Natural curls are unique and enchanting - and they can sometimes be a real challenge. But with the right knowledge and the right products, every curl can be presented in all its beauty. In this article you will learn how to determine your curl type and which care and styling tips can help you take optimal care of your curls.
The classification system
The most widely used system for classifying hair types comes from theBritish star hairdresser Andre Walker, who served as Oprah Winfrey's personal hairdresser for over 25 years. He has also worked with a number of other celebrity clients including Michelle Obama, Halle Berry and Iman. Based on its structure, hair is categorized into four main types: straight, wavy, curly and frizzy, with subtypes within each category.
Why is it important to know your curl type?Your curl type is like a blueprint for your care routine. Because curly hair requires completely different care than straight hair - and not all curls are the same.
Answer the following questions to find out what type of curl you have: 2a, b,c, 3a, b, c or 4a, b,c.
Question 1: What does your hair look like in its natural state?
- A) Almost straight, only slightly curled (Type 2A)
- B) Significant waves, similar to those after a day at the beach (Type 2B)
- C) Large, pronounced waves that are almost curls (Type 2C)
- D) Large, soft curls but start to get wavier towards the middle (Type 3A)
- E) Smaller, spiral curls that run evenly from root to tip (Type 3B)
- F) Small, tightly twisted curls (Type 3C)
- G) Very tight corkscrew curls (Type 4A)
- H) Frizzy, very voluminous hair, with zigzag-shaped curls (Type 4B)
- I) Very dense, tight curl pattern with no individual curls visible (Type 4C)
Question 2: How does your hair react to high humidity and rain?
- A) It remains relatively smooth with slight waves (Type 2A)
- B) It becomes wavier and frizzes (Type 2B)
- C) The waves become more pronounced and frizzier (Type 2C)
- D) The curls become more defined, but a little frizzy (Type 3A)
- E) Curls become frizzy and harder to control (Type 3B)
- F) Hair becomes very frizzy and loses curl definition (Type 3C)
- G) The curls contract strongly and become frizzy (Type 4A)
- H) The hair becomes very frizzy, loses its shape and puffs up. (Type 4B)
- I) It becomes extremely dry and difficult to control (Type 4C)
Question 3: How much volume does your hair have?
- A) Little volume, slightly wavy (Type 2A)
- B) Medium volume, wavy (Type 2B)
- C) High volume, defined waves (Type 2C)
- D) Medium volume, defined curls (Type 3A)
- E) High Volume, Smaller Curls (Type 3B)
- F) Very high volume, tight corkscrew curls (Type 3C)
- G) Medium to High Volume, Tight Corkscrew Curls (Type 4A)
- H) Very high volume, frizzy hair (Type 4B)
- I) Extremely high volume, tight curl pattern (Type 4C)
Question 4: How does your hair feel?
- A) Fine and almost smooth (Type 2A)
- B) Medium to coarse and wavy (Type 2B)
- C) Thick and wavy (Type 2C)
- D) Soft and curly (Type 3A)
- E) Bouncy and Curly (Type 3B)
- F) Dense and tightly curled (Type 3C)
- G) Soft and springy (Type 4A)
- H) Dry and frizzy (Type 4B)
- I) Very dry and firm (Type 4C)
Result
Count the number of answers per letter to determine your curl type.
- Mostly A:Your curl type isTyp 2A– They have loose, S-shaped waves that are rather rough and have little volume at the roots. Your hair is usually medium to low porous.
- Mostly B:Your curl type isType 2B– Your waves are more pronounced and are reminiscent of the beach waves look. Your hair has medium volume and tends to frizz.
- Predominantly C:Your curl type isType 2C– They have thick waves that are partly curly and rough and become curlier towards the middle and ends. Your hair has a lot of volume and tends to frizz.
- Predominantly D:Your curl type isType 3A- They have large, loose spiral curls that are well defined, can fit around a permanent marker and start right from the roots. Your hair has medium volume and the ends tend to be dry.
- Predominantly E:Your curl type isType 3B– Her curls are about the size of a pencil, with an even, coiled shape from root to tip. Your hair has high volume and is prone to dryness.
- Mostly F:Your curl type isType 3C– You may have different textures on your head – some may be tight spiral curls, others may be heavily jagged. Your hair needs a lot of moisture and shows severe shrinkage.
- Mostly G:Your curl type isTyp 4A– Your hair is very frizzy, prone to dryness and tangles. A toothpick fits into your curls.
- Mostly H:Your curl type isType 4B– Her hair is frizzy and very voluminous, with very tight, zigzag curls. It is very delicate, highly porous and prone to breakage.
- Predominantly I:Your curl type isType 4C– Similar to 4B, your curls are very tightly coiled and have no defined curl pattern. Your hair shows severe shrinkage and is prone to breakage.
*What happens if you have two different types of curls on your head? e.g. 2c and 3a? Don't worry, this is completely normal. Most people have curls that fall somewhere between types or have multiple patterns. Stylists suggest using more product in the more curly areas.
Care and styling tips for every curl type
Type 2 (Wavy Hair)
Typ 2A:Use lightweight water-based products like mousses and gels to define and revive your waves. Avoid products that could weigh your hair down. Hydrating shampoos and conditioners, especially for longer hair, help minimize frizz.
Type 2B:Water-based anti-frizz products and leave-in creams are your best friends. Do a hair mask twice a month. Use a wide-tooth comb to detangle your waves.
Type 2C:Moisturizing products and a diffuser help define your waves and reduce frizz.
By the way, here's a simple oneDIY styling gel recipeperfect for curl types 2b, 2c, 3a.
Type 3 (Curly Hair)
Type 3A:Curl creams and gentle diffuser techniques ensure well-defined curls. Shampooing too often is not good for your curls (as it can dry them out). Every five to seven days is optimal. For your hair, masks or leave-ins are best instead of a classic conditioner.
Type 3B:Deep conditioning masks and moisturizing products keep your curls healthy and shiny. It is best to wash your hair once a week.
Type 3C:Intense moisturizing treatments and specialized curl definition products are essential to retain the moisture in your curls and prevent frizz. It is recommended to always treat your hair gently and detangle it with a leave-in conditioner and a wide-tooth comb. A styling butter with olive and avocado oil provides deeply penetrating moisture.
Type 4 (frizzy hair)
Typ 4A:Deep conditioning masks and moisturizing creams are crucial to keeping your hair soft and healthy. Use protective hairstyleslike the pineapple hairstyleto avoid damage.
Type 4B:Rich moisturizers and oils help keep your hair supple and hydrated. Avoid frequent combing to minimize breakage.
Type 4C:Use moisturizing pomades and gels to keep your hair healthy and strong. It also benefits from products formulated with butters, especially when shampooing.
We hope this article helped you determine your curl type and find appropriate care tips. Want to learn more about the perfect haircut for curly hair of all types? Visitour article on round cutsand find out why it is so special!
