Curly hair comes in many shapes, lengths and textures, but identifying your curl pattern can be a bit challenging. The beauty lexicon has a limiting amount of words to identify the different curl types and textures commonly found in human hair. But in reality, there are numerous hair types based on scalp health, hair porosity, width and density.
From kinky textures to beachy waves, there's not a one-product-fits-all formula to care for your locks. In reality, you might need a completely different curly hair routine based on your lifestyle and hair length.
Shop TODAY talked to curl experts to decipher the intricacies of naturally curly hair. We also found some shopper-loved products that'll surely help take your curly tresses down the right path.
Why does your hair curl?
From afro-textured hair to wavy locks, the curl pattern on your hair is the result of the biology and chemistry of your hair follicles. According to a 2019 research study, your curl type is linked to the structure of the follicle and how the fiber grows above your scalp.
While there is still not a definitive conclusion of the different follicular components, there is demonstrated evidence that curly fibers are generated by curved and oval-shaped follicles. Straight hair, meanwhile, emerges at a right angle from the scalp in a collinear direction.
The degrees of curliness of your hair also correlate with the fiber's features like elasticity and diameter. The hair curvature is more complicated than it seems and is typically the product of environmental factors, genetics and molecular mechanisms.
How to identify your curl pattern
Hair experts differ in opinions when it comes to classifying curls and pattern differences.
"Technically, there are nine categories for curl types, but I find that to be extremely limiting," said Los Angeles-based curl expert Alex Mouneu. Hair products are traditionally categorized in four different ways — curly, wavy, kinky and coily — but even that may not be enough classifications.
"Those categories don’t tell you what your porosity is [or] how your hair reacts to moisture/protein. At the end of the day, it’s best to see a curl specialist to determine your texture needs," added Mouneu.
But to break it down easier for your ringlets, curl expert Marilyn Rose identifies them in three main types with subcategories which identify "how wavy, how curly and how spiral" your hair fibers are. Wavy hair type falls under the 2A, 2B and 2C group; curly hair is grouped in types 3A, 3B and 3C; and coily hair is sorted in types 4A, 4B and 4C.
How to take care of wavy hair types
Wavy hair falls between straight and curly with an S pattern. What distinguishes this hair type from classic curly hair is that wavy strands do not form spirals. Instead, the hair fiber usually grows straight and the wave takes shape when air-dried. This type is also more prone to frizz and difficult to retain volume. Therefore, it's important to use the right products to provide your desired shape and texture.
There's different ways to take care of your wavy hair, depending on which category your follicle pattern falls under:
Type 2A "has lots of natural oils still in the hair. If you’re 2A and your pattern is wavy, we know you’re gonna have lots of natural oils in your hair," said Mattie Calloway, curl expert and colorist for Hairstory Dallas salon.
For type 2B, you will find less natural oil. This type of wavy hair is "mostly straight at the root and falls into more defined S-shaped waves. As we continue to move to the left of 2A, we encounter less and less natural oil in the hair," shared Hairstory's head of product development, Jackie Gilbert Bauer.
Type 2C is identified by a thicker curl. "The S-bends are well-defined and begin at the roots," added Bauer.
Mouneu also recommends using a clarifying shampoo to help minimize frizz over time, then styling your hair while it's wet. When your hair is frizzy, it means it needs hydration and moisture. "By putting a product on soaking wet hair, you are locking In that definition that is already there," she adds.
Best products for wavy hair types
This foamy shampoo from L'Oréal Paris creates a rich lather to remove all the buildup from your hair. It also contains hyaluronic acid and castor oil to achieve a bouncy and hydrated curl texture. One reviewer said this shampoo helps in giving "both shape and curl volume to [her] naturally frizzy and uncontrollable hair! I can't boast enough about how much of a difference this product made for my hair!"
The trick for great curls is to seal your cuticles and add moisture. This gel will do just that while creating a barrier against humidity thanks to its anti-frizz nanotechnology. For the best results, you’ll want to make sure the product is evenly distributed throughout your hair.
This Not Your Mothers Curl Talk set serves as a one-stop-shop for all your type 2 curl needs. Get three products for the price of one, simplifying your routine and ensuring you have defined, moisturized and frizz-free hair every time. The Defining Cream will seal in moisture, the flake-free Sculpting Gel will offer a flexible, but firm hold of your curl shape and the Curl Activating Mousse will help bring out your curls natural texture and shape.
Mouneu recommends this defining cream from Amika for wavy to curly hair. If your waves have become unmanageable, this product will provide frizz control and add more bounce to your waves.
How to take care of curly hair types
You can identify your curly hair pattern by the way it spirals into tight corkscrew shapes and defined springs. While this hair type is more receptive to staying in shape, the cuticle tends to break and frizz more easily because it doesn't lay flat. As a result, they'll require lots of moisture to prevent your hair from tangling.
Mouneau shared some additional ways you can identify your specific curl type:
Type 3A hair is mostly wavy with a bit of curl. "Usually this hair type lays flatter, but with the right layering, we can see bigger barrel-style looking curls."
"Type 3B hair has more of a spiral to the curl than 3A. It tends to have more volume because it stacks on top of itself more with the tighter ringlets."
As for type 3C hair, this one is the most spiral of them all. "I notice my clients with this texture experience a bit more dryness than usual. Protein is great, but be aware that too much will leave your hair feeling brittle and ultimately, breaking."
