Are you blessed with curls but aren’t sure what type of curly hair you have or how best to look after it? Whether you have tousled waves or beautiful coils, we’ve broken it down for you in our curly hair type guide.
From 2A to 4c curls, discover the different types of curly hair and how to maximise their shape.
what type of curly hair do I have?
The different types of curly hair can be broken down into three categories: wavy (type 2), curly (type 3), and coily (type 4). Each category then contains a subgroup of A-C based on the width or diameter of your wave, curl, or coil. The basic rule of thumb is the higher the number and letter, the curlier the hair and the tighter the coil. Sounds simple, right?
different types of curly hair
Check out our guide to types of curly hair so you can figure out your own curl type.
type 2 hair (wavy)
If you have wavy hair, your curls take on a definitive “S” shape and can range from barely-there waves to being mistaken for curls. Type 2 waves are bendable, lie closer to the head, and can be fine or coarse. When wet, wavy hair tends to be straight and ripples as it dries.
There are three different patterns:
- 2A waves are fine, super loose, and add a touch of tousled texture to the hair. Type 2A hair grows straight from the root and waves toward the end.
- 2B waves lie flatter at the crown and have loose “S” shaped waves starting from the mid-lengths. Think of 2B hair types as beachy waves.
- 2C waves are thicker and have well-defined “S” shaped waves that start at the root and travel to the ends. 2C hair type borders between wavy and curly, but unlike curly hair, doesn’t form springs.
type 3 hair (curly)
Those with curly hair will have bouncy curls that appear consistently throughout their hair. Type 3 curly hair can range from loose, buoyant curls to tight spring or corkscrew shapes. When type 3 hair is wet, curls usually look like waves and begin to take on a 3D shape as they dry.
These are the three different classes of type 3 hair:
- 3A curly hair features stretched spirals of curls that travel down from the crown. With large, loose curls, this hair type is usually finer in texture, and the springs appear bouncy and full of life.
- 3B curls have well-defined, tighter spirals that resemble corkscrews. There’s no need to boost volume for 3b curly hair, as these spring-like spirals create great volume and fullness by bouncing off one another.
- 3C curls are tighter and more densely packed together than type 3B hair. 3C hair types can range from precisely defined to loose helixes, and have a circumference similar to that of a straw or pencil.
type 4 hair (coily)
Type 4 coily hair is the tightest of the bunch. Strands form tight curls of zigzags or tightly-wound “S” shapes right from the root. Coily hair is naturally extremely dry and spongey in texture, and the curls are prone to shrinkage when dried.
Let’s take a look at the three types of coily hair:
- 4A hair type has dense “S” shaped coils that are small in size and circumference. They curl into tight rings that start from the root and maintain texture throughout.
- 4B coils are very tight and form a zig-zag pattern that bends in sharp angles. 4B hair type is prone to shrinkage, meaning it will appear shorter than it is.
- 4C hair type has the tightest coils that are defined in a strong “Z” shape. It has a dense texture and is . Additionally, 4C hair types typically require the most moisture since their hair strands are low porosity.
best products for different types of curly hair
Now that you’ve identified your curl type, it’s time to discover what products work best for your waves and coils. No matter what curly hair type you have, it’s essential that you moisturise your strands for optimal bounce and shape.
shampoo and conditioner for curly hair
Our kure collection is designed to repair and strengthen from root to tip. The kure bond repair shampoo works on all curly hair types, from natural waves to tight coils, to bring dry hair back from breaking point. Follow with the kure bond repair conditioner, an ultra-moisturising conditioner that provides the ultimate nourishment to your curls.
