Those in the know are aware that understanding various curl types is essential to deciphering your own, and that doing so can significantly alter your experience.
According to renowned hairstylist and texture instructor Vernon François, “understanding your head of hair, its behavior, and what can be achieved with it can lead to a joyful, healthy relationship with it.” It influences your approach to get the greatest results all around.
The classic method of kinds two to four with subcategories of A to C is the most popular way to categorize curl types; nevertheless, it must be remembered that this system is generic and that individual hair will frequently have its subtleties and even a few different textures in it. According to François, who has dyslexia,
The fundamental curl types system can still serve as a useful road map for your curl trip, even though there is room for improvement. Here is a guide to the details of texture and the various kinds of curls that you should be aware of.
Elasticity and Porosity of Curls
According to François, “Your hair has several characteristics that make it uniquely yours, including how rapidly it absorbs and loses moisture, which is known as porosity.” The condition of your cuticles, which are the hair strand’s outermost layer, is a reliable measure of your amount of porosity. The cuticle lies smoothly, is closed, and holds moisture when it is healthy. The cuticle lifts away from the hair if it has been damaged by elements like heat, overprocessing, and the elements.
Wavy Hair
Type 2 waves are fairly bendable with an “S” shape. They can range from fine to coarse and typically lay close to the head. For these types of curls, it’s important to “use a sulfate-free shampoo and only brush in the shower while the hair is wet because this will tame the unruliness of it. Remember to not fuss or play with the hair before it’s completely dry because it’ll result in unwanted frizz,” says George Papanikolas, Matrix celebrity stylist. Look for a hydrating system, such as Biolage 3Butter Control System Shampoo ($27.32, walmart.com), conditioner, and mask because this type of curl tends to be drier by nature and needs the most moisture. He says that when applied to the mid-lengths and ends, “[it] employs shea, cupuacu, and murumuru butter to make the hair more manageable without leaving a heavy residue.”
Curly
According to de Leon, “this style of curl tends to be more uniform and can range from buoyant loops to an ‘S’ shape curl pattern.” “This curl type requires extra care and hydration because it is prone to dehydration and has a coiling structure from the roots to the very ends (think ringlets).” According to Michelle O’Connor, artistic director of L’Oréal Matrix, Type 3 is frizz-prone and can range from subtle loops to tightly coiled corkscrew forms. These styles are known to dry quickly because the “sebum from the scalp isn’t able to slide down a strand that’s twisted.” To get the most out of this type of hair’s densely packed curls and tonnes of volume, always detangle before washing. Pre-shampoo detangling will make your cleaning routine easier and lessen the chance of breaking and snapping, which are common with this hair type when brushed or detangled dry, she says. This hair is often knotted.
Apply moisturizing products, such as an oil and leave-in conditioner, as soon as you get out of the shower to strengthen your hair and improve its smoothness and luster. De Leon suggests moisturizing and defining creams. Along with the Advanced Climate Control Featherlight Styling Cream ($26, ulta.com), the Ouidad VitalCurl Gel Cream is amazing.
Coily hair
The appearance of coil curls is noted for being tight. They might be fine or coarse and are often prone to a drier texture. Type 4 is categorized by letters and numbers, much like all the other types of curls. According to Alicia Bailey, head of education at Design Essentials and expert on hair structure, “4A is coiled with an obvious ‘S’ or ringlet pattern.” The hair is delicate, dry, and easily tangles, according to her, and has a little volume but no movement. She describes 4B as being tightly coiled with less distinct curls. It frequently becomes delicate, dry, and knots readily. The tightest coil, 4C, is distinguished by its zigzag pattern and, like the other type 4s, is delicate, dry, and prone to knotting. It typically requires manipulation to attain curl definition.
The best approach to take care of this kind of curl, advises Bailey, is to handle it carefully. Coily hair can be delicate, so it’s better to always shampoo while doing your best to maintain the hair going in the same direction to help with detangling, advises the expert. And when using conditioner, be careful to coat each strand, detangle slowly, and work in small parts to maintain control. In addition to helping to define the coil, Bailey underlines the value of employing products that also add moisture for improved elasticity, bounce, and shine. For all types of curls, she suggests The Design Essentials Natural Hair Almond & Avocado Collection, particularly their leave-in conditioner ($12.99, ulta.com). Bailey even claims to use the brand herself and encourages anyone with oily hair to give it a try. This collection gives strong moisture, leaving the hair soft and simple to detangle. Coily hair needs moisture and treatments to help with manageability.