No two head of curls are identical. You may have figured out that you are a Type 3b curly but feel left confused when you see another Type 3b whose curls look completely different from yours! That’s because curl pattern is only one aspect of your hair type – there’s so much more to it! We have 3 women with Type 3b curls in the NaturallyCurly office and all of their hair looks different from each other! In this infographic we’re breaking down the unique curl characteristics of our Graphic Designer, Fran.
She knows her curl pattern is Type 3b curly, but that’s not where it ends…
Curl pattern
Fran’s Type 3b curls resemble a loopy “s” pattern that is more defined towards the ends. Each curl is the circumference of a Sharpie marker.
If you’re unsure of your curl pattern, check out this quick guide.
Texture & porosity
Fran’s curls are super fine, meaning each of her individual strands is thin. Her strands are high porosity since her hair is permanently colored. Porosity determines how your hair absorbs moisture, if you don’t know your porosity here’s how to test it.
Length
Fran has hair below her shoulders, which means that the weight of her hair draws her curls downward. This, in combination with her fine strands means that her hair doesn’t have much volume.
The downside to fine, high porosity, 3b curls?
Fran’s volume can fall flat sometimes, so she can’t handle heavy styling products. Since her curls have been manipulated by permanent hair color, she says her biggest issue is breakage. Oh, and don’t even get her started on detangling! “Fairy knots happen to me way too often. When I’m feeling patient I’ll really sit and attempt to free my strands–until I feel defeated.”
Fran’s holy grails
- Daily & Cleansing Conditioner: Devacurl No-Poo Decadence & One Condition
- Leave-in Conditioner: Camille Rose Naturals Coconut Water Leave-In Treatment
- Deep Conditioner: Camille Rose Naturals Algae Renew Deep Conditioner
- Curl Defining Styler: Jessicurl Rockin’ Ringlets Styling Potion, Ouidad Climate Control Gel
- Sealant: Darshana Natural Indian Hair Oil
What works for Fran
Water-based products in general work really well for my hair. They absorb into my hair well and keep my curls looking and feeling light and fluffy.
Fran’s regimen
First, I always wash my hair at nighttime. I get the best volume when I let my hair dry overnight. This technique beats a wash-and-go anyday. I co-wash, condition, and detangle in the shower. Then, I apply Camille Rose Naturals Coconut Water Leave-In Treatment right after I get out of the shower. I usually just freestyle the method I use to apply the product, but I mostly just rake it through my hair with a little bit of praying hands here and there. I always make sure to always scrunch my curls at the end. After that, I apply Jessicurl Rockin’ Ringlets Styling Potion in the same method as step 2–then I plop for about 4 hours after I wash my hair, then I allow my hair to air dry overnight.
Is Fran your curl twin?
This article was originally published in 2016 and has been updated for clarity and grammar.
