When it comes to hair, one size definitely does not fit all!
Whether you’ve got pin-straight strands, loose waves, bouncy curls, or coily locks, understanding your unique hair texture is key to unlocking its full potential. And it’s not just about the type of curl you have—hair porosity, or how well your hair retains moisture—also plays a major role in how your hair behaves day-to-day.
In this blog post, we’ll dive into the different curl types, how porosity affects your hair’s texture, and the best ways to care for your gorgeous mane. Plus, we’ll share tips on choosing the right haircut and treatments to bring out the best in your curls.
Whether you’re just starting your curly hair journey or looking to refine your routine, we’ve got you covered!
What Are Curl Types?
Knowing your curl type is more than just a fun fact—it’s the key to choosing the right products, treatments, and styling techniques to keep your hair looking and feeling its best.
The curl classification system, developed by celebrity hairstylist Andre Walker, has become a go-to guide for understanding different hair textures. This system breaks hair down into four major hair types—straight, wavy, curly, and coily/kinky—and each of these categories is further divided into subcategories (a, b, c), depending on the tightness of the wave or curl.
Let’s break down the 3 major curl types:
Type 2: Wavy Hair
- 2a: Fine, loose waves that form a soft “S” shape. Hair is easy to style and can be straightened or curled without much hassle, but it tends to be frizz-prone.
- 2b: More defined “S” waves starting from the mid-length of the hair. 2b hair is thicker, with a natural beachy wave and more texture. Frizz can be an issue, especially in humid weather.
- 2c: Thick, coarse waves that are well-defined and start from the roots. This type of hair is often more resistant to styling and prone to frizz, requiring a little extra moisture and care.
Type 3: Curly Hair
- 3a: Loose, large curls about the size of a piece of sidewalk chalk. These curls are shiny, springy, and well-defined but can lose definition if not properly moisturized.
- 3b: Tighter curls that are about the size of a Sharpie marker. These curls are more prone to frizz and need products that provide both moisture and definition.
- 3c: Tight corkscrew curls about the size of a pencil. Type 3c hair is dense and voluminous, and it often needs deep conditioning to keep curls hydrated and defined.
Type 4: Coily/Kinky Hair
- 4a: Tight, springy coils that form an “S” pattern. These curls are small and defined but tend to be fragile and require lots of moisture to avoid breakage.
- 4b: Curls with a less defined “Z” pattern. The hair strands have sharp angles and bends, making them more prone to shrinkage and dryness.
- 4c: The tightest of all curl types, with a densely packed zig-zag pattern. This texture tends to shrink up to 75% of its actual length and needs extra care to keep it hydrated and protected.
Identifying your curl type helps you pick the right products and routines to enhance your natural texture. Whether you’re rocking soft waves or tightly shaped coils, knowing your curl type is the first step toward happy, healthy hair!
Porosity in Hair Texture
While curl type is crucial, there’s another major factor that plays a big role in how your hair looks and behaves—porosity. Understanding your hair’s porosity is just as important as knowing your curl type because it directly affects which products work best for you and how your hair responds to treatments.
Hair porosity refers to how well your hair absorbs and retains moisture, and it’s divided into three categories: low, medium, and high.
- Low Porosity: The cuticles in low-porosity hair are tightly packed together, making it difficult for moisture to enter. This type of hair repels water and products often sit on top of the strands instead of absorbing, leading to build-up. However, once moisture is in, low-porosity hair holds onto it well.
- Medium (Normal) Porosity: Medium-porosity hair has a balanced structure, where the cuticles are slightly open, allowing moisture to easily enter and stay locked in. This type is usually the easiest to maintain, as it absorbs products and moisture effectively without much fuss.
- High Porosity: High-porosity hair has gaps or holes in the cuticle layer, making it highly absorbent. While it takes in moisture easily, it also loses it just as fast. High-porosity hair can be prone to frizz, dryness, and damage, especially after chemical treatments or excessive heat styling.
The easiest way to figure out your hair’s porosity is by doing the water test. Take a clean strand of dry hair and drop it into a glass of room-temperature water. Observe how the strand behaves over the course of 3-5 minutes. If the strand floats at the top, you have low porosity hair. If it sinks to the bottom, you have high porosity hair. If it’s somewhere in the middle, you have medium porosity.
Basic Care Routines for Each Major Curl Type
Every curl type has its own unique needs, and finding the right routine can make all the difference in how your hair looks and feels. Whether you’re dealing with straight hair that tends to get oily or tight coils that crave moisture, there’s a perfect routine for everyone.
Let’s dive into the basics for each curl type and how you can help your hair look its best!
Type 2: Wavy Hair
For Type 2 hair, the key is enhancing waves without making them too heavy. Washing every 2-3 days with a sulfate-free shampoo is ideal, as it keeps your waves hydrated without drying them out. A lightweight, hydrating conditioner works best for this type, and it’s a good idea to focus the moisture on the mid-lengths and ends.
