Understanding and embracing your hair type is the best way to always have a good hair day. Type 3 hair features curls that range from loose curls to springy corkscrews. There are three curly hair types within type 3 hair: 3a, 3b, and 3c, and your type depends on how tight the curls are. In this post, we uncover the features of each subtype so you can figure out what type of hair you have, plus type 3 hair care routine tips and products so your hair always looks its best.
What Is Type 3 Hair?
Type 3 hair is curly hair and can range from loose, bouncy loops to tight, springy corkscrews. If your curls are defined ringlets, like the shape of a slinky or corkscrew, then you have type 3 curls. Did you know that every hair follicle is not created equal? Each follicle works independently, and on one head you can have curl types that range from type 2c to type 3a and 3b. While the curly hair guideline may not be perfect, it’s a great way to figure out the best routine and products for your hair!
3a – Soft Curls
3a curls have a defined ringlet, and are typically large, loose curls that have a diameter about the size of a piece of sidewalk chalk. At the root of the hair, 3a curls may start with a wave pattern but the mid shaft to ends are loose coils. And although you may notice both waves and curls on your head, 3a curls will lean more on the curly side. 3a hair has the tendency to lack moisture and definition and be more prone to frizz.
3b – Curly
Type 3b is tight, springy curls with significant volume and frizz. They have a circumference similar to that of a sharpie marker and are easily wrapped around your finger. This texture tends to dry out easily, and generally features a significant amount of volume and defined curl patterns. 3b hair tends to experience shrinkage from wet to dry and becomes puffy and frizzy when brushed.
3c – Ultra Curly
Type 3c hair has the tightest curl of all type 3 hair. The curls are tight ringlets that range in circumference from a pencil to a straw. Strands are densely packed together, giving you lots of natural volume and texture. 3c hair has a defined curl that holds a tight S-shaped pattern, which tends to loop into corkscrews. It’s shiny and maintains its S-shape, even when stretched out. It’s also delicate and susceptible to frizz.
22 Type 3 Hair Care Routine Tips & Products
3a – Soft Curls
- Conditioning your hair is key to keeping it healthy and moisturized. After washing with a gentle cleansing shampoo, add moisture back into the hair with a deep conditioner like the Curlsmith Double Cream Deep Conditioner.
- Use a nourishing curl cream like the Ouai Curl Cream with coconut and chia seed oil, and scrunch it into your dry hair to help emphasize your curl texture.
- Scrunching is your friend. Squeeze some product into your hand, flip your head, and start grabbing strands at the ends, pushing upwards. Continue scrunching until you get the definition you want. Slow and steady wins the race – be gentle as you don’t want to create frizz.
- To maintain your springy curls, spritz your hair with a curl refresher spray like the Design Essentials Coconut Water Curl Refresher.
- Keep hair touching to a minimum since 3a hair is prone to frizz. Once your styling products are scrunched into your hair, keep your hands away.
- Avoid excessively drying products and reach for a sulfate-free shampoo to add moisture, shine, and softness.
- Steer clear of washing your hair too often as this will dry it out. Try to only wash it once a week so the natural oils your scalp produces will sit in your hair and make it stronger and healthier.
3b – Curly
- Since 3b curls can get dry, look for curl gels that have humectants in them, such as the Mielle Organics Honey & Ginger Styling Gel to attract moisture to the strands.
- Another great gel is the PATTERN by Tracee Ellis Ross Curl Gel. With aloe vera, coconut oil, cacay oil, and kahai oil, your curls will be nourished and defined.
- Apply styling products like the above gels when your hair is wet to get definition without frizz.
- Use a curl cream like the Marc Anthony Strictly Curls Curl Envy Perfect Curl Cream. Generously apply to wet, clean hair from roots to ends and gently scrunch until you get your desired texture.
- Layer your products to build and retain moisture.
- Apply a serum like the Ceremonia Pequi Curl Activator to hydrate, define curls, and cut down on frizz without causing buildup.
- Avoid harsh products, chemicals, and heat as much as possible. If using heat tools, always use a heat protectant.
- Use a wide-toothed comb to gently comb your hair while it’s still wet – go slow and carefully detangle any knots.
3c – Ultra Curly
- For a healthy scalp, wash your hair regularly with a moisturizing, sulfate-free shampoo to remove grease and buildup without stripping your hair of its natural oils.
- When your hair’s wet, layer a curl mousse over a styling cream so your curls can clump together and dry faster.
- Use a conditioning hair mask on a weekly basis to attract and retain moisture.
- If you have 3c hair, you likely have high porosity hair. Wash your hair in cool or cold water to encourage the pores of the hair to close.
- Be super gentle with your hair as it’s more fragile than other type 3 hair types. Avoid twisting and pulling it as this can cause breakage, however, don’t be afraid to run your fingers through your curls.
- Use a moisturizing cream on your ends daily to help protect against hair breakage and split ends.
- Wear a satin or silk bonnet to bed to protect your strands overnight. This will help your hair retain moisture and prevent friction.
If you have type 3 hair, we hope these tips and products help you have the healthiest, most gorgeous hair you’ve ever had!
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