Not Sure What Curl Type You Have? Identify It and Perfect Your Routine
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TL;DR
This guide helps you identify your curly hair type (2A–3C) and provides tailored care and styling tips for each type. From understanding your curl pattern to choosing the right products and techniques, you'll learn how to manage your curls with confidence. Plus, get tips on tracking seasonal changes, avoiding common mistakes, and keeping your curls looking their best. Want to learn more? Screenshot your Curly Hair Types chart below!
Feel Confused by All the Curly Hair Types? Let’s Break Them Down Together
Wondering if your hair is 2C or 3A, or maybe a mix of both? It’s something I hear all the time from my clients and followers.
As a hairstylist with 10+ years of experience working with every curl pattern under the sun, I get the struggle. Curly hair can be confusing, especially with all the different types out there. One minute, you’re thinking you have loose waves, and the next, your hair’s forming tighter coils, so where do you fall?
When you know your exact curly hair type, it opens the door to the best styling, care, and product recommendations that work for YOU. And trust me, once you get it, taking care of your curls will feel so much easier (and yes, fun!).
In this blog post, I’m going to walk you through each curly hair type, from 2A to 3C and everything in between. I’ll show you real examples and share my professional tips you won’t find on just any hair blog. By the end, you’ll have the clarity to rock your curls like the pro you are.
Ready? Let’s dive in!
See How the Curly Hair Types Chart Classifies Your Curls
When it comes to curly hair, the curl classification system (Type 1–4) is the best way to categorize different textures and understand how to care for them. In simple terms, each number refers to a broad hair texture type, and the letters A, B, and C describe how tight or loose the curls are. Here’s a quick breakdown:
Type 2 Hair is straight hair.
Type 2 Hair is wavy hair.
Type 3 Hair is curly hair.
Type 4 Hair is coily or kinky hair.
Let’s dive into the specific types within the wavy and curly categories that you’ll encounter most often:
2A Hair: Loose, Stretched Waves with Little Volume
If your hair has gentle, loose waves with no real frizz and little to no volume, you’re rocking 2A hair. It’s the least wavy of the Type 2 category, so it tends to be flatter and easier to manage, but still has that subtle wave texture that makes it feel lively.
Source: Pinterest
2B Hair: Defined S-Waves with Some Frizz
If your hair has more defined S-shaped waves but still retains some frizz, you likely have 2B hair. This type tends to hold a bit more volume than 2A, but you’ll still see that natural wave pattern that’s perfect for creating beachy looks with the right products.
👉 Want perfect beach waves every time? Discover the best hair products that’ll take your waves to the next level!
2C Hair: Thick Waves, Nearly Curly, Frizz-Prone
2C hair is thicker and more textured than the previous two, with waves that verge on curls. You’ll definitely see a lot of volume, but frizz is often a common issue, so it’s important to use the right frizz-fighting products. If you have 2C hair, you’ll know your waves tend to feel big and more rebellious.
3A Hair: Large, Loose Spirals
Moving into Type 3, 3A hair is where you start seeing spirals and defined curls. This type has large, soft spirals that are easy to style but may require some definition to keep them from getting flat. If you have 3A, you’ve probably noticed your curls feel bouncy and lively, but still need a little attention for that extra bounce.
Source: Pinterest
3B Hair: Ringlets About the Width of a Marker
If your curls are tighter and more defined, around the size of a marker or pencil, you have 3B hair. This type tends to have more volume, and the curls are usually springy and full of life. You may also notice your hair is more prone to frizz in humid conditions, but with the right styling, you can keep those curls popping.
Source: Pinterest
3C Hair: Tight Corkscrews with Lots of Volume
3C hair has tight corkscrew curls and a LOT of volume. This type is often thicker, with curls that are dense and full of texture. 3C can be a bit more work to manage, but the results are worth it. Your curls are defined, and they require products to keep the shape without causing the curls to shrink up too much.
Source: Pinterest
For a clearer visual, I’ve created a curly hair types chart below. It’s a great reference to help you compare and figure out exactly where you fall on the curly hair spectrum.
