Hair Type Guide
Discover Your Curl Type
The Curl Type Spectrum
Wavy Hair
Type 2
2A
Gentle Wave
Barely-there waves that start from the mid-lengths. Hair lies mostly flat at the roots with a slight S-bend toward the ends. The most subtle of the wavy types.
Care Tips
- Use lightweight, volumizing products
- Avoid heavy creams and oils - they'll flatten your waves
- Scrunch in mousse or light gel on damp hair
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2B
Defined S-Wave
Noticeable S-shaped waves that start closer to the roots. More defined than 2A but still flows downward rather than springing up. Prone to frizz at the crown.
Care Tips
- Scrunch out excess water with a microfiber towel
- Light gel works better than cream for hold
- Diffuse on low heat to enhance wave pattern
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2C
Strong Wave
The waviest of the wavy types - almost curly. Thick, defined S-waves with some ringlets mixed in. Most prone to frizz and benefits from curl-specific techniques.
Care Tips
- Use the "squish to condish" technique in the shower
- Medium-hold gel to lock in wave definition
- Sleep on a satin pillowcase to preserve waves
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Wavy Starter Kit
RoutineEverything you need to start enhancing your natural waves. Lightweight products that won't weigh your hair down.
- Cleanse - Sulfate-free shampoo 2-3x per week
- Condition - Rinse out most conditioner to avoid flatness
- Style - Scrunch in lightweight gel on damp hair
- Dry - Microfiber towel scrunch, then air dry or diffuse low
Curly Hair
Type 3
3A
Loose Ringlets
Big, loose ringlets about the diameter of a large marker. Springy with a natural shine. The most defined curl type that still has significant weight pulling it down.
Care Tips
- Use a leave-in conditioner for moisture without weight
- Gel or mousse for definition - creams may be too heavy
- Diffuse upside down for volume at the roots
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3B
Bouncy Ringlets
Medium-sized ringlets about the diameter of a Sharpie marker. Springy, voluminous, and full of personality. This is where curls really start to have serious bounce.
Care Tips
- Curl cream + gel combo for moisture and hold
- Use a Denman brush for clumping and definition
- Deep condition weekly to keep curls hydrated
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3C
Tight Corkscrew Curls
Tight corkscrew curls about the diameter of a pencil. Densely packed with lots of volume and significant shrinkage. The bridge between curly and coily.
Care Tips
- LOC method (Liquid-Oil-Cream) for moisture retention
- Finger-coil for max definition on wash day
- Pineapple your hair at night to preserve curls
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Curly Essentials
RoutineThe core products every curly needs. Hydration meets definition for bouncy, frizz-free ringlets.
- Cleanse - Sulfate-free shampoo 1-2x per week
- Condition - Leave-in conditioner on soaking wet hair
- Define - Curl cream + gel for moisture and hold
- Shape - Denman brush for clumped, defined ringlets
- Dry - Plop with microfiber towel, then diffuse
SheaMoisture Curl SmoothieSteps 2-3: Leave-in moisture + curl definition in oneReview
Eco Style Olive Oil GelStep 3: Layer over cream for strong cast and holdReview
Denman D3 BrushStep 4: Creates perfect ringlet clumps on wet hairReview
Microfiber Hair TowelStep 5: Plop out excess water without frizz
Coily / Kinky Hair
Type 4
4A
Tight Coils
Tight, springy S-shaped coils about the diameter of a crochet needle. Defined coil pattern with noticeable shrinkage - hair can appear much shorter than its actual length.
Care Tips
- Moisturize daily with a water-based leave-in
- Seal moisture with a heavier oil or butter
- Detangle only on wet, conditioned hair
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4B
Z-Pattern Coils
Sharp, Z-shaped angles rather than round coils. The hair bends at sharp angles like the letter Z. Very dense with up to 75% shrinkage. Extremely versatile for styling.
Care Tips
- LCO method (Liquid-Cream-Oil) works best for sealing
- Twist-outs and braid-outs for defined styles
- Deep condition with heat for maximum penetration
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4C
Tight Zigzag Coils
The tightest curl pattern. Very tight coils or zigzag shapes with little to no visible curl definition without styling. Maximum shrinkage but incredible density and volume.
Care Tips
- Protective styles (twists, braids, updos) to retain length
- Pre-poo with oil before wash day to prevent moisture loss
- Satin bonnet or pillowcase every night - non-negotiable
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Coily Must-Haves
RoutineMoisture-first essentials for coily and kinky textures. Rich products that penetrate and seal to fight dryness.
- Cleanse - Co-wash or sulfate-free shampoo once a week
- Deep Condition - With heat cap for maximum penetration
- Moisturize - LOC/LCO method: Liquid, Oil, Cream
- Seal - Oil to lock everything in
- Protect - Satin bonnet every single night