Not all curly hair products work for type 3 — some are too light, others too heavy. Here's exactly what works for 3A, 3B, and 3C, and why. Plus our curated kit if you don't want to hunt.
Type 3 curls — 3A loose spirals, 3B tight corkscrews, 3C coily curls — sit between wavy hair and coily hair. They have more body and more moisture needs than type 2, but they don't need the ultra-heavy products that type 4 requires. Using the wrong product means flat, frizzy, or greasy results.
The good news: type 3 responds well to a manageable product stack. You'll likely only need 4 products: a leave-in conditioner, a sealing oil, a curl cream, and a gel. What changes between 3A, 3B, and 3C is the weight and amount of each.
Free Curl Product Cheat Sheet
The right products for your 3A/3B/3C pattern — our top pick by category, tailored to your curl type.
3A curls are large, loose S-curls that fall between wavy and curly. They're prone to frizz and can feel weighted down by heavy products. Your product stack should be lightweight with medium hold.
3B curls are tight corkscrew rings — springy, defined, and prone to frizz if not properly moisturised and sealed. They need more product than 3A, a proper layering method, and commitment to a hold product.
3C hair is densely packed, fine-textured coils that are easily the most moisture-hungry of the type 3 range. Products need to be heavy and layered in the LOC or LCO method. Skipping steps leads to dryness, shrinkage, and breakage.
Answer 4 questions and we'll build your type 3 kit — every product in the right order for your curl pattern, delivered in one box.