If you have a curly hairstyle, the texture of your hair matters. From bone-straight type-1 hair to the coiled type-4 curl, every hair texture comes with different maintenance requirements. Understanding what your tresses need will help you find the right products to fight frizz and keep those tendrils glossy and strong. If you’re unfamiliar with the type of curly hair you have, here’s a guide that will help you identify and rock it.

A Guide to Different Curl Types

Type 2: Loose & Wavy Curls

While type-1 hair is straight, type 2 contains waves. 

• With type-2A hair, the strands are mostly straight, with a soft “S” shape at the ends. Because this hair is fine, some products can weigh it down. Less product is better.
• Type 2B has the S-shaped wave from the middle of the shaft to the end. After washing your locks and adding a moisturizer, use the plopping technique to add definition to your slightly curly hairstyle.
• Type 2C features a defined wave from the roots to the ends. After conditioning in the shower, avoid brushing, combing, or towel-drying your locks. Use your hands to squeeze out the water and press product into the hair before scrunching your waves from the tips to the roots. Let your hair dry completely before styling.

Products we recommend: Lavender & Oak Curl Cream, Kevin Murphy Hair Resort Spray, Aestelance Trigel.

Type 3: Spiraling Texture

Curls are more pronounced when we dive into type-3 styles.

• With 3A texture, strands are in tight spirals instead of loose waves.
• If you're type 3B or 3C, your curl is tight and the texture is coarse. Thick, coarse hair can frizz easily in humid conditions. We recommend only shampooing once a week but conditioning daily or using a co-wash like RE.STORE from Kevin Murphy a few times a week.

For all type 3 gals: after washing, conditioning, or co-washing, we recommend not combing, brushing, or towel-drying your curls (unless you have a towel made for curls or use an old cotton T-shirt). Press a lightweight curl cream into the hair and scrunch with an anti-humidity and frizz control balm or soft gel. 

Products we recommend: MOTION.LOTION by Kevin Murphy, L&O Curl Cream and Balm.

Type 4: Coiled Tresses 

Curls really get tight in type-4 locks.

• Type-4A hair has tight, small coils in prominent “S” shapes. Since you have fewer cuticle layers to keep the coils hydrated, use shea butter to retain moisture.
• In type 4B, coils feature a “Z” shape and the curl isn’t as noticeable.
• Type 4C is similar to 4B, but has a much tighter coil pattern. It will double in length if you pull a strand straight.

All type-4 curl patterns love heavier products, including creams, leave-in conditioners, and co-washes. Try to only use co-washes to cleanse the scalp and condition your curls. Since your bouncy locks are fragile, you can also wear a satin scarf at night to lock in natural oils and prevent breakage from tossing and turning on your pillow.

Products we recommend: RE.STORE from Kevin Murphy, Aestelance Balm, conditioners from L&O.

For more styling tips & tricks, come by and visit one of our curly hair experts at Bloom Beauty Lounge.