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What is My Curl Type?

No two heads of curls are the same. Most times, one head has many curl types. 

Everyone’s hair is unique and has specific needs to achieve healthy growing hair.

Learning your curly hair type is important because it helps you better understand your hair and what it needs to thrive.

Your curl type determines:

  • Maintenance

  • Products

  • Styling 

  • Cut and Color options 

This curl type guide will help you understand how to care for your curls and pick the best products for the job.

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How are curls formed?

Curly hair starts from the scalp. The shape of the hair follicles dictate if your hair will grow in curls or straight. 

Circle follicles produce straight hair, as oval-shaped follicles creates the bends and curves in curly strands. 

The shape of your curls are also important in determining your curl type whether they form waves, curls or coils. 

Most people with naturally curly hair have more than one curl type on their head, in some cases, they  may have to style each section differently or use different products to create a cohesive look.

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Curl Types Chart

The Hair Typing System was created by Andre walker, Oprah’s Hairstylist for over 25 years and modified by the curly community. Walker wanted to create a useful guide to head determine the many curl types a client could have.  

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Simple breakdown:

The numbers describe the shape of the curls while the letters describe the width or diameter of of the curls.

Main groups:

Type1 is straight hair

Type 2 is wavy hair 

Type 3 is curly hair 

Type 4 is coil hair 

Subclassifications

Based on curl shape or tightness 

A- Looser or larger curls

B- Medium

C- Tight or smaller curls

What is My Curl Type?

Best time to determine your curl type is when hair your is saturated with moisture as the curl being to form and clump together.

Type 2: Wavy

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Description

“S” Shaped

2A: Loose waves with a gentle bend 

2B: mostly straight at roots with more defined waves below eye level 

2C: Waves starting at the roots with defined waves mixed with ringlets

Issues:

Frizz

Maintenance 

  1. Shampoo every 2-3 days (2a/ 2b) or every 3-5 days (2c)

  2. Use light oils for a pre-poo treatment to avoid stripping moisture from hair and encouraging frizz

  3. Deep condition every two weeks 


Styling Products:

Use light hold products to avoid weighing down curls 

  • Mousse

  • Leave in cream

  • Heat protectant

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 Type 3: Curly

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Description:

Defined and springy curls that form spiral or ringlets 

3A: Uniformed curls about the size of large side walk chalk

3B: Circumference of a sharpie

3C: Pencil or straw, corkscrew curls, volume 


Issues:

Frizz

Definition 


Maintenance: 

  1. Shampoo once a week. Avoid sulfates that will dry out curls. 

  2. Co-wash midweek to refresh curls 

  3. Leave in conditioner 

  4. Light oil to seal in moisture 

  5. Deep condition week to bi weekly 

  6. Avoid heating tools to prevent heat damage

Styling Products

To define curls 

  • Creams 

  • Gels

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Type 4: Coils

Description:

Tight Coils

Fragile 

Coarse


4A: Small tight corkscrews, crochet needle, finer strands 

4B: spring of a pen 

4C: less curl definition, coarser and stands with higher density than b 


Issues:

Shrinkage 

Tangles

Moisture

Frizz



Maintenance :

  1. Shampoo less frequently to maintain moisture and reduce breakage and manipulation. Shampoo no more than once a week 

  2. Co wash if needed

  3. ALWAYS detangle hair wet or with a product that will provide slip 

  4. Daily leave in conditioner, moisturizer 

  5. Use oils to seal moisture from roots to ends 

  6. Deep condition weekly or bi weekly 

  7. Limit use of heat as it will compromise curls resulting in heat damage 

  8. Protective styles to avoid over manipulation.



Styling Products 

Fight frizz and define curls 

  • Defining gel, cream or custard

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Conclusion: 

Identifying your curl type can help you better understand how to care for your tresses. It will also help you find your curl type tribe which is beneficial to get advice and learn the versatility of your unique curls while preventing those dreaded bad hair days. 


What are some of your tricks for taking care of your curl pattern?