When it comes to styling, a curl-enhancing cream or gel can help define the waves, while avoiding heavy products that might weigh them down. Scrunching the hair while it’s damp and letting it air dry or using a diffuser can help add volume and definition to your waves.
For more info about the best wavy hair products, read our guide here.
Type 3: Curly Hair
For Type 3 hair, moisture and curl definition are essential.
Since curly hair tends to dry out faster, it’s better to wash less frequently, about once a week, using a moisturizing, sulfate-free shampoo. After washing, applying a rich, hydrating conditioner will keep the curls soft and manageable. Deep conditioning treatments once a week can provide extra nourishment.
To style, use a leave-in conditioner followed by a curl cream or gel to lock in moisture and define the curls. The “plopping” technique—wrapping the hair in a microfiber towel or T-shirt—can also help curls form nicely. To reduce frizz, avoid touching your curls while your hair is wet.
Type 4: Coily/Kinky Hair
For Type 4 hair, deep hydration and protection from breakage are the priorities.
Coily hair benefits from washing every 1-2 weeks with a sulfate-free shampoo or a co-wash (a cleansing conditioner), which cleanses the hair while keeping it moisturized. After washing, a thick, hydrating conditioner will help soften and manage the hair. Weekly deep conditioning treatments are also highly recommended for this curl type.
When styling, applying a leave-in conditioner followed by a rich styling cream or butter will lock in moisture. Protective styles like braids, twists, or buns are great for preventing breakage and promoting healthy growth. Using the LOC method—applying Liquid, Oil, and Cream in that order—can also help retain moisture for longer.
To protect coily hair overnight, sleeping with a satin scarf or on a satin pillowcase reduces friction and helps preserve moisture.
By following these basic routines tailored to your curl type, you’ll be able to keep your hair healthy, hydrated, and beautifully styled. Whether you’ve got soft waves or tight coils, the right care routine will bring out the best in your natural texture!
Getting the Most Out Of Your Curl Type
Embracing your natural curls is all about working with your hair’s unique texture and finding the right combination of cuts, treatments, and products that let your curls shine. Whether you’re looking to enhance your curls or transform your texture for a fresh look, there are a variety of services that can help you achieve your hair goals.
For those with curly hair, one of the most important steps is getting the right curly cut. Standard haircuts often don’t account for the natural shape and bounce of curls, which can lead to uneven results. At Studio 312, our curly cuts are tailored to your curl pattern, ensuring that each curl is shaped to enhance its natural movement. This specialized approach brings out the best in your curls, leaving them looking defined and full of life.
If your curls are feeling dry or damaged, K18 hair masks and deep conditioning treatments are perfect for restoring moisture and strength. The K18 hair mask uses breakthrough technology to repair the inner layers of your hair, while deep conditioning treatments focus on hydrating and softening each strand. Both options are designed to revive dry, brittle hair, making your curls look healthier and more defined after just one treatment.
Looking for a smoother, frizz-free finish without losing your natural curl? The Brazilian blowout might be the perfect option. This treatment smooths the hair cuticle and eliminates frizz, while still allowing you to wear your hair curly or straight. It’s a versatile way to manage curls and waves, making your hair more manageable day-to-day, whether you’re rocking your natural texture or opting for a sleek, straight style.
For those who want to fully change their texture, Studio 312 also offers relaxers and perms. Relaxers are great for individuals who want to go from curly or coily hair to a straight, smooth finish that lasts for weeks. On the other hand, if you’ve always dreamed of adding more curl or wave to your straight hair, a perm can give you that textured, voluminous look you’re after. Both treatments provide long-lasting results that make it easy to style your hair just the way you like it.
No matter what your curl type is, there’s always a way to maximize its beauty. Whether you want to enhance your natural texture with a curly cut, strengthen and hydrate with a deep conditioning treatment, or experiment with a new look through a Brazilian blowout, relaxer, or perm, Studio 312 has the expertise to help you get the most out of your hair.
Curl Power!
Embracing your natural curl type is all about understanding your unique hair texture and finding the right routine that works for you.
From knowing your curl type and porosity to choosing the perfect products, treatments, and cuts, your hair care journey is as individual as you are. Whether you have loose waves, defined curls, or tight coils, there’s a way to enhance and celebrate your hair’s natural beauty.
At Studio 312, we’re here to help you love your curls and achieve the healthiest, most vibrant hair possible. Whether you’re looking for expert curly cuts, nourishing treatments like the K18 hair mask, or transformative services like Brazilian blowouts and perms, we have everything you need to get the most out of your curl type.
Ready to take your hair to the next level? We can’t wait to help you on your journey to fabulous, healthy curls!
