The Easiest Way to Figure Out Your Curl Type

Curls, coils and waves are not all made the same. Hair that’s often described overarchingly as “curly,” is made up of a variety of different textures and patterns that help determine your curl type, which is dependent on the shape of the hair follicle on your scalp. So, how can you determine what your curl type is? Keep reading to find out!

If you’re wondering when the best time to identify your curl pattern is, it’s usually just after the shower when your hair is in-between wet and dry and at its healthiest state. To figure out your curl type, we use a classification system that ranges from 2A to 4C. The number refers to the curl shape and the curl letters describe the width or diameter.

Ready to figure out your curl type? Let’s dive in!

Type 2 hair: This category is for soft and deep waves.

• 2A Type Curls: Hair that has slight waves with lots of body is type 2A hair. In general, your curls will be medium to low porosity and need hydrating shampoos and conditioners like Suave Sulfate-free Cleansing Shampoo and Moisturizing Curl Conditioner.
• 2B Type Curls: If you have this hair type, you have beachy waves with a loose S-pattern. These types of curls have little to no bounce, so products like Suave Curl Defining Cream will be your best friend to style and define your curls.
• 2C Type Curls: Noticed deep S-waves in your hair? It’s type 2C! This hair type is prone to frizz and vulnerable to heat damage. Use a good leave-in conditioner like Suave Nourish and Strengthen Leave-In Conditioner. When styling, always protect your hair from heat with the Suave Pink Blow Dry Accelerator Heat Protecting Spray.

Type 3 hair: This category is for springy curls and corkscrew shapes. Each strand of this hair type can be unique.

• 3A Type Curls: If you’ve got loose spiral curls, your hair type is 3A. These curls don’t have a lot of shrinkage and can easily dry out. Wash your hair every five to seven days and use masks and Suave Nourish and Strengthen Leave-In Conditioner to keep your curls healthy.
• 3B Type Curls: Your tight curls with a spring back of 1-2 inches are type 3B. 3B hair needs a little more care and attention. Wash your hair once a week and use hair masks with heat – use a deep-conditioning cap, bonnet dryer, or even the steam from your shower to help the mask moisturize your curls. Leave-in conditioners will also help to give your curls extra moisture and life.
• 3C Type Curls: If you have a mix of tight zigzag curls and corkscrew coils, you probably have 3C hair. This hair has a fuller texture and is prone to frizz. Use Suave Cream Detangler Spray with a wide-tooth comb or denman brush to moisturize while detangling your curls.

Type 4 hair: This category is for very tight, small curls of zig-zags.

• 4A Type Curls: If you have coily hair that could tightly wrap around a toothpick, 4A hair is your type. To keep your coily hair looking and feeling its best, you need to keep it moisturized and hydrated. For the best results with these types of curls, use the LOC method – leave-in, oil, and cream. The products we recommend for this method are Suave Nourish and Strengthen Leave-In Conditioner, Suave Hair and Scalp Oil and Suave Curl Defining Cream.
• 4B Type Curls: If you have natural hair that zigzags, your hair type is 4B. Your hair is prone to breakage due to its fragile, often highly porous nature. Deep conditioning is key, so invest in products to make the most of the LOC method. As with 4A hair, Suave Nourish and Strengthen Leave-In Conditioner and Suave Curl Defining Cream should be close at hand as part of your hair care routine.
• 4C Type Curls: As with 4A and 4B hair, your 4C curls will be tightly coiled, the difference is they may be so tight that you can't see the zigzag pattern without stretching out your curls. As 4C hair is the most fragile, avoid over-washing your hair and reduce heat styling. Suave Sulfate-free Cleansing Shampoo and Moisturizing Curl Conditioner will help you keep moisture in on wash days, while the Suave Leave In Conditioner & Styling Butter and Defining Gel are great choices when styling.