How To Figure Out Your Curl Type & Why It Will Benefit You

Ever since quarantine started I’ve been playing around with my curly hair! I use to straighten my hair monthly but I’ve decided to let it breath and grow! I’m always searching for new hair products to try. Partly because I love trying new hair products but, I also heard it’s better to switch up the hair products you use so your hair isn’t use to just one product.

When I find new products to try I make sure to read the reviews. I noticed people would often refer to their “hair type” as 4c, 4b, etc. So, I decided to research! I found out knowing your “hair type” can help determine what products will work for your hair.

If you’re just now starting your natural hair journey and you have curly hair, keep reading! Trust me, knowing your hair type is so important during your natural hair journey.

Image: Glamour.com

Hair types 1 through 2C are easier to identify using the image above. Type 1 is straight and type 2C is almost a curl but it’s more like a loose wave. 

Below is more information on hair types 3 and 4 plus tips for each type!

Type 3 Hair: Curly- has a very defined curl pattern and can be identified by its spiral curls. Type C hair can range from a size of a pencil to a small marker.

Top Concerns: Curl definition, fighting frizz and avoiding drying products 

Go-To Products: Creams, gels, gentle shampoos 

3A: You have a loose curl pattern that reflects an S-shape or a loose spiral.

3B: You have tight curls that are typically bouncy. The size of your curls are like the size of a sharpie.

3C: You have tighter curls that are similar to a pencil width. 

Type 4 Hair: Coily- the kinkiest, coarsest, and driest out of all of the hair types.

Top Concerns: Maintaining moisture, avoiding tangles and shrinkage 

Go-To Products: Daily conditioner, deep conditioner and leave-in conditioners 

4A: Your curls are tightly coiled and have a super tight S-shape.

4B: Your curls have a small, tight Z-shape and little definition.

4C: You have tighter coils then 4B hair and might have little definition. Your hair can shrink up to half its size when it gets wet.

Let me know what curly hair products work for you in the comments!

xo-michaellerenee