The curl type system runs from gentle 2A waves to tight 4C coils. Find your exact type below, learn what your hair actually needs, and stop guessing at the product wall.
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Type 2 hair forms an S-shape that's somewhere between straight and curly. It tends to get weighed down easily, loves volume, and does best with lightweight products that enhance — not flatten — your wave pattern.
The gentlest wave pattern — a loose S-shape that's mostly visible at the ends. Often looks straight at the roots and only waves through the mid-lengths. Fine in texture, prone to being weighed down.
More defined S-waves that form throughout the entire length of the hair — not just at the ends. Tends to be medium-thick in texture and has some natural volume. Frizz is a real concern.
Right on the edge of wavy and curly. 2C hair forms tight S-waves that can develop into small ringlets at the ends. Thick, coarse, and very frizz-prone. It wants to be curly — give it the products to get there.
Type 3 hair has a clear, springy curl pattern — from loose corkscrew ringlets (3A) to tight, dense spirals (3C). These curls are thirsty: moisture is the key to definition, bounce, and frizz control.
Large, loose ringlets roughly the width of a piece of chalk. 3A curls are bouncy, springy, and defined — when they get enough moisture. Can go limp or frizzy if product balance is off.
Tighter, bouncier spirals — roughly the width of a marker pen. 3B hair is dense, with lots of volume and a tendency toward dryness. Product layering is the key to keeping these curls defined and happy.
Very tight, corkscrew curls about the width of a pencil. 3C hair is thick, dense, and prone to dryness. It needs rich moisture and consistent care to stay defined and avoid breakage.
Type 4 hair is coily, densely packed, and extraordinarily strong — despite what the world tells you. It needs moisture above everything else, and thrives with a consistent routine of co-washing, deep conditioning, and sealing.
Tightly coiled S-pattern curls roughly the width of a crochet needle. 4A hair has a defined pattern that's visible when wet, tends to shrink significantly as it dries, and absorbs moisture quickly.
A distinct Z-shaped zig-zag pattern instead of the S-coil. 4B hair is densely packed, very fragile at the ends, and can shrink up to 70% of its length when dry. Gentle handling is essential.
The tightest, most densely packed coils on the chart. 4C hair may have little to no visible curl pattern when dry — but it has extraordinary texture, volume, and versatility when cared for well.
All 9 types at a glance — pattern, moisture needs, and the right kit.
| Type | Pattern | Texture | Main Challenge | Best For | Kit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2A | Gentle S-waves at ends | Fine | Goes flat easily | Lightweight mousse | Wavy Starter |
| 2B | Defined S-waves throughout | Medium | Frizz in humidity | Light gel or cream | Wavy Starter |
| 2C | Tight S / proto-ringlets | Thick/Coarse | Heavy frizz | Curl cream | Wavy Hydrate |
| 3A | Loose ringlets | Medium | Dryness | Curl cream + diffuser | Curly Essential |
| 3B | Springy spirals | Medium-thick | Moisture + volume | LOC layering | Curly Essential |
| 3C | Tight corkscrews | Thick | Dryness + shrinkage | Deep conditioning | Curl Repair |
| 4A | Tight S-coils | Varies | Moisture retention | LOC method | Coily Complete |
| 4B | Z-pattern | Dense | Breakage + dryness | Gentle detangling | Coily Complete |
| 4C | Tightest Z-coil | Very dense | Moisture + retention | Co-wash + sealing | Coily Complete |
CGM basics, your first wash day, and how to build a routine that works from week one.
Step-by-step routines for wavy, curly, and coily hair. Pre-wash to day-3 refresh.
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