TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Decoding the Language of Curly Hair
2. 3A, 3B, and 3C Hair
   Caring for 3A Curl Type
   Caring for 3B Curl Type
   Caring for 3C Curl Type
3. Type 4A Curly Hair
4. Curly Hair Styles
5. FAQs
6. Conclusion

DECODING THE WORLD OF CURLY HAIR

The same as a lot of traits, the curliness of the hair is greatly determined by genetics. Nevertheless, other major factors beyond genetics influence the hair’s texture. Whatever the hair type is, whether straight or curly, has two main components, which is the shaft and the follicle. The follicle shape plays a critical role in determining hair texture. 

Typically, the follicles of straight hair are round, while hair follicles of curly hair are oval-shaped. Curliness is also affected by the angle at which the hair follicles bore into the scalp. The follicles grow vertically in straight hairs, while curls are caused by curved follicles as they grow. 

Curls have been linked to people of African and Middle Eastern ethnicity for centuries. There are several published articles online that question whether curly hair is distinct to ethnicity and to some extent it is. With the passing of time and more interracial relationships, DNA continues to evolve, thus, it may not be possible to trace the ethnicity of curly hair. Nevertheless, curly hair is determined by one’s DNA. 

With its unique bounce, texture, and personality, curly hair is an awe-inspiring natural wonder. Nonetheless, great curls also come with great responsibility. Understanding and decoding the language of curly hair is important. There are different types of curly hair and navigating the world of curly hair could feel like decoding a secret code at times. Let us decode curly hair and embrace curls with confidence. 

3A, 3B, and 3C Hair

In general, curly hair is classified into three curl types. These are 3A, 3B, and 3C. 

Type 3A Curly hair

3A hair is well-defined. The curl ringlets form regularly but are more stretched and longer than curlier types. Hair texture can be fine to medium and will benefit from hair curling products.

Type 3B Curly Hair

In this curly hair type, ringlets are tighter and looser. It has a medium texture and bounce and could seem in need of moisture. A hydrating product could help remove and minimize frizz that may seem to appear daily.

Type 3C Curly Hair

The curls in this type are well-defined and very curly. Moreover, they include tight ringlets. With tightly wound clumps that turn into coils, the 3C hair is bouncy and usually becomes a hot mess. However, this kind of curly hair always fascinates people. The hair may seem to take a long time to grow, mainly because the curls must grow around several times to get the look of length. Good quality hydrating products help to keep the hair looking great and in shape. 

Caring for 3A Curl Type

While your 3A curls may feel rough and frizzy sometimes, they can become glossy and full with proper care. The following are tips on how to look after your curls and make them look great. 

1. Deep condition your hair regularly.

Hair conditioning is an essential part of any haircare routine but is particularly important for those with curly hair. 3A curly hair struggles with breakage more than straight hair. Nonetheless, conditioning can minimize friction and lower the chance of damage. Deep conditioning once or twice a week moisturizes the hair strands and helps address frizzy broken hair. Consider leave-on conditioners that help keep curls intact longer.

2. Co-Washing

This has become an increasingly popular option for those with curly hair. This process is using a conditioner to wash your chair without shampoo. This could help avoid roughness and excessive frizz for 3A hair. If you do decide to do this, refrain from using products with insoluble silicones because they can cause excessive buildup on the scalp, which is hard to remove.

3. Refrain from Using Heat and Chemicals

Chemical treatments, such as rebonds, relaxers, and perms are meant to change the structure of the hair permanently. This could make the hair easier to manage, but restoring the natural 3A curl definition will be difficult. You may have to wait for the natural curls to grow back. 

Heat treatments are less permanent but still, they can make hair feel brittle and dry and could lead to breakage. Avoid using straighteners or curling tongs as much as possible because heat is also linked to hair loss. 

4. Avoid Overbrushing

Brushing or combing your hair often or too harshly can lead to hair breakage at the hairline and crown. This is particularly true in curly hair. Minimize brushing and use a detangling solution or a leave-on conditioner to smoothen the hair and remove knots easily.

5. Sleep on Silk Pillowcases

A regular cotton pillowcase can cause friction between the hair and the fabric, damaging the hair shafts. Silk pillowcases are great for curly hair since the fabric can reduce friction, protecting your curls while you sleep. 

Caring for 3B Curl Type

Since 3B curls are more tightly coiled, they’re often drier, more prone to frizz, and coarser. While these curls retain their shape when wet or stretched out, curl-defining products can help in creating beautiful, voluminous spirals. 

1. Pre-Poo Before Washing

To protect against frizz and dryness, 3B curls require extra moisture. Before you shampoo your hair, coat the curls in a deeply hydrating nourishing hair oil or conditioner. Leave it for up to 30 minutes before you wash and condition it like normal. 

2. Frequent Deep Conditioning

Douse your 3B curls with extra moisture at least once a week to prevent frizz and dryness. Natural coconut oils and hair masks are great natural treatments.

3. Shampoo Once or Twice a Week

Washing too often could deplete the natural oils that your 3B curls depend on to stay hydrated and soft. Shampoo once or twice a week using shampoo formulated for curly hair. Use as little as possible to keep hair clean while retaining its natural moisture.

4. Don’t Brush Your Curls

Curls are delicate, and brushing could only lead to frizz. Rather than brushing, try to detangle and gently separate the curls using your fingers or a wide-tooth comb while still wet and heavily conditioned. 

5. Do not Heat Style

Blow dryers and other heat tools in general are a big no for curly hair. You can air dry your curls instead of using heat tools and use ample curl-defining creams or a styling mouse to create your look.

