Finding your curl pattern

Have you ever wondered how to characterise your curl type?

Well for any person with curly hair it is always helpful to have an understanding of your curl pattern. Finding your individual curl pattern can help you determine how your hair responds to the natural elements and what products will help enhance your curls. Below is a quick and easy guide to help you figure out your curl pattern and what your curl type means!

When figuring out your curl type you want to focus on the shape of your hair follicle (where your hair grows out of) and the shape of your hair strands. It is common to have a mix of more than 1 hair type so don’t stress if you can’t easily determine your hair type!

TYPE 2 (WAVY): If you have a clear S pattern to your curl that lays close to the head

• 2A Curls:

  • Fine, thin and likely easy to straighten

  • Thick or heavy hair products can weigh your hair down so opt for something light weight

  • Celebrities with this hair type include Cate Blanchett and Scarlett Johansson

• 2B Curls:

  • Thicker than 2A curls and considered medium texture which may make styling a little more challenging

  • Likely experiences frizz and should opt for products that will minimise it

  • Celebrities with this hair type include Carrie Underwood and Salma Hayek

• 2C Curls:

  • Thicker curls and experiences frizz

  • Products that address frizz will benefit 2C curls, and products that will make styling easier due to the coarseness of the curls

  • Celebrities with this hair type include Shakira and Leslie Mann

TYPE 3 (CURLY): Type 3 curls can vary from loose to tight but tend to be well defined resulting in a lot of body

• 3A Curls:

  • Loose and big curls with a tenancy for shine

  • Products to prevent frizz and emphasis your naturally loose curls will be very beneficial

  • Celebrities with this hair type include Nicole Kidman and Taylor Swift

• 3B Curls:

  • These curls are tighter than 3A curls, may be dense and voluminous and often start to form ringlets

  • Dryness and frizz are challenges these curls often face so opt for products that add moisture to your curls

  • Celebrities with this hair type include H.E.R. and Crystal Westbrooks

• 3C Curls:

  • These curls fall between 3B and 4A curls due to the tightness of the curls. Curls are densely packed creating a lot of volume and also suffers from frizziness

  • Opt for products that address frizziness and add moisture to your curls

  • Celebrities with this hair type include Jada Pinkett-Smith and Nathalie Emmanuel

TYPE 4 (COILY): Type 4 curls often form more of a afro or kinky texture that regularly experiences dryness

• 4A Curls:

  • 4A curls tend to be dense and springy with S patterned coils

  • Look for products that keep your hair moisturised

  • Celebrities with this hair type include Megan thee Stallion and Macy Gray

• 4B Curls:

  • These curls are little less defined and form a Z pattern if stretched out. These curls are naturally more densely packed

  • Similar to 4A curls maintaining hydration is important so opt for products that prevent dryness

  • Celebrities with this hair type includes Erykah Badu and Willow Smith

• 4C Curls:

  • This final curl type is similar to 4B curls however your hair may be more fragile and your tight curls may be difficult to notice by eye due to their tightness. Shrinkage of curls is also common

  • Look for products that address issues of dryness and shrinkage, in particular leave-in conditioners

  • Celebrities with this hair type include Lupita Nyong’o and Gabrielle Union 

Regardless of your curl type there are plenty of products and tips that can help you ensure your curls look amazing and flawless. By knowing your curl type you are already halfway there in finding the perfect routine that works for your unique hair.

If you like this post or want to chat more about curl types please find us on Instagram @be.curly1