The Four Types Of Curly Hair – Everything you need to know

Do you have curly hair and you’ve noticed other curls look slightly or way different from yours? This may seem complex when you attempt to differentiate from each hair type.

However, after learning about each hair type, it becomes easier for you to identify and differentiate between hair types that may seem similar.

Majorly, there are four hair types. They range from type 1 to type 4. Some of these hair types are sub categorized depending on how tight or loose the curls are. 

Read on to learn about these hair types and what makes them different.

Types of curly hair

Type 1 (straight hair)

This hair type is straight. It has no sign of curls or waves from its roots to its tip. Due to the absence of curls, it’s often easier for the scalp oil to coat the strands. This makes straight hair more oily than other hair types. If you have this hair, stay away from heavy styling products like creams and use more hair sprays.

Also use dry shampoos than can grt rid of excess oil without stripping too much of your natural oils.

Type 2 ( wavy hair)

This hair type is almost straight and almost curly. It is usually somewhat straight from the roots, and the rest is usually wavy. This is one of the hair types that has been subcategorized. 

• Type 2A

This type of hair is almost straight if not for its wavy ends. It has a loose S-shape and is usually of fine texture and can get flat easily. This kind of hair should avoid heavy products to prevent greasiness and to prevent it from weighing down even more. To add volume to your hair, you can use hair sprays and mousse.

• Type 2B

Unlike Type 2A, this hair type is usually of thick texture, more defined and has more volume especially from its mid length to the tip. Because of its defined and thick waves, it tends to get frizzy and less easier to manage than straight hair, or even the type 2A hair.

• Type 2C

This hair type is even more defined than the other two kinds of wavy hair above. The waves often begin at the top of the head or the roots  to the very end of your strands. It is often thicker and more prone to frizz than the other types. This kind of hair requires even more special care to keep it looking healthy and frizz free.

From how often it is washed to how it is dried and styled. It is advised to wash less often to prevent dryness and to use diffusers when blow drying it.

Type 3 ( curly hair)

Now, the curls. Other people with different hair types ( straight hair, ahem) probably wish they had a head full of pretty ringlets. But the work that comes with caring for type 3 hair, is a lot. Maybe it’s worth it though.

Curly hair can be loose and some defined. This brings us to the types of type 3 hair

• Type 3A

This hair type is well defined but has a fine texture. Out of the type 3 hair types, it appears to be the loosest. This hair type is also prone to dryness and frizz.

Brushing curly hair generally may also cause frizz and make it lose its definition. It is strongly advised to use a wide-tooth comb or your fingers if you need to comb or detangle your curls.

• Type 3B

Since type 3A is said to be the loosest, type 3B is definitely tighter. What makes it different is it is thicker and voluminous with smaller curls that can wrap around your pinkie.

While this hair type is also prone to frizz like any curly hair is, its main problem is retaining moisture.

You can make use of hydrating leave-in conditioners and other hydrating products to add moisture to it. Drying ingredients like sulfates, alcohol and silicones should be avoided in your hair products.

• Type 3C

The last of the type 3 hair is type 3c. This curl type is extra tight and springy. To maintain the definition of these curls, it is advised you drop the comb and rake through or detangle with your hands to prevent breakage and frizz.

Also, it is advised to let your hair air dry when it’s wet than to use blow dryers.

Type 4 (Coily hair)

• Type 4A

The curl pattern for this hair type is smaller. This makes the curl tighter. Coily hair are known to shrink and prone to dryness. However, this hair doesn’t shrink often like the rest of the type 4’s.

Nevertheless, it still needs moisture more than ever. This can be gotten from leave-in conditioners, hair creams and oils.

• Type 4B

From the type 2 hair down to type 4A, they all have a common S-shaped pattern. Type 4B, however, does not follow this pattern.

Instead, the pattern of these curls is in a Z shape. In a zigzag pattern.

Also, the texture of these curls  could either be fine or thick. 

Unlike type 4A, this hair type is more prone to dryness, shrinkage and breakage. Hence, a hydrating leave-in conditioner, deep conditioner, shampoo should be in your hair care routine. These products should also not contain harmful hair ingredients like sulfates and alcohol.

• Type 4C

4C hair has even tighter and delicate coils. It is more prone to breakage than 4B hair. 4C hair should be handled carefully to prevent damage. You can care for it by using hydrating and sulfate-free shampoos to wash your hair occasionally. To retain moisture you can alternate between shampoos and a cleansing conditioner. Use hydrating leave-in conditioners and take out tangles using your fingers. Also, before going to sleep, to retain moisture through the night, wear a silk or satin bonnet to prevent moisture loss, frizz, tangles and breakage.

Takeaway 

It can be seen from the above that every hair type has their own peculiarity. Due to the difference in curl pattern, texture and needs, it is required of everyone with a head full of a particular hair type to care for it according to this reason. Straight hair will require to be cared for differently than curly hair.

Straight has absolutely no curl pattern which means unlike curly hair that gets tangled from time to time, straight hair will get little to no tangles. 

So, it is advised that before you add a product or incorporate a habit into your routine, ensure it suits your hair type and it’s actually what your hair needs.