The curl type chart — from gentle 2A waves to tight 4C coils — helps you understand your hair's natural pattern and what it actually needs. No more guessing at the product wall.
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.
Still unsure? Answer 4 quick questions and we'll match you to the right kit instantly — no product research needed.