You’ve probably heard that every seven years or so, your hair resets itself. One physician confirmed this by saying that the bundles that your hair grow in do actually reset after seven years (more or less).
This might sound like a blessing for those of you who’ve had to try and manage unruly curls for your entire life. However, managing curls don’t always have to be hard.
If you know what kind of hair type you have, you’ll be able to care for it better and be able to make the most of your natural, luscious curls.
Ready to find out what your curly hair type is? Let’s go!
What to Know About Hair Types
There are actually four types of hair, and they’re numbered 1 through 4. The scale looks something like this:
- Straight Hair
- Wavy Hair
- Curly Hair
- Coily Hair
Each number has three letters or types within itself. So, 1A is the straightest type of hair possible, and 4C is the curliest hair possible.
If you’re thinking, “Okay, but what is my hair type?” then it’s best to take a hair type quiz.
Obviously, those with curly hair will fall into the categories of 3 and 4, but what’s the difference?
You’ll know if you’re a 3 or a 4 by wetting your hair. Type 3 hair looks wavy when it’s wet but begins to curl once it’s dry. Type 4 hair remains curly when it’s wet and will begin to coil even more once it’s dry.
Making Sense of Your Curls
As mentioned, if you have curly hair, then you have type 3 or 4 hair. However, there are three categories within those types.
Type 3 hair is curly but still manageable. This kind of hair tends to have a lot of bounce and body to it, so thank the hair gods for your amazing genes!
You’ll also probably find that you don’t need to apply many products to make your hair look great and voluminous. When it comes to the different types of type 3 hair, you’ll need to know that:
- Type 3A: You have the loosest curl pattern possible while still having curls. Your hair probably doesn’t take well to heavy creams and oils because it gets weighed down.
- Type 3B: Your curls are more “stretched out” and they spiral down all the way from your roots to your shoulders. Your curls are more closely wound together and your hair isn’t as wild and voluminous as type 3A.
- Type 3C: This is the most frizz-prone hair within the type 3 category. Your curls look like corkscrews that might be able to naturally wrap around a pencil. This hair is unique in that it starts to grow up instead of down towards your shoulders.
Type 4 hair is similar to type 3C hair in that it also grows up and out of your head instead of downwards.
You’ll know what kind of type 4 curls you have by determining your curl type. S-shaped curls are for people with type 4A while Z-shaped curls are for people with type 4C hair.
If you’re somewhere in the middle, then it’s likely that you’re a 4B!
Making the Most of Type 3 Curly Hair
Do you have type 3 curly hair? Nice! We’re sure it looks great on you.
To optimize your ‘do and make the most of your curls, here’s how to style each kind of type 3 hair.
Styling 3A Curls
As mentioned, you don’t need to apply many products to your hair, and you shouldn’t. Avoid weighing down your hair with heavy oils and hair creams.
Instead, apply a light conditioner. Then, using a soft towel, you can squeeze the curls while pushing them up towards your scalp. This is also known as the “scrunch method.”
Avoid applying heat to this hair as it’s pretty susceptible to damage.
Styling 3B Curls
Like any other curly hair types, if you have 3B curls, you don’t need to blow dry your hair. However, your hair can handle product better than those with type 3A hair.
Experts note that on the hair type chart, this is where people tend to notice lots of frizz within curly hair types. So, be mindful of this and always look for anti-frizz products before letting your hair dry.
Styling 3C Curls
3C curls are truly unique. They’re the first kind of curls on the chart that begins to grow up instead of down.
If you want a larger fro, you’ll need to grow your curls out and let the weight create a nice rounded shape around your face.
Unlike the other two type 3’s, this kind of hair does well with products. Apply rich curl creams and leave in-conditioners to maximize your shine.
Making the Most of Type 4 Curly Hair
Category 4 curly hair types need to focus on one thing and that’s avoiding shrinkage. Washing your hair too often can result in shrinkage and make it look like you have way less hair than you actually do.
Styling 4A Curls
Stylists note that 4A hair does well with glycerin-based products. You’ll need to focus on really locking in the moisture to avoid making your hair look weighed down and frizzy.
If you’re going to apply heat to this hair, do so with a diffuser. This can come in handy when you need to wash your hair and quickly have it ready to go.
Styling 4B Curls
A cotton-like appearance defines the curl style of type 4B. This is a super trendy look, but if it’s not what you’re going for, then you’ll want to apply moisturizing conditioners.
This will not only help you ensure that your curls look more defined and shiny, but that they won’t break. Type 4B curls are more prone to breakage than 4A.
Styling 4C Curls
Type 4C curls can shrink to nearly three times less than their actual length. This is why styles like braid outs and twist outs are so great for this type of hair.
Braiding your hair out will help extend your length. However, letting it grow out and upwards looks just as elegant and stylish.
If you’re going to grow your hair out, use oil-based products as this hair is quick to lose moisture but also quick to absorb it.
Showing Off Your Natural Curls
Once you’ve figured out your hair type, whether you’ve got curly hair or not, you’ll need to find the perfect hairstyle.
For the right haircut, you’ll need to take into account your face shape, hair type, and even things like current trends and the time of the year.
To help you make the right choice, head over to our hairstyle section where you’ll find tips on how to cut your hair, care for it, and style it right.