2A, 2B, 2C, 3A, 3B, and 3C Curly Hair Types Side by Side Comparison
| Curly Hair Type | Curl Diameter | Texture & Thickness | Frizz Potential | Best Styling Techniques |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2A (Wavy) | Very loose waves | Fine, thin texture | Low to moderate | Use a light mousse or sea salt spray for texture and volume. Air-dry for a natural look. |
| 2B (Wavy) | Defined S-shaped waves | Medium thickness, slightly coarse | Moderate | Scrunch with curl cream for definition, use a diffuser to enhance volume. |
| 2C (Wavy to Curly) | Thick waves, almost curls | Coarse, thick texture | High | Cream-based products, diffusing, or air-drying to reduce frizz. |
| 3A (Curly) | Loose spirals | Soft, bouncy texture | Moderate | Curl cream and gel combo for soft curls; scrunch and diffuse to define. |
| 3B (Curly) | Tight ringlets, marker-sized curls | Dense, thick texture | High | Use curl cream and gel for definition and volume; diffusing works best for soft curls. |
| 3C (Curly) | Tight corkscrews | Very dense, thick curls | Very high | Use heavy-duty curl cream and gel, scrunch and diffuse for volume and definition. |
Wavy vs. Curly Hair
Wavy Hair (2A–2C): Wavy hair is looser and less defined compared to curly hair. 2A is the loosest wave, while 2C starts to resemble curls. Wavy hair typically has lower frizz than curly hair but still requires light styling products to maintain texture and avoid flatness.
Curly Hair (3A–3C): Curly hair comes with more defined spirals or ringlets. 3A curls are soft and bouncy, while 3C curls are tighter and denser. Curly hair is more prone to frizz and needs heavier moisturizing and defining products to control the volume and shape of the curls.
👉 Still confused whether your hair is wavy or curly? Check out my guide on Wavy vs. Curly Hair to understand the key differences and find the best care routine for your hair type!
Follow My 5 Easy Steps to Identify Your Curl Type at Home
Finding out your curl type at home is easier than you think. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll know exactly what you’re working with. No need for fancy tools, just a little time and observation!
Step 1: Wash Your Hair
First things first, wash your hair like you normally would, but skip the products for now. Just a sulphate-free shampoo and conditioner. This helps ensure you’re seeing your natural curl pattern, without product buildup changing the shape.
Step 2: Let It Air Dry
After you’ve washed your hair, let it air dry completely. Don’t touch it or mess with it while it dries. This will help you get the most accurate picture of what your hair naturally does.
Step 3: Observe How Your Curls Form
Once your hair is dry, take a close look. Are your curls loose or tight? Do you see more waves or more spirals? Pay attention to how the curls are behaving. Are they soft and loose, or more defined and bouncy?
Step 4: Compare to the Chart
Next, grab your curly hair types chart (you can screenshot it from the picture above!). Compare your curls to the chart: are they 2A, 2B, 2C, 3A, 3B, or maybe even 3C? See which one matches most closely.
Step 5: Check the Roots vs. Ends
Check your hair from root to tip. You might notice that your roots are looser than the ends, or vice versa. That’s normal! Your curl type can vary a little from the roots down to the tips. So if your curls look a bit different at the crown vs. the nape, don’t worry!
Take a few photos from different angles (front, sides, and back). This will help you see any variation in curl patterns and give you a better idea of what’s happening on your whole head.
Pro Tip
Your hair can actually have two or even three curl types at once, yup! It’s super common to have different curl patterns on different sections of your head. For example, you might have tighter curls at the back and looser ones at the front. So don’t stress if it’s not all uniform, embrace it!
Care for Your Curly Hair Type Without the Guesswork
Taking care of your curls doesn’t have to be a guessing game! Once you know your curl type, it’s much easier to build a care routine that works for you. Here’s how I break it down for my clients, depending on their hair type:
For 2A & 2B Hair: Keep It Light and Voluminous
Start with a lightweight leave-in conditioner to hydrate without weighing hair down.
Then a good volumizing mousse helps boost those natural waves without creating crunch or frizz.
Technique: Air-dry or diffuse for volume without frizz, and scrunch gently to enhance the wave pattern.
