About the Hair Type Classification System


Andre Walker, who has won numerous Emmys for his work on the Oprah show, has worked out a curly hair types system, which NaturallyCurly readers have adopted and modified. Many of you have seen it referenced on the discussion boards. For your convenience, we've put together these handy charts detailing the different types of curly hair, as well as added some recommendations and curly hair tips for all types of curls. You'll find information about all the curly hair types: Type 2a hair, Type 2b hair, Type 2c hair, Type 3a hair, Type 3b hair, Type 3c hair, Type 4a hair and Type 4b hair.

Find Your Hair Type

Click each icon for more information about that hair type

Type 2 Wavy Hair
Type 3 Curly Hair
Type 3c Kinky Curly Hair
Type 4 Kinky Hair

Type 3 - Curly Hair

Type 3a Curly Hair Type 3b Curly Hair

Facts

• There is a definite loopy "S" pattern

• Curls are well-defined and springy

• Type 3 hair has a lot of body; it is easily styled in its natural state or straightened with a blow-dryer

• It isn't coarse, like many believe, but soft and very fine—there's just a lot of it

• Combinations of Type 3a and 3b curls are common

• There are two Type 3 subtypes:

•3a: Curls are naturally big, loose and usually very shiny.
Circumference: sidewalk-chalk size

•3a celebrities: AnnaLynne McCord, Debra Messing, Taylor Swift, Nicole Kidman

•3b: Medium amount of curl, from bouncy ringlets to tight corkscrews.
Circumference: Sharpie size

•3b celebrities: Julianna Margulies, Keri Russell, Bernadette Peters, Melina Kankaredes

Click For More 3 Info

Tips

• 3a's: Use gels and creams that offer light moisture and curl definition

• 3b's: Use gels and styling creams with extra moisture and serious frizz control

• Use duckbill clips on the crown of your head to lift top curls

• Let hair air dry or use a diffuser

• Once your curls are dry, rub a little pomade into the palm of your hands and smooth over your hair gently

• Do not use a brush or comb on your dry curls

• Reduce tangles by sleeping on a satin pillowcase


• Check out CurlySuzy's Type 3 product recommendations to the right »