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Types of curly hair and their best care

Updated: Dec 10, 2021





Types of curly hair and their best care

What would you do if I told you that there are 9 different curly hair subtypes, would you believe me? Well, let me tell you that yes, when you talk about curly hair you have to talk about everything that this type of hair encompasses and its classification is part of it.

And if you wonder why you need to know this information, the answer is simple: knowing what type of curly hair you have, you can choose to buy specific products for its care and maintenance, that way you do not spend money in vain and keep your hair healthy. That's a win-win for you!

The first thing you should know is that there are four different types of well-marked hair that in turn each is subdivided into three subtypes.

Everything you need to know about hair types

This classification will give you an idea of the type of hair you have, however, to know it exactly it is best that you go to a specialist such as a professional stylist who gives you total security about your type of hair and the care you should have.

• 1A: straight hair.

• 1B: straight hair with a tendency to thicken.

• 1C: straight hair that has the ability to adapt to wavy hair styles.

• 2A: wavy hair.

• 2B: fine and thick hair with a well defined S shape.

• 2C: thick with more defined curls.

• 3A: defined curls.

• 3B: defined curls that can lose shape.

• 3C: elastic curls.

• 4A: Very tight S-shaped curls.

• 4B: Zigzag curls.

• 4C: tight zigzag afro type.

As you can see, wavy and curly hair is king! From classification 2A to 4C, we are talking about wavy, curly and afro hair respectively.

Wavy hair: characteristics and care



The main characteristic of this type of hair is that it is very luminous, has S-shaped waves, is not very dry or too greasy and it is possible to maintain it with care that does not require much effort.

Wavy 2A

The waves of this type of hair appear from the middle of the hair towards the ends with an S shape, the hair is fine, with a lot of shine, little volume and easy to handle.

Wavy 2B

Waves can lose their easy S shape, start a little closer to the root, but not exactly glued to it, with more volume and frizz, the thickness is a bit thicker, and it curls easily on the top of the line.

Wavy 2C

It is much more voluminous than previous hair, it is more difficult to handle, the thickness is more prominent, it is possible for waves to form from the roots, and it can also present well-defined curls.

How is the care of wavy hair?

For this type of hair it is necessary to use products that control frizz, but do not reduce its natural volume. Do not use very heavy products and use only small amounts, if you overload it with the product it will lose its shine and it will look dull.

Products that claim to be for "beach waves" could benefit you, however, you always have to read the ingredient list first. Also, you need to use a hydrating mask once a week to keep it healthy.

Curly hair: characteristics and care



This type of hair is more unruly, it has well-defined S-shaped curls that start at the root, they are soft and with volume, but they do not behave very well when there is a lot of humidity.

3A curls

They are voluminous, shiny, you can see some waves, but well-defined curls predominate, they are elastic and loose, sometimes they can lose volume and definition and become more wavy type 2B or 2C. In addition, they are drier than the previous ones.

Curls 3B

Its texture is denser and thicker, it has less shine and the curls are smaller than the previous ones with narrow spirals. It can get tangled very easily.

3C curls

They curl easily, they are thicker and dense than the previous ones, they tend to be dry, their curly shape is much tighter similar to a vine, the hair is fragile and it has a lot of volume.

How is Chinese hair care?

Due to its high level of volume and dryness, hydration is essential, both with shampoos, masks and conditioners, as with styling creams and moisturizing lotions to seal in hydration.

The most favorable cut for this type of hair is a length that reaches to the shoulders or a little lower. The most valuable advice I can give you is to stay away from curling irons or blow dryers, as that will only make your hair dry even more, making it brittle and dull.

Afro curly hair: characteristics and care



This type of hair is coarse, fluffy, dry, with a well pronounced zigzag pattern. It is the type of curly hair that needs the most care to keep it looking healthy and beautiful, since, having few layers of cuticles; it is more prone to damage from heat and brushes.

Afro 4A

Her curls are S-shaped with the appearance of small swirls and her hair is fragile and dense.

Afro 4B

These curls have a well-defined zigzag shape, shrunken, rough and can vary between fine or thick textures. A super curious and characteristic fact of this type of afro is that it has the possibility of shrinking up to 75% -80% of its natural length.

Afro 4C

Like the 4B, this type of afro also shrinks in size by up to 80%. On the other hand, it does not have a defined shape, the hair can be thick, soft, fine or dense.

How to keep afro curly hair healthy?

If you have colored, frizzy or curly hair then you have to take the following into account:

  • Hydration, hydration and more hydration. You can use all the hydrating products you want, from shampoos to oils that seal in hydration.

  • It is best not to wash it too often and to use mostly styling creams to give it shape. It is very important that you do not remove its natural oils when washing it, it always has to be a very gentle wash.

  • Every two or three days it is necessary that you hydrate it with masks, creams, lotions or whatever you prefer. Do not mistreat it with dryers, irons or products with aggressive chemicals.

  • Each type of hair is different and with a proper care routine, you can keep your curly hair healthy, natural, with volume and shine. Stop thinking about it so much and give your hair the pampering it needs, you'll see that it will thank you.

Know more about our online cosmetology school.

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