For 2C Hair: Embrace Richer Products
Richer curl creams work best for 2C hair, as they help define thicker waves that almost resemble curls.
To fight that stubborn frizz, add an anti-frizz serum for smoothness and shine.
Technique: Apply the cream and serum to damp hair and diffuse or scrunch for definition. You can also twist sections for more control over frizz.
For 3A & 3B Hair: Nourish & Define
Deep conditioning masks are a must for keeping curls hydrated and healthy. 3A and 3B hair tends to be drier and more prone to breakage, so regular conditioning is key.
To lock in those curls, use a curl-defining gel for hold and extra definition.
Technique: Apply gel to damp hair and scrunch the curls upwards for bounce. Use a diffuser to avoid frizz and enhance your natural curl shape.
👉 Want to transform your curls? Check out my guide on How to Deep Condition Curly Hair for expert tips and product recommendations to restore moisture and shine!
Mistakes to Avoid
2B Hair Tip: Many of my 2B clients tend to overdo it with heavy oils, thinking it’ll give them more moisture. But too much oil can make your waves look limp and greasy. Keep your products light and airy, and focus on defining the wave pattern with mousse and leave-in conditioners instead.
3A/3B Tip: Avoid using too much heavy styling gel or cream on 3A/3B hair. While you need product for definition, using too much can leave your curls looking crunchy or weighed down. Focus on hydrating first, and then apply gel to define and lock in shape.
| Keep Exploring Curly Hair Inspiration |
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| If you’re ready for even more styling ideas and haircut inspiration, check out these reader favorites: Whether it’s your wedding day or just an everyday refresh, these guides will help you love your curls even more. |
A Few of My Favourite Curly Products & Techniques
For 2A & 2B:
Product: TRESemmé TRESemm Keratin Smooth Whipped Shaping Mousse
Technique: Air-dry or diffuse with a light touch for effortless waves.
For 2C:
Technique: Scrunch in the product and diffuse or let hair air-dry for soft waves with a bit of bounce.
For 3A & 3B:
Product: Matrix Moisturizing Leave-in Cream A Curl Can Dream
Technique: Apply on damp hair and scrunch the curls upwards, then diffuse or let it dry naturally for defined curls.
FAQs: Curly Hair Types
What is the rarest curl type?
The rarest curl type is typically Type 4C hair. It’s extremely tightly coiled, with little to no curl pattern visible to the naked eye. Because of its tight curl structure, 4C hair tends to shrink a lot when dry, making it unique and sometimes tricky to manage. While it’s not as common as other curl types, it’s one of the most resilient and beautiful textures!
How can I tell if my hair is 3A or 3B?
To tell if you have 3A or 3B hair, look at the curl diameter:
3A curls are loose spirals (about the size of a sidewalk chalk).
3B curls are tighter and about the size of a marker or pencil. They tend to be more voluminous and springy than 3A curls.
If your curls are defined but soft and loose, you’re probably 3A. If they’re denser, tighter, and more compact, you’re looking at 3B curls.
Does the Curly Girl Method work for 2A hair?
Yes, the Curly Girl Method can work for 2A hair, but it’s important to keep things light. The method focuses on hydration and avoiding sulphates, silicones, and heat. For 2A hair, the key is to use light products like leave-in conditioners or mousses that won’t weigh your hair down. If you overdo the method with too many heavy products, it could flatten your natural wave pattern.
Which curly hair type has the most volume?
Type 3B and Type 4 hair (especially 4B and 4C) tend to have the most volume. These curl types have tighter, denser curls that naturally create more lift and fullness. If you have 3B or 4C hair, you’ll likely notice that your hair is naturally bouncy, full of body, and can sometimes get bigger as the day goes on, especially if you don’t tame it with products!
What curly hair type is best?
Honestly, there's no "best" curly hair type. Each type is unique and beautiful in its own way! The "best" type depends on your personal hair goals and how you want to manage your curls. For example:
- 3A: Loose, easy-to-manage curls.
- 3B or 3C: Defined ringlets that require a bit more product.
- 2A or 2B: Low-maintenance waves.
- 4B or 4C: Maximum volume and texture.
The key is knowing how to work with your specific curl pattern and learning to embrace it!
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