Curly Hair Types Guide: Wavy, Loose Curls & Coily Hair

Article: Curly Hair Types: How to Identify Your Curl Type

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Key Takeaways

When you know your curl type, you get to understand your hair's personality. Wavy, curly, or coily; when you understand your hair, styling is going to become easy and effortless.

The right choice of curl defining products and stylers mean happy curls. When you moisturize, define, protect, and nurture your hair properly, you're going to be able to watch your curls bounce, shine, and behave exactly the way you want them to.

Introduction

Your curls have got an identity, their own vibe, and a whole lot of personality. To enjoy them, you just need to learn their language.

If you've ever stood in front of the mirror, tugging at your hair and wondering, Is this frizz, is this wave, is this curl, or is my hair just confused? You are not alone. The truth is that there are different types of curly hair, from wavy curls, that are super chill, to bouncy ringlets and coily curls; Knowing your curl type is the first step for unlocking bespoke hair confidence.

In this blog, we are going to talk about the three curly hair types, how to know my hair type, and also touch upon real tips on shrinkage, frizz, humidity, and product choices. And also touch upon tips on shrinkage, frizz, humidity, and choosing the best products for curly frizzy hair. We’ll also recommend some of the best curly hair products in India that cater to different curl types.

Understanding Different Curly Hair Types

There's a little bit of science, a little bit of system, and a lot of sass in the way we define curls. And the most popular one is the Andre Walker curl typing system (1), which breaks hair down to straight type 1, wavy type 2, curly type 3, and coily type 4.

Hair Type	Curl Pattern & Traits
Type 1: Straight Hair	Smooth and sleek strands that reflect most light. No visible curl pattern.
Type 2A: Wavy Hair (Loose Waves)	Fine, thin, and soft “S”-shaped waves that start below the crown.
Type 2B: Wavy Hair (Defined Waves)	Straighter at the crown with defined waves towards the ends.
Type 2C: Wavy Hair (Thick Waves)	Thick hair with deep waves starting from the roots.
Type 3A: Curly Hair (Loose Curls)	Large, shiny ringlets that begin at the roots.
Type 3B: Curly Hair (Springy Curls)	Tight, well-defined ringlets from root to tip.
Type 3C: Curly Hair (Corkscrew Curls)	Compact, corkscrew-shaped curls with lots of volume.
Type 4A: Coily Hair (Soft Coils)	Dense, springy coils with a defined “S” pattern.
Type 4B: Coily Hair (Zig-Zag Coils)	Tight “Z”-shaped coils; may appear fluffy.
Type 4C: Coily Hair (Tightest Coils)	Very tight, undefined coils with maximum shrinkage.

Tips to Identify Your Curl Type

Here is your step-by-step guide for how to know my hair type. Air-dry. Section and observe. Assess the pattern. Identify the letter type.

Wash Your Hair

Wash your hair. Start fresh. No gels. No creams. No leftover oils. Just use a good shampoo for curly hair to cleanse your scalp and tresses properly.

You can use Manetain’s Moisturizing Shampoo on a regular basis for gentle cleansing or opt for a clarifying shampoo once or twice a month for a deeper scalp reset.

Air-Dry

Step away from the blow-dryer. Let your curls naturally air-dry.

Section And Observe

Take a small section of your hair and see what's happening. Is it making an S, a corkscrew, or a zig-zag?

Assess The Pattern

If you have S-shaped curls, it means you have a wavy hair type. If you have corkscrew spirals, you've got a curly hair type. Tight Z-shaped or teeny spirals are coily hair types.

This is how you figure out your curl pattern. And, once you know about it, choosing the right curl-defining products is going to become easy for you.

Why Knowing Your Curl Pattern Matters

Knowing your curl pattern lets you choose the best products for wavy hair, frizzy hair, or curly products, and also enables you to protect curls from heat, humidity, and environmental damage;

Looser waves need more hold. Lightweight stylers like Manetain Volume Gel can give the hold without weighing your hair down. This curl gel has the goodness of Aloe Vera and Flaxseed can boost shine and enhance your natural waves.
Fine curls respond very well to leave-in conditioner for lightweight moisture, whereas coarse curls can benefit a lot from Manetain’s curl cream for hydration and frizz control.
Coily hair needs maximum moisture. Manetain’s hard hold hair gel can define and protect coils. Deep conditioning is also very important for coily hair. Manetain offers ultimate moisture therapy. This best leave-in hair moisturizer is goodfor hydration and ultimate bond repair therapy helps to repair damaged hair and strengthening damaged curls.

As a pro tip; deep conditioning once a week with either moisture therapy or bond repair therapy can improve elasticity, softness, and curl definition.

Common Facts and Misconceptions About Curl Types

Let us bust some misconceptions around different curl types.

Misconceptions	Facts
All curly hair is the same.	Curl patterns vary widely. A hair routine should be based on factors like porosity and density, not just curl type.
Curly hair doesn't grow fast or long.	All hair grows at the same rate, but curly hair appears shorter due to shrinkage.
Curly hair is always dry and frizzy.	Curls can be prone to dryness, but proper hydration and sealing in moisture can prevent it.
Brushing curls while dry is okay.	Never brush dry curls, as it disrupts the pattern and causes breakage. Instead, detangle with a wide-tooth comb while hair is wet with conditioner.
Gel will make your curls stiff and crunchy.	Gel creates a cast that defines curls and protects from frizz. "Scrunch out the crunch" once dry to reveal soft curls.
Regular trims aren't needed.	Regular trims prevent split ends from damaging curls and are essential for hair health.
You can use a regular towel.	Rough cotton towels cause frizz and breakage. Use a microfiber towel or cotton t-shirt to blot gently.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is shrinkage and how does it relate to curl type?

Shrinkage is when your curls look shorter than they actually are because of the tight curl pattern. The tighter the curl, (4C hair type), the more shrinkage you're going to see. You can manage this situation by choosing deep conditioning and hydrating curly hair products in India.

2. How do I know if my hair is transitioning between curl types?

If a curl pattern looks uneven; wavy in some parts and curly in others, your hair might be transitioning. Stick to a balanced curly hair care routine that can suit both patterns.

Reference:

(1) https://www.cosmopolitan.com/uk/beauty-hair/hair/a44830161/curl-types/