Straight hair is easy to tame, but wavy or curly hair types is more challenging. There isn't just one category of curly hair, contrary to what many people believe. It can be challenging to figure out what type of curl you have. A curl's traits and characteristics vary depending on its type-from 2a to 4c. How do you determine your curl type? Taking good care of your tresses takes some exploration, as well as being kind and patient over time. Find out what are the types of curly hair you can have by scrolling down!
Different Types of Curly Hair Basics
Your curl pattern describes your hair's curly nature. Curls with a loose texture are known as ‘waves.’ Those with a more defined spiral pattern are known as ‘curls.’ Lastly, there are kinky curls that make your hair look shorter than it really is.
Ultimate Guide to Different Types of Curly hair
There are basically 4 different hair types, the first one being straight hair and the other 3 being curly. But if you want to know how many types of curly hair are there, there are 3 – wavy, curly and coily/kinky. These 3 are further broken down into 3 different subcategories depending on the diameter and shape of your curl.
1. Wavy Hair Type
Hair with a wavy texture falls between straight and curly textures. In this type of hair, the roots are flat and straight, while the ends form loops. These loose loops are shaped like an S and give your hair a subtle curl. Compared to type 3 curly hair, waves are less shiny, but they reflect light better. Frizz is also more prevalent with curly hair.
How to Maintain this Hair Type
Those with wavy hair can combat their frizz with leave-in serums and mousses. Using these products also helps to define the waves without making them look weighed down.
The TRESemmé Pro Pure Damage Recovery Hair Serum helps to keep tangles to a minimum and controls frizz. It also helps repair damaged hair and adds lustre to your dull locks. It contains the goodness of Rice Essence which helps your hair recover from early signs of damage.
Using lightweight shampoos and conditioners for wavy hair 2-3 times per week will help you achieve the best results.
Doesn’t matter what type of curly hair you have honestly, if you have curls the Dove Beautiful Curls Sulphate Free Shampoo is for you. It is infused with glycerine, aloe and shea butter to help you combat the frizz and dryness while also deep cleansing your hair. It also happens to be free of the usual harsh chemicals which could otherwise damage your hair or even affect your colour-treated hair. Just get a vibrant shine and makes your curly tresses smooth and soft with this curl-loving shampoo.
We know how hard it can be to untangle curly hair. So, follow up your shampoo routine with the Dove Beautiful Curls Detangling Conditioner which is similarly free of harsh chemicals but still makes it easier to free your hair of knots. It also conditions the curls at the same time with the trifecta of moisturising natural ingredients. Easily tame your frizz further down and get luscious, healthy curls.
- You should use a heat protectant when styling wavy hair with heat tools like curling and straightening irons.
- You can add definition to your wavy hair by plopping it with a soft cotton t-shirt. Additionally, it prevents your hair from breaking and being damaged.
- Wavy hair can be detangled the easiest with wide-toothed combs because they don't disrupt the curly pattern. If you absolutely hate living without your hairbrush, go for one with soft bristles and a vented design.
2. Curly Hair Type
When people think about curly hair, they picture this type 3. The curls form perfect ringlets and are highly defined. Their roots to tips are full of volume. Because type 3 curls act as a barrier to distributing natural oils evenly, they are often dry. For people with type 3 hair, getting rid of excessive frizz is their biggest concern. They should also develop a hair routine that adds definition to their curls and keeps them looking fresh.
How to Maintain this Hair Type
To prevent your hair from drying out, wash it with natural shampoos that do not contain sulfates.
To keep their curls sufficiently hydrated, people with type 3 curly hair must follow a Liquid-Oil-Cream (LOC) method. Using this method, you'll wash your hair with a shampoo and conditioner that are hydrating, use an oil to keep it hydrated and use a curl-defining cream.
If you want to keep your curls from getting damaged by heat, avoid straightening your hair too much.
To prevent breakage and drying out, sleep on a silk or satin pillowcase.
Keep your curls defined between washes by tying your hair in a loop bun and covering it with a scarf or bonnet made of silk. This technique is called the pineappling method.
3. Coily Hair Type
Those with type 4 coily hair have fine textured hair that is tightly coiled. This hair type has tight coils that are voluminous due to their tight packing on the scalp. This hair type has the fewest cuticle layers, which makes it the most susceptible to dryness. Due to how tightly it curls, coily hair also shrinks more than others.
How to Maintain this Hair Type
You should moisturize your coily hair every two to three days with natural oils and hair creams. Your hair's tightly wound coils prevent your natural oils from travelling down its length, leaving your ends feeling severely parched. Although this may seem like a lot of work, it is important that you do it regularly.
Keep your coily hair sufficiently hydrated by deep conditioning it twice a month or more.
Blow-drying can cause major damage to your hair.
To prevent your hair from breaking right from the middle, detangle it in small sections and use a wide-toothed comb.
Make sure your coily hair doesn't get too tangled and dried up while sleeping by wearing a satin bonnet or sleeping on a satin pillowcase.
FAQs about Guide to Different Types of Curly Hair
What type of curly hair do I have?
You can tell what kind of curl you have based on the shape of your follicles. If the follicles are flatter or oval-shaped, your hair will be curlier. If they are more circular, your hair will be straighter.
Do I really have curly hair?
You have curly hair if your wet hair forms ringlets and waves naturally. Make sure you thoroughly wet your hair after you wash it next time. See if your hair has waves and ringlets as it curls. If so, you probably have curly hair. Water restores the natural state of your hair.
When should you wash curly hair?
Washing your curly hair depends on the type of curl you have. You can lather up classic and loose curls up to four times a week. Coily curls can be co-washed weekly, and shampooed once a month for deep cleansing. You should co-wash or shampoo every few days if you have tight curls.
Written by Kinnari Ashar on Jan 31, 2023