are tighter and are defined properly.
• Their range lies from medium to small sized curls.

Now, you know the characteristic of type 3 curls, let’s understand what you need to embrace the natural curls.

• Hydration- all you need to make your curls look soft and smooth is proper hydration. Use moisturizing shampoos and conditioner to keep your curls hydrated.

• Use right styling products- It is necessary that you use right styling products to keep the moisture retained in your curls.

• Regular trim- Trimming helps to keep the curls sorted and fresh.

Chapter 1: Defining 3A and 3B Curly Hair

The Curl Spectrum

Well, the curl spectrum of 3A and 3B curls can be seen in below image. Typically, curls are divided into three types –

• Type 2 curls
• Type 3 curls
• Type 4 curls

And all the above types are further sub categorized into three more categories.

Such as-

• Type 2a, 2b and 2c
• Type 3a, 3b and 3c
• Type 4a, 4b and 4c.

Characteristics of 3A Curls

3A curls is a type of Type 3 Curls. It is a specific type of curl with distinct curl pattern and texture. Let’s have a look at some of the characteristics of 3A curls-

• 3A curls have well-defined S-shape with circumference similar to sidewalk chalk.

• They have moderate amount of volume; the curls are not tight but have volume.

• The texture of 3A curls is from fine to medium. You can feel every hair strand relatively smooth.

• 3A curls shrinks to smaller size, when they get dry as compared to when they are wet.

• 3A curls offers a good balance between versatility and curl definition. You can style them in any way you want.

• Proper care of 3A curls involves using sulfate-free shampoo and leave-in conditioner to keep them soft and smooth.

• 3A curls can clump together, creating larger curl sections. They give more cohesive and structured look.

Characteristics of 3B Curls

3B curls is another category in Type 3 curls. Let’s understand it’s some of the characteristics-

• 3B curls have a well-defined, tight spiral pattern. There circumference is smaller than 3A curls.

• 3B curls have moderately high level of volume than 3A curls.

• The texture of 3B curls is from medium to coarse.

• 3B curls are frizzier in nature. You need to moisturize the curls properly in order for it to style.

• The shrinkage of 3B curls is quite much, the hair appears shorter when they get dry as compared to wet hair.

• 3B curls tend to clump together in well-defined ringlets or curls.

• 3B curls may benefit from products that provide both moisture and hold.

Chapter 2: Curly Hair Care Basics

To understand a type of curly hair, let’s first understand some curly hair care basics.

1. Understanding Porosity

Porosity means how easily the products gets absorbed in the hair strands. Understanding your hair porosity will help you to choose right hair care product and a suitable hair care routine. Following are the types of hair porosity-

• Low Porosity Hair- As the name says, low porosity means it takes time for hair strands to absorb moisture. Low porosity hair is tightly bound cuticle layer which overlap each other, making it difficult for products to enter the hair strands.

• Normal Porosity Hair- Normal porosity hair has moderately porous cuticles which allow the products to enter the hair strands but not as easily as in the high porosity hair.

This porosity hair requires a good moisture level, and a balanced hair care routine.

• High Porosity Hair- This porosity hair has a cuticle layer with holes and gaps, which makes it easy for the hair care products to enter. Just as easily the products get absorbed in the hair, it gets lost also very fast, making hair dry again.

To determine your hair porosity, you can try the following tests:

• The Float Test:

This is a very easy test, which you can perform anytime. It requires few clean hair strands and making them float in the bowl of water.

Observe if the hair strands float on the water (low porosity), sink slowly (normal porosity), or sink quickly (high porosity).

• The Slip ‘n’ Slide Test:

Take a strand of hair and slide your fingers up the shaft from the tip to the root.

If you feel that your fingers can slide easily without having any resistance, then your hair has low porosity. High porosity hair have little bumps and resistance.

• The Spritz Test:

Spritz some water on a small section of clean hair.