Caring for 3C Curl Type

Patience and consistency are essential in improving the shape of your curls and conditioning your hair. Follow these steps to care for your 3C curls:

1. Moisturize

When it comes to hair routines, moisture is paramount. Keep 3C curls super hydrated without using heavy products, which could weigh the curls down. Most with curly hair are advocates of a water spritz with a mixture of coconut oil and aloe vera that lets them top up moisture the whole day. Other oils work best as well, such as black seed oil, jojoba, and marula. 

2. Mask or Deep Conditioner

3C curls are thirsty for moisture so rehydrate dry locks with a hair mask or deep conditioner. Moisturizing formulas help restore hydration and at the same time repair damage without weighing hair down. 

3. Wash Properly

Using several products on your hair each time you wash could lead to your 3C curls being weighed down unnecessarily. Nonetheless, washing your hair regularly is still important. Use a naturally derived cleanser that will not dry your curls and do it at least two or three times a week.

4. Stay Away from Chemicals

The last thing your 3C curls need is a sulfate-based shampoo that strips your hair of its hydration and natural oils. Sulfate-based products leave your hair looking and feeling dehydrated and more prone to breakage. Use a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner to remove dirt and excess oil without sulfate to make hair soft and healthy. 

5. Curl Definition

Apply a curl definition or styling cream to maintain voluminous and bouncy locks. Furthermore, consider applying a hair serum for an injection of moisture. Black seed hair oil elixir helps nourish, strengthen, and encourage hair growth.

Type 4A Curly Hair

C are often categorised as anything from coily to kinky hair textures. The textures tend to be on the tightest end on the curly hair spectrum as the hair structure is formed of numerous bends and kinks. Whilst curly hair’s ability to retain moisture is primary driven by porosity. Highly textured hair often requires more frequent hydration and moisture as with more bends and kinks, hydration and moisture from the scalp has an increased surface area to navigate thus making this texture drastically more prone to dryness, tangles and breakage. It would be safe to consider Type 4 hair as the most delicate of curly types.

Caring for Type 4 Hair

Similar to Type 3C, however it’s necessary to emphasise the importance of patience when detangling this will minimise hair breakage and enable products to glide through the various coils and kinks.

Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate - incorporate refresher sprays into your regimen to promote longer moisture cycles. Refreshers are a lightweight spritz form of hydration and moisture making it a go to when short on time and quick way to restore life and revive curly hair styles

CURLY HAIRSTYLES

Style your curls like a pro!

Hairstyles for a 3A Hair

Great hairstyles help you embrace the uniqueness of your natural curls.

Hairstyles to Try with 3A Hair

• Space Buns. This fun style adds dimension and volume to your curls.
• Side Part Braid. Create a deep side part, and braid a small portion of hair on the other side, and secure it with a pin.
• Free Curls. 3A curls are meant to be free so let it loose, embrace the natural volume and style with your favorite products.
• Low Ponytail. Tie back your curls into a loose, low ponytail for a look that’s effortless. Dress it up by adding a pretty scarf. 

Hairstyles for a 3B Hair

Enhance your curls with these favorite hairstyles:

• Claw Clip. Twist your 3B curls into a loose knot and secure using a claw clip. The rage nowadays are hair claw clips.
• Curly Bangs. Switch up the look by cutting some face-framing, and adorable curly bangs. 
• Curly Bob. Play up the bouncy volume of your curls with a curly, cute bob. 

Hairstyles for a 3C Hair

Styling for this curl type could take time, but the result would be the beautiful ringlets of your dreams, making you the envy of everyone! Check out the top hairstyles for 3C hair. 

• Wash and Go. The easiest option. Allow curls to air dry and just add some products to maintain moisture. In the days between your next wash, you could style it with an on-trend, wet look by slicking back hair with a wet look-specific mousse or gel.
• High Bun. The same as a pineapple hairdo but with a little more finesse. High buns can help define your curls.
• Twist Out. This style isn’t too tight, meaning it won’t pull and damage the edges and cuticles. This is a great protective style that boosts curl definition.

 FAQs

1) How often do I have to wash my curls?

Keep in mind that your curls and natural oils are best friends. Without natural oils, your hair could get frizzy. Curls after a gym or swim may need a wash, but your priority is to keep hair happy and connected with its natural oils. A two to three-day interval should do the trick. 

2) How often should I deep condition my curls?

You can do moisture treatment as much as you like. Two weeks is a good timeline.

3) Why do my curls not get any longer?

Before continuing downwards, tighter curls tend to grow in a full circle. Growing your curly hair will of course happen, it just takes time. All waves and curls grow length.

4) How do I get rid of frizz and get more definition?

Frizz means dehydrated hair. Hydration is paramount in your next hair wash. Add deep conditioning for more tender, loving, care. Moreover, defined curls are all about how you use products. Move your product from the roots to the ends. 

5) My lovely curls have become frizzy, can I get them back?

Go for deep hydration and repair to get your curls back and bouncing. Moreover, the more you scrunch up when styling, with every wash, the more curls will return.

6) Is gel good for curls?

Gels are specifically formulated for curly hair and could provide several benefits, such as hold, definition, and shine. Moreover, gels contain moisturizing properties that don’t leave curls dry.

7) Is Vitamin E good for curls?

Vitamin E is not only good for the skin but for overall hair health as well. It’s particularly beneficial for curly hair because it protects from day-to-day environmental elements.

CONCLUSION

From curly to wavy to straight, the diversity of human hair is as varied as the diversity of people. Natural curly hair is fun and appears different each day, which is part of its appeal. Curls are never boring.

Navigating the curly hair world can be a journey with so many twists, turns, and definitions to learn. Nevertheless, you can embrace your curls with confidence and rock your natural look by maintaining and defining your curls. Cheers to the beauty of curly hair!