Did you know all the different curly hair types, or even which one type of curls is yours?
Yes, there are THAT many types of curly hair, people feel the need to make a proper curly hair chart with each of all those hair curl types needs their own specific haircare guide!
So, tell us again, what’s your curl? 🤷♀️
I know. Just by reading this early, you’re probably asking yourself now, “so what type of curls do I have?“.
I would like nothing more than to give you the exact answer to that question, because finding your hair curl types is the first step in knowing the haircare best suited for you.
So what’d you say we first learn all these types of curls by starting with the four main categories: wavy, curly, coil-y, and the kinky type?
But why is it important, you ask?
Because each curl type has its own needs depending on on the shape and diameter of a curl’s follicles and how tight they are, which is determined by where in your head those curls happen.
So let’s get more into it, shall we?
The Types of Curly Hair: How to Find Your Curl on That Curly Hair Chart!
Hair Curl Types 2A & 2B: The Wavy Pattern
These hair curl types have texture and shine which is something in between that of straight, wavy or curly, and often dubbed as natural curly hair types.
They can get frizzy more easily than straight but they are less prone to damage from humidity because their natural oils don’t protect it as well (unlike type 3 which has an abundance).
If you have type two hair in the curly hair chart, it is important to know that your curls are looser and since it is more of natural curly hair types, you’ll find tend to be elongated in shape than type one or three.
Because of this, using the correct type of product is key- gel will make your hair greasy and weighed down while a creamier conditioner will give you some light waves without making it too heavy.
The trick is to let your natural oils work their magic by air drying whenever possible.
if you must use a diffuser, be sure to keep the heat on low! You can also try braiding your hair when it’s wet for defined waves in the morning.
Products To Try: Bumble and Bumble Surf Creme Rinse Conditioner OR Deva Curl Low
The Curly Hair Texture Type 2a & 2b, and How to Manage Them
There are different shades to curly hair texture, and just as confusing as it is for people with straight hair, curly is no exception.
So in that curly hair texture chart, they make 2 sub-main categories for curl type 2: 2a (Type 2), b/c(2b).
Type 2A is generally fairly easy to comb and has a wave-like texture. It’s also referred to as “S” shaped, because the curl pattern forms an S shape when viewed from above or below.
This types of curl can be found on dry hairs with no product in them (although it will still maintain its natural style).
Type 2B is less common than type A and has the wavy strands that tend not only frizz easily but they’re more difficult than other types like that type A to style.
The reason for this, is because type A is one of types of curly hair that has straight roots that stick up high off head while type B a curly hair type that may have some waves at higher levels which are easier for flat ironing without creating any unwanted curls near those areas–though even that I recommend using one with ceramic plates.
The products you use on type two are important because they need to define the curly hair texture, but not weight it down.
Styling products for type two should have a light hold and be water-based.
You’re probably bored of how much already I told you this.
But gel really is too heavy for type two hair and will make it greasy, while wax will give your curls definition without making them weighed down.
Try using a cream or serum to add shine and tame frizz, is another good idea you we really think you should try.
Products To Try: Shea Moisture Coconut Hibiscus Curl and Style Milk
Curly Hair Chart Type III (Wavy & Curls): Type 3A, 3B, 3C
Based in that holy chart of curly hair, curls of types 3A, B and C are spiral curls which when wet can form a gorgeous ballerina bun.
They’re formed by tightly winding your hair around itself until it’s mostly dry before uncurling the coils from one another with wire-curtain tresses or rollers wider than 1 inch in diameter at their widest point.
Type three hair is usually frizzy and has an oblong curl pattern. This helps to create more natural looking waves without making them stick out too much on top.
When moisture comes into contact with these beautiful ringlets during showering/bathing time each individual strand is held up high off its surface so they have an excuse not only do be frizzy but also stay hydrated all day long!
Products To Try: Curl Keeper, OR Deva Curl One Condition Decadence Leave In Cream Curl Milk, Curls Unleashed Curling Jelly Gel by Miss Jessie’s .
The Not-So-Natural Curly Hair Types IVA & IVB (Curly & Kinky):
Curls of type four are very tightly wound curls that tend to form corkscrew like coils at their ends because they literally curl around themselves almost as if you would roll your finger into a tight coil with each strand making its own individual loop along the way.
This is why products containing heavy oils can weigh down these types of coily strands which will cause them to lose their natural bounce and curl rather than enhance them!
This isn’t true for all the type of curly or kinky textures, but just something important to remember when finding what works best.
Curls also have different characteristics depending on individuals ethnicity so it’s always best to do your research before committing to a product.
Products To Try: Curls Passion Fruit Curl Control Paste, Curly Hair Solutions Curling Crème for Type IV Curls Kinky-Curly Knot Today Leave In Conditioner or Lotion, Cantu Shea Butter Coconut Curling Cream.
Why It’s Important To Remember These Many Curly Hair Types?
You know that your curl is a living thing, and when you take the time to care for it properly, whatever the type of curly hair you’re blessed with, everything becomes easier.
Whether we’re talking about washing or styling, our curls will thrive, when you know the types of curly hair you’re dealing with.
So make sure not to forget to use the tips we outlined in this post!
When we said instead of using too much product and weighing down your natural waves or curls with a heavy satin mop try out some hairspray for define-able layers, we meant that!
From our hair to yours, we want you have the best curl possible. We hope these tips are helpful to let you know what’s your curl type, and let you find the right haircare based on types of curly hair patterns you’ve learned from this post.
If you’ve enjoyed reading through my rant, or finally able to find yourself in that curly hair chart people are talking about… then please take a second (or three) to share them with others – so they too can have healthy-looking curls like yours 🙂