Our Ultimate Guide To Finding and Caring for Your Curl Type

Figuring out your curl type may seem difficult, but it doesn’t have to be. We’re breaking down everything you need to know about your curly hair pattern.

By Hair.com & Powered By L’Oreal Professional Products Division

Update Date: 22 Dec 2024

Our Ultimate Guide To Finding and Caring for Your Curl Type

Clara McMahon

Whether you’re a natural hair newbie or well-versed in the curly hair scale, the truth is that curl types can be tough to distinguish. But once you understand what your particular type of curl is and what it needs to thrive, you’re already on your way to better hair days. Below, we’re breaking down the key components of each curl type and the products you should have in your arsenal to help them look their very best.

What Are Curl Types?

The term ‘curl types’ refers to the various classifications of hair texture based on how tight or loose your curl pattern is. The most common way to categorize your unique kind of curl is with the curly hair scale, which is home to nine different curl types; it begins with 2A (open, looser waves) and ends with 4C (coarser, more compact coils). It’s worth noting that type 1 also exists on the hair type scale, but this subcategory applies to the density and bend of straighter locks.

Curly hair types can vary for a number of reasons, including genetics, age, or increased hair porosity. It’s also possible (and extremely common) for a person to have more than one curl type throughout their head. You may even notice daily differences in your curls depending on the haircare products you use, moisture levels in the air, and whether you’ve undergone chemical processing (like bleaching or perming).

Breakdown of Curl Types

Here, learn more about the different hair patterns to help you find your curl type.

Type 2: Wavy

• 2A hair is the loosest curl pattern of all. It refers to hair with a slight bend, one that’s more defined than 1C patterns but less voluminous than the kinds of curls that come after it.
• 2B waves are slightly more defined but maintain a loose, beachy look. One of the key characteristics of 2B hair is how it typically lies flatter at the root rather than bending right from the scalp.
• 2C hair has more structured and voluminous waves that are just shy of forming into ringlets. According to experts, the pattern follows an S-shape, which can be a feature of both tight waves and loose curls.

Type 3: Curly

• 3A curls are very similar to 2C waves. This hair type bears the same S-shaped pattern but with slightly more bounce. One of the key characteristics of 3A hair is that it resembles a wavier pattern when wet, then springs into curls once dry. This curl type typically boasts looser, wider curls that are the size of a piece of sidewalk chalk.
• 3B curl types are a bit tighter than their successor—more like a permanent marker than a piece of thick chalk. This curly hair pattern features compact curls with lots of volume.
• 3C patterns are even tighter and more condensed, with ringlets likened to the size of a pencil. Per the pros, this type of curl grows horizontally out from the head and can take on a triangular shape without the right haircut.

Type 4: Coily

• 4A curl types are where we enter coily territory. These curls are the finest and loosest of the type 4 bunch, with springy S-shape spirals about the size of a crochet needle. They’re also generally a bit easier to detangle.
• 4B hair types can be identified by their tight Z-shaped curl patterns. This texture is often coarser and prone to both breakage and shrinkage.
• 4C hair tends to have a combination of curls, coils, and zigzags. While this can be difficult to pinpoint, the defining characteristic of this hair type is its love (and need) of moisture. This pattern is usually dry to the touch and requires more maintenance than other curl types.

How To Identify Your Curl Type

If you’re unsure of your exact curl type, experts recommend thoroughly washing and air-drying your hair without using any styling products. Once dry, you can examine your locks to see which curl type description fits best. Inspecting your wet hair can also be helpful in determining your curl type. If your hair sinks into long, loose waves, then there’s a likelihood that it falls under the type 2 curl category. However, if it shrinks significantly when dry, then your hair most likely lives in the type 4 family.

While these tests can help you make an educated guess about your curl type, they’re not foolproof. We always recommend consulting your hairstylist for the most accurate assessment of your strands. If you’re in need of immediate pro-backed advice, be sure to take our Hair Quiz, which provides tailored recommendations.

How to Care for Your Curl Type

Now that you know what kind of curl you’re working with, here comes the easy part: at-home care. We’ve got you covered with some of our favorite styling tricks and product recommendations to help keep your waves, curls, or coils in good shape.

Type 2: Wavy

Tip 1: Type 2 waves can easily lose their volume and bounce. We recommend starting your routine with the Matrix A Curl Can Dream Weightless Moisture Shampoo for up to 48 hours of wave definition. Follow it with the corresponding conditioner and use A Curl Can Dream Moisturizing Cream on soaking wet hair.

Tip 2: Frizz-fighters are essential for this curl type. The Pureology Smooth Perfection Smoothing Serum promises up to 72 hours of frizz defense.

Type 3: Curly

Tip 1: Consider Redken’s Acidic Bonding Curls Trio for rejuvenating over-processed curls.

Tip 2: When using a clarifying shampoo, opt for Mizani Moisture Fusion Gentle Clarifying Shampoo to cleanse without stripping moisture.

Type 4: Coily

Tip 1: Hydration is key. Kérastase’s Curl Manifesto collection offers nourishing products to help keep coils moisturized.

Tip 2: Overwashing can strip moisture; instead, use a curl-replenishing styler like the Redken Refreshing Curl Mist for touch-ups.

Tip 3: Protect your coils at night by pineappling your hair before bed.