Curly Confidence: Curl Types, Tips, & Essential Products

Curls aren’t just a hair type – they’re a whole personality. But between managing frizz, shrinkage, product overload, and so many curly girl hair routines out there, it can definitely be hard to know where to begin.

In this blog, we’ll share how to identify your hair type and recommend some essential care tips and products so you can show your natural curls some love. 

What are the Different Types of Curly Hair? 

Curls come in all types of shapes and sizes, from loose, flowy waves to tightly wound coils, curly hair can be so many different things. Learning how to look after your curls starts with understanding the follicle shape and hair density. It sounds confusing, but don’t worry; we’ll help you get to know your curls and top care tips with this easy guide.

Curls are classified in three main ways:

Wavy: Type 2

Waxy hair is typically fine to medium in thickness with a naturally elastic, shapeable texture. Hair strands tend to form a soft S-shaped pattern that heavy products can easily weigh down. 

The goal with wavy hair is to elevate your natural waves and volume without overloading it. 

Subcategories: 

• 2a: Loose, elongated waves.
• 2b: More defined and tighter waves, with a bit of natural body.
• 2c: S-shaped waves that create more visible texture and volume. 

Care Tips & Essential Products: 

Stick to lightweight, nourishing products that support your natural texture. Avoid heavy creams or oils that flatten volume, and opt for texturising sprays, lightweight gels, and leave-in conditioners for wavy hair. 

Curly: Type 3

Curly hair has a higher density of curls and a coarser texture, often forming well-defined spirals or ringlets. Frizz may be a common challenge, especially in humid conditions, so moisture and definition are key. 

Subcategories:

• 3a: Large, loose spirals with a bit of bounce. 
• 3b: Tighter ringlets with more volume and spring. 
• 3c: Dense, tight corkscrew curls that form close to the scalp. 

Care Tips & Essential Products: 

Try to look for hydrating and anti-frizz products like curl cream, gels, conditioners and frizzy hair products that lock in moisture and define your curl shape without leaving a crunchy texture. Regular deep-conditioning is a great way to help maintain shine and elasticity. 

Coily: Type 4 

Coily hair describes the tightest curl patterns, often forming kinky z-patterns. This type of hair has the most shrinkage and can be more fragile, so it loves moisture and hydration. 

Subcategories: 

• 4a: Defined, S-shaped curls with a tighter coil pattern. 
• 4b: Sharp, angular coils in a z-pattern with less definition.
• 4c: Ultra-tight, kinked z-pattern curls that shrink significantly.

Care Tips & Essential Products: 

Moisture, moisture, moisture. Use rich leave-in conditioners, hair masks and oils to maintain your hair’s hydration. Focus on protective styling and minimal manipulation to reduce breakage and promote hair growth. 

Tips for Looking After Curly Hair

Curly hair can be dryer in texture as oils from the scalp can’t travel down the curls as easily as straighter hair types. That’s why keeping your hair nourished and protected is so important. 

No matter what type of curls you have, taking care of them means using curly hair products and a few simple daily habits that will help you embrace your natural curls instead of working against them. Here are a few simple tips to get you started: 

• Use a sulphate and silicone-free shampoo to avoid product buildup
• Try to shampoo only 1 - 2 times a week in order to preserve the natural oils
• Use curling wands and styling tools sparingly to avoid damage
• Use moisturising hair treatments, masks, and oils
• Dry with a diffuser to keep your natural curls defined
• Use a wide-tooth comb for tighter curl patterns
• Trim regularly to avoid split ends
• Detangle from the ends first

Discover Your Curly Hair Routine With Beauty Works

Everyone has their own curly hair routine that works for them. If you want to learn more about the right products for you, drop by Beauty Works and speak to one of our curly hair specialists. 

From thick hair products to nourishing leave-in conditioners, we’ll help you find the right tools to embrace your curls with confidence.