We asked hairstylists to explain the different curl types and to help you identify what products are best for the hair type you have.

Understanding your unique curl type is essential for women with naturally curly hair, as it guides the selection of suitable products and...

If you want to unlock your curls' maximum potential, then you need to learn your curl type, how to take care of your curly hair and style it.

We asked hairstylists to explain the different curl types and to help you identify what products are best for the hair type you have.

How To Identify Your Curl Type and Pattern Straight hair is pretty simple to identify, but it’s much harder to figure out your wavy or curly hair texture. Many can misidentify their hair as curly when it's actually wavy and vice versa. Today, we are going to break it down for you so you can choose the best products and techniques to make your natural pattern look its absolute best. Generally, hair texture is grouped into four different types: Straight (Type 1)Wavy (Type 2)Curly (Type 3)Kinky or Coily (Type 4). The classification system ranges from 2A to 4C. The numbers (2, 3, and 4) refer to the curly family, while the letters (A, B, and C) refer to how tightly your curls are wound. HOW TO IDENTIFY YOUR CURL TYPE AND PATTERN They measured the ratio of the hair’s length while stretched to its length at rest (curl diameter and index), counted twists and waves in every participant’s hair, and assigned a number to each hair type, from 1 to 4. Essentially, the higher the number is, the curlier the hair is. Easy enough, right? CURIOUS ABOUT YOUR CURL TYPE? HERE’S A SIMPLE WAY TO FIND OUT: Wet your hair with water alone, then cut out a few strands. (You should wet your hair with only water to make sure that no product interferes with the curliness of your hair, making it more or less curly). Second, place the wet strands of hair on a flat surface, and leave them to air-dry and take their natural shape. You may notice different patterns in your hair, but this is a common occurrence since many curly-haired people have different curl patterns in their hair. Next, compare it to the information below. We won’t be talking about Type 1 hair, since it is straight hair. The three types of curly hair; Types 1, 2, and 3 are subdivided into three types each. There are a total of nine categories. These are their characteristics: Type 2 — Wavy Hair Type 2 hair ranges from natural waves that are almost unnoticeable to almost curly hair. Wavy hair is usually straight when wet, then creases as it gets dry. It can’t form twists or wrap around itself the way curly hair can. For healthy hair, ensure you use light products like leave-in conditioners and potions designed for curly hair, instead of heavy creams and oils that will weigh the strands down. 2A - Loose Wave Pic of Rashida Jones 2A is closer to being straight than curly. The hair texture is generally fine, but that is not always the case. It can grow out straight from the root then have a loose “S”-wave or bend at the midlength and ends. This curl pattern is easily straightened with a blowout or straightener. Start your routine with a lightweight leave-in conditioner like Innersense Sweet Spirit Leave in Conditioner to detangle, add shine, and deliver light hydration. 2B - Wavy (pic of millie bobby brown) 2B grows out straight but starts to create a well-formed medium to large “S” wave bend at the midlength and ends like Millie Bobby Brown. This hair type can feel flat at the roots with more fullness at the ends creating a upside down “V” shape, so increase volume by using a volumizing product like Kavella Volumizing Mousse. Define waves, preserve bounce and control frizz (2B curls have more frizz than 2A) by using a lightweight a curl-defining cream or potion like Oway Curly Potion. 