How to Figure Out Your Curl Type, and Why It Actually Helps

Daniele Venturelli

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Understanding 2A hair type

If you have type 2A, there’s a slight wave to your hair and lots of body. Frizz can be a factor depending on the porosity. You typically have medium- to lower-porosity hair (depending upon chemical or heat damage). Hydrating shampoos and conditioners, especially for longer lengths, will help minimize frizz.

How to care for type 2A hair

Leigh Hardges, a stylist at Maxine Salon in Chicago, suggests water-based products like mousses and gels to give your waves the best results possible. Two of her favorite products to use when styling are Kerastase Discipline Curl Ideal and Oribe Gel Serum Radiance, in addition to a light leave-in conditioner.

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Understanding 2B hair type

Celebrity stylist Kim Kimble defines this curl type as “beachy waves with a loose S-pattern, with little to no bounce.” She suggests her Curl Whip Mousse to achieve a defined curl.

How to care for type 2B hair

Frizz is sometimes an issue for 2B, which can be aided with extra moisture. Kimble recommends incorporating a mask into your shampoo routine about twice a month. To achieve softer, more uniform waves, use water-based products in lotion or cream form, like the Aveda Smooth Infusion Style-Prep Smoother or Moroccanoil Smoothing Lotion.

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Understanding 2C hair type

Type 2C can be described as a deep wave, or “a true definition of S-waves,” says celebrity hairstylist Marcus Francis. Almost curly, your hair is manageable to style but prone to frizz—still with a smooth texture to each strand. That means it’s also more vulnerable to heat damage, especially when chemically treated.

How to care for type 2C hair

Francis recommends doing a mask twice a month to provide manageability and moisture. To smooth the hair cuticle and help reduce frizz, Hardges says to apply a light layer of a cream-based product for blowouts or natural waves. We love the Better Natured Damage Repair Strengthening Leave-In Cream or Amika Curl Corps Curl Defining Cream for a bouncy yet defined look.

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Understanding 3A hair type

Type 3A is a loose spiral curl without a lot of shrinkage. The loop of your curl can fit around a permanent marker.

How to care for type 3A hair

Hardges warns that shampooing too frequently is not good for your hair (since it can dry your curls out), and that you should aim to shampoo every five to seven days for healthier-looking curls. Using masks or leave-ins instead of a classic conditioner is best for your hair. One Hardges recommends? The Joico Moisture Recovery Treatment Balm.