"Type 3A-3C are tighter curls that may need more product to obtain curls. These curls are more like soft pencil curls," shared celebrity hairstylist Matthew JeanPierre. For example, type 3C has more tightly-packed curls, while less bouncy ones are type 3A.
In terms of how to take care of types 3A, 3B and 3C, Calloway mentioned, "We will notice that the hair has less kink pattern and will have a heavier presence of oil. This pattern will appreciate lighter weight oils such as argan & grape seed oil, as well as serum oils."
Best products for curly hair types
If you need extra sheen for your 3 hair type, this mousse will give you the bouncy look you desire without the frizz. This mousse is designed to separate your curls and dry quickly. With 8,100+ glowing five-star ratings, one buyer said, “I have 3C/4A/4B texture and it separates my curls [PERFECTLY].”
If you've been wondering how to achieve those voluminous pillowy soft curls, this is the product for you. This curl lotion brings fabric softener technology to haircare to deliver static-free fluffy curls. It's perfect if you want a one-step wash-n-go routine, that also delivers an effortless and carefree looking mane.
A good hair day starts with a good wash routine, and this one is perfect for curly girls with dry strands. This bundle moisturizes split ends, adds shine and gently detangles hair. These products allow your hair to be smooth, manageable and hydrated so you can style how you wish.
After shampooing and conditioning, no curly hair routine is complete without a good leave-in. This product primes your curls giving them the nourishment they need to take on whatever style you chose. The 25 Miracle Leave-In not only moisturizes your curls but also protects them with its heat protecting formula. If you diffuse, blow dry, or wear your curls in direct sunlight they will be shielded, remaining soft and keeping their color vibrant.
If you have dry and damaged curly hair, is time to hydrate your strands with this conditioner. This product has exotic ingredients like argan oil, Babassu seed oil sourced from Brazil and mango butter sourced from India.
How to take care of coily hair types
Out of all the hair types, types 4A, 4B and 4C are the curliest. They tend to form a compacted Z pattern, plus they have a high density that requires creams, gels and custards to hold their shape and reduce volume. Plus, due to the lack of cuticle layers, coily hair also requires extra moisture. These hair types tend to shrink in a more compact style and appear shorter than they are.
Type 4A is the loosest of the coil family and "at the tail end of curls, it's considered as a hybrid — a combination of curl and kink," said Calloway.
Type 4B is a coily pattern that resembles the shape of a spring "that has been stretched out to have a slight bit of space between each bend," Calloway added. "This pattern appreciates the application of water and lighter weight but penetrative oils such as jojoba & sunflower seed oil."
Type 4C has a tightly coiled Z pattern "that is present in all textures in varying amounts. This pattern (affectionately known as kinky) appreciates the application of water and heavy penetrative oils such as castor & avocado oil."
Best products for coily hair types
For those with 4A to 4C hair types, you’ll want to use creamy cleanser like this one from Imbue. The lightweight yet silky texture will untangle the toughest of coils, plus the mix of baobab oil and Cupuacu butter will moisturize your curls while keeping the frizz at bay.
“It left my coils super soft without feeling weighed down. Even though it is sulfate-free, it lathers well and I felt that my hair was very clean after using it,” added one reviewer.
This beloved product by the curly community boasts incredible results and hold thanks to the blend of shea butter, pomegranate, honey, apple, aloe and jojoba oils. This mousse has also become a TikTok favorite for its curl-defining features and incredible aroma.
If you want to simplify your curly hair routine this product is for you. A little goes a long way with this cream as it instantly hydrates and defines your curls. With a tropical scent that will get you plenty of compliments, this cream is going to leave your thick coils revived and bouncy.
Type 4 coils deserve to shine and be defined! Embrace your stunning texture with this no-flake gel that will elongate and sculpt your curls while still leaving them soft and looking effortless. Infused with a sweet honey scent, it leaves your hair shiny, moisturized and perfectly defined, making it a staple you will reach for again and again.
For type 4 hair, weekly deep conditioning is essential to ensure your curls get the moisture they need. This mask serves as a one-stop-shop for all the nutrients your hair requires. Not only will this mask moisturize your coils, but it will repair them. With olive oil preventing split ends and reducing breakage, and honey strengthening your strands, the Honey Miracle Hair mask is truly the miracle your curls need.
There's nothing more frustrating that having to constantly re-moisturize your coils. So, if you are looking for moisture that lasts this Leave-In Butter is for you. It has a butter-like texture that is surprisingly lightweight, seeping deeply into your strands to deliver soft and nourished hair. It is also infused with grapeseed oil and African Chebe to protect and fortify your curls — making this a perfect addition to your styling routine.
How we chose
Along with consulting curly hair experts, Shop TODAY editors selected the best creams, shampoos, conditioners and more based on ingredients, formula, texture and fragrance. With the inclusion of our own go-to curly hair staples, these products have been tested firsthand ensuring positive results and making your curly hair shopping stress free.
Meet the experts
- Alex Mouneu is a celebrity Curl and Texture Specialist and licensed cosmetologist at 1010 Salon in Los Angeles.
- Marilyn Rose is an international curly hair specialist and CEO of Curlology by Marilyn.
- Mattie Calloway is a Dallas based curly, afro, and cut specialist and Owner of Curly Color Magic, a hair sanctuary and luxury salon.