2C - Strong Wave (Pic of Rita Ora) 2C has tight and well-defined S-shaped waves starting at the root and extending through the ends. The hair texture tends to be thicker and prone to frizz. Many people with 2C hair also have a few curls. Start your styling routine with a hydrating hair oil, like Davines Oi Oil. This will add much needed moisture and control frizz. Follow it with a styling product that creates volume and curl definition. Your goal is the maintain volume while controlling frizz which seems like competing tasks but you can easily achieve it with the right styling routine. Our go-to is Innersense Innerpeace Texturizing Cream. Apply a small amount into the palm of your hands and apply roots to ends. Brush through with your Denman Classic Brush and blot. Go to Products for Type 2 Hair Innersense Hydrating Shampoo & Conditioner Set, Cult & King Style, Kavella Styling Gel Type 3 — Curls Type 3 hair comprises curls in ringlets and spring shapes. The curls look like waves when the hair is wet, but they assume their natural corkscrew-like swirls as they get dry. The curl pattern starts from the roots, which lets the hair have more volume than Type 2. Type 3 hair needs lots of moisture. Invest in oils, defining creams, and leave-in moisturizers. These products help to prevent frizz and dehydration. Styling gels and serums help your hair to get its curly definition back, so make sure to always have those on hand. Type 3 hair types should avoid dry detergents and sulfates, opting for sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners instead. Choose a hydrating leave in conditioner to help with detangling, frizz, and hydration. Oway No Rinse Moisture Conditioner is a great option. The rich leave-in moisturizing spray softens and detangles thick unruly hair with a nourishing blend of organic oils and botanicals. Most importantly it is non-toxic, vegan, and cruelty-free. 3A – Loose Curls (pic of Emmy Rossum) Type 3A is the loosest curl pattern with a stretched spiral curls that are larger in diameter. The are one of the easiest types to manage with lots of bounce (aka elasticity) even with minimal styling. Go with light styling creams or a gel like Kavella Volumizing to form controlled curls and reduce flyaway. Our hair stylist experts recommend Sparrow 4 Everyone Hair Cream. If you lack volume, go with a volumizing product that creates volume at the root, like Oway Volumizing Root Spray. 3B – Curly (Pic of Julia Garner) Type 3B hair includes well-defined ringlets with more bounce and fullness. It can be more dry and fragile (aka prone to breakage and frizz) than 3A hair, so use a weekly strengthening and moisture treatment like Innernense Hydrating Hair Masque as well as a daily hair oil like Oway Silk’n Glow Serum. This curl type creates fullness and volume so no need for volumizing products which can be drying. Use a detangling brush specific for curly hair to maintain body and curl definition. Our favorite is Tangle Teezer Thick & Curly Detangling Brush. 3C – Super Curly Logan Browning The curls are more tightly packed corkscrews (the circumference of a straw or pencil) with smaller springs which can fluctuate between loose or highly defined. Hair is tightly packed resulting in dryness and frizz. Keep hair healthy and hydrated by using sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner while keeping your hair’s pH balanced. High alkaline shampoos (those with a pH under 5 can be extremely drying. See Blog on alkaline shampoos). Use a pH balancing treatment like Naturally Drenched Restore once every 2 weeks and follow up with a moisture mask like Davines Spotlight Circle to tame frizz and increase shine. Go to products for type 3 hair Oway Silk’n Glow Serum Evolvh Smart Curl Shampoo and Conditioner Set (can you make this) Innersense I Create Hold Type 4 — Kinky and Coily Type 4 is the tightest of all curl patterns. Type 4 hair tends to look like tight s-shaped coils or a tight zigzag pattern. It