Observe how quickly the water is absorbed. If hair takes some time, to get the water absorb then the hair has low porosity. Water gets easily absorbed in the hair, if the porosity is high.

2. Moisture is Key

Well, no matter the type of curls, you need to give them proper hydration and moisturization. Type 3 curls especially 3A and 3B are characterized by well-defined curls that range from loose to springy.

Some of the ways which could help in moisturizing the curls are-

• Use moisturising and hydrating shampoo and conditioner made especially for 3A and 3B curls.

• Apply leave-in conditioner on wet curls to keep the moisture retained in the hair.

• Hydration is important to control the frizz. The more the curls are hydrated, less frizzy they will be.

• Dry hair is more prone to breakage and split ends, moisturizing your hair will keep them soft and smooth.

• Incorporating products with ingredients like glycerin, aloe vera, and natural oils can help maintain optimal hydration levels

• To prevent the loss of moisture, use satin pillowcases and pineapple technique while sleeping.

3. Avoiding Common Pitfalls

Some mistakes which we do in our curls which disrupts the structure of curls are.

• Not using curly hair made shampoo and conditioner.
• Brushing your hair when they are dry, will make your hair frizzy and weak.
• Not using microfiber towel for drying your hair, normal cotton towel will increase the friction level in your hair making them prone to breakage.
• Tieing your hair in a tight hairstyle, this will make them weak.
• Not applying conditioner every time, you wash your hair.

Chapter 3: Styling Tips for 3A and 3B Curls

After understanding everything about 3A and 3B curls. Now, it’s time to see how to style them and also their hair care routine.

Some of the styling tips for 3A and 3B curls-

To style your curls, it is necessary that you first follow a 3A and 3B curly hair routine.

• Cleanse. Condition and Curl your 3A and 3B hair accordingly. Make sure the products you are using are hydrating and free from chemicals.

•  Go sulfate-free. Always use shampoo and conditioner which are free from harmful chemicals like sulfate and paraben.

• Maintain Hydration. It is necessary that you keep your curls well hydrated. Well hydrated and moisturized curls are better and easy to style.

• Be Gentle. Always be gentle on your curls. This will give you healthier curls.

Hairstyle for 3A and 3B curls

• Layered Cut- This haircut or hairstyle helps to reduce the density of hair and also enhance the natural curl pattern. Layered cut also helps to prevent the triangular shape of the curly hair.

• Half up and Half down– This hairstyle is perfect for 3A and 3B curls. It helps to define the curls and also reduce the density of hair.

• Deep Side Part- This will help to enhance your look, by deeply parting your hair on one side. The hairstyle helps to enhance the facial features.

• Twist –Out Hairstyle- Style your hair with a twist-out or braid-out hairstyle to achieve defined curls.

Chapter 4: Product Recommendations

Some of the best products for Type 3 curls are as follows Now, one thing to note is- may be these products do not suit you as there are many different things to consider like scalp health and type of hair porosity.

1. SheaMoisture Restorative Shampoo and Conditioner-

You will find this brand’s shampoo and conditioner always in the list for curly hair. The product is made up of natural ingredients and is free from chemical preservatives.

Features:

• The shampoo provides proper hydration to the curls and helps to repair the damaged curls.
• Shea Moisture shampoos are free from chemicals like sulfates and parabens.
• It gently cleanses the hair and scalp.
• Shampoo is safe for color-treated hair too.

2. Briogeo Curl Charisma Rice Amino + Avocado Leave-In Defining Crème-

This is a magical hair product which helps to define and enhance the natural texture of curls. It is perfect for 3A and 3B curl type. The leave-in defining crème hydrates and protects the curls.

Features:

• Formulated with Amino acid, the crème helps to hydrate and protect the curls.
• Lightweight in nature, it defines the curls properly.
• Free from harsh chemical ingredients.

