Why Curl Type Is the Starting Point
Using a rich custard designed for 4C hair on 2C waves will flatten your waves within an hour. Using a lightweight mousse designed for 2B hair on 3C curls will leave curls undefined by midday. Knowing your type unlocks the right products immediately instead of spending months and hundreds of dollars guessing.
Type 2: Waves
Type 2 hair forms an S-shape when air-dried. 2A waves are loose and fine, 2B are more defined with some frizz, and 2C forms defined S-curves with significant frizz. Waves need lightweight products and respond better to mousse and light gels than heavy creams or butters.
Type 3: Curls
Type 3 hair forms defined spirals. 3A forms large loose spirals the width of chalk, 3B forms medium spirals the width of a marker, and 3C forms tight spirals the width of a pencil. Type 3 benefits from medium-weight creams and gels and responds well to the LOC method.
Type 4: Coils
Type 4 hair forms tight coils or zig-zag patterns. 4A has defined coils. 4B has a Z-shaped pattern. 4C has very tight coils with significant shrinkage. Type 4 hair needs the heaviest moisture and benefits most from protective styling and deep conditioning.
How to Accurately Identify Your Type
Wash with a clarifying shampoo, apply zero styling products, and allow your hair to air dry completely. The pattern that forms with no product is your true curl type. Take photos in natural light from multiple angles for accurate comparison.