Hair Types

The starting point to finding the right hair products and protective styles for your hair is figuring out your hair type. In the curl type system, there are different types of curls such as: types 2 (wavy), types 3 (curly) and types 4 (coily). These types are placed into sub classifications from A to C which are based on how loose or how tight the curls are. Our goal is to help you determine and understand your hair type and provide you with products best suited for your unique hair type. You should be aware that you may not fit perfectly into one of the categories or sub categories. This may occur because you may have a combination of different hair types which is absolutely normal. We hope that this guide helps you to embrace your beautiful natural hair and also give some insight about what products works best for you.

 

 

Type 2- Waves

This texture is not straight but not completely curly. This hair type ranges from loose loops to thick, coarse S-shaped waves.

Type 2A

Waves are fine and thin with a loose, unkempt texture which means that you lack volume and texture. This type (2) is usually flatter at the roots which mean that the hair lies close to the head in this area (roots) and gets curlier from mid- length to the ends.

Tips

• Heavy products can easily weigh down hair causing strands to become straight
• Light styling products such as mousses and gels that aren’t too thick and heavy are best recommended for this hair type

Type 2B- Waves

Hair is mostly straight at the roots and forms into more defined S- shaped waves from the ears down.

Tips

• Expect some frizz at roots
• For more definition plopping is recommended on freshly washed hair
• How to plop

Step 1: Bend over from waist, position wet curls over t-shirt/towel

Step 2: Grab ends of t-shirt/towel, press head down on t-shirt/towel and begin to twist t-shirt/towel ends as you stand

Step 3: keep twisting t-shirt/towel into rolls on both sides of your ears. Top of t-shirt/towel should now be compressed against curls on top of your head

Step 4: Clip/secure twisted t-shirt/towel rolls at the base of your neck.

Type 2C- Waves

Your waves start at the roots and are more defined. This hair type is usually thick or coarse and is prone to frizzing.

Tips

• Diffuse hair after washing, while wet (not soaking) upside for more volume

Type 3- Curly

This hair type ranges from light to tight curls and usually have a combination of type 2 and type 3 textures. Type 3 hair has more height and volume than type 2 hair and is usually bouncy/springy and defined.

Type 3A

Your hair texture tends to be shiny and well defined. This hair type can be identified by big, loose curls and spirals.

Tips

• Finger curl small sections while hair is damp for more definition

Type 3B

This hair type tends to be coarse and dense. Your hair is voluminous with springy curls. They are tighter in comparison to 3A hair and can take the form of ringlets or corkscrews.

Tips

• Humidity blocking (anti-humectant) styling creams or styling milks are great for frizz reduction and more definition

Type 3C

Of all the type 3 textures, 3C is said to experience the most volume and shrinkage. This hair type is very dense with tightly packed corkscrews that are the circumference of a pencil or straw.

Tips

• For more length without heat, twist outs, bantu knots, flexi rods and perm rods are recommended

Type 4- Coily

This hair type is fine, thin and coarse with tightly packed coils. This hair type is the most fragile because it is prone to dryness due to its minimal number of cuticle layers. Some of the main concerns with this hair type tend to be reducing shrinkage, maintaining moisture and avoiding tangles.

Type 4A

Your dense, tight, springy coils are usually fine or wiry.

Tips

• Use thicker natural moisturizing products to get the most out of your wash and go or protective styles
• Twist outs and bantu knot outs are usually the best recommended protective styles forthis hair type.

Type 4B

Unlike the other hair types that curl or coil and take the shape of an S, this hair type bends like a Z and is tighter but less defined. Your strands tend to range from thin and fine to wiry and coarse.

Tips

• To help retain natural oils in your scalp, pre-poo with coconut or castor oil
• Pre-poo is an oil treatment that is applied to the hair prior to shampooing or conditioning. It helps add moisture to the hair, makes removing tangles easier and helps avoid over cleaning the hair.

Type 4C

Your hair is very delicate and densely packed. The tightly coiled texture ranges from super fine, thin and soft to wiry and coarse. This hair type is less defined but experiences more shrinkage.

Tips

• To maximize protection from the elements, use creamy humectants as leave-in