A Guide to Different Curl Types and How to Nurture Them (2024)

Curlsmith also offers a curl quiz, which Butcher is a fan of. “[It] asks a few questions to determine your hair characteristics and provides personalized product recommendations,” the hairstylist explains.

But if you can’t make it to the salon right this second, or don’t have a trusted stylist on speed dial, we tapped a few experts to help you on your journey. Below, discover how to identify and care for each curl type.

Wavy, Type 2A to 2C

“Type 2 hair generally tends to have a smooth cuticle and is a gentle S-shape bend,” explains Jennie Roberts, celebrity hairstylist, textured hair educator, and Sheamoisture Brand Ambassador. Within the 2A to 2C spectrum, it comes down to “how defined the wave is,” says François. “‘A’ is elongated and ‘C’ more of an obvious ‘S’ shape,” he adds.

Best Wash Day Routine for Type 2 Hair

For optimal health, look to a sulfate-free cleanser and conditioner. SheaMoisture’s 100% Virgin Coconut Oil Daily Hydration Shampoo and Conditioner combo work well for this hair type. “Wavy hair needs washing more frequently than curly and coily hair as the natural oils produced at the scalp find it easier to travel down the hair strands,” says Butcher. Once a week, follow your regular wash routine with a deep conditioner—one like R+Co On a Cloud Mask is sure to quench wavy curls.

Best Styling Products and Tips for Type 2 Hair

Since type 2s often require less hold, François recommends a volumizing mousse, like Redken Root Lifter Volumizing Spray Foam or Aveda Phom*ollient Styling Foam, applied to freshly washed wet hair. “Let the waves air dry naturally while gently bouncing strands upwards with a flat palm of your hand,” he instructs. You can also opt for a curl cream, like Sienna Naturals Dream Curl Cream, or a light gel if mousse just isn’t your thing. Nourish the mid-lengths and ends of hair with a repair oil to keep hair “looking and feeling healthy and hydrated,” says François. He typically reaches for his eponymous brand’s Overnight Repair Treatment Oil, which features a rich blend of ingredients like jojoba, sweet almond, and argan oils.

What to Avoid

“Avoid using heavy products that could weigh down your locks,” explains Butcher. “Using too many products, such as creams and oils, can cause your tresses to appear greasy and lose their bounce.” The hair expert also shares that over-brushing the hair while dry can make it more prone to frizz and even breakage. So it may be a good idea to stick to finger combing if you’re looking to refresh your waves between washes.

Curly, Type 3A to 3B

Description

“Type 3 usually means curly hair, with 3A, 3B, and 3C describing how loose or intense the curls are,” says François. Within this shape, you will find different tensions of corkscrew curls, says Roberts, who suggests focusing on the cuticle texture to determine how much moisture or hold you need.

Best Wash Day Routine for Type 3 Hair

“Sulfate-free shampoos are a must because the more intense the curls, the drier they may tend to be, and the idea is to gently cleanse hair while keeping moisture where it’s needed—in the strands,” says Roberts. The Vernon François Curl Shampoo and Conditioner, both feature nourishing ingredients like shea butter, olive oil, and tea tree oil, making them great options to keep curls feeling refreshed and healthy. At least once a week, be sure to follow up with a decadent treatment like Briogeo’s Rice Amino + Avocado Hydrating & Defining Mask, which uses avocado, castor oil, and chia to provide essential nourishment.

Best Styling Products and Tips for Type 3 Hair

For light conditioning in between washes, look to a leave-in conditioner. Pattern’s Leave-In Conditioner has quickly become a cult-favorite amongst those with curly hair, thanks to its brilliant formula featuring jojoba oil, honey, and biotin. For non-sticky, soft, and flexible curls, a styling cream or lightweight gel will be your best choice. Oribe Curl Control Silkening Cream, CurlSmith Weightless Air Dry Cream, or Ceremonia Pequi Curl Activator are all great options. Once you’ve applied your products of choice, you can either let hair air dry, or opt to use a diffuser to speed up the process. However, you should “always use heat protection, like [Curlsmith’s] Miracle Shield before diffusing your locks,” Butcher suggests.

What to Avoid

To steer clear of breakage, Butcher says to “use an appropriate detangling tool or finger detangle during the conditioning process.”

Coily, Type 4A to 4C

Description

“Type 4 hair is super texturized, presenting as tight or looser zig zag or tight and looser coily/kinky shape,” explains Roberts. “The cuticle texture is very raised, hence the texture. It can be molded, sculpted, and texturized in so many ways.”

Best Wash Day Routine for Type 4 Hair

In terms of care, type 4 hair needs a lot of hydration, as it can become dry and break easily. Most wash days, you’ll want to opt for a conditioning wash, like As I Am Coconut CoWash Cleansing Conditioner, which has ingredients like coconut and castor oils to avoid stripping the hair during the cleansing process. However, once a month, you’ll want to use a hydrating shampoo, like Vernon François Pure Fro Shampoo to avoid build-up. Then follow up with the line’s conditioner. Deep conditioners designed for curly hair are essential for this pattern—so be sure to apply one every time you wash. “Slippery moisturizing products are great for this texture as they will help with the detangling process, which can be the biggest challenge on wash day,” says Roberts. Carol’s Daughter Coco Crème Curl Quenching Deep Moisture Hair Mask is a great option.

Best Styling Products and Tips for Type 4 Hair

“When styling tighter curls and coils to combat the natural shrinkage, use stronger hold stylers,” Butcher suggests. You can also layer, or co*cktail products to keep the hair defined, yet soft. The only downside is that sometimes the wrong combo can leave visible residue behind. To bypass the dreaded white cast, opt for Eco Styler’s new Gel Boosters, which feature a blend of nourishing oils to repair and strengthen dry hair. Then apply a conditioning gel, like the brand’s Black Castor & Flaxseed Oil Styling Gel on top.