could even combine both shapes. Type 4 hair tends to shrink when it’s dry, so you might need to pay closer attention when it’s both wet and dry. Type 4 is the most fragile of curl patterns, with the hair being prone to tangling, breakage, and shrinkage. It requires tons of moisture. You can apply creams and oils, both when it’s wet and dry. Avoid over-drying products like mousses or gels with alcohol. Use a cowash between shampoo days and a scalp scrub once per week or every other week to clarify and remove build up from the scalp and hair. 4A – Coily (Pic Yara Shahidi) Type 4 A hair has is distinctive from 3C hair by its combination of tight ringlets mixed with ”S” shaped tight waves. It retains moisture better than 4B & C but can still be prone to tangling and dryness. Start your styling routine with a oil or moisturizing leave in conditioner like Evolvh Smart Curl Leave-in Conditioner. Follow it with a hydrating and strengthening defining product like 100% Pure Pro-Vitamin B5 Smoothing Serum. It controls frizz, adds great shine and softness. 4B – Tight Zigzags (Pic Zaxie Beetz) 4B hair is in tight zigzag patterns instead of full-on coils. They tend to shrink a lot, so make sure to apply moisturizers, then add occlusives to keep the hair hydrated. An occlusive product has ingredients that are targeted at providing a protective seal over your hair and lock in hydration into your hair. Avoid sulfates, fragrance and silicone as these can cause even more drying of the hair. A rich, clean hair oil like Naturally Drenched Watermelon Dreams Oil to deliver hydration. Keep scalp and hair nourished by applying a scalp healthy treatment daily like Cult & King Tonik Scalp and Hair Purifier. It is imperative that this hair type be balanced and hydrated so use a weekly hair mask like Natrually Drenched Restore. 4B curls are most delicate when wet, so make sure hair is well-conditioned before detangling and styling. 4C – Tight Coils (Pic of Danai Gurira) This is the most delicate curl pattern. It has a tight, undefined pattern, quite similar to 4B, except it is in coils instead of z’s. It’s prone to dehydration, shrinkage, and breakage so you should invest in highly moisturizing shampoos and conditioners. To limit drying and breakage, use a Cowash between shampoos like Davines Love Curl Cleansing Cream and apply a oil treatments like Kavella Scalp and Hair Oil Treatment once per week. Use a protein treatmnet once per week or every other week like Original Mineral Power Base Treatment. Do not over-protienize this hair, which can happy due to this hair’s vulnerability to breakage. A protein treatment once per week or every other week is suitable to increase strength. If you want to relax really tight coily or kinky curls, try Innersense Quiet Calm Curl Control. The curl control gives a smooth and sleek texture, hydrates and defines the curls and eliminates frizzy hair. You can also choose to combine the Davines Love Curl Primer and Love Curl Controller as a duo. Combining the Curl Primer and Curl Controller gives your hair soft, elastic curls with an anti-frizz effect. Take special care when detanling. Only do it using a conditioner when wet and use a detangling brush, like Tangle Teezer Ultimate Detangling Brush (that do not include bulbed bristles). Go to Products for Type 4 Hair Oway Moisturizing Hair Bath and Hair Mask Set Naturally Drenched Watermelon Dreams Oil Evolvh Super Curl Defining Cream Conclusion Your natural hair texture and pattern are beautiful and unique, regardless of whether you have Type 1A or Type 4C hair. Getting your hair to the best, healthiest version of itself just requires tons of moisturizing, patience, gentleness, consistency and the right products. Take our FREE online Personalized Hair Care Quiz. Our experts will curate the perfect combination of products specifically tailored to your personal hair type, needs, and goals.

