Curly hair was once considered a trend but is now seen as a lifestyle that isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. Many are now choosing to sport their natural hair texture rather than straightening or chemically altering it. As lovely as it is, curly hair requires a lot more attention and care than the straight or wavy types. Whether you’re newly natural or working with more natural hair clients, this guide will be helpful in identifying textures and finding the best products for your hair type.
3a curls show a loose “S” pattern and is the size of sidewalk chalk in circumference. This hair starts to show a lot of body and is shiny. This hair type is also very fine and prone to frizz. To help these curls pop, we recommend Aunt Jackie’s Curls & Coils Curl La La Defining Curl Custard. “It helps tame the flyways and frizz while keeping the hair soft and curls defined,” said Crystal Styles, the assistant director of marketing at House of Cheatham.
3b
Those with type 3b hair have very defined, springy curls that can range from bouncy ringlets to tight corkscrews. It can get quite coarse and have a bushy-type texture. 3b hair isn’t particularly shiny and is prone to frizz. For a great hair cleanse, suggest the Hawaiian Silky 14-in-1 Miracle Apple Cider Vinegar Charcoal Activated Shampoo. According to Miown Bell, the Director of Education at AFAM Concepts, “It removes excess build up. When applied to the hair it draws out impurities in the scalp that can prevent healthy hair growth.”
3c curls look like tight corkscrews. Curls can be kinky or very tightly curled, with many strands densely packed together. Hair is voluminous, but usually fine in texture. This hair type is very prone to dryness. The Mane Choice Team recommends their Pink Lemonade & Coconut 5-Minute Reviving Mask. It is specifically formulated to deeply penetrate the hair shaft to infuse it with high-quality vitamins, nutrients, and moisture. Perfect for bringing dry locks back to life!
4a
Hair type 4a has a definite “S” curl pattern. The circumference is that of a crochet needle and has lots of strands packed densely together. Although it holds more moisture than the other 4 types, it is very fragile and prone to shrinkage. Hair has fewer cuticle layers than other hair types, giving it less natural protection from damage. For help with shrinkage, we suggest Aunt Jackie’s Curls & Coils Don’t Shrink Flaxseed Elongating Curling Gel. “It’s a great solution for naturalistas who prefer to elongate their curls for longer periods of time,” said Styles.
4b
Type 4b hair has a less defined curl pattern. Instead of curling or coiling, the hair bends in sharp angles like the letter “Z.” Hair often shrinks up to 75% and has a cotton-like feel. 4b hair is very fragile and dry, so care is needed when working with it. To help strengthen hair, look no further than Softsheen-Carson’s Dark and Lovely Coil Moisturizing Soufflé. “It treats your curls and coils to a moisturizing delight while helping to reduce breakage,” said Mezei Jefferson, the director of education for the MultiCultural Beauty Division of L’Oreal. It also provides a low crunch less, hold that instantly defines and softens tight curls and coils for all day elongation.
4c
Type 4c hair is composed of curl patterns that will almost never clump without being styled. The curls are so tightly kinked, there is seemingly no definition. 4c hair has the most shrinkage with over 75%. For moisture retention and elongation, try Jane Carter Solution’s Coiling All Curls Elongation Gel. “Anybody and everybody, no matter how tight your curl is, can use this product,” said Dee Dee Cormier, vice president of marketing at Jane Carter Solution. “It’s going to give elongation and hold.”
Meet Khalia
Writing has always been in Khalia’s future, as she’s been writing since elementary school. Oddly enough, she graduated from the University of West Georgia with a bachelor’s degree in criminology. Yet, she chose to ditch that career path to pursue her passion in writing. When she’s not writing short stories, she’s doing nail art and listening to Kpop.
