How to Find Your Curly Hair Type & Care for Your Curly Hair
How to Find Your Curly Hair Type & Care for Your Hair
Curly hair is beautiful, unique, and comes in many different textures and patterns. Understanding your curly hair type can make all the difference when it comes to caring for your curls properly. In this guide, I'll break down how to find your curly hair type and provide you with tips on how to care for it, so you can keep your curls looking their best.
What Is Curly Hair?
Curly hair refers to any hair texture with a natural wave or curl pattern. Curly hair is classified based on the shape of the hair strands and how the curls form. The tighter or looser the curl, the more specific care it needs.
Curly Hair Types
There are three main curly hair types: wavy (type 2), curly (type 3), and coily (type 4). Each type has its own characteristics and needs different types of care.
Type 2: Wavy Hair
Alexa Chung is known for her amazing taste in fashion but did you know she's got beautiful natural wavy hair too? Copyright Getty Images
Type 2 hair is naturally wavy and falls between straight and curly. It has an "S" shape that can range from loose waves to more defined ones.
- 2A: Fine, thin waves with little volume.
- 2B: Wavy with some frizz, usually has a more defined shape.
- 2C: Thick, wavy hair with more curl definition and frizz.
Care Tips for Type 2 Hair:
- Use lightweight products to avoid weighing down your waves.
- Opt for a curl-enhancing mousse or gel to define the waves without making them crunchy.
- Avoid heavy oils that can flatten the hair.
Type 3: Curly Hair
Annalynne McCord the queen bee in the millennial fave show 90210 has some beautiful 3a curls! 2015 Getty Images
Type 3 hair is what most people think of when they picture curly hair. It has more defined curls and ranges from loose spirals to tight ringlets.
- 3A: Large, loose curls that are easy to define.
- 3B: Bouncy ringlets with a medium curl pattern.
- 3C: Tight, corkscrew curls with lots of volume.
Care Tips for Type 3 Hair:
- Moisture is key! Use a hydrating shampoo and conditioner.
- Detangle your hair while it's wet, using a wide-tooth comb or your fingers.
- Opt for leave-in conditioners and curl creams to enhance definition.
Type 4: Coily Hair
Kerry Washington is a beautiful example of Type 4a curls or coils! @kerrywashington
Type 4 hair is tightly coiled and has the most volume and shrinkage of all the types. It is naturally dry and needs extra moisture to stay healthy.
- 4A: Soft, tight coils with a "S" pattern.
- 4B: S-shaped curls with a less defined pattern.
- 4C: The tightest curl pattern with the most shrinkage and volume.
Care Tips for Type 4 Hair:
- Use thick, moisturising products like creams and butters to keep your curls hydrated.
- Avoid using harsh shampoos; opt for co-washing or sulfate-free shampoos.
- Regular deep conditioning treatments are essential to maintain moisture.
How to Find Your Hair Type
If you're unsure of your curl type, here are some tips to help you figure it out:
- Look at your curl pattern when your hair is wet: This is the most accurate time to see your curl type, as water helps define it.
- Check for curl shrinkage: Type 4 hair, for example, shrinks more than type 3 hair.
- Consider thickness: Finer curls may fall into the 2A or 3A category, while thicker, denser curls may be 3C or 4C.
How to Care for Curly Hair: The Basics
Type 3 hair can vary quite considerably, as you can see Nathalie Emmanuel has curly type 3c hair - tighter corkscrew type curls - lovely! Getty Images for Louis Vuitton
No matter your curl type, curly hair needs extra care to stay healthy. Here's how to keep your curls looking their best:
- Use the Right Shampoo and Conditioner
Look for non-harsh moisture-rich shampoos that won't strip your hair of its natural oils. Always follow up with a moisturising conditioner to keep your curls hydrated.
- Detangle Gently
Curly hair is prone to tangling, so always detangle it gently. Use a wide-tooth comb or a wide-tooth brush like our Detangle Duette to make the process smoother and pain-free.
- Moisturise, Moisturise, Moisturise
Curly hair tends to be dry, so it's important to keep it hydrated. Use a leave-in conditioner and deep condition your hair regularly to lock in moisture.
- Use a Curl Cream or Gel
To define your curls and prevent frizz, use a curl cream or gel. Be sure to apply it to very damp or wet hair for best results.
- Protect Your Curls at Night
Use a satin pillowcase or wrap your hair in a silk scarf at night to reduce frizz and protect your curls while you sleep.
FAQs About Curly Hair Routines
Lupita has rocked her stunning natural curls or coils for years - inspo for days! Getty images for Disney. Type 4c curls are so tightly coiled that they might resemble a z shape from the side! They also require products with strong hold to get curl clumps simply because of how many more curls there are per area!
How often should I wash my curly hair?
Curly hair doesn't need to be washed every day. Aim to wash it 1-3 times a week, depending on your hair type and how oily your scalp gets.
Should I brush my curly hair?
It's best to avoid brushing dry curly hair with standard styling brushes, as this can cause frizz and breakage. Instead, detangle it while it's wet with a wide-tooth comb, your fingers, or a ground-breaking wide-tooth detangling brush like Detangle Duette which is combines the benefits of finger detangling, using a wide tooth comb and a gentle detangling brush.
How can I prevent frizz?
To prevent frizz, make sure your hair is properly moisturised. Using products like leave-in conditioners and curl creams can help lock in moisture. Also, avoid drying your hair with a regular towel – use a microfiber towel or a t-shirt instead.
What products work best for curly hair?
Look for products that focus on hydration, moisture, and curl definition. Moisturising shampoos, leave-in conditioners, curl creams, and lightweight oils are great for curly hair.
FAQs About Detangle Duette
What is a Detangle Duette hairbrush?
Detangle Duette is a must-have detangling tool for anyone with curly hair. It's a dual-purpose detangling brush and comb designed to make the detangling process easier and gentler for curly hair of all types.
Is Detangle Duette suitable for all hair types?
Yes! The Detangle Duette brush is designed to work on all curly hair types, from wavy to coily, helping you detangle without breakage or pain.
Can I use Detangle Duette on wet and dry hair?
Yes, but for best results, we recommend using Detangle Duette on wet or damp hair, as this reduces the chance of breakage (particularly on type 4c hair) and helps detangle more easily.
Where can I buy a Detangle Duette hairbrush?
You can purchase the Detangle Duette detangling hairbrush directly from our website or on Amazon. We offer different colours to match your personal style! Keep an eye out for more colours soon!
Final Thoughts
Understanding your curly hair type is the first step to caring for it properly. Once you know your type, you'll be able to choose the right products and routines to keep your curls healthy and defined. Remember to be gentle with your curls, keep them hydrated, and use tools like the Detangle Duette detangling brush to make your hair care routine smoother and stress-free!