3. Carol’s Daughter Hair Milk Refresher Spray-

Refreshing spray helps to keep the curls fresh and defined. It revitalizes the 3A and 3B curls, providing moisture and enhancing the curl pattern. The spray is lightweight and won’t weigh your curls down.

Features:

• The refresher curl spray helps to revive and refresh curls.
• Formulated with moisturizing ingredients, it helps to combat the dryness of the curls.
• Lightweight formula
• The products help to add shine to curls.
• It minimizes the frizz.

4. Ouidad’s VitalCurl Define & Shine Gel Cream-

This gel cream helps to define the curls properly. It is specifically designed for type 3a and 3b curly hair. The gel cream helps to provide definition, moisture and shine to hair. It gives you a bouncy and hydrated curls.

Features:

• The gel cream helps to add shine to hair.
• Reduces hair frizz.
• Makes curls hydrating and soft.
• Enhance the natural curl pattern.

Chapter 5: Curly Hair Challenges and Solutions

Tackling Frizz

Well, we know frizz is normal for curly haired people. We cannot remove it totally, but we can surely tackle the frizz. Let’s see some of the ways on how to do it-

• Moisture and Hydration- Well, all a curly hair need is the immense moisturization and hydration. Keeping your curls moisturized and hydrated is the best way to tackle frizz. It helps to nourish your curls and keep them soft and smooth.

• Say No to Harsh Chemicals- The more the curls stay away from chemicals, the better it is for them. Stay away from hair products which contains harsh chemicals like sulfates and paraben. Using more of natural ingredients, helps to keep your curls soft, smooth and defined.

• Microfiber Cloth- Using microfiber cloth for drying your hair helps to keep the frizz away. Cotton towels can cause friction in the hair and disrupt the curl pattern.

• Leave-in Conditioner- This is one of the best hair care product to nourish and moisturize the curls. Applying leave-in conditioner on your wet curls helps to soften the curls and encourages the curls to clump together, reducing frizz.

• Use Hair Mask– All curls are dry, apart from using hair products the other way to nourish your curls is to apply hair mask. Using DIY hair mask with nourishing ingredients, helps to revitalize and rehydrate the hair.

• Air Drying- When your type 3 curls are drying, it is better not to touch them. Touching your curls again and again can cause frizz and disturb the curl pattern. Let your hair be air dry before scrunching it.

• Don’t Brush- It is better not to brush your hair once they are dry. Curls are delicate, and brushing them will only make them frizzier. You can use wide toothed comb or your fingers to detangle the curls.

• Deep Condition- Type 3 curls be it 3a,3b or 3c needs immense moisturization. Give your hair the treatment of deep conditioning to control the hair dryness in the hair.

 Dealing with Shrinkage

Every curly hair shrinks as soon as they become dry. We have some tips and tricks for you to deal with the shrinkage-

• Your curls need one thing for sure, and that is the immense hydration. Always use hydrating shampoo and conditioner to keep your curls soft, smooth and defined.

• Apply leave-in conditioner to provide your curls with long lasting moisture.

• Enhance your curls by using the scrunching method. After you have applied products on your curls, scrunch them in upward direction.

• Protect your curls at night by using the pineapple method. This will protect your curls from breakage.

• Experiment with stretching techniques like braiding or twisting your hair while damp. This can elongate your curls and reduce shrinkage once your hair is dry.

• Choose styling product to enhance and define your curls.

• Accept the fact, that just like frizz is natural similarly, shrinkage is also natural. You should embrace it and let your curls flow in the natural state.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

IX. Conclusion

So, above is everything you need to know about Type 3A and 3B curls. Just remember that the beauty of 3A and 3B curls lies in their diversity and individuality. Having 3A and 3B curly hair routine is must, this will help to make curls soft and smooth. Using best products for type 3 curls keep the curls well defined and healthy.

But before everything, it is necessary to know the type of curls. So, before stepping into any routine, know your hair type and hair porosity too.

How do you take care of your Type 3 curls?