Determining your hair type is a starting point to finding the right products and styles for your hair. NaturallyCurly’s curl type system focuses on types 2 (wavy), types 3 (curly) and types 4 (coily). The sub classifications - from A to C - are based upon the diameter of the wave, curl or coil.

Our hair type system, modeled after celebrity stylist Andre Walker’s definitions of hair types, details the different hair types found within the broader curly hair description. Our goal here is to help clear up any confusion so you can not only understand your hair type, but find the best products that work for your unique hair type, and embrace it.

Note: you may not fit perfectly into one category or subcategory. You you may have a combination of several hair types on your head. That’s totally normal.

We hope this guide will help you embrace the natural beauty of your hair type and maybe even give you some new insight on what products work best for your individual hair type.

Find Your Hair Type

4a
a defined curl pattern almost like a “s” shape. Generally speaking it retains moisture fairly well, but as with most curly hair types can still be prone to dryness. Being that this hair type has a naturally defined curl pattern wash n’ go styles may be a great option as it can be easily achieved with the right product and technique. Gentle sulfate free shampoos, conditioners and rich creamy products or butters will be helpful for keeping hair moisturized.

3a
hair has well defined loopy curls. It may be prone to frizz, so it is best to use light products that will give you a nice hold. To avoid dryness for daily cleansing of the hair try cleansing your hair with conditioner only.

4b
A “z” shape pattern and has a more fluffy cottony appearance. Due to the bends and curves in the hair strand it is highly susceptible to dryness and breakage. This hair type shrinks up to 70% so without stretching out the hair it will appear shorter than it actually is. Naturals with this hair type will benefit from protective (buns, twists, braids) and low manipulation styles (roller sets, ponytail puffs, twist outs) to protect the hair from damage. A lot of moisture, gentle cleansers and frequent deep conditioning will be helpful for naturals with 4b hair.

3c
hair as a defined corkscrew shape and has the smallest space between the bends in the hair strand of all the type 3 hair types. Avoid heat use when possible by instead using stretching techniques: braids, twists or bunning your hair. Cleanse and deep condition once per week and moisturize often with light botanical gels free from harsh ingredients.

3b
hair curls are well defined with less space between each bend and curve than 3a hair. The texture may be coarse and dense. To prevent buildup use light products and use cleansers that are sulfate free and silicone free.

2B:
Wavy-Curvy with a more prominent ‘S’ shape, type 2B hair resembles loose beach-like waves with curls that don’t bounce up. Waves are more clearly defined and while that might sound most pleasing, type 2B hair can often frizz.

2A
hair has a loose ‘S’ shaped pattern, with the hair often being quite fine. If you have type type 2 hair that’s fine, your hair can feel weighed down if you don’t use lightweight products for your hair type. This type of hair is already pretty easy to manage, but when teamed with the right haircut (and when styled with the right products), you can achieve the appearance of fuller, thicker strands.

4c
Looks similar to 4b hair type only it is more tightly coiled. In its raw state (no products added and freshly washed) it does not have a defined curl pattern. Coils have to be defined by either twisting, braiding, or shingling through the strands. Many 4c naturals have shrinkage up to 70% or more. So while your hair may be 10 inches long it may appear like you only have 3 inches of hair if you do not stretch your hair out. It is the most fragile hair type, so if you desire to grow your hair long protective styles like twists, braids, or buns should be your go to style choice. These styles do not require daily manipulation (combing/brushing) giving hair less chances to break off. You can then wear your hair out for a couple of days in a low manipulation style (puffs, roller sets, twist outs) and then repeat the cycle for a balanced routine.

1C
This type of hair is usually stick-straight and difficult to make in waves or curls, instead coming in with one or two visible “S” waves. Long and layered is the way to go here, otherwise it might be a little too hard to handle. This is the most resilient of all straight hair types, but it’s a bit more difficult to manage, because of its thickness. Take advantage of its resilience and wear it long and parted in the middle.

1B
Since it has a little bit more volume and body, medium straight hair can be very easy to manage. A sleek ponytail is the perfect candidate for this look, as it’s thick enough to give the hair some style, but not so thick that it breaks rubber bands in the process. This sophisticated look can be worn anytime.

1A
This type of straight hair is soft and shiny, but thin and wispy. It is very easy to manage and style, but it often needs a little bit of lift at the roots. A hairstyle we recommend for fine hair is swept to the side — for an instantly sexy look that you can blow dry. Make sure to get a hairstyle with layers, for an appearance of more depth.