Plus the best types of products to use once you do.

Stay entertained during outdoor fitness activities with this wireless Bluetooth headband designed for comfort and convenience.

Decoding your hair type is more difficult than having a glance at the hair typing system. Use this hair type guide to know your curl pattern and take care of it the right way.

Do you want to know the difference between 2c vs 3a hair? This post tells you everything you need to know about telling the difference...

How To Identify Your Curl Type and Pattern Straight hair is pretty simple to identify, but it’s much harder to figure out your wavy or curly hair texture. Many can misidentify their hair as curly when it's actually wavy and vice versa. Today, we are going to break it down for you so you can choose the best products and techniques to make your natural pattern look its absolute best. Generally, hair texture is grouped into four different types: Straight (Type 1)Wavy (Type 2)Curly (Type 3)Kinky or Coily (Type 4). The classification system ranges from 2A to 4C. The numbers (2, 3, and 4) refer to the curly family, while the letters (A, B, and C) refer to how tightly your curls are wound. HOW TO IDENTIFY YOUR CURL TYPE AND PATTERN They measured the ratio of the hair’s length while stretched to its length at rest (curl diameter and index), counted twists and waves in every participant’s hair, and assigned a number to each hair type, from 1 to 4. Essentially, the higher the number is, the curlier the hair is. Easy enough, right? CURIOUS ABOUT YOUR CURL TYPE? HERE’S A SIMPLE WAY TO FIND OUT: Wet your hair with water alone, then cut out a few strands. (You should wet your hair with only water to make sure that no product interferes with the curliness of your hair, making it more or less curly). Second, place the wet strands of hair on a flat surface, and leave them to air-dry and take their natural shape. You may notice different patterns in your hair, but this is a common occurrence since many curly-haired people have different curl patterns in their hair. Next, compare it to the information below. We won’t be talking about Type 1 hair, since it is straight hair. The three types of curly hair; Types 1, 2, and 3 are subdivided into three types each. There are a total of nine categories. These are their characteristics: Type 2 — Wavy Hair Type 2 hair ranges from natural waves that are almost unnoticeable to almost curly hair. Wavy hair is usually straight when wet, then creases as it gets dry. It can’t form twists or wrap around itself the way curly hair can. For healthy hair, ensure you use light products like leave-in conditioners and potions designed for curly hair, instead of heavy creams and oils that will weigh the strands down. 2A - Loose Wave Pic of Rashida Jones 2A is closer to being straight than curly. The hair texture is generally fine, but that is not always the case. It can grow out straight from the root then have a loose “S”-wave or bend at the midlength and ends. This curl pattern is easily straightened with a blowout or straightener. Start your routine with a lightweight leave-in conditioner like Innersense Sweet Spirit Leave in Conditioner to detangle, add shine, and deliver light hydration. 2B - Wavy (pic of millie bobby brown) 2B grows out straight but starts to create a well-formed medium to large “S” wave bend at the midlength and ends like Millie Bobby Brown. This hair type can feel flat at the roots with more fullness at the ends creating a upside down “V” shape, so increase volume by using a volumizing product like Kavella Volumizing Mousse. Define waves, preserve bounce and control frizz (2B curls have more frizz than 2A) by using a lightweight a curl-defining cream or potion like Oway Curly Potion. 2C - Strong Wave (Pic of Rita Ora) 2C has tight and well-defined S-shaped waves starting at the root and extending through the ends. The hair texture tends to be thicker and prone to frizz. Many people with 2C hair also have a few curls. Start your styling routine with a hydrating hair oil, like Davines Oi Oil. This will add much needed moisture and control frizz. Follow it with a styling product that creates volume and curl definition. Your goal is the maintain volume while controlling frizz which seems like competing tasks but you can easily achieve it with the right styling routine. Our go-to is Innersense Innerpeace Texturizing Cream. Apply a small amount into the palm of your hands and apply roots to ends. Brush through with your Denman Classic Brush and blot. Go to Products for Type 2 Hair Innersense Hydrating Shampoo & Conditioner Set, Cult & King Style, Kavella Styling Gel Type 3 — Curls Type 3 hair comprises curls in ringlets and spring shapes. The curls look like waves when the hair is wet, but they assume their natural corkscrew-like swirls as they get dry. The curl pattern starts from the roots, which lets the hair have more volume than Type 2. Type 3 hair needs lots of moisture. Invest in oils, defining creams, and leave-in moisturizers. These products help to prevent frizz and dehydration. Styling gels and serums help your hair to get its curly definition back, so make sure to always have those on hand. Type 3 hair types should avoid dry detergents and sulfates, opting for sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners instead. Choose a hydrating leave in conditioner to help with detangling, frizz, and hydration. Oway No Rinse Moisture Conditioner is a great option. The rich leave-in moisturizing spray softens and detangles thick unruly hair with a nourishing blend of organic oils and botanicals. Most importantly it is non-toxic, vegan, and cruelty-free. 3A – Loose Curls (pic of Emmy Rossum) Type 3A is the loosest curl pattern with a stretched spiral curls that are larger in diameter. The are one of the easiest types to manage with lots of bounce (aka elasticity) even with minimal styling. Go with light styling creams or a gel like Kavella Volumizing to form controlled curls and reduce flyaway. Our hair stylist experts recommend Sparrow 4 Everyone Hair Cream. If you lack volume, go with a volumizing product that creates volume at the root, like Oway Volumizing Root Spray. 