#Curl types how to

Additionally, the letters (A-C) detail how tight or loose your curls are – A being loose and C being tightly wound. Numbers (1-4) represent the curl family your hair falls under – 1 being the straightest hair pattern while 4 represents the curliest. To better understand which curl pattern your hair falls into, it is helpful to understand the curl type chart. You might have some coils, kinks, curls, and/or waves, depending on the shape of your hair follicles, the way your hair falls, and, most importantly, your DNA. In fact, most people with curly hair have several different types of curl patterns. While some strands lie in side-by-side waves, others wind around each other. Hair follicles that have a circle shape create straighter hair that lies flatter to the head.Ĭurl patterns are also determined by the shape of the strand itself. Flatter follicles, or those that are more oval in shape, result in curlier strands, as hair extends from the follicle at a sharper angle. The texture of your hair is determined by the shape of the actual hair follicle.

#Curl types how to

Keep reading on how to decode your curls, get to know your curl type and find the right products that celebrate what makes you, you! The Basicsīefore determining what type of curl you have, it’s important to first learn why natural hair patterns are different. We’ve broken down the different curl types and how to identify them. Decoding your curl pattern (s) can make all the difference in finding the right look and proper products to highlight your natural texture. What ’ s more, several different types of curl patterns can coexist side by side. Curls, coils, waves- each pattern requires a different approach to cutting, coloring, and styling. Our industry helps clients look and feel their best and this includes helping them embrace their natural texture. It’s not just a trend-championing what makes us unique is a movement, one that stylists can help highlight and cultivate. Go-To Products: Daily conditioner, deep conditioner and leave-in conditionersģC/4A Your strands have a small, tight S-shape.ĤB: Your curls have more of a small, tight Z-shape.ĤC: Your strands are less likely to clump into a “coil” unless styled like a twist out.In the era of individuality, celebrating hair ’ s natural texture is more relevant than ever. Type 4: COILY Top Concerns: Maintaining moisture, avoiding tangles and shrinkage Go-To Products: Creams, gels, gentle shampoosĢC/3A Your spirals are similar in size to the large sidewalk chalk.ģB: Your ringlets have the circumference of a Sharpie marker.ģC: Your ringlet width resembles a pencil or a straw. Type 3: CURLY Top Concerns: Curl definition, fighting frizz and avoiding drying products Go-To Products: Mousses, leave-in serums and heat-protectantsĢA Your wave pattern is close to straight, but has a loose, gentle bend.ĢB:Your waves are mostly straight at the roots and more defined waves form below eye level.ĢC:Your well-defined waves start at the roots and mix with actual ringlets. Type 2: WAVY Top Concerns: Fighting frizz and finding light products that give hold

Read on to get to know your curls even better! Your stylist can also use this information to customize a cut that accommodates your multiple curl pattern so one section doesn’t look longer than the other.

You may want to treat those parts of your hair differently, using heavier products in one area, and lighter ones in another. You may have to wait a few months if you are in the process of growing out heat or chemical damage, but it’s the best way identify your curl pattern.Īnother important thing to keep in mind: Most people are a mix of curl patterns, so it’s totally normal to have multiple curl patterns on one head. Before you get started, make sure your hair is healthy and moisturized. How it works: Curls are grouped into the most common types (wavy, curly and coily) and then divided into subtle shape distinctions within each category. The curly experts at Naturall圜urly came up with a Texture Typing ℠ guide to help you care for and style your curls. When you understand your curl pattern, it’s easier to find the best styling techniques, products and haircut. How well do you know your curls? Since the term “curly” means a lot of things to a lot of people, it’s worth taking a closer look at your texture.