9 Different Types of Curly Hair and How to Care for Them

Introduction

If you have straight hair, it is very easy to tell as there is only one type in straight hair. But if you have got curly hair, then it is a tricky thing to tell which type of curly hair you have. There are in total 3 types of curly hair which is sub categorized into three more types. In this blog, let’s understand types of curly hair and how to care for them.

The type of curly hair depends on the zigzag pattern of the hair and the diameter of the S shaped defined in the curls. Curly hair people are blessed but the curls come with its own set of challenges, frizzy hair, and dry hair, weather changing and getting different curls after every wash.

Well no matter the curl type, to understand any type of curl and to know them better, the best way is to try hit and trial method.

In this blog, we have shared the type of hair and how you can care for them-

Types of Curly Hair and How to Care for them

Type 1: Straight Hair

Yes, I know straight hair does not come in curly hair types. But it is just a type of hair. If your hair falls straight, without bending anywhere, then you have got straight hair.

Straight hair can also be dry and prone to frizziness.

How to take care of straight hair

• Use shampoo designed especially for straight hair.
• If you have got oily hair, then use shampoo which is oil-free.
• For drier straight hair, use nourishing shampoo.

Type 2: Wavy Hair

From type 2, our journey to curly hair starts. Wavy hair is a hair type, which comes between straight and curly hair. You can see ‘S’ shaped being formed in your hair when they get dry.

Wavy hair sometimes looks straight, but it is not as dense as curly hair. This hair type’s density can vary from fine-to-medium or medium-to-thick. Wavy hair is also prone to frizz and dryness.

Now, depending on the hair texture and diameter of curls, type 2 hair is sub categorized into three more categories-

• Type 2a-

This hair type occurs, when you have got wavy shaped hair only at the bottom of your hair. Your hair is straight from roots to your face. They do not have much volume and is slightly curled at the bottom.

Hair care-

• To increase the density of hair, you can use rice water.
• To scrunch the curls, and enhance the natural waves, use lightweight styling gel when your hair is damp.
• Consider braided or bun hairstyle while sleeping, this will protect hair from getting tangled at night.
• Try washing your hair with co-wash, this will keep hair more moisturized.

• Type 2b-

In this hair type, the ‘S’ shaped in the hair starts from midlength. They have thicker strands in the bottom of hair. The crown of the hair is flat and has straight hair.

Hair care-

• To keep hair bouncy, use volumizing shampoo and conditioner.
• Use leave-in conditioner, to protect the hair from frizz.
• You can try using sea salt texturizing spray, which is made of natural sea salt.

• Type 2c-

This hair type is more towards curly hair. It has proper defined S-shaped wavy hair. Hair texture of 2c type hair is thick. The ‘S’ shaped formed in the hair can vary from small to medium size.

2C type hair is more prone to frizz. It is dense than other type 2 hair.

Hair care-

• Use clarifying and volumizing shampoo on wash day.
• Lightweight conditioner should never be missed. Make sure to apply more conditioner at the end of your hair.
• Use products that add moisture to your hair, as this hair type is prone to frizz.
• Avoid using heat, it will cause hair to be frizzier. Let your hair dry naturally.
• Schedule trim every 2-3 weeks, to keep the cut fresh.
• Give your hair as much protein you can give, it will help to make hair stronger.

Type 3: Curly Hair

This curly hair type has hair that curls into springs and corkscrew shapes. When they are wet, you can see ‘S’ shaped being formed in the hair, and as soon as they get dry, the curls shrink giving a 3D swirl shape.

The hair type can be fine, medium or thick. Also, you will find a mixture of wavy and coily strands.

Frizzy in nature, this hair type is dense in nature.

• Type 3a-

Termed as one of the easiest curls to style. Type 3a curls have stretched spirals and the curls diameter are large. Curls are soft in nature and they form a ‘S’ shaped pattern.

This hair type is characterized by well-defined, springy curls that are about the size of a sidewalk chalk.

Hair care-

• Use sulfate-free shampoo, which can rip natural oil from your scalp.
• Consider deep conditioning treatment to provide extra moisture to hair.
• Air-dry your hair, avoid using heating tools as much as you can.
• Use wide-toothed comb to detangle your hair.
• Apply leave-in conditioner, to keep the curls soft and defined.

