What Curl Type Do I Have? A Complete Guide to Identifying Your Curls
If you’ve ever wondered, “What curl type do I have?”, you’re not alone! Understanding your curl type is the first step toward embracing and caring for your natural curls. The curly hair spectrum includes various textures, ranging from loose waves to tight coils, and each type has unique characteristics and care needs.
In this guide, we’ll break down the different curl types and help you determine where your hair fits in the curly spectrum.
The Curl Typing System
The most commonly used curl classification system divides hair into four categories:
Type 1: Straight Hair
Type 2: Wavy Hair
Type 3: Curly Hair
Type 4: Coily/Kinky Hair
Since we’re focusing on curls, we’ll dive deeper into Types 2, 3, and 4 to help you pinpoint your specific curl pattern.
Type 2: Wavy Hair
Wavy hair falls between straight and curly hair. It has an ‘S’ shape and is more prone to frizz than straight hair but doesn’t have full curls.
2A - Loose Waves
- Very fine, barely-there waves
- Light and easy to straighten
- Benefits from lightweight styling products
2B - Defined Waves
- More pronounced S-shape
- Prone to frizz and needs anti-humidity products
- Best styled with mousse or light gels
2C - Deep Waves
- Borderline curly with tighter waves
- More volume and frizz-prone
- Needs extra hydration and curl-enhancing products
Type 3: Curly Hair
Curly hair has well-defined ringlets and can range from loose curls to springy corkscrews.
3A - Loose Curls
- Big, soft curls with shine
- Prone to frizz and needs moisture
- Best enhanced with curl creams and light gels
3B - Bouncy Curls
- Tighter curls with more volume
- Prone to dryness, so hydration is key
- Needs leave-in conditioners and styling gels
3C - Tight Corkscrews
- Small, dense, and coily curls
- Prone to shrinkage and dryness
- Benefits from deep conditioning and rich creams
Type 4: Coily/Kinky Hair
Coily hair has the tightest curl patterns and is naturally dry due to the shape of the strands, which makes it harder for natural oils to travel down the hair shaft.
4A - Soft Coils
- Defined coils about the width of a crochet needle
- Soft texture but requires heavy moisture
- Needs butters, creams, and deep conditioners
4B - Z-Shaped Curls
- Less defined curls with a ‘Z’ shape
- Shrinks significantly, sometimes by 50%
- Requires frequent hydration and protective styling
4C - Tightest Coils
- Extremely tight curls with minimal definition
- Prone to dryness and shrinkage
- Needs heavy butters, oils, and low-manipulation styling
How to Determine Your Curl Type If you're unsure where your curls fit, follow these steps:
- Wash your hair and let it air dry without any products. This will reveal your natural curl pattern.
- Compare your curl pattern to the descriptions above. Look at your curls closely to see if they form waves, spirals, or tight coils.
- Identify multiple curl types. Many people have a mix of curl patterns, especially those with thicker or longer hair.
- Consider your hair’s porosity and density. Beyond curl type, knowing how your hair absorbs moisture will help with product selection.
Caring for Your Curl Type Once you’ve identified your curl type, you can build a haircare routine tailored to your specific needs.
Here are some general tips:
Wavy Hair (Type 2): Use lightweight products like mousses and light creams to enhance waves without weighing them down.
Curly Hair (Type 3): Keep hair hydrated with leave-in conditioners and curl creams to define curls and reduce frizz.
Coily Hair (Type 4): Focus on moisture-rich products like butters and oils to retain hydration and protect against breakage.
All of these Curly Girl Method-approved products are available at Curl Cosmetics, Australia’s leading curly hair supplier.
Embrace Your Natural Curls!Now that you know your curl type, you can start building a routine that enhances and nourishes your hair. Whether you have soft waves or tight coils, embracing your natural texture is the key to healthy, beautiful curls!
What’s your curl type? Share your experience in the comments below!