3B – Curly (Pic of Julia Garner) Type 3B hair includes well-defined ringlets with more bounce and fullness. It can be more dry and fragile (aka prone to breakage and frizz) than 3A hair, so use a weekly strengthening and moisture treatment like Innernense Hydrating Hair Masque as well as a daily hair oil like Oway Silk’n Glow Serum. This curl type creates fullness and volume so no need for volumizing products which can be drying. Use a detangling brush specific for curly hair to maintain body and curl definition. Our favorite is Tangle Teezer Thick & Curly Detangling Brush. 3C – Super Curly Logan Browning The curls are more tightly packed corkscrews (the circumference of a straw or pencil) with smaller springs which can fluctuate between loose or highly defined. Hair is tightly packed resulting in dryness and frizz. Keep hair healthy and hydrated by using sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner while keeping your hair’s pH balanced. High alkaline shampoos (those with a pH under 5 can be extremely drying. See Blog on alkaline shampoos). Use a pH balancing treatment like Naturally Drenched Restore once every 2 weeks and follow up with a moisture mask like Davines Spotlight Circle to tame frizz and increase shine. Go to products for type 3 hair Oway Silk’n Glow Serum Evolvh Smart Curl Shampoo and Conditioner Set (can you make this) Innersense I Create Hold Type 4 — Kinky and Coily Type 4 is the tightest of all curl patterns. Type 4 hair tends to look like tight s-shaped coils or a tight zigzag pattern. It could even combine both shapes. Type 4 hair tends to shrink when it’s dry, so you might need to pay closer attention when it’s both wet and dry. Type 4 is the most fragile of curl patterns, with the hair being prone to tangling, breakage, and shrinkage. It requires tons of moisture. You can apply creams and oils, both when it’s wet and dry. Avoid over-drying products like mousses or gels with alcohol. Use a cowash between shampoo days and a scalp scrub once per week or every other week to clarify and remove build up from the scalp and hair. 4A – Coily (Pic Yara Shahidi) Type 4 A hair has is distinctive from 3C hair by its combination of tight ringlets mixed with ”S” shaped tight waves. It retains moisture better than 4B & C but can still be prone to tangling and dryness. Start your styling routine with a oil or moisturizing leave in conditioner like Evolvh Smart Curl Leave-in Conditioner. Follow it with a hydrating and strengthening defining product like 100% Pure Pro-Vitamin B5 Smoothing Serum. It controls frizz, adds great shine and softness. 4B – Tight Zigzags (Pic Zaxie Beetz) 4B hair is in tight zigzag patterns instead of full-on coils. They tend to shrink a lot, so make sure to apply moisturizers, then add occlusives to keep the hair hydrated. An occlusive product has ingredients that are targeted at providing a protective seal over your hair and lock in hydration into your hair. Avoid sulfates, fragrance and silicone as these can cause even more drying of the hair. A rich, clean hair oil like Naturally Drenched Watermelon Dreams Oil to deliver hydration. Keep scalp and hair nourished by applying a scalp healthy treatment daily like Cult & King Tonik Scalp and Hair Purifier. It is imperative that this hair type be balanced and hydrated so use a weekly hair mask like Natrually Drenched Restore. 4B curls are most delicate when wet, so make sure hair is well-conditioned before detangling and styling. 4C – Tight Coils (Pic of Danai Gurira) This is the most delicate curl pattern. It has a tight, undefined pattern, quite similar to 4B, except it is in coils instead of z’s. It’s prone to dehydration, shrinkage, and breakage so you should invest in highly moisturizing shampoos and conditioners. To limit drying and breakage, use a Cowash between shampoos like Davines Love Curl Cleansing Cream and apply a oil treatments like Kavella Scalp and Hair Oil Treatment once per week. Use a protein treatmnet once per week or every other week like Original Mineral Power Base Treatment. Do not over-protienize this hair, which can happy due to this hair’s vulnerability to breakage. A protein treatment once per week or every other week is suitable to increase strength. If you want to relax really tight coily or kinky curls, try Innersense Quiet Calm Curl Control. The curl control gives a smooth and sleek texture, hydrates and defines the curls and eliminates frizzy hair. You can also choose to combine the Davines Love Curl Primer and Love Curl Controller as a duo. Combining the Curl Primer and Curl Controller gives your hair soft, elastic curls with an anti-frizz effect. Take special care when detanling. Only do it using a conditioner when wet and use a detangling brush, like Tangle Teezer Ultimate Detangling Brush (that do not include bulbed bristles). Go to Products for Type 4 Hair Oway Moisturizing Hair Bath and Hair Mask Set Naturally Drenched Watermelon Dreams Oil Evolvh Super Curl Defining Cream Conclusion Your natural hair texture and pattern are beautiful and unique, regardless of whether you have Type 1A or Type 4C hair. Getting your hair to the best, healthiest version of itself just requires tons of moisturizing, patience, gentleness, consistency and the right products. Take our FREE online Personalized Hair Care Quiz. Our experts will curate the perfect combination of products specifically tailored to your personal hair type, needs, and goals.