• Type 3b-

If you have got curls wide in diameter like as wide as magic marker, then your curls belong to type 3b category. These curls are bouncy in nature and have good volume.

These curl types are well defined, and look more like corkscrew. However, they are vulnerable to frizz and breakage.

Hair care-

• You don’t need any volumizing shampoo or conditioner for this hair type.
• Use cotton t-shirt while drying your hair, this will keep away the frizz in the curl.
• Apply leave-in conditioner and hair defining gel, to keep the curls properly defined.
• Try detangling hair with your fingers.

• Type 3c-

This hair type is just like curls, you have the S-shaped curls from the crown of our head to the bottom. The curls are smaller in shape and are more tightly packed.

Combing this hair type, can make your hair more frizzy and dry. Filled with natural volume, this hair type requires extra hydration and extra care. It is a good practice to detangle your hair before washing, so that curls are cleaned properly.

Hair care-

• Use hydrating and moisturizing shampoo and conditioner.
• Since the hair has a lot of volume, try dividing hair into sections, before applying any product.
• To style your hair, choose products that provide immense Moisturization to hair. Leave-in crème, leave-in conditioner and gel with hydrating base works good for this type of hair.

Type 4: Coiled and Kinky Hair

This hair type has been given the name for the way it looks like. Coiled or kinky hair type is drier in texture and has a proper ‘S’ shaped defined. When this hair type is wet, you can see its actual length, as soon as they dry the curls get shrink.

• Type 4a

This hair type is defined by small S-shaped strands. The curl patterns are visible, with springy S-shaped coils. Super dry and frizzy in nature, the curls require intense hydration to keep them soft and smooth.

Hair care-

• Use hydrating shampoo and conditioner.
• Type 4a curls are tend to be dry, you need to use moisturizing products to keep them moisturized.
• Wash your hair with gentle shampoo and conditioner.
• Once or twice a week, deep conditioning is required for the curls.
• Always detangle with wide toothed comb.

• Type 4b

As the type increases, curls become denser and more towards coil like structure. They are the tiny zigzag pattern, accompanied by compressed coils.

Hair care-

• Never skip conditioner and leave-in conditioner.
• Once a week use DIY hair mask to keep your hair strands and scalp healthy.
• Always protect your curls from harsh environment.
• Do not comb your hair, it will make them drier and frizzier.
• Avoid heating tools, it will only damage your hair strands.

• Type 4c

The last type of curly hair. Fragile, tight zigzag pattern and frizzier. They are more to shrink when they get dry. This hair type requires extra special care.

Hair care-

The most difficult type of curly hair and difficult hair care too.

This hair type requires only one thing and i.e. hydration, hydration and hydration.

• Use hydrating shampoo and conditioner.
• Styling gel to keep the curls in shape.
• Sleep on satin pillowcase to avoid frizziness.

Universal hair care for all curl types

In the above section, you saw different types of curly hair and how to care for them. But there are some hair care points, which is similar for all curl types. Check them out-

1. Use sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner.
2. Always sleep on satin pillowcases.
3. Do not comb your hair, when they become dry.
4. Apply leave-in conditioner to style your hair.
5. Trim your hair regularly, every 6-8 weeks to keep the cut fresh.
6. A healthy balanced diet adds on to the beauty of hair.
7. Protect your curls from harsh environment, by choosing hairstyles like twist, braids and bun.
8. Once in a week, pamper your hair with deep conditioning.

Mistakes to avoid in curly hair

1. Avoid washing your hair with too hot water.
2. Do not use any products which have harsh ingredients like silicone.
3. Try to avoid combing your hair when they get dry.
4. Do not leave your hair open in wind, it will cause hair to get tangled.
5. Avoid using too much of heating tools, it damages the hair strands.
6. Not using enough conditioner.

Conclusion

Above are the different types of curly hair and how to care for them. The type of curly hair you have, you can decide it with the above description. It is necessary to understand the type of curly hair you have, this way it becomes easy for you to take care of them.

Remember that hair care is a personal journey, it is not necessary that what works for one, would work for you. It takes time to understand which product works for your hair. Being patient and consistent is the only key to understand your curls better and care for them.

Which is your curl type? And how do you care for them?

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