Types of curls: types of curly hair (chart) (2023)

Styling curly hair is one thing: identifying itripple typeIt's another ball game. While it may seem intimidating at first to discoverripple typeIt's actually quite simple when broken down into this unofficial guide to curly hair.

A quick introduction to curl types

Originally created by Andre Walker, this classification system divides curls into types and subtypes. For starters, there are four types of curls ranging from type 1, type 2, type 3, and type 4. The number refers to the four main families of curls, and the ABC's of curls indicates how tight they are. your curls. Are you still with us? Type 1, on the other hand, are those with naturally straight hair, while Type 2 are women with wavy hair. The 3 are the ones with the spiral curls and the 4 are the infamous twists and turns.

Now that we've categorized the types of curl patterns, let's dive into each type and subtype so you can better understand more than just yours.ripple typebut also find the types of products and styles that suit the needs of your hair.

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Types of curls: types of curly hair (chart) (1)

blocked hair types

Type 1 (direct)

As mentioned above, Type 1 is essentially the absence of a curl, in other words, straight poker. thisripple typeTechnically, it shouldn't be considered a curl, but it's just the start of one.ripple typeSystem.

Type 2 (wavy)

When it comes to wavy hair, the texture is somewhere between straight and curly. This type usually flattens out and straightens slightly at the base, falling into a specific S-shape. Their hair can be fine or thick, and it is generally easier to straighten and curl than the other.types of curls it's the wavy typewho normally dries naturally wavy with minimal product and knows how to maintain waves without heat with a little help from damp, braided hair.

Tipo 2A

Those with type 2A hair have a slightly tousled texture with fine strands that are slightly weighted down. It can pass as type 1 hair unless it has a slight curl at the ends. Those with this texture want to stay away from heavy styling products like heavy conditioners and creams. A light mousse and sea salt spray are just the thing to add volume and texture without leaving your hair feeling greasy and lifeless.

Type 2B

2B hair is flatter at the crown of the head and has more defined waves that start in the middle. The hair is thicker than 2A and a bit more difficult to style since the top of the head is curly and you have more hair to work with. You will have to work a little harder to straighten your hair, but if you want to enhance your natural waves, this is the way to do it.no heat tricks.

Type 2C

Type 2 rounding, 2C waves start right at the root and have a defined S-curve. With some very kinky curls, this type of hair is thicker and has a frizzier texture. The best way to take care of 2C hair is not to wash it too often as it dries out the hair, causes breakage and does not combat the famous frizz. Try washing your hair with a mild shampoo 2-3 times a week, and incorporating a bit of leave-in conditioner into your routine will do wonders.ripple type, especially when using a diffuser.

Type 3 (curly)

Type 3 curls are the curls that every girl with straight hair would love to have. This is what people think of when they picture traditionally curly hair. From loose, fluffy curls to defined, bouncy curls, these curls form perfect loops with tons of volume from root to tip and truly are every girl's volumizing dream.

Tipo 3A

Fact: 3A curls can be cheeky little shapeshifters. These curls are usually shiny with big loose curls about the size of a wine cork. 3As can be easily combed and styled, but the fine strands make the curls very responsive to weather variations. Whether it's a little wet, very dry, or the stars don't line up perfectly, you'll be trying to tame a lion's mane for most of the day. These curls are best styled when the hair is soaked. To stop frizz and define curls, apply a curl defining cream and comb through hair with a wide-tooth comb for even distribution. For best results, use your hands and a cotton t-shirt to crumple your hair into the desired shape.

Type 3B

As we go along, you'll notice thesetypes of curlsgetting tighter. 3B curls are thicker and bouncier than 3A curls. These curls are usually the size of your index finger and can easily wrap around it. This hair texture is a bit drier, but it knows how to maintain volume, and no matter how much you play with those curls, they are here to stay. The most important thing for 3Bs is to focus on moisturizing the hair. You should apply a cocktail of moisturizing and anti-frizz creams to improve, protect and give your skin a lot of shine.

Type 3C

Now we are moving towards tight corkscrew curls. 3C curls are the size of a straw and very dense. Even though these curls are tightly packed (to add volume to your hair), they tend to be finer in texture, resulting in a loss of definition. A mix of oils and creams and knowledgeHow to properly care for your curly hairit will do wonders for your boring tresses.

Type 4 (coiled)

Type 4 curls are kinky, frizzy, and tight. These curls are often not well defined when wet, and when they dry they tend to shrink and become thick and fluffy. Very dry in nature and with a spongy texture, Type 4 is the most delicate of all. The strands are extremely tight and hold very small curls from root to tip.

Type 4A

Those with 4A curls have the tightest, smallest loops/curls and follow a well-defined S-pattern. They generally retain moisture better than the other 4 hair types and shrink less. As you may already know, your coils need a lot of moisture to keep them healthy and full of life, especially if you're a fan of the wash-and-wear style. The proven moisturizing blend of oils, creams and gels helps maximize your frizzy texture. For best results, you can also define 4A curls using the classic hand kneading technique.

Type 4B

Far from the standard S pattern, the 4B (and C) are truly in a class of their own. These threads are densely packed and folded into a zigzag Z shape. About the width of a nib inside a ballpoint pen, these spirals can be fine or coarse in texture.ripple typewhich is more prone to moisture loss, shrinkage and breakage. That means your hair can handle rich formulas, so don't be afraid to load up on conditioners and leave-ins. The best way to apply them is to part wet hair and apply the product from roots to ends, wrapping each section around your finger to style and define.

Type 4C

Similar a 4B, 4Ctypes of curlsthey have a distinct difference in that the zigzag pattern they share is much tighter. This means that the cables are much more fragile and this is the caseripple typewhich experiences the greatest contraction of all other types. 4Cs tend to be extremely delicate and often break and oh yeah! You guessed it... moisture loss. The most important thing is to cover the hair from roots to ends with moisture and a lot of finesse when combing it. You should comb your hair smoothly and lightly while applying a leave-in oil or cream to maximize moisture retention. It depends on the way you massage: gently and gently.

Then the time has come! Now that we've cracked yoursripple typeYou can take proper care of your curls and really identify the type of curls you didn't know you had. It's safe to say that we all know that your hair can contain many different textures and it can be very difficult to style it all in a way that looks cohesive. So I hope you can try some of these tips on yourself to tame hair you didn't know you had.

If you're still not sure what your curl type is, take our quiz below!

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