If you have curly hair, you've probably heard that there are different types of curls. Knowing the curvature of your hair is essential to know how to treat it with proper care.
But it's important to point out right away that most hair doesn't have just one texture. The genetic mixture and external factors, such as climate and humidity, make the hair strands have more than one capillary curvature. The important thing is to identify which is the main one to bet on effective care. And we will help you on this mission!
For a general understanding, you should know about all the different hair types:
Now let's go: there are three types of curls and within each category, there are 3 different subdivisions. Let's understand a little more about each of them:
Curl types: wavy (type 2)
They are the next classification to all straight hair. S-shaped waves can be more open or closed, according to the classification, and do not start from the root, but from the length. It's what many people call rebellious hair, but with proper treatment, wavy hair takes on beautiful shapes.
Wavy hair types
2A: it is the type of hair that is closest to straight hair, as it has only slight waves. It is also the most difficult yarn to gain texture and volume, as the curls do not hold easily.
2B: it is the type of hair that has a straight root and waves that are slightly spaced. But depending on the day, the time of the last wash and the humidity in the air, curls become more apparent. However, it still loses its curl shape quite easily.
2C: it has well-defined waves and voluminous strands. It is the wavy that is closest to curly and the curvature is already starting to appear closer to the root. It is also easier to define and maintain the curls, on the other hand it tends to have drier ends, demanding specific care.
Features of wavy hair:
- The curls are easily untangled.
- They don't usually have that much volume.
- The oils from the roots easily reach the ends of wavy hair. This makes the hair more silky too.
How to care for wavy hair:
- Always untangle the hair with a wide bristle wooden comb.
- Finish washing your hair with a good combing cream and, with a little bit of it in your hands, take the opportunity to knead the strands.
- Instead of trying to straighten the hair after washing and leaving the strands looking fake smooth, the ideal is to reinforce the shape of the waves, pressing the towel against the locks.
- Abuse of products that contain some type of hair moisturizer and vitamins, such as almond oil, coconut oil, vitamin A or E.
Wavy hair: Check out care tips and hairstyles to rock
Types of curls: Curly (type 3)
Curly hair is the one that best defines curls. They already start to curl closer to the root and the characteristic of the threads is fuller and more voluminous. As it is more difficult for the oiliness to reach the length of the hair, the tendency is for it to be a little more dry and with a lot of frizz. Nothing the right care can't fix!
curly hair types
3A: the texture is still close to wavy hair and the curvature of the curls is a little more open leaving the curls in light spirals. However, the definition of the curls is clear, even without the application of specific products or care.
3B: the curls are very well defined, like springs, which already give a significant shrinkage when they dry and are defined almost naturally. In order to stay hydrated and silky, it is necessary to bet on the hydration of the wires.
3C: the last level of curly hair is very close to curly hair and has small curls close together. It's already a type of hair that dries out more. To keep the hair silky and soft, you need to invest in nutrition with specific oils and products.
Wavy hair features
- They present a little more work to untangle.
- They are fuller and bulkier.
- The curls soon after washing will close naturally.
- It's easy to form the curls and keep them well defined.
How to care for curly hair
- Avoid passing comb and brushes on the wires so as not to stimulate frizz.
- After the shower, use the towel – without rubbing it – to tighten and define the curls.
- Abuse of products with keratin, argan oil or avocado oil that are excellent in defining curls.
Curly hair: see the best cuts and main care
Curl types: Curly (type 4)
It's hair with a curled curvature from the beginning of the root and very small and dense curls. They demand a lot of hydration, since the wires are very thin and sensitive. In addition, the oiliness of the root cannot reach the length, so to keep them soft it is essential to bet on specific care.
curly hair types
4A: the curls are tightly closed, but still well defined, in the shape of springs. Despite the volume and frizz, when well cared for, the hair manages to retain shine and softness along its length.
4B: the strands are getting thinner and thinner and the definition of the curls starts to disappear. The curls are small and narrow and need a good job of nutrition to keep their shine. The hair is usually quite voluminous.
4C: the curls are no longer visible, only the frizzy hair. The strands have a small amount of scales, so an intense hydration work is necessary to keep the hair healthy and silky.
Features of curly hair:
- They are more difficult to untangle and need the help of specific products for this.
- The curls are not very defined, but the hair is full and voluminous.
- The threads are very thin and shrink when they dry.
How to care for curly hair
- Untangle the hair in the shower, applying a good conditioner, strand by strand.
- Don't dispense with a finisher before the strands dry.
- Invest in capillary wetting with vegetable oil to perform deep hydration.
- If necessary, make a capillary schedule to improve hair nutrition and hydration.