Weightless Air Dry Cream The Air Dry cream is our most versatile leave-in conditioner. Its lightweight silky texture makes it suitable on finer hair, but it is also enriched with moisturising ingredients like Castor Oil, Babassu, Jojoba and Murumuru Butter that provide enough nourishment for coarser hair types. This cream has been designed to absorb into the hair without leaving residues, in order to minimise product build-up on your scalp. Perfect for air drying, it can also be used when diffusing your curls for a light, more voluminous style.  WHO IS IT FOR?  All curl types! Suitable for any hair texture and particularly recommended to fine hair because of its lightweight texture. Suitable for any porosity.

Find out how to pick the best curling iron size for your hair length and type. See what barrel sizes create tight curls, loose waves or body waves and what size curling iron is the most universal.

A hair type chart is a useful tool that can help you identify your hair type. It categorizes hair into different types based on factors such as curl pattern,

Find out how to pick the best curling iron size for your hair length and type. See what barrel sizes create tight curls, loose waves or body waves and what size curling iron is the most universal.

The Octowand 8-in-1 interchangeable curling wand features eight 100 percent tourmaline ceramic barrels. Get beautifully curled hairstyles from tight ringlets to beach waves with far infrared heat and negative ions that eliminate frizz and lock in moisture with each use. This 8-in-1 tool includes the 13mm, 19mm, 25mm, 32mm, Pearl, Reverse, 19mm Cone, and 25mm Cone barrels and base, as well as a heat-resistant styling glove and convenient travel case. Safe for all hair types. Hair Type(s): Safe for all hair types. 11-Piece Set Includes: 13mm barrel for spiral curls 19mm barrel for tight ringlets 25mm barrel for glam curls 32mm barrel for beach waves Pearl barrel for bouncy natural waves Reverse barrel for tight ringlets to beach waves 25mm Cone for soft curls to tighter ringlets 19mm Cone for ringlets to spirals Base Heat-resistant styling glove Travel/carry case KEY FEATURES Far infrared heat - moves directly into the hair follicle and out to cuticle to protect strands over time. Tourmaline ceramic - offers a smooth, friction-free surface to reduce breakage and conducts far infrared heat evenly for healthier heat styling. Negative ion conditioning technology - maintains moisture and eliminates frizz by sealing the hair’s cuticle while boosting shine. HOW TO Curl: Wrap small sections of hair around the barrel for three to five seconds. Catch the curl to cool and set, then release. Wear the heat-resistant styling glove for added protection.   100 percent tourmaline ceramic barrels Base Clipless design with rubber-tipped barrels for crease-free curls Heats up to 450°F in seconds LCD screen transitions from green to blue when desired temperature is reached Digital display with temperature control On-off switch Automatic shutoff Far infrared heat Negative ion conditioning technology Fully rotating swivel power cord Ergonomic design Colors Black Power Options U.S. Temperature Digital temperature control from 170°F to 450°F  (76°C to 232°C) Electrical Dual voltage 110-240V  50/60Hz  60W (U.S.)  Available with the U.S. Plug (A) 10 to 60-minute automatic shutof

Discover the answers to your burning natural hair questions with expert advice from top hair care professionals. Get healthier, stronger hair today!

Let us be real - managing one’s mane is quite the task. Especially if you have curly hair. The difference between straight